Jack in the Box (JACK) 10-K 19 Nov 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Nov. 13, 2015	Apr. 10, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	JACK IN THE BOX INC /NEW/
Entity Central Index Key	807,882
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-27
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		35,793,030
Entity Public Float			$ 3.5
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 17,743	$ 10,578
Accounts and other receivables, net	47,975	50,014
Inventories	7,376	7,481
Prepaid expenses	16,240	36,314
Deferred income taxes	40,033	36,810
Assets Held For Sale Including Assets Held for Sale And LeaseBack	15,516	4,766
Other current assets	3,106	597
Total current assets	147,989	146,560
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	112,991	113,622
Buildings	1,091,237	1,090,360
Restaurant and other equipment	315,235	291,443
Construction in progress	43,914	24,522
Property and equipment, at cost	1,563,377	1,519,947
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(835,114)	(797,818)
Property and equipment, net	728,263	722,129
Intangible assets, net	14,765	15,604
Goodwill	149,027	149,074
Other assets, net	263,935	237,298
Total assets	1,303,979	1,270,665
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	26,677	10,871
Accounts payable	32,137	31,810
Accrued liabilities	170,575	163,626
Total current liabilities	229,389	206,307
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	688,579	497,012
Other long-term liabilities	370,058	309,435
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, 81,096,156 and 80,127,387 issued, respectively	811	801
Capital in excess of par value	402,986	356,727
Retained earnings	1,316,119	1,244,897
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(132,530)	(90,132)
Treasury stock, at cost, 45,314,529 and 41,571,752 shares, respectively	(1,571,433)	(1,254,382)
Total stockholders' equity	15,953	257,911
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,303,979	$ 1,270,665

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
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	81,096,156	80,127,387
Treasury stock at cost, shares	45,314,529	41,571,752

Consolidated Statements Of Earn

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Revenues:
Company restaurant sales	$ 1,156,863	$ 1,120,912	$ 1,143,780
Franchise Rental Revenues	226,702	217,182	207,513
Franchise Royalties and Other	156,752	146,037	138,574
Total revenue	1,540,317	1,484,131	1,489,867
Company restaurant costs:
Food and packaging	361,988	357,338	372,685
Payroll and employee benefits	313,302	308,494	320,384
Occupancy and other	246,023	247,861	255,586
Total company restaurant costs	921,313	913,693	948,655
Franchise Occupancy Expense	170,102	169,034	161,049
Franchise support and other costs	15,688	13,852	12,518
Selling, general and administrative expenses	221,145	206,788	220,641
Impairment and other charges, net	11,757	14,908	13,439
(Gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants	3,139	3,548	(4,640)
Total operating costs and expenses	1,343,144	1,321,823	1,351,662
Earnings from operations	197,173	162,308	138,205
Interest expense, net	18,803	15,678	15,251
Earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes	178,370	146,630	122,954
Income taxes	65,769	51,786	40,346
Earnings from continuing operations	112,601	94,844	82,608
Losses from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit	(3,789)	(5,894)	(31,456)
Net earnings	$ 108,812	$ 88,950	$ 51,152
Net earnings per share - basic:
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	$ 3	$ 2.33	$ 1.91
Losses from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.10)	(0.14)	(0.73)
Net earnings per share (usd per share)	2.89	2.18	1.18
Net earnings per share - diluted:
Earnings from continuing operations (usd per share)	2.95	2.26	1.84
Losses from discontinued operations (usd per share)	(0.10)	(0.14)	(0.70)
Net earnings per share (usd per share)	$ 2.85	$ 2.12	$ 1.14
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	37,587	40,781	43,351
Diluted (in shares)	38,215	41,973	44,899
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 1	$ 0.40	$ 0
Net change in fair value of derivatives	$ 2,011	$ 1,291	$ 1,353
Retained Earnings [Member]
Company restaurant costs:
Net earnings	$ 108,812	$ 88,950	$ 51,152

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Net earnings	$ 108,812	$ 88,950	$ 51,152
Cash flow hedges, Net change in fair value of derivatives	(26,596)	(1,890)	(110)
Net change in fair value of derivatives	2,011	1,291	1,353
Cash flow hedges, Net change in fair value of derivatives	(24,585)	(599)	1,243
Tax effect	9,517	229	(476)
Cash flow hedges	(15,068)	(370)	767
Actuarial (losses) gains arising during the period	54,407	49,173	(98,764)
Actuarial losses and prior service cost reclassified to earnings	9,863	5,245	18,895
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	(44,544)	(43,928)	117,659
Tax effect	17,243	16,821	(45,079)
Unrecognized periodic benefit costs	(27,301)	(27,107)	72,580
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(45)	10	8
Tax effect	16	(3)	(4)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(29)	7	4
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(42,398)	(27,470)	73,351
Comprehensive income	$ 66,414	$ 61,480	$ 124,503

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings		$ 108,812	$ 88,950	$ 51,152
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		89,468	91,384	96,219
Deferred finance cost amortization		2,309	2,175	2,277
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities		(18,602)	(17,664)	(2,094)
Deferred income taxes		(3,191)	4,152	(18,604)
Share-based compensation expense		12,420	10,358	11,392
Pension and postretirement expense		18,749	13,760	31,147
(Gains) losses on cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance		1,240	(6,049)	(8,998)
(Gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants		3,139	3,548	(4,640)
Losses on the disposition of property and equipment		1,847	1,680	789
Impairment charges and other		6,815	10,434	30,785
Loss on early retirement of debt		0	789	939
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts and other receivables		(82)	19,589	33,994
Inventories		105	(300)	27,415
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		35,255	14,051	15,211
Accounts payable		2,281	(627)	(26,945)
Accrued liabilities		798	7,140	(10,560)
Pension and postretirement contributions		(25,374)	(25,349)	(23,886)
Other		(9,114)	(16,999)	(6,721)
Cash flows provided by operating activities		226,875	201,022	198,872
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(86,226)	(60,525)	(84,690)
Purchases of assets intended for sale and leaseback		(10,396)	(2,801)	(26,058)
Proceeds From Assets Held For Sale and Leaseback		0	5,698	47,431
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants	[1]	3,951	10,536	30,619
Collections on notes receivable		5,917	2,974	6,448
Acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants		0	(1,750)	(12,064)
Other		2,281	2,889	4,375
Cash flows used in investing activities		(84,473)	(42,979)	(33,939)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities		857,000	652,000	646,000
Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facilities		(768,000)	(521,000)	(721,000)
Proceeds from issuance of debt		300,000	200,000	200,000
Principal repayments on debt		(198,397)	(193,399)	(175,946)
Debt issuance costs		(2,030)	(3,607)	(4,392)
Payments of Dividends		(37,390)	(15,808)	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		15,170	31,748	61,993
Repurchases of common stock		(320,163)	(323,866)	(132,833)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements		18,602	17,664	2,094
Change in book overdraft		0	(848)	(39,678)
Cash flows used in financing activities		(135,208)	(157,116)	(163,762)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents		(29)	7	4
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		7,165	934	1,175
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		10,578	9,644	8,469
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$ 17,743	$ 10,578	$ 9,644
[1]	(1)Amounts in 2015, 2014 and 2013 include additional proceeds of $1.5 million, $2.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Capital In Excess Of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
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 Transaction and 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
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 declared	(15,876)			(15,876)
Purchases of treasury stock	(319,690)					(319,690)
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings	88,950			88,950
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and 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)
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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares issued under stock plans, including tax benefit	33,772	$ 10	33,762
Shares issued in connection with director retirements		968,769
Share-based compensation	12,420		12,420
Dividends declared	(37,513)		(77)	(37,590)
Purchases of treasury stock	(317,051)					(317,051)
Comprehensive income:
Net earnings	108,812			108,812
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(29)				(29)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	(15,068)				(15,068)
Effect of actuarial losses and prior service cost, net	(27,301)				(27,301)
Comprehensive income	66,414
Balance at Sep. 27, 2015	$ 15,953	$ 811	$ 402,986	$ 1,316,119	$ (132,530)	$ (1,571,433)
Balance, shares at Sep. 27, 2015		81,096,156

Nature Of Operations And Summar

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reclassifications [Text Block]	Reclassifications and adjustments — Certain prior year amounts in these notes and in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2015 presentation. In 2015, on our consolidated statements of earnings, we began to separately state our franchise revenues derived from rentals and those derived from royalties and other. To provide clarity, we additionally have separately stated the associated rental expense and depreciation and amortization related to the rental income received from franchisees. For comparison purposes, we have reclassified prior year franchise revenue and franchise costs line items to reflect the new method of presentation.
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 Eats ® (“Qdoba”) fast-casual restaurants. The following table summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each fiscal year: 2015 2014 2013 Jack in the Box: Company-operated 413 431 465 Franchise 1,836 1,819 1,786 Total system 2,249 2,250 2,251 Qdoba: Company-operated 322 310 296 Franchise 339 328 319 Total system 661 638 615 References to the Company throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements are made using the first person notations of “we,” “us” and “our.” Comparisons throughout these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to the 52 -week periods ended September 27, 2015 , September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 for fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively, unless otherwise indicated. 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 2013 Qdoba Closures 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 and in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2015 presentation. In 2015, on our consolidated statements of earnings, we began to separately state our franchise revenues derived from rentals and those derived from royalties and other. To provide clarity, we additionally have separately stated the associated rental expense and depreciation and amortization related to the rental income received from franchisees. For comparison purposes, we have reclassified prior year franchise revenue and franchise costs line items to reflect the new method of 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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 lease and franchise agreements. Tenant receivables relate to subleased properties where we are on the master lease agreement. We 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 ): 2015 2014 Assets held for sale and leaseback $ 15,216 $ 3,477 Other property and equipment held for sale 300 1,289 Assets held for sale $ 15,516 $ 4,766 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 property and equipment 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 expense related to property and equipment was $88.8 million , $90.7 million and $92.0 million in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Impairment of long-lived assets — We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. 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 $99.5 million and $100.7 million as of September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , 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. 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 $1.0 million , $0.8 million and $0.7 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 losses (gains) 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 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , our estimated liability for general liability and workers’ compensation claims exceeded our self-insurance retention limits by $25.8 million and $24.6 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 2015 , the marketing funds at franchise and company-operated restaurants were generally 5% and 2% of gross revenues at Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively, and in both fiscal 2014 and 2013 the marketing funds were approximately 5% and 1% of gross revenues at 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 marketing initiatives and 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 fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Jack in the Box $ 41,895 $ 42,349 $ 46,739 Qdoba 17,687 18,215 16,123 Total $ 59,582 $ 60,564 $ 62,862 Share-based compensation — We account for our share-based compensation under 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 (“OCI”), based on whether or not the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments that qualify for hedge designation are reported in OCI and 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 OCI 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 August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-15, “ Interest-Imputation of Interest: Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements ,” which addresses line-of-credit arrangements that were omitted from ASU No. 2015-03 (see below). This ASU states that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement as an asset and subsequently amortizing those costs ratably over the term of the arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures upon adoption. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , 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, 2017. 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets , which provides a practical expedient that permits a company to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end date that is closest to the company's fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year. The practical expedient should be applied consistently to all plans if the company has more than one plan. This ASU is effective prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted this standard in fiscal 2015 and measured our defined benefit plan assets and obligation as of September 30, 2015, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under this ASU, an entity presents such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We do not plan to adopt this standard early and do not expect that it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures upon adoption. 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. We early adopted this standard on September 29, 2014. This pronouncement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , 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. We early adopted this standard on September 29, 2014. This pronouncement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 FASB authoritative guidance on the presentation of financial statements, the results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The following table summarizes our distribution business results, which are included in discontinued operations for each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ — $ — $ 37,743 Loss before income tax benefit $ (703 ) $ (1,276 ) $ (6,446 ) In 2015 and 2014, the loss includes $0.5 million and $0.9 million , respectively, related to insurance and other settlements and $0.2 million and $0.3 million , respectively, related to our lease commitments. The loss in fiscal 2013 includes costs incurred to exit the distribution business consisting of $1.9 million 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 ) for future lease commitments, $1.2 million primarily related to costs incurred to terminate certain vendor contracts, and $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 was $0.2 million and $0.5 million as of September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2104, respectively. The lease commitment balance as of September 27, 2015 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 the FASB authoritative guidance on the presentation of financial statements , the results of operations for these restaurants are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The following table summarizes the results related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures for each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Company restaurant sales $ — $ — $ 28,036 Asset impairments $ — $ (2,170 ) $ (22,239 ) Future lease commitments (1) (4,594 ) (4,536 ) (10,301 ) Bad debt expense (366 ) — — Brokers commissions (234 ) (652 ) — Other exit costs (302 ) (889 ) (3,075 ) Operating losses — — (8,961 ) Loss before income tax benefit $ (5,496 ) $ (8,247 ) $ (44,576 ) ___________________________________________ (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 fiscal year 2015 ( in thousands ): Balance at September 28, 2014 $ 5,737 Adjustments 4,594 Cash payments (6,075 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 4,256 In 2015, adjustments primarily relate to revisions to certain sublease and cost assumptions due to changes in market conditions as well as charges to terminate five lease agreements. These amounts were partially offset by favorable adjustments for locations that we have subleased. The balance at September 27, 2015 relates to six locations subleased at a loss and 15 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. 27, 2015
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 table summarizes the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees and the related (losses) gains and fees recognized in each fiscal year ( dollars in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Restaurants sold to franchisees 21 37 81 New restaurants opened by franchisees 38 33 45 Initial franchise fees $ 1,453 $ 1,886 $ 4,017 Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants (1) $ 3,951 $ 10,536 $ 30,619 Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment) (4,283 ) (5,558 ) (15,680 ) Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants (47 ) (170 ) (629 ) Other (2) (2,760 ) (6,500 ) (9,670 ) (Losses) gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants (3,139 ) (1,692 ) 4,640 Loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market (3) — (1,856 ) — (Losses) gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants $ (3,139 ) $ (3,548 ) $ 4,640 ____________________________ (1) Amounts in 2015, 2014 and 2013 include additional proceeds of $1.5 million , $2.1 million and $3.3 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 charges for operating restaurant leases with lease commitments in excess of our sublease rental income. (3) In 2014, the loss on the anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box market relates to 25 company-operated restaurants of which we sold 20 , and closed the remaining five , in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Franchise acquisitions — We acquired seven , four and one Jack in the Box franchise restaurants in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and in 2013, we acquired 13 Qdoba franchise restaurants. 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 fiscal year ( dollars in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Restaurants acquired from franchisees 7 4 14 Property and equipment $ 646 $ 1,398 $ 3,030 Reacquired franchise rights — 96 148 Goodwill — 256 9,169 Gains on the acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants (33 ) — — Liabilities assumed (613 ) — (283 ) Total consideration $ — $ 1,750 $ 12,064

Goodwill And Intangible Assets,

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 fiscal 2015 and 2014 by reportable segment were as follows ( in thousands ): Jack in the Box Qdoba Total 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 Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees (47 ) — (47 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 48,430 $ 100,597 $ 149,027 Intangible assets, net consist of the following as of the end of each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Amortized intangible assets: Gross carrying amount $ 17,267 $ 17,272 Less accumulated amortization (11,302 ) (10,468 ) Net carrying amount 5,965 6,804 Non-amortized intangible assets: Trademark 8,800 8,800 Net carrying amount $ 14,765 $ 15,604 Amortized intangible assets include acquired franchise contracts recorded in connection with our acquisition of Qdoba in 2003 , lease acquisition costs and reacquired franchise rights. The weighted-average life of these amortized intangible assets is approximately 27 years . Total amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.8 million , $0.9 million and $1.0 million in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table summarizes, as of September 27, 2015 , the estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years ( in thousands ): 2016 $ 784 2017 $ 736 2018 $ 692 2019 $ 645 2020 $ 621

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (3) (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (3) (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (3) (Level 3) Fair Value Measurements as of September 27, 2015: Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1) $ (35,003 ) $ (35,003 ) $ — $ — Interest rate swaps (Note 6) (2) (26,374 ) — (26,374 ) — Total liabilities at fair value $ (61,377 ) $ (35,003 ) $ (26,374 ) $ — 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 ) $ — ____________________________ (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, 2 or 3. 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 27, 2015 , 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 27, 2015 . Non-financial assets and liabilities — Our 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 an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable, non-financial instruments are assessed for impairment. If the carrying values are not fully recoverable, they are written down to fair value. In connection with our impairment reviews performed during fiscal 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.4 million related to one under performing Jack in the Box restaurant which is currently held for use. No other material fair value adjustments were required. Refer to Note 9, Impairment and Other Charges, Net, for additional information regarding impairment charges.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 . In April 2014, we entered into nine forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert $300.0 million of our variable rate borrowings, and future expected variable rate borrowings to a fixed rate basis from October 2014 through October 2018. Additionally, in June 2015, we entered into eleven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert an additional $200.0 million of our variable rate borrowings to a fixed rate from October 2015 through October 2018, and $500.0 million from October 2018 through October 2022. 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 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate swaps (Note 5) Accrued $ (3,379 ) Accrued $ (1,789 ) Interest rate swaps (Note 5) Other long-term liabilities (22,995 ) Other long-term liabilities — Total derivatives $ (26,374 ) $ (1,789 ) Financial performance — The following table summarizes the accumulated OCI activity related to our interest rate swap derivative instruments in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): Location of Loss in Income 2015 2014 2013 Loss recognized in OCI N/A $ (26,596 ) $ (1,890 ) $ (110 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into net earnings Interest expense, net $ 2,011 $ 1,291 $ 1,353 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense represent payments made to the counterparty for the effective portions of the interest rate swaps. During fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , our interest rate swaps had no hedge ineffectiveness.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Indebtedness	INDEBTEDNESS The detail of our long-term debt at the end of each fiscal year is as follows ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Revolver, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 2.00% at September 27, 2015 $ 395,000 $ 306,000 Term loan, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 1.95% at September 27, 2015 300,000 197,500 Capital lease obligations, 3.9% weighted average interest rate at September 27, 2015 20,256 4,383 715,256 507,883 Less current portion (26,677 ) (10,871 ) $ 688,579 $ 497,012 New credit facility — On July 1, 2015, the Company amended its credit facility to increase our overall borrowing capacity. The amended credit facility was increased to $1.2 billion , consisting of (i) a $900.0 million revolving credit agreement and (ii) a $300.0 million term loan. The interest rate did not change as a result of the amendment and continues to be based on the Company’s leverage ratio and can range from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% to 2.00% . The amendment also, among other things, amended certain covenants already contained in the credit agreement. Both the revolving credit agreement and the term loan have maturity dates of March 19, 2019 did not change as part of the amendment. As part of the existing 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 27, 2015 , our unused borrowing capacity was $479.8 million . Use of proceeds — Upon amendment, the Company borrowed $300.0 million under the amended term loan and approximately $360.0 million under the amended revolving credit agreement. The proceeds from the amendment were used to repay all borrowings under the credit facility prior to the amendment and to pay related transaction fees and expenses associated with amending the facility. The proceeds will also be available for permitted share repurchases, permitted dividends, permitted acquisitions, ongoing working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. 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, 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 27, 2015 for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows ( in thousands ): 2016 $ 26,677 2017 26,216 2018 29,482 2019 623,078 2020 2,237 Thereafter 7,566 $ 715,256 We may make voluntary prepayments of the loans under the revolving credit agreement 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.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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. Minimum rental obligations are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the term of the initial lease, plus lease option terms for certain locations. The components of rent expense were as follows in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Minimum rentals $ 212,722 $ 213,082 $ 210,638 Contingent rentals 2,549 1,986 1,840 Total rent expense 215,271 215,068 212,478 Less rental expense on subleased properties (141,946 ) (139,976 ) (136,970 ) Net rent expense $ 73,325 $ 75,092 $ 75,508 The following table presents as of September 27, 2015 , 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 Leases Operating Leases 2016 $ 4,040 $ 246,636 2017 3,355 210,994 2018 2,518 177,768 2019 2,647 168,564 2020 2,522 141,470 Thereafter 7,852 552,858 Total minimum lease payments 22,934 $ 1,498,290 Less amount representing interest, 3.9% weighted average interest rate (2,678 ) Present value of obligations under capital leases 20,256 Less current portion (3,240 ) Long-term capital lease obligations $ 17,016 Total future minimum lease payments of approximately $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 fiscal year-end ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Buildings $ 10,716 $ 19,105 Equipment 16,770 — Less accumulated amortization (8,453 ) (15,667 ) $ 19,033 $ 3,438 Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the consolidated statements of earnings. 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 table summarizes rents received under these agreements in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Total rental income (1) $ 232,264 $ 222,443 $ 213,009 Contingent rentals $ 28,348 $ 19,551 $ 16,966 ________________________________________________ (1) Includes contingent rentals. The minimum rents receivable expected to be received under these non-cancelable operating leases and subleases, including leases recorded as lease obligations relating to continuing and discontinuing operations, and excluding contingent rentals, as of September 27, 2015 are as follows ( in thousands ): Fiscal Year 2016 $ 224,400 2017 204,802 2018 184,853 2019 199,905 2020 196,635 Thereafter 1,387,889 Total minimum future rent receivable $ 2,398,484 Assets held for lease and included in property and equipment consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Land $ 72,248 $ 72,143 Buildings 678,044 689,056 Equipment 4,374 4,492 754,666 765,691 Less accumulated depreciation (453,056 ) (434,526 ) $ 301,610 $ 331,165

Impairment, Disposition Of Prop

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs And Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing And Restructuring Costs [Abstract]
Impairment Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs and Restructuring	IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER CHARGES, NET Impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings is comprised of the following ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Accelerated depreciation $ 6,260 $ 1,202 $ 2,554 Costs of closed restaurants (primarily lease obligations) and other 3,592 2,841 2,469 Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net 1,319 1,674 1,091 Restaurant impairment charges 557 570 3,874 Restructuring costs 29 8,621 3,451 $ 11,757 $ 14,908 $ 13,439 Accelerated depreciation — When a long-lived asset will be replaced or otherwise disposed of prior to the end of its estimated useful life, the useful life of the asset is adjusted based on the estimated disposal date and accelerated depreciation is recognized. Accelerated depreciation primarily relates to expenses at our Jack in the Box company restaurants for the replacement of technology and beverage equipment in 2015, and restaurant facility enhancements in 2014 and 2013. In 2015, we recognized a $3.6 million charge related to the replacement of our beverage equipment at Jack in the Box company restaurants and a $1.5 million charge related to projects designed to upgrade outdoor lighting and certain technology at our restaurants. Restaurant closing costs consist of future lease commitments, net of anticipated sublease rentals and expected ancillary costs. Total accrued restaurant closing costs, included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities, changed as follows during fiscal year 2015 ( in thousands ): Balance at beginning of year $ 13,173 Adjustments (1) 2,653 Cash payments (6,119 ) Balance at end of year $ 9,707 ___________________________________________ (1) Adjustments relate primarily to certain sublease and cost assumptions. The estimates we make related to our future lease obligations, primarily the sublease income we anticipate, 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. 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 2016 and 2029 . Disposition of property and equipment — Losses on the disposition of property and equipment were offset by gains from the resolution of one and four eminent domain matters involving Jack in the Box restaurants in 2015 and 2013, respectively, with related gains of $0.9 million and $2.8 million , recognized in each respective year. Restaurant 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 fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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. Restructuring costs — Since the beginning of 2012, we have been engaged in a comprehensive review of our organization structure, including evaluating opportunities to decrease general and administrative expenses, as well as improve profitability across both brands. The following is a summary of the costs incurred in connection with these activities during each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Severance costs $ 29 $ 2,141 $ 2,821 Other — 6,480 630 $ 29 $ 8,621 $ 3,451 In 2014, other represents an impairment charge recognized related to a restaurant software asset we no longer planned to place in service as we integrate certain systems across both our brands. In addition to the costs summarized in the table above, in fiscal 2012 we incurred restructuring charges of $15.5 million . We may incur additional charges related to our restructuring activities; however, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate at this time.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES Income taxes consist of the following in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 59,362 $ 43,864 $ 51,367 State 9,598 3,770 7,583 68,960 47,634 58,950 Deferred: Federal (2,018 ) 3,700 (16,897 ) State (1,173 ) 452 (1,707 ) (3,191 ) 4,152 (18,604 ) Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 65,769 $ 51,786 $ 40,346 Income tax benefit from discontinued operations $ (2,410 ) $ (3,629 ) $ (19,566 ) A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate for continuing operations is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Computed at federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.7 3.3 3.4 Benefit of jobs tax credits, net of valuation allowance (1.1 ) (1.2 ) (1.9 ) Expense (benefit) related to COLIs 0.3 (1.6 ) (2.9 ) Other, net (1.0 ) (0.2 ) (0.8 ) 36.9 % 35.3 % 32.8 % 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 ): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Accrued pension and postretirement benefits $ 92,456 $ 77,170 Accrued insurance 13,245 12,874 Accrued incentive compensation 6,412 3,090 Accrued vacation pay expense 2,193 2,132 Deferred income 1,417 1,436 Impairment 23,982 25,391 Lease commitments related to closed or refranchised locations 11,471 12,686 Other reserves and allowances 1,584 1,303 Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards 14,081 10,705 Leasing transactions 11,442 7,201 Share-based compensation 9,331 9,416 Other, net 12,238 1,418 Total gross deferred tax assets 199,852 164,822 Valuation allowance (11,563 ) (8,624 ) Total net deferred tax assets 188,289 156,198 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation (38,403 ) (38,362 ) Intangible assets (30,132 ) (28,149 ) Other (1,568 ) (2,069 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (70,103 ) (68,580 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 118,186 $ 87,618 Deferred tax assets at September 27, 2015 include state net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $76.2 million expiring at various times between 2017 and 2035 . At September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , we recorded a valuation allowance related to losses and state tax credits of $11.6 million and $8.6 million , respectively. The current year change in the valuation allowance of $3.0 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 carry-forwards will not be realized and that the remaining deferred tax assets will be realized through future taxable income or alternative tax strategies. Our gross unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions decreased during fiscal 2015 and 2014 based on the final assessment of a state income tax audit. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits follows ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Balance beginning of year $ 374 $ 769 Change related to tax positions (374 ) (395 ) Balance at end of year $ — $ 374 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 Internal Revenue Service or state has completed its examination or until the statute of limitations has expired. At September 27, 2015, the Company no longer has any gross unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions. During the year, the Company concluded an audit regarding a specific claim with California. The conclusion of this audit eliminated our unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain income tax positions. 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 2012 and forward. The Company’s federal statute of limitations for fiscal years 2009 and 2011 were extended and remain 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 2011, respectively, and forward.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	RETIREMENT PLANS We sponsor programs that provide retirement benefits to 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 $1.2 million in fiscal 2015 , and $1.0 million in 2014 and 2013 . 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 10 years in such eligible position. Our contributions under the non-qualified deferred compensation plan were $1.3 million in fiscal 2015 and $1.1 million in fiscal 2014 and 2013 . 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 FASB authoritative guidance. Benefits under both plans are based on the employees’ years of service and compensation over defined periods of employment. 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 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 ( in thousands ): Qualified Plan SERP Postretirement Health Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 434,896 $ 382,068 $ 69,733 $ 64,717 $ 27,626 $ 33,243 Service cost 7,592 7,633 676 490 — — Interest cost 19,750 20,196 2,945 3,049 1,196 1,639 Participant contributions — — — — 114 123 Actuarial loss (gain) 16,757 59,661 6,447 5,652 1,008 (6,082 ) Benefits paid (10,261 ) (10,963 ) (4,455 ) (4,175 ) (1,184 ) (1,456 ) Settlements (26,470 ) (23,699 ) — — — — Other — — — — 151 159 Obligation at end of year $ 442,264 $ 434,896 $ 75,346 $ 69,733 $ 28,911 $ 27,626 Change in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year $ 356,312 $ 336,425 $ — $ — $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets (6,924 ) 34,549 — — — — Participant contributions — — — — 114 123 Employer contributions 20,000 20,000 4,455 4,175 919 1,174 Benefits paid (10,261 ) (10,963 ) (4,455 ) (4,175 ) (1,184 ) (1,456 ) Settlements (26,470 ) (23,699 ) — — — — Other — — — — 151 159 Fair value at end of year $ 332,657 $ 356,312 $ — $ — $ — $ — Funded status at end of year $ (109,607 ) $ (78,584 ) $ (75,346 ) $ (69,733 ) $ (28,911 ) $ (27,626 ) Amounts recognized on the balance sheet: Current liabilities $ — $ — $ (4,477 ) $ (4,479 ) $ (1,294 ) $ (1,269 ) Noncurrent liabilities (109,607 ) (78,584 ) (70,869 ) (65,254 ) (27,617 ) (26,357 ) Total liability recognized $ (109,607 ) $ (78,584 ) $ (75,346 ) $ (69,733 ) $ (28,911 ) $ (27,626 ) Amounts in AOCI not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost: Unamortized actuarial loss, net $ 153,156 $ 114,482 $ 31,738 $ 26,425 $ 3,226 $ 2,400 Unamortized prior service cost — — 811 1,080 — — Total $ 153,156 $ 114,482 $ 32,549 $ 27,505 $ 3,226 $ 2,400 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 46,952 $ 49,603 $ 6,447 $ 5,652 $ 1,008 $ (6,082 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (8,278 ) (3,575 ) (1,134 ) (859 ) (182 ) (542 ) Amortization of prior service cost — — (269 ) (269 ) — — Total recognized in OCI 38,674 46,028 5,044 4,524 826 (6,624 ) Net periodic benefit cost and other losses 12,347 6,912 5,024 4,667 1,378 2,181 Total recognized in comprehensive income $ 51,021 $ 52,940 $ 10,068 $ 9,191 $ 2,204 $ (4,443 ) Amounts in AOCI expected to be amortized in fiscal 2016 net periodic benefit cost: Net actuarial loss $ 2,828 $ 1,259 $ 218 Prior service cost — 240 — Total $ 2,828 $ 1,499 $ 218 Additional year-end pension plan information — The projected benefit obligation (“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 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , 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 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 . The following sets forth the PBO, ABO and fair value of plan assets of our pension plans as of the measurement date in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Qualified Plan: Projected benefit obligation $ 442,264 $ 434,896 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 441,451 $ 433,010 Fair value of plan assets $ 332,657 $ 356,312 SERP: Projected benefit obligation $ 75,346 $ 69,733 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 74,388 $ 68,914 Fair value of plan assets $ — $ — Net periodic benefit cost — The components of the fiscal year net periodic benefit cost were as follows ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Qualified Plan: Service cost $ 7,592 $ 7,633 $ 10,210 Interest cost 19,750 20,196 19,964 Expected return on plan assets (23,273 ) (24,492 ) (22,715 ) Actuarial loss 8,278 3,575 15,665 Net periodic benefit cost $ 12,347 $ 6,912 $ 23,124 SERP: Service cost $ 676 $ 490 $ 543 Interest cost 2,945 3,049 2,664 Actuarial loss 1,134 859 2,170 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 269 269 269 Net periodic benefit cost $ 5,024 $ 4,667 $ 5,646 Postretirement health plans: Interest cost $ 1,196 $ 1,639 $ 1,586 Actuarial loss 182 542 791 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,378 $ 2,181 $ 2,377 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 which 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. For fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013, actuarial losses were amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected remaining service period of plan participants expected to receive benefits for our Qualified Plan, the expected remaining future lifetime and expected future working lifetime for inactive and active participants, respectively, for our SERP and the expected remaining future lifetime of inactive participants expected to receive benefits for our postretirement health plans. 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 27, 2015 , September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 , we used the following weighted-average assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations (1): Qualified Plan: Discount rate 4.79 % 4.60 % 5.37 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % SERP: Discount rate 4.45 % 4.36 % 4.88 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % Postretirement health plans: Discount rate 4.47 % 4.43 % 5.04 % Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (2): Qualified Plan: Discount rate 4.60 % 5.37 % 4.34 % Long-term rate of return on assets 6.50 % 7.25 % 7.25 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % SERP: Discount rate 4.36 % 4.88 % 4.34 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % Postretirement health plans: Discount rate 4.43 % 5.04 % 4.34 % ____________________________ (1) Determined as of end of year. (2) 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. As 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 2015 earnings before income taxes by $2.4 million and $0.9 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: 2015 2014 2013 Healthcare cost trend rate for next year: Participants under age 65 8.00 % 8.25 % 8.50 % Participants age 65 or older (1) 7.50 % 7.75 % 8.00 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline: Participants under age 65 (1) 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.80% / 4.90% Participants age 65 or older (1) 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.80% / 4.90% Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate: Participants under age 65 (1) 2030 2030 2038 / 2045 Participants age 65 or older (1) 2028 2028 2037 / 2045 ____________________________ (1) Where two rates and/or years are stated, these relate to the two post retirement health plans sponsored by the Company. Where one rate and/or year are stated, these 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 2015 net periodic benefit cost and end of year PBO ( in thousands ): 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease Total interest and service cost $ 143 $ (121 ) Postretirement benefit obligation $ 3,494 $ (2,972 ) 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 2015 and target allocations were as follows: 2015 Target Minimum Maximum Domestic equity 25 % 25 % 15 % 35 % International equity 27 25 15 % 35 % Core fixed funds 27 25 20 % 30 % Real return bonds — 3 — % 10 % Alternative investments 4 5 — % 10 % Real estate 12 8 — % 10 % High yield 2 5 — % 10 % Commodities 3 4 — % 10 % 100 % 100 % The fair values of the Qualified Plan’s assets at September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 by asset category are as follows ( in thousands ): Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Items Measured at Fair Value at September 27, 2015: Asset Category: Cash and cash equivalents (1 ) $ 3,629 $ 3,629 $ — $ — Equity: U.S (2 ) 15,812 15,812 — — Commingled (3 ) 169,701 169,701 — — Fixed income: Corporate bonds (4 ) 7,243 7,243 — — Other (6 ) 88,621 29,054 59,567 — Diversified funds (7 ) 10,684 10,684 — — Real estate (8 ) 36,967 — — 36,967 $ 332,657 $ 236,123 $ 59,567 $ 36,967 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 _________________________ (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. (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 (level 1) 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 (level 2) (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 2014 and 2015 ( in thousands ): Real Estate 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 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date $ 4,665 Relating to assets sold during the period 40 Purchases, sales and settlements (331 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 36,967 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 2016 $ 24,477 $ 1,320 Estimated future year benefit payments during fiscal years: 2016 $ 14,548 $ 1,324 2017 $ 14,831 $ 1,403 2018 $ 15,361 $ 1,470 2019 $ 16,147 $ 1,673 2020 $ 17,233 $ 1,711 2021-2025 $ 105,016 $ 9,208 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 27, 2015 and include estimated future employee service.

Share-Based Employee Compensati

Share-Based Employee Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 27, 2015 , 2,590,664 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under this 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 27, 2015 , 143,122 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under this plan. We terminated our employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) on February 26, 2015. The ESPP plan was available for all eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock at 95% of the fair market value on the date of purchase. Employees could authorize us to withhold up to 15% of their base compensation during any offering period, subject to certain limitations. Compensation expense — The components of share-based compensation expense recognized in each year are as follows ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Stock options $ 2,782 $ 2,660 $ 5,075 Performance share awards 4,229 3,923 2,311 Nonvested stock awards 156 310 430 Nonvested stock units 4,989 3,247 3,356 Deferred compensation for directors 264 218 220 Total share-based compensation expense $ 12,420 $ 10,358 $ 11,392 Stock options — Prior to fiscal 2007 , options granted had contractual terms of 10 or 11 years and employee options generally vested over a four -year period. Beginning fiscal 2007 , option grants have contractual terms of seven years and employee options vest over a three -year period. Options may vest sooner for employees meeting certain age and years of service thresholds. 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 2015 : Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 28, 2014 1,189,570 $26.74 Granted 123,042 $73.53 Exercised (708,096 ) $21.29 Forfeited (10,168 ) $38.74 Options outstanding at September 27, 2015 594,348 $42.72 4.66 $ 21,984 Options exercisable at September 27, 2015 285,820 $30.34 3.88 $ 14,112 Options exercisable and expected to vest at September 27, 2015 594,348 $42.72 4.66 $ 21,984 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is the amount by which the current market price of our stock on September 27, 2015 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 fiscal year, along with the related weighted-average grant date fair value: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.78 % 2.05 % 1.09 % Expected dividends yield 1.09 % — % — % Expected stock price volatility 32.09 % 39.18 % 42.24 % Expected life of options (in years) 6.00 6.50 6.50 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 22.04 $ 20.04 $ 11.84 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 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 27, 2015 , there was approximately $2.8 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 1.3 years. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $41.8 million , $42.4 million and $25.9 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 three -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 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 2015 : Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance share awards outstanding at September 28, 2014 330,203 $25.69 Granted 40,594 $73.53 Issued (189,584 ) $26.70 Forfeited (5,362 ) $48.54 Performance adjustments (12,937 ) $27.49 Performance share awards outstanding at September 27, 2015 162,914 $59.37 As of September 27, 2015 , there was approximately $5.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance share awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of awards granted was $73.53 , $47.29 and $27.49 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The total fair value of awards that became fully vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $3.5 million , $3.6 million and $1.0 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. At September 27, 2015 , RSAs outstanding totaled 95,815 shares with a weighted average grant date fair value of $20.56 per share. In fiscal 2015, there was no activity related to RSAs. As of September 27, 2015 , there was approximately $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSAs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. Nonvested restricted 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 27, 2015 , 60,272 of 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 five years and have a 50% or 100% holding requirement on settled shares, which must be held until termination. As of September 27, 2015 , 106,138 of 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 director elects to defer receipt, and totaled 40,468 units outstanding as of September 27, 2015 . RSUs issued to certain other employees either cliff vest or vest ratably over 3 years and totaled 126,095 units outstanding as of September 27, 2015 . 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 discounted by the present value of the expected dividend stream over the vesting period. The following is a summary of RSU activity for fiscal 2015 : Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 28, 2014 330,871 $33.73 Granted 93,570 $75.07 Released (69,720 ) $34.44 Forfeited (21,748 ) $46.83 Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 27, 2015 332,973 $44.34 As of September 27, 2015 , there was approximately $6.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of awards granted was $75.07 , $49.79 and $28.95 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the total fair value of RSUs that vested and were released was $2.4 million , $3.5 million and $0.9 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 and 2013, 10,616 and 44,714 shares of common stock were issued in connection with director retirements having a fair value of $0.6 million and $1.4 million , respectively. No common stock was issued in connection with director retirements in 2015. The following is a summary of the stock equivalent activity for fiscal 2015 : Stock Equivalents Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock equivalents outstanding at September 28, 2014 75,466 $23.44 Deferred directors’ compensation 2,761 $95.09 Dividend equivalents 931 $83.79 Stock equivalents outstanding at September 27, 2015 79,158 $26.64 Employee stock purchase plan — The following is a summary of shares issued pursuant to our ESPP in each fiscal year: 2015 2014 2013 Common stock issued 1,371 4,055 7,144 Fair value of common stock issued $ 70.78 $ 49.25 $ 29.71

Stockholders' Equity Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Repurchases of common stock — 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. Additionally, in November 2014 and May 2015, the Board of Directors approved two $100.0 million stock buyback programs that expire in November 2016. In September 2015, the Board of Directors approved an additional $200.0 million stock buyback program commencing in fiscal year 2016 and expiring in November 2017. During fiscal 2015, we repurchased 3.7 million shares at an aggregate cost of $317.1 million . As of September 27, 2015 , there was approximately $25,500 remaining under a May 2015 stock buyback program which expires in November 2016, and an additional $200.0 million remaining under a September 2015 stock buyback program commencing in fiscal 2016 and expiring in November 2017. Dividends — In fiscal 2015, the Board of Directors declared two cash dividends of $0.20 per share each, and two cash dividends of $0.30 per share each totaling $37.6 million . Future dividends are subject to approval by our Board of Directors.

Average Shares Outstanding

Average Shares Outstanding	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 share 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 ): 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic 37,587 40,781 43,351 Effect of potentially dilutive securities: Stock options 274 641 957 Nonvested stock awards and units 199 281 371 Performance share awards 155 270 220 Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted 38,215 41,973 44,899 Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: Antidilutive 84 153 145 Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period 15 20 209

Commitments, Contingencies And

Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL MATTERS Commitments — As of September 27, 2015 , we had unconditional purchase obligations during the next five fiscal years as follows ( in thousands ): 2016 $ 802,700 2017 567,500 2018 247,600 2019 206,400 2020 200,100 Total $ 2,024,300 These obligations primarily represent amounts payable under purchase contracts for goods related to system-wide 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 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, and later added additional claims relating to timing of final pay and related wage and hour claims involving employees of a franchisee. The most recent complaint seeks damages of $45.0 million but does not provide a basis for that amount. In fiscal 2012, we 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 27, 2015 , our estimated liability for general liability and workers’ compensation claims exceeded our self-insurance retention limits by $25.8 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 lease at one of our distribution centers to a third party. Under this agreement, which expires in 2017, the Company remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which we were responsible under the original lease. As of September 27, 2015 , the amount remaining under this lease guarantee totaled $1.3 million . We have not recorded a liability for this guarantee 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. 27, 2015
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 and Other Charges, Net ). 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. Our 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 ): 2015 2014 2013 (New) (Old) Revenues by Segment: Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 1,145,176 $ 1,127,243 $ 1,127,243 $ 1,179,295 Qdoba restaurant operations 395,141 356,888 356,888 310,572 Consolidated revenues $ 1,540,317 $ 1,484,131 $ 1,484,131 $ 1,489,867 Earnings from Operations by Segment: Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 265,230 $ 235,574 $ 130,408 $ 113,864 Qdoba restaurant operations 47,264 34,287 32,016 24,470 FFE operations (1) — — (116 ) (129 ) Shared services and unallocated costs (112,182 ) (104,005 ) — — Losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants (3,139 ) (3,548 ) — — Consolidated earnings from operations 197,173 162,308 162,308 138,205 Interest expense, net 18,803 15,678 15,678 15,251 Consolidated earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes $ 178,370 $ 146,630 $ 146,630 $ 122,954 Total Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets by Segment (Including Discontinued Operations): Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 41,928 $ 30,858 $ 38,132 $ 55,221 Qdoba restaurant operations 34,071 17,967 22,393 29,469 Shared services and unallocated costs 10,227 11,700 — — Consolidated expenditures for long-lived assets $ 86,226 $ 60,525 $ 60,525 $ 84,690 Total Depreciation Expense by Segment: Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 64,597 $ 66,409 $ 73,663 $ 76,191 Qdoba restaurant operations 17,103 16,992 16,992 15,815 Shared services and unallocated costs 7,078 7,254 — — Consolidated depreciation expense $ 88,778 $ 90,655 $ 90,655 $ 92,006 ____________________________ (1) FFE operations are included in the Jack in the Box operations segment under the new basis of segmentation. We do not evaluate, manage or measure performance of segments using asset, interest income and expense, or income tax information; accordingly, this information by segment is not prepared or disclosed.

Supplemental Consolidated Cash

Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 ): 2015 2014 2013 Cash paid during the year for: Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 16,233 $ 13,754 $ 12,824 Income tax payments $ 28,764 $ 29,145 $ 43,365 Non cash transactions: Equipment capital lease obligations incurred $ 16,770 $ — $ — (Decrease) increase in accrued stock repurchases $ (3,112 ) $ (4,176 ) $ 7,288 Increase in dividends accrued or converted to common stock equivalents $ 174 $ 68 $ — Increase (decrease) in obligation for purchases of property and equipment (1) $ 5,388 $ (1,187 ) $ (1,274 ) ____________________________ (1) In 2013, amounts also include changes in obligations related to assets held for sale.

Supplemental Consolidated Finan

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information	SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION ( in thousands ) September 27, September 28, Accounts and other receivables, net: Trade $ 36,990 $ 35,975 Income tax receivable 7,914 8,306 Notes receivable 1,726 3,574 Other 2,900 2,955 Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,555 ) (796 ) $ 47,975 $ 50,014 Prepaid expenses Prepaid income taxes $ 7,645 $ 27,956 Other 8,595 8,358 $ 16,240 $ 36,314 Other assets, net: Company-owned life insurance policies $ 99,513 $ 100,753 Deferred tax assets 78,151 50,807 Deferred rent receivable 45,330 41,872 Other 40,941 43,866 $ 263,935 $ 237,298 Accrued liabilities: Payroll and related taxes $ 56,223 $ 54,905 Insurance 35,370 34,834 Advertising 20,692 21,452 Sales and property taxes 11,574 11,760 Gift card liability 4,608 4,064 Deferred franchise fees 1,198 1,464 Other 40,910 35,147 $ 170,575 $ 163,626 Other long-term liabilities: Pension plans $ 180,476 $ 143,838 Straight-line rent accrual 46,807 48,835 Other 142,775 116,762 $ 370,058 $ 309,435

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations	UNAUDITED QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ( in thousands, except per share data ) 16 Weeks Ended 12 Weeks Ended Fiscal Year 2015 January 18, April 12, July 5, September 27, Revenues $ 468,621 $ 358,122 $ 359,506 $ 354,068 Earnings from operations $ 63,236 $ 41,868 $ 50,395 $ 41,674 Net earnings $ 35,835 $ 23,005 $ 26,831 $ 23,141 Net earnings per share: Basic $ 0.93 $ 0.61 $ 0.72 $ 0.64 Diluted $ 0.91 $ 0.60 $ 0.71 $ 0.63 16 Weeks 12 Weeks Ended Fiscal Year 2014 January 19, April 13, July 6, September 28, 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 $ 0.40 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.

Subsequent Events (Notes)

Subsequent Events (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Declaration of dividend — On November 12, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.30 per share, to be paid on December 22, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 9, 2015. Future dividends will be subject to approval by our Board of Directors.

Nature Of Operations And Summ28

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
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 2013 Qdoba Closures 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 [Text Block]	Reclassifications and adjustments — Certain prior year amounts in these notes and in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2015 presentation. In 2015, on our consolidated statements of earnings, we began to separately state our franchise revenues derived from rentals and those derived from royalties and other. To provide clarity, we additionally have separately stated the associated rental expense and depreciation and amortization related to the rental income received from franchisees. For comparison purposes, we have reclassified prior year franchise revenue and franchise costs line items to reflect the new method of presentation.
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, Policy [Text Block]	Effect of new accounting pronouncements — In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-15, “ Interest-Imputation of Interest: Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements ,” which addresses line-of-credit arrangements that were omitted from ASU No. 2015-03 (see below). This ASU states that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement as an asset and subsequently amortizing those costs ratably over the term of the arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures upon adoption. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , 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, 2017. 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets , which provides a practical expedient that permits a company to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end date that is closest to the company's fiscal year-end and apply that practical expedient consistently from year to year. The practical expedient should be applied consistently to all plans if the company has more than one plan. This ASU is effective prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted this standard in fiscal 2015 and measured our defined benefit plan assets and obligation as of September 30, 2015, which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under this ASU, an entity presents such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. This new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We do not plan to adopt this standard early and do not expect that it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures upon adoption. 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. We early adopted this standard on September 29, 2014. This pronouncement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , 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. We early adopted this standard on September 29, 2014. This pronouncement did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]	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 expense related to property and equipment was $88.8 million , $90.7 million and $92.0 million in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.
Fiscal year	Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is 52 or 53 weeks ending the Sunday closest to September 30 . Fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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 lease and franchise agreements. Tenant receivables relate to subleased properties where we are on the master lease agreement. We 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 ): 2015 2014 Assets held for sale and leaseback $ 15,216 $ 3,477 Other property and equipment held for sale 300 1,289 Assets held for sale $ 15,516 $ 4,766
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 ): 2015 2014 Assets held for sale and leaseback $ 15,216 $ 3,477 Other property and equipment held for sale 300 1,289 Assets held for sale $ 15,516 $ 4,766
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 property and equipment 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.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets — We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. 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 $99.5 million and $100.7 million as of September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , 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.
Leases	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 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	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	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 losses (gains) 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	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 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , our estimated liability for general liability and workers’ compensation claims exceeded our self-insurance retention limits by $25.8 million and $24.6 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	Advertising costs — We administer marketing funds which include contractual contributions. In fiscal 2015 , the marketing funds at franchise and company-operated restaurants were generally 5% and 2% of gross revenues at Jack in the Box and Qdoba restaurants, respectively, and in both fiscal 2014 and 2013 the marketing funds were approximately 5% and 1% of gross revenues at 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 marketing initiatives and 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 under 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 (“OCI”), based on whether or not the instrument is designated as a hedge transaction. Gains or losses on derivative instruments that qualify for hedge designation are reported in OCI and 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 OCI 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	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	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.

Nature Of Operations And Summ29

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary Of Number Of Restaurants	The following table summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each fiscal year: 2015 2014 2013 Jack in the Box: Company-operated 413 431 465 Franchise 1,836 1,819 1,786 Total system 2,249 2,250 2,251 Qdoba: Company-operated 322 310 296 Franchise 339 328 319 Total system 661 638 615 The following table summarizes the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees and the related (losses) gains and fees recognized in each fiscal year ( dollars in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Restaurants sold to franchisees 21 37 81 New restaurants opened by franchisees 38 33 45 Initial franchise fees $ 1,453 $ 1,886 $ 4,017 Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants (1) $ 3,951 $ 10,536 $ 30,619 Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment) (4,283 ) (5,558 ) (15,680 ) Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants (47 ) (170 ) (629 ) Other (2) (2,760 ) (6,500 ) (9,670 ) (Losses) gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants (3,139 ) (1,692 ) 4,640 Loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market (3) — (1,856 ) — (Losses) gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants $ (3,139 ) $ (3,548 ) $ 4,640 ____________________________ (1) Amounts in 2015, 2014 and 2013 include additional proceeds of $1.5 million , $2.1 million and $3.3 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 charges for operating restaurant leases with lease commitments in excess of our sublease rental income. (3) In 2014, the loss on the anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box market relates to 25 company-operated restaurants of which we sold 20 , and closed the remaining five , in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.
Summary Of Advertising Costs	The following table provides a summary of advertising costs related to company-operated restaurants in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Jack in the Box $ 41,895 $ 42,349 $ 46,739 Qdoba 17,687 18,215 16,123 Total $ 59,582 $ 60,564 $ 62,862

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table 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 fiscal year 2015 ( in thousands ): Balance at September 28, 2014 $ 5,737 Adjustments 4,594 Cash payments (6,075 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 4,256 The following is a summary of the costs incurred in connection with these activities during each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Severance costs $ 29 $ 2,141 $ 2,821 Other — 6,480 630 $ 29 $ 8,621 $ 3,451
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	The following table summarizes the results related to the 2013 Qdoba Closures for each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Company restaurant sales $ — $ — $ 28,036 Asset impairments $ — $ (2,170 ) $ (22,239 ) Future lease commitments (1) (4,594 ) (4,536 ) (10,301 ) Bad debt expense (366 ) — — Brokers commissions (234 ) (652 ) — Other exit costs (302 ) (889 ) (3,075 ) Operating losses — — (8,961 ) Loss before income tax benefit $ (5,496 ) $ (8,247 ) $ (44,576 ) ___________________________________________ (1) Future lease commitments in 2013 are shown net of reversals for deferred rent and tenant improvement allowances of $4.3 million . The following table summarizes our distribution business results, which are included in discontinued operations for each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Revenue $ — $ — $ 37,743 Loss before income tax benefit $ (703 ) $ (1,276 ) $ (6,446 )

Summary Of Refranchisings, Fr31

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	The following table provides detail of the combined acquisitions in each fiscal year ( dollars in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Restaurants acquired from franchisees 7 4 14 Property and equipment $ 646 $ 1,398 $ 3,030 Reacquired franchise rights — 96 148 Goodwill — 256 9,169 Gains on the acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants (33 ) — — Liabilities assumed (613 ) — (283 ) Total consideration $ — $ 1,750 $ 12,064
Number Of Restaurants Sold And Developed By Franchisees And Related Gains And Fees Recognized	The following table summarizes the number of restaurants as of the end of each fiscal year: 2015 2014 2013 Jack in the Box: Company-operated 413 431 465 Franchise 1,836 1,819 1,786 Total system 2,249 2,250 2,251 Qdoba: Company-operated 322 310 296 Franchise 339 328 319 Total system 661 638 615 The following table summarizes the number of restaurants sold to franchisees, the number of restaurants developed by franchisees and the related (losses) gains and fees recognized in each fiscal year ( dollars in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Restaurants sold to franchisees 21 37 81 New restaurants opened by franchisees 38 33 45 Initial franchise fees $ 1,453 $ 1,886 $ 4,017 Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants (1) $ 3,951 $ 10,536 $ 30,619 Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment) (4,283 ) (5,558 ) (15,680 ) Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants (47 ) (170 ) (629 ) Other (2) (2,760 ) (6,500 ) (9,670 ) (Losses) gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants (3,139 ) (1,692 ) 4,640 Loss on anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box company-operated market (3) — (1,856 ) — (Losses) gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants $ (3,139 ) $ (3,548 ) $ 4,640 ____________________________ (1) Amounts in 2015, 2014 and 2013 include additional proceeds of $1.5 million , $2.1 million and $3.3 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 charges for operating restaurant leases with lease commitments in excess of our sublease rental income. (3) In 2014, the loss on the anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box market relates to 25 company-operated restaurants of which we sold 20 , and closed the remaining five , in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Goodwill And Intangible Asset32

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during fiscal 2015 and 2014 by reportable segment were as follows ( in thousands ): Jack in the Box Qdoba Total 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 Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees (47 ) — (47 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 48,430 $ 100,597 $ 149,027
Schedule Of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets, net consist of the following as of the end of each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Amortized intangible assets: Gross carrying amount $ 17,267 $ 17,272 Less accumulated amortization (11,302 ) (10,468 ) Net carrying amount 5,965 6,804 Non-amortized intangible assets: Trademark 8,800 8,800 Net carrying amount $ 14,765 $ 15,604
Estimated Amortization Expense	The following table summarizes, as of September 27, 2015 , the estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years ( in thousands ): 2016 $ 784 2017 $ 736 2018 $ 692 2019 $ 645 2020 $ 621

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (3) (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (3) (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (3) (Level 3) Fair Value Measurements as of September 27, 2015: Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (1) $ (35,003 ) $ (35,003 ) $ — $ — Interest rate swaps (Note 6) (2) (26,374 ) — (26,374 ) — Total liabilities at fair value $ (61,377 ) $ (35,003 ) $ (26,374 ) $ — 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 ) $ — ____________________________ (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, 2 or 3.

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate swaps (Note 5) Accrued $ (3,379 ) Accrued $ (1,789 ) Interest rate swaps (Note 5) Other long-term liabilities (22,995 ) Other long-term liabilities — Total derivatives $ (26,374 ) $ (1,789 )
Gains Or Losses Recognized On Interest Rate Swap Derivative Instrument	The following table summarizes the accumulated OCI activity related to our interest rate swap derivative instruments in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): Location of Loss in Income 2015 2014 2013 Loss recognized in OCI N/A $ (26,596 ) $ (1,890 ) $ (110 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into net earnings Interest expense, net $ 2,011 $ 1,291 $ 1,353

Indebtedness (Tables)

Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 ): 2015 2014 Revolver, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 2.00% at September 27, 2015 $ 395,000 $ 306,000 Term loan, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin plus LIBOR, 1.95% at September 27, 2015 300,000 197,500 Capital lease obligations, 3.9% weighted average interest rate at September 27, 2015 20,256 4,383 715,256 507,883 Less current portion (26,677 ) (10,871 ) $ 688,579 $ 497,012
Scheduled Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt	cheduled principal payments on our long-term debt outstanding at September 27, 2015 for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows ( in thousands ): 2016 $ 26,677 2017 26,216 2018 29,482 2019 623,078 2020 2,237 Thereafter 7,566 $ 715,256

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Components Of Rent Expense	The components of rent expense were as follows in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Minimum rentals $ 212,722 $ 213,082 $ 210,638 Contingent rentals 2,549 1,986 1,840 Total rent expense 215,271 215,068 212,478 Less rental expense on subleased properties (141,946 ) (139,976 ) (136,970 ) Net rent expense $ 73,325 $ 75,092 $ 75,508
Future Minimum Lease Payments For Capital And Operating Leases	The following table presents as of September 27, 2015 , 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 Leases Operating Leases 2016 $ 4,040 $ 246,636 2017 3,355 210,994 2018 2,518 177,768 2019 2,647 168,564 2020 2,522 141,470 Thereafter 7,852 552,858 Total minimum lease payments 22,934 $ 1,498,290 Less amount representing interest, 3.9% weighted average interest rate (2,678 ) Present value of obligations under capital leases 20,256 Less current portion (3,240 ) Long-term capital lease obligations $ 17,016
Assets Recorded Under Capital Leases	Assets recorded under capital leases are included in property and equipment, and consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Buildings $ 10,716 $ 19,105 Equipment 16,770 — Less accumulated amortization (8,453 ) (15,667 ) $ 19,033 $ 3,438
Schedule of Rental Income	The following table summarizes rents received under these agreements in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Total rental income (1) $ 232,264 $ 222,443 $ 213,009 Contingent rentals $ 28,348 $ 19,551 $ 16,966
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, including leases recorded as lease obligations relating to continuing and discontinuing operations, and excluding contingent rentals, as of September 27, 2015 are as follows ( in thousands ): Fiscal Year 2016 $ 224,400 2017 204,802 2018 184,853 2019 199,905 2020 196,635 Thereafter 1,387,889 Total minimum future rent receivable $ 2,398,484
Assets Held For Lease	Assets held for lease and included in property and equipment consisted of the following at each fiscal year-end ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Land $ 72,248 $ 72,143 Buildings 678,044 689,056 Equipment 4,374 4,492 754,666 765,691 Less accumulated depreciation (453,056 ) (434,526 ) $ 301,610 $ 331,165

Impairment, Disposition Of Pr37

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs s [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table 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 fiscal year 2015 ( in thousands ): Balance at September 28, 2014 $ 5,737 Adjustments 4,594 Cash payments (6,075 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 4,256 The following is a summary of the costs incurred in connection with these activities during each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Severance costs $ 29 $ 2,141 $ 2,821 Other — 6,480 630 $ 29 $ 8,621 $ 3,451
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 ): 2015 2014 2013 Accelerated depreciation $ 6,260 $ 1,202 $ 2,554 Costs of closed restaurants (primarily lease obligations) and other 3,592 2,841 2,469 Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net 1,319 1,674 1,091 Restaurant impairment charges 557 570 3,874 Restructuring costs 29 8,621 3,451 $ 11,757 $ 14,908 $ 13,439
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 fiscal year 2015 ( in thousands ): Balance at beginning of year $ 13,173 Adjustments (1) 2,653 Cash payments (6,119 ) Balance at end of year $ 9,707

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components Of Income Taxes	ncome taxes consist of the following in each fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 59,362 $ 43,864 $ 51,367 State 9,598 3,770 7,583 68,960 47,634 58,950 Deferred: Federal (2,018 ) 3,700 (16,897 ) State (1,173 ) 452 (1,707 ) (3,191 ) 4,152 (18,604 ) Income tax expense from continuing operations $ 65,769 $ 51,786 $ 40,346 Income tax benefit from discontinued operations $ (2,410 ) $ (3,629 ) $ (19,566 )
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: 2015 2014 2013 Computed at federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 3.7 3.3 3.4 Benefit of jobs tax credits, net of valuation allowance (1.1 ) (1.2 ) (1.9 ) Expense (benefit) related to COLIs 0.3 (1.6 ) (2.9 ) Other, net (1.0 ) (0.2 ) (0.8 ) 36.9 % 35.3 % 32.8 %
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 ): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Accrued pension and postretirement benefits $ 92,456 $ 77,170 Accrued insurance 13,245 12,874 Accrued incentive compensation 6,412 3,090 Accrued vacation pay expense 2,193 2,132 Deferred income 1,417 1,436 Impairment 23,982 25,391 Lease commitments related to closed or refranchised locations 11,471 12,686 Other reserves and allowances 1,584 1,303 Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards 14,081 10,705 Leasing transactions 11,442 7,201 Share-based compensation 9,331 9,416 Other, net 12,238 1,418 Total gross deferred tax assets 199,852 164,822 Valuation allowance (11,563 ) (8,624 ) Total net deferred tax assets 188,289 156,198 Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation (38,403 ) (38,362 ) Intangible assets (30,132 ) (28,149 ) Other (1,568 ) (2,069 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (70,103 ) (68,580 ) Net deferred tax assets $ 118,186 $ 87,618
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits follows ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Balance beginning of year $ 374 $ 769 Change related to tax positions (374 ) (395 ) Balance at end of year $ — $ 374

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation Of The Changes In Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets And Funded Status Of Retirement Plans	The fair values of the Qualified Plan’s assets at September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 by asset category are as follows ( in thousands ): Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Items Measured at Fair Value at September 27, 2015: Asset Category: Cash and cash equivalents (1 ) $ 3,629 $ 3,629 $ — $ — Equity: U.S (2 ) 15,812 15,812 — — Commingled (3 ) 169,701 169,701 — — Fixed income: Corporate bonds (4 ) 7,243 7,243 — — Other (6 ) 88,621 29,054 59,567 — Diversified funds (7 ) 10,684 10,684 — — Real estate (8 ) 36,967 — — 36,967 $ 332,657 $ 236,123 $ 59,567 $ 36,967 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 _________________________ (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. (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 (level 1) 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 (level 2) (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 provides a reconciliation of the changes in benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of our retirement plans as of September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 ( in thousands ): Qualified Plan SERP Postretirement Health Plans 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in benefit obligation: Obligation at beginning of year $ 434,896 $ 382,068 $ 69,733 $ 64,717 $ 27,626 $ 33,243 Service cost 7,592 7,633 676 490 — — Interest cost 19,750 20,196 2,945 3,049 1,196 1,639 Participant contributions — — — — 114 123 Actuarial loss (gain) 16,757 59,661 6,447 5,652 1,008 (6,082 ) Benefits paid (10,261 ) (10,963 ) (4,455 ) (4,175 ) (1,184 ) (1,456 ) Settlements (26,470 ) (23,699 ) — — — — Other — — — — 151 159 Obligation at end of year $ 442,264 $ 434,896 $ 75,346 $ 69,733 $ 28,911 $ 27,626 Change in plan assets: Fair value at beginning of year $ 356,312 $ 336,425 $ — $ — $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets (6,924 ) 34,549 — — — — Participant contributions — — — — 114 123 Employer contributions 20,000 20,000 4,455 4,175 919 1,174 Benefits paid (10,261 ) (10,963 ) (4,455 ) (4,175 ) (1,184 ) (1,456 ) Settlements (26,470 ) (23,699 ) — — — — Other — — — — 151 159 Fair value at end of year $ 332,657 $ 356,312 $ — $ — $ — $ — Funded status at end of year $ (109,607 ) $ (78,584 ) $ (75,346 ) $ (69,733 ) $ (28,911 ) $ (27,626 ) Amounts recognized on the balance sheet: Current liabilities $ — $ — $ (4,477 ) $ (4,479 ) $ (1,294 ) $ (1,269 ) Noncurrent liabilities (109,607 ) (78,584 ) (70,869 ) (65,254 ) (27,617 ) (26,357 ) Total liability recognized $ (109,607 ) $ (78,584 ) $ (75,346 ) $ (69,733 ) $ (28,911 ) $ (27,626 ) Amounts in AOCI not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost: Unamortized actuarial loss, net $ 153,156 $ 114,482 $ 31,738 $ 26,425 $ 3,226 $ 2,400 Unamortized prior service cost — — 811 1,080 — — Total $ 153,156 $ 114,482 $ 32,549 $ 27,505 $ 3,226 $ 2,400 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI: Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 46,952 $ 49,603 $ 6,447 $ 5,652 $ 1,008 $ (6,082 ) Amortization of actuarial loss (8,278 ) (3,575 ) (1,134 ) (859 ) (182 ) (542 ) Amortization of prior service cost — — (269 ) (269 ) — — Total recognized in OCI 38,674 46,028 5,044 4,524 826 (6,624 ) Net periodic benefit cost and other losses 12,347 6,912 5,024 4,667 1,378 2,181 Total recognized in comprehensive income $ 51,021 $ 52,940 $ 10,068 $ 9,191 $ 2,204 $ (4,443 ) Amounts in AOCI expected to be amortized in fiscal 2016 net periodic benefit cost: Net actuarial loss $ 2,828 $ 1,259 $ 218 Prior service cost — 240 — Total $ 2,828 $ 1,499 $ 218
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 fiscal year ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Qualified Plan: Projected benefit obligation $ 442,264 $ 434,896 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 441,451 $ 433,010 Fair value of plan assets $ 332,657 $ 356,312 SERP: Projected benefit obligation $ 75,346 $ 69,733 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 74,388 $ 68,914 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 ): 2015 2014 2013 Qualified Plan: Service cost $ 7,592 $ 7,633 $ 10,210 Interest cost 19,750 20,196 19,964 Expected return on plan assets (23,273 ) (24,492 ) (22,715 ) Actuarial loss 8,278 3,575 15,665 Net periodic benefit cost $ 12,347 $ 6,912 $ 23,124 SERP: Service cost $ 676 $ 490 $ 543 Interest cost 2,945 3,049 2,664 Actuarial loss 1,134 859 2,170 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost 269 269 269 Net periodic benefit cost $ 5,024 $ 4,667 $ 5,646 Postretirement health plans: Interest cost $ 1,196 $ 1,639 $ 1,586 Actuarial loss 182 542 791 Net periodic benefit cost $ 1,378 $ 2,181 $ 2,377
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 27, 2015 , September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 , we used the following weighted-average assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations (1): Qualified Plan: Discount rate 4.79 % 4.60 % 5.37 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % SERP: Discount rate 4.45 % 4.36 % 4.88 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % Postretirement health plans: Discount rate 4.47 % 4.43 % 5.04 % Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (2): Qualified Plan: Discount rate 4.60 % 5.37 % 4.34 % Long-term rate of return on assets 6.50 % 7.25 % 7.25 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % SERP: Discount rate 4.36 % 4.88 % 4.34 % Rate of future pay increases 3.50 % 3.50 % 3.50 % Postretirement health plans: Discount rate 4.43 % 5.04 % 4.34 % ____________________________ (1) Determined as of end of year. (2) 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: 2015 2014 2013 Healthcare cost trend rate for next year: Participants under age 65 8.00 % 8.25 % 8.50 % Participants age 65 or older (1) 7.50 % 7.75 % 8.00 % Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline: Participants under age 65 (1) 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.80% / 4.90% Participants age 65 or older (1) 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.80% / 4.90% Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate: Participants under age 65 (1) 2030 2030 2038 / 2045 Participants age 65 or older (1) 2028 2028 2037 / 2045
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 2015 net periodic benefit cost and end of year PBO ( in thousands ): 1% Point Increase 1% Point Decrease Total interest and service cost $ 143 $ (121 ) Postretirement benefit obligation $ 3,494 $ (2,972 )
Fair Values Of The Qualified Plan's Assets	Our plan asset allocation at the end of fiscal 2015 and target allocations were as follows: 2015 Target Minimum Maximum Domestic equity 25 % 25 % 15 % 35 % International equity 27 25 15 % 35 % Core fixed funds 27 25 20 % 30 % Real return bonds — 3 — % 10 % Alternative investments 4 5 — % 10 % Real estate 12 8 — % 10 % High yield 2 5 — % 10 % Commodities 3 4 — % 10 % 100 % 100 %
Changes In Level 3 Investments For The Qualified Plan	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 investments for the Qualified Plan during 2014 and 2015 ( in thousands ): Real Estate 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 Actual return on plan assets: Relating to assets still held at the reporting date $ 4,665 Relating to assets sold during the period 40 Purchases, sales and settlements (331 ) Balance at September 27, 2015 $ 36,967
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 2016 $ 24,477 $ 1,320 Estimated future year benefit payments during fiscal years: 2016 $ 14,548 $ 1,324 2017 $ 14,831 $ 1,403 2018 $ 15,361 $ 1,470 2019 $ 16,147 $ 1,673 2020 $ 17,233 $ 1,711 2021-2025 $ 105,016 $ 9,208

Share-Based Employee Compensa40

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 ): 2015 2014 2013 Stock options $ 2,782 $ 2,660 $ 5,075 Performance share awards 4,229 3,923 2,311 Nonvested stock awards 156 310 430 Nonvested stock units 4,989 3,247 3,356 Deferred compensation for directors 264 218 220 Total share-based compensation expense $ 12,420 $ 10,358 $ 11,392
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	The following is a summary of stock option activity for fiscal 2015 : Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) Options outstanding at September 28, 2014 1,189,570 $26.74 Granted 123,042 $73.53 Exercised (708,096 ) $21.29 Forfeited (10,168 ) $38.74 Options outstanding at September 27, 2015 594,348 $42.72 4.66 $ 21,984 Options exercisable at September 27, 2015 285,820 $30.34 3.88 $ 14,112 Options exercisable and expected to vest at September 27, 2015 594,348 $42.72 4.66 $ 21,984
Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions	The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used for stock option grants in each fiscal year, along with the related weighted-average grant date fair value: 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 1.78 % 2.05 % 1.09 % Expected dividends yield 1.09 % — % — % Expected stock price volatility 32.09 % 39.18 % 42.24 % Expected life of options (in years) 6.00 6.50 6.50 Weighted-average grant date fair value $ 22.04 $ 20.04 $ 11.84
Summary Of PSU Activity	The following is a summary of performance share award activity for fiscal 2015 : Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance share awards outstanding at September 28, 2014 330,203 $25.69 Granted 40,594 $73.53 Issued (189,584 ) $26.70 Forfeited (5,362 ) $48.54 Performance adjustments (12,937 ) $27.49 Performance share awards outstanding at September 27, 2015 162,914 $59.37
Summary Of RSU Activity	The following is a summary of RSU activity for fiscal 2015 : Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 28, 2014 330,871 $33.73 Granted 93,570 $75.07 Released (69,720 ) $34.44 Forfeited (21,748 ) $46.83 Nonvested stock units outstanding at September 27, 2015 332,973 $44.34
Summary Of Stock Equivalent Activity	The following is a summary of the stock equivalent activity for fiscal 2015 : Stock Equivalents Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Stock equivalents outstanding at September 28, 2014 75,466 $23.44 Deferred directors’ compensation 2,761 $95.09 Dividend equivalents 931 $83.79 Stock equivalents outstanding at September 27, 2015 79,158 $26.64
Summary of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity	The following is a summary of shares issued pursuant to our ESPP in each fiscal year: 2015 2014 2013 Common stock issued 1,371 4,055 7,144 Fair value of common stock issued $ 70.78 $ 49.25 $ 29.71

Average Shares Outstanding (Tab

Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 ): 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average shares outstanding — basic 37,587 40,781 43,351 Effect of potentially dilutive securities: Stock options 274 641 957 Nonvested stock awards and units 199 281 371 Performance share awards 155 270 220 Weighted-average shares outstanding — diluted 38,215 41,973 44,899 Excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding: Antidilutive 84 153 145 Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period 15 20 209

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
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 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, 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. FFE’s balance sheet consisted of the following at September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Cash $ 100 $ — Other current assets (1) 1,037 2,494 Other assets, net (1) 1,928 5,776 Total assets $ 3,065 $ 8,270 Current liabilities (2) $ 1,134 $ 2,833 Other long-term liabilities (2) 1,793 5,367 Retained earnings 138 70 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,065 $ 8,270 ____________________________ (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. In 2015, we received $3.9 million of early prepayments on notes receivable due from franchisees, which increased our cash flows from investing activities in the year-to-date period. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is equal to its outstanding contributions as of September 27, 2015 . 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. FFE’s balance sheet consisted of the following at September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 Cash $ 100 $ — Other current assets (1) 1,037 2,494 Other assets, net (1) 1,928 5,776 Total assets $ 3,065 $ 8,270 Current liabilities (2) $ 1,134 $ 2,833 Other long-term liabilities (2) 1,793 5,367 Retained earnings 138 70 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,065 $ 8,270 ____________________________ (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 An43

Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure	As of September 27, 2015 , we had unconditional purchase obligations during the next five fiscal years as follows ( in thousands ): 2016 $ 802,700 2017 567,500 2018 247,600 2019 206,400 2020 200,100 Total $ 2,024,300

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments	2015 2014 2013 (New) (Old) Revenues by Segment: Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 1,145,176 $ 1,127,243 $ 1,127,243 $ 1,179,295 Qdoba restaurant operations 395,141 356,888 356,888 310,572 Consolidated revenues $ 1,540,317 $ 1,484,131 $ 1,484,131 $ 1,489,867 Earnings from Operations by Segment: Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 265,230 $ 235,574 $ 130,408 $ 113,864 Qdoba restaurant operations 47,264 34,287 32,016 24,470 FFE operations (1) — — (116 ) (129 ) Shared services and unallocated costs (112,182 ) (104,005 ) — — Losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants (3,139 ) (3,548 ) — — Consolidated earnings from operations 197,173 162,308 162,308 138,205 Interest expense, net 18,803 15,678 15,678 15,251 Consolidated earnings from continuing operations and before income taxes $ 178,370 $ 146,630 $ 146,630 $ 122,954 Total Expenditures for Long-Lived Assets by Segment (Including Discontinued Operations): Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 41,928 $ 30,858 $ 38,132 $ 55,221 Qdoba restaurant operations 34,071 17,967 22,393 29,469 Shared services and unallocated costs 10,227 11,700 — — Consolidated expenditures for long-lived assets $ 86,226 $ 60,525 $ 60,525 $ 84,690 Total Depreciation Expense by Segment: Jack in the Box restaurant operations $ 64,597 $ 66,409 $ 73,663 $ 76,191 Qdoba restaurant operations 17,103 16,992 16,992 15,815 Shared services and unallocated costs 7,078 7,254 — — Consolidated depreciation expense $ 88,778 $ 90,655 $ 90,655 $ 92,006

Supplemental Consolidated Cas45

Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Additional Information Related To Cash Flows	Additional information related to cash flows is as follows ( in thousands ): 2015 2014 2013 Cash paid during the year for: Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 16,233 $ 13,754 $ 12,824 Income tax payments $ 28,764 $ 29,145 $ 43,365 Non cash transactions: Equipment capital lease obligations incurred $ 16,770 $ — $ — (Decrease) increase in accrued stock repurchases $ (3,112 ) $ (4,176 ) $ 7,288 Increase in dividends accrued or converted to common stock equivalents $ 174 $ 68 $ — Increase (decrease) in obligation for purchases of property and equipment (1) $ 5,388 $ (1,187 ) $ (1,274 )

Supplemental Consolidated Fin46

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information [Abstract]
Schedule Of Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information	September 27, September 28, Accounts and other receivables, net: Trade $ 36,990 $ 35,975 Income tax receivable 7,914 8,306 Notes receivable 1,726 3,574 Other 2,900 2,955 Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,555 ) (796 ) $ 47,975 $ 50,014 Prepaid expenses Prepaid income taxes $ 7,645 $ 27,956 Other 8,595 8,358 $ 16,240 $ 36,314 Other assets, net: Company-owned life insurance policies $ 99,513 $ 100,753 Deferred tax assets 78,151 50,807 Deferred rent receivable 45,330 41,872 Other 40,941 43,866 $ 263,935 $ 237,298 Accrued liabilities: Payroll and related taxes $ 56,223 $ 54,905 Insurance 35,370 34,834 Advertising 20,692 21,452 Sales and property taxes 11,574 11,760 Gift card liability 4,608 4,064 Deferred franchise fees 1,198 1,464 Other 40,910 35,147 $ 170,575 $ 163,626 Other long-term liabilities: Pension plans $ 180,476 $ 143,838 Straight-line rent accrual 46,807 48,835 Other 142,775 116,762 $ 370,058 $ 309,435

Unaudited Quarterly Results O47

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Quarterly Results Of Operations	16 Weeks Ended 12 Weeks Ended Fiscal Year 2015 January 18, April 12, July 5, September 27, Revenues $ 468,621 $ 358,122 $ 359,506 $ 354,068 Earnings from operations $ 63,236 $ 41,868 $ 50,395 $ 41,674 Net earnings $ 35,835 $ 23,005 $ 26,831 $ 23,141 Net earnings per share: Basic $ 0.93 $ 0.61 $ 0.72 $ 0.64 Diluted $ 0.91 $ 0.60 $ 0.71 $ 0.63 16 Weeks 12 Weeks Ended Fiscal Year 2014 January 19, April 13, July 6, September 28, 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 $ 0.40

Nature Of Operations And Summ48

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)restaurant
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
General liability and workers' comp estimated claims to be paid by insurance providers	$ 25,800	$ 24,600
Assets Held For Sale And LeaseBack	$ 15,216	$ 3,477
Fiscal year	52	52	52
Period of franchise agreement (in years)	P20Y
Revenue recognized on unredeemed gift cards	$ 1,000	$ 800	$ 700
Other Assets Held-for-sale, Current	300	1,289
Assets Held For Sale Including Assets Held for Sale And LeaseBack	15,516	4,766
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 89,468	$ 91,384	$ 96,219
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | restaurant	2,249	2,250	2,251
Marketing funds including contractual contributions	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | restaurant	661	638	615
Marketing funds including contractual contributions	2.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Minimum [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment assigned lives, minimum (in years)	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment assigned lives, minimum (in years)	35 years
Continuing Operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 88,800	$ 90,700	$ 92,000
Other Assets [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash surrender value of policy	$ 99,500	$ 100,700
2013 Qdoba Closures [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | restaurant		62

Nature Of Operations And Summ49

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Number Of Restaurants) (Details) - restaurant	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	2,249	2,250	2,251
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	661	638	615
Company-Operated [Member] | Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	413	431	465
Company-Operated [Member] | Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	322	310	296
Franchise [Member] | Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	1,836	1,819	1,786
Franchise [Member] | Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants	339	328	319

Nature Of Operations And Summ50

Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary Of Advertising Costs) (Details) - Company-Operated [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising costs	$ 59,582	$ 60,564	$ 62,862
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising costs	41,895	42,349	46,739
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Nature Of Operations And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Advertising costs	$ 17,687	$ 18,215	$ 16,123

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)center$ / shares	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)restaurant$ / shares	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)$ / shares
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges	$ (557)	$ (570)	$ (3,874)
number of distribution center leases assigned to third parties | center	1
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ (3,789)	$ (5,894)	$ (31,456)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share | $ / shares	$ (0.10)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.73)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share | $ / shares	$ (0.10)	$ (0.14)	$ (0.70)
Discontinued Operation - Distribution Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Future Lease Commitments Net of Straightline Rent and Tenant Improvement Reversals	$ (200)	$ (300)	$ (1,600)
Reversal of Tenant Improvement Allowances and Deferred Rent			400
Restructuring Reserve	$ 200	500
Number of Distribution Centers | center	1
Revenue	$ 0	0	37,743
Operating loss before income tax benefit	(703)	(1,276)	(6,446)
Accelerated depreciation			1,900
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Vendor Contract Exit Costs			1,200
Workers' Compensation Liability	$ 500	900	1,300
2013 Qdoba Closures [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Terminated Lease Agreements	5
Asset impairment charges	$ 0	(2,170)	(22,239)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Future Lease Commitments Net of Straightline Rent and Tenant Improvement Reversals	(4,594)	(4,536)	(10,301)
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	(366)	0	0
Reversal of Tenant Improvement Allowances and Deferred Rent			4,300
Disposal group, Including Discontinued Operations, Brokerage Commissions	(234)	(652)	0
Restructuring Reserve	4,256	5,737
Revenue	0	0	28,036
Operating loss before income tax benefit	0	$ 0	(8,961)
Number of Restaurants | restaurant		62
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	4,594
Cash paid to settle restructuring reserve	(6,075)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	(5,496)	$ (8,247)	(44,576)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense	$ (302)	$ (889)	$ (3,075)
Locations Subleased at a Loss	6
Locations Marketed for Sublease	15

Summary Of Refranchisings, Fr52

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Number Of Restaurants Sold And Developed By Franchisees And Related Gains And Fees Recognized) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Apr. 12, 2015restaurant	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)restaurant
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Restaurants sold to franchisees (restaurants) | restaurant			21	37	81
New restaurants opened by franchisees (restaurants) | restaurant			38	33	45
Initial franchise fees			$ 1,453	$ 1,886	$ 4,017
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants (1)	[1]		3,951	10,536	30,619
Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)			(4,283)	(5,558)	(15,680)
Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants			(47)	(170)
Other	[2]		(2,760)	(6,500)	(9,670)
(Gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants			(3,139)	(3,548)	4,640
Proceeds from extension of franchise and lease agreements			1,500	2,100	3,300
Total gain (loss) on the sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
(Gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants			(3,139)	(3,548)	4,640
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants			$ (47)	$ (170)	$ (629)
Number of Restaurants | restaurant			2,249	2,250	2,251
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member] | Loss on anticipated sale [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Restaurants sold to franchisees (restaurants) | restaurant				20
(Gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants	[3]		$ 0	$ (1,856)	$ 0
Number of Restaurants | restaurant				25
Number of Restaurants Closed | restaurant		5
Subtotal of gains (losses) on sale of company-operated restaurants [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
(Gains) losses on the sale of company-operated restaurants			$ (3,139)	$ (1,692)	$ 4,640
[1]	(1)Amounts in 2015, 2014 and 2013 include additional proceeds of $1.5 million, $2.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.
[2]	(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 charges for operating restaurant leases with lease commitments in excess of our sublease rental income.
[3]	(3) In 2014, the loss on the anticipated sale of a Jack in the Box market relates to 25 company-operated restaurants of which we sold 20, and closed the remaining five, in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Summary Of Refranchisings, Fr53

Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocations On Franchise Acquisitions) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)restaurant	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)restaurant
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees (restaurants) | restaurant			14
Property and equipment	$ 646	$ 1,398	$ 3,030
Reacquired franchise rights	0	96	148
Goodwill	0	256	9,169
Gains on the acquisition of franchise-operated restaurants	(33)	0	0
Liabilities assumed	(613)	0	(283)
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 0	$ 1,750	$ 12,064
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees (restaurants) | restaurant	7	4	1
Goodwill		$ 256
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees (restaurants) | restaurant			13
Goodwill		$ 0

Goodwill And Intangible Asset54

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Weighted-average life of the amortized intangible assets (in years)	27 years
Total amortization expense	$ 0.8	$ 0.9	$ 1

Goodwill And Intangible Asset55

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 149,074	$ 148,988
Acquisition of franchised restaurants	0	256	$ 9,169
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	(47)	(170)
Goodwill, ending balance	149,027	149,074	148,988
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	48,477	48,391
Acquisition of franchised restaurants		256
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	(47)	(170)	(629)
Goodwill, ending balance	48,430	48,477	48,391
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	100,597	100,597
Acquisition of franchised restaurants		0
Sale of company-operated restaurants to franchisees	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 100,597	$ 100,597	$ 100,597

Goodwill And Intangible Asset56

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Schedule Of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 800	$ 900	$ 1,000
Gross carrying amount	17,267	17,272
Less accumulated amortization	(11,302)	(10,468)
Amortized intangible assets: Net carrying amount	5,965	6,804
Trademark	8,800	8,800
Net carrying amount	$ 14,765	$ 15,604

Goodwill And Intangible Asset57

Goodwill And Intangible Assets, Net (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,014	$ 784
2,015	736
2,016	692
2,017	645
2,018	$ 621

Fair Value Measurements (Financ

Fair Value Measurements (Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value		$ (61,377)	$ (37,391)
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[1]	(35,003)	(35,602)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[2]	(26,374)	(1,789)
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[3]	(35,003)	(35,602)
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[1],[3]	(35,003)	(35,602)
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[2],[3]	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[3]	(26,374)	(1,789)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[1],[3]	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[2],[3]	(26,374)	(1,789)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[3]	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[1],[3]	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total liabilities at fair value	[2],[3]	0	$ 0
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-lived assets held and used, impairment charges		$ 400
[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, 2 or 3.

Derivative Instruments (Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2015USD ($)agreements	Apr. 14, 2014USD ($)agreements	Aug. 31, 2010USD ($)agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate derivatives held (swap agreements) | agreements				11	9	2
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount					$ 300,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Interest rate swaps hedge ineffectiveness	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
October 2015 through October 2018 | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount				$ 200,000,000
October 2018 through October 2022 | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount				$ 500,000,000

Derivative Instruments (Derivat

Derivative Instruments (Derivative Instruments Outstanding) (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	$ (26,374)	$ (1,789)
Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	(3,379)	(1,789)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value	$ (22,995)	$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Gains O

Derivative Instruments (Gains Or Losses Recognized On Interest Rate Swap Derivative Instrument) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	$ (26,596)	$ (1,890)	$ (110)
Cash flow hedges, Net loss reclassified to earnings	2,011	1,291	1,353
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	(26,596)	(1,890)	(110)
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	$ 2,011	$ 1,291	$ 1,353

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Detai

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		$ 300,000	$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount		$ 479,800
Credit Agreement Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Facility, Total Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Term and Revolver	$ 1,200,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	300,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	360,000
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing	900,000
Term loan maturity date		Mar. 19, 2019
Letters of Credit Maximum Issuance Available	75,000
Term loan outstanding	$ 300,000
Revolving Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		$ 395,000	306,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan outstanding		300,000	$ 197,500
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		$ 0
Maximum [Member] | Credit Agreement Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Credit Agreement Amendment [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	1.25%

Indebtedness (Schedule Of Long-

Indebtedness (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 715,256	$ 507,883
Less current portion	(26,677)	(10,871)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations noncurrent	688,579	497,012
Revolving Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolver, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin	$ 395,000	306,000
Variable interest rate	2.00%
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, variable interest rate based on an applicable margin	$ 300,000	197,500
Variable interest rate	1.95%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 20,256	$ 4,383
Variable interest rate	3.90%

Indebtedness (Scheduled Princip

Indebtedness (Scheduled Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current maturities of long-term debt	$ 26,677	$ 10,871
2,014	26,216
2,015	29,482
2,016	623,078
2,017	2,237
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling after Year Five	7,566
Total amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation maturing in future as of balance sheet date	$ 715,256	$ 507,883

Leases (Narrative) (Details)

Leases (Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Minimum sublease rents	$ 1
Lease term (in years)	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease renewal option as lessee, minimum (in years)	5 years
Lease renewal option as lessor, minimum (in years)	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease renewal option as lessee, minimum (in years)	20 years
Lease renewal option as lessor, minimum (in years)	20 years

Leases (Components Of Rent Expe

Leases (Components Of Rent Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Minimum rentals	$ 212,722	$ 213,082	$ 210,638
Contingent rentals	2,549	1,986	1,840
Total rent expense	215,271	215,068	212,478
Less rental expense on subleased properties	(141,946)	(139,976)	(136,970)
Net rent expense	$ 73,325	$ 75,092	$ 75,508

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Pa

Leases (Future Minimum Lease Payments For Capital And Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Leases, 2013	$ 4,040
Capital Leases, 2014	3,355
Capital Leases, 2015	2,518
Capital Leases, 2016	2,647
Capital Leases, 2017	2,522
Capital Leases, Thereafter	7,852
Capital Leases, Total minimum lease payments	22,934
Less amount representing interest, 10.00% weighted average interest rate	(2,678)
Present value of obligations under capital leases	20,256
Less current portion	(3,240)
Operating Leases, 2013	246,636
Operating Leases, 2014	210,994
Operating Leases, 2015	177,768
Operating Leases, 2016	168,564
Operating Leases, 2017	141,470
Operating Leases, Thereafter	552,858
Operating Leases, Total minimum lease payments	1,498,290
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 17,016
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	3.90%

Leases (Assets Recorded Under C

Leases (Assets Recorded Under Capital Leases) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Less accumulated amortization	$ (8,453)	$ (15,667)
Asset under capital leases, net	19,033	3,438
Buildings [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Asset under capital leases, gross	10,716	19,105
Equipment [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Asset under capital leases, gross	$ 16,770	$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years

Leases (As Lessor) (Details)

Leases (As Lessor) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Contingent rentals		$ 28,348	$ 19,551	$ 16,966
Total rent income	[1]	$ 232,264	$ 222,443	$ 213,009
[1]	Includes contingent rentals.

Leases (Minimum Rents Receivabl

Leases (Minimum Rents Receivable Expected To Be Received Under These Non-Cancelable Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,013	$ 224,400
2,014	204,802
2,015	184,853
2,016	199,905
2,017	196,635
Thereafter	1,387,889
Total minimum future rentals	$ 2,398,484

Leases (Assets Held For Lease)

Leases (Assets Held For Lease) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Assets held for lease, gross	$ 754,666	$ 765,691
Less accumulated depreciation	(453,056)	(434,526)
Assets held for lease, net	301,610	331,165
Land [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Assets held for lease, gross	72,248	72,143
Buildings [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Assets held for lease, gross	678,044	689,056
Equipment [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Assets held for lease, gross	$ 4,374	$ 4,492

Impairment, Disposition Of Pr72

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)litigation	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)litigation
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	$ 6,260	$ 1,202	$ 2,554
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$ (1,847)	$ (1,680)	$ (789)
Number of Closed Restaurants Related to Eminent Domain Proceeds in Current Period | litigation	1		4
Accelerated Depreciation Related to Beverage Equipment Upgrades [Member]
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	$ 3,600
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	900		$ 2,800
Accelerated Depreciation Related to Lighting Upgrades [Member] [Member]
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	$ 1,500

Impairment, Disposition Of Pr73

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Impairment And Disposal Costs Included In Impairment And Other Charges) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]
Restaurant impairment charges	$ 557	$ 570	$ 3,874
Accelerated depreciation	6,260	1,202	2,554
Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net	1,847	1,680	789
Costs of closed restaurants (primary lease obligations) and other	3,592	2,841	2,469
Restructuring costs	29	8,621	3,451	$ 15,500
Impairment and other charges, net	11,757	14,908	13,439
Continuing Operations [Member]
Impairment, Disposition of Property and Equipment, and Restaurant Closing Costs [Line Items]
Losses on disposition of property and equipment, net	$ 1,319	$ 1,674	$ 1,091

Impairment, Disposition Of Pr74

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, And Restaurant Closing Costs (Restaurant Closing Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Additions and adjustments	$ 29	$ 8,621	$ 3,451	$ 15,500
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	13,173
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	2,653
Cash payments	6,119
Balance at end of year	$ 9,707	$ 13,173

Impairment, Disposition Of Pr75

Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs And Restructuring Restructuring Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance costs	$ 29	$ 2,141	$ 2,821
Other restructuring costs	0	6,480	630
Additions	$ 29	$ 8,621	$ 3,451	$ 15,500

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
State net operating loss carryforwards	$ 76,200
Valuation allowance	(11,563)	$ (8,624)
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	$ 3,000

Income Taxes (Components Of Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current, Federal	$ 59,362	$ 43,864	$ 51,367
Current, State	9,598	3,770	7,583
Total Current	68,960	47,634	58,950
Deferred, Federal	(2,018)	3,700	(16,897)
Deferred, State	(1,173)	452	(1,707)
Total Deferred	(3,191)	4,152	(18,604)
Income tax expense from continuing operations	65,769	51,786	40,346
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	$ (2,410)	$ (3,629)	$ (19,566)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of The Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate To Effective Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed at federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	3.70%	3.30%	3.40%
Benefit of jobs tax credits	(1.10%)	(1.20%)	(1.90%)
Expense/(benefit) related to COLIs	0.30%	(1.60%)	(2.90%)
Others, net	(1.00%)	(0.20%)	(0.80%)
Effective tax rate	36.90%	35.30%	32.80%

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets And Deferred Tax Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits	$ 92,456	$ 77,170
Accrued insurance	13,245	12,874
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation	6,412	3,090
Accrued vacation pay expense	2,193	2,132
Deferred income	1,417	1,436
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Impairment Losses	23,982	25,391
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges	11,471	12,686
Other reserves and allowances	1,584	1,303
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards	14,081	10,705
Leasing transactions	11,442	7,201
Share-based compensation	9,331	9,416
Other, net	12,238	1,418
Total gross deferred tax assets	199,852	164,822
Valuation allowance	(11,563)	(8,624)
Total net deferred tax assets	188,289	156,198
Property and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	(38,403)	(38,362)
Intangible assets	(30,132)	(28,149)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	(1,568)	(2,069)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(70,103)	(68,580)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 118,186	$ 87,618

Income Taxes (Reconciliation 80

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance beginning of year	$ 374	$ 769
Increases to tax positions recorded during current years	374	395
Balance at end of year	$ 0	$ 374

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (D

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum Required Contribution For Retirement Plans	$ 0
Vesting percentage of participant's right to company contribution	25.00%
Decrease in earnings before income taxes due to quarter percentage point decrease in discount rate	$ 2.4
Decrease in earnings before income taxes due to quarter percentage point decrease in long-term rate of return	$ 0.9
Participants Under Age 65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year	8.00%	8.25%	8.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	2,030	2,030
Participants Age 65 Or Older [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year	7.50%	7.75%	8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	4.50%	4.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	2,028	2,028
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			2,038
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			2,037
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			2,045
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			2,045
Qualified Defined Contribution Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plans, General Information	P21Y
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 1.2	$ 1	$ 1
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%
Non Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Period of years in executive position	10 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	3.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 1.3	$ 1.1	$ 1.1
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent of Bonus	85.00%

Retirement Plans (Reconciliatio

Retirement Plans (Reconciliation Of The Changes In Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets And Funded Status Of Retirement Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year	$ 356,312
Fair value at end of year	332,657	$ 356,312
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	54,407	49,173	$ (98,764)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	44,544	43,928	(117,659)
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Obligation at beginning of year	434,896	382,068
Service cost	7,592	7,633	10,210
Interest cost	19,750	20,196	19,964
Participant contributions	0	0
Actuarial loss	16,757	59,661
Benefits paid	(10,261)	(10,963)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	(26,470)	(23,699)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets	(26,470)	(23,699)
Other	0	0
Obligation at end of year	442,264	434,896	382,068
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year	356,312	336,425
Actual return on plan assets	(6,924)	34,549
Participant contributions	0	0
Employer contributions	20,000	20,000
Fair value at end of year	332,657	356,312	336,425
Funded status at end of year	(109,607)	(78,584)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent liabilities	(109,607)	(78,584)
Total liability recognized	(109,607)	(78,584)
Unamortized actuarial loss, net	153,156	114,482
Unamortized prior service cost	0	0
Total	153,156	114,482
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	46,952	49,603
Amortization of actuarial loss	(8,278)	(3,575)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	38,674	46,028
Net periodic benefit cost and other losses	12,347	6,912	23,124
Total Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income	51,021	52,940
Net actuarial loss	2,828
Prior service cost	0
Total	2,828
Defined Benefit Plan, Other	0
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Obligation at beginning of year	69,733	64,717
Service cost	676	490	543
Interest cost	2,945	3,049	2,664
Participant contributions	0	0
Actuarial loss	6,447	5,652
Benefits paid	(4,455)	(4,175)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets	0	0
Other	0	0
Obligation at end of year	75,346	69,733	64,717
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	4,455	4,175
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	(75,346)	(69,733)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current liabilities	(4,477)	(4,479)
Noncurrent liabilities	(70,869)	(65,254)
Total liability recognized	(75,346)	(69,733)
Unamortized actuarial loss, net	31,738	26,425
Unamortized prior service cost	811	1,080
Total	32,549	27,505
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	6,447	5,652
Amortization of actuarial loss	(1,134)	(859)
Amortization of prior service cost	(269)	(269)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	5,044	4,524
Net periodic benefit cost and other losses	5,024	4,667	5,646
Total Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income	10,068	9,191
Net actuarial loss	1,259
Prior service cost	240
Total	1,499
Defined Benefit Plan, Other	0
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Obligation at beginning of year	27,626	33,243
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	1,196	1,639	1,586
Participant contributions	114	123
Actuarial loss	1,008	(6,082)
Benefits paid	(1,184)	(1,456)
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets	0	0
Other	151	159
Obligation at end of year	28,911	27,626	33,243
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	114	123
Employer contributions	919	1,174
Fair value at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status at end of year	(28,911)	(27,626)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Current liabilities	(1,294)	(1,269)
Noncurrent liabilities	(27,617)	(26,357)
Total liability recognized	(28,911)	(27,626)
Unamortized actuarial loss, net	3,226	2,400
Unamortized prior service cost	0	0
Total	3,226	2,400
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during the period	1,008	(6,082)
Amortization of actuarial loss	(182)	(542)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax	826	(6,624)
Net periodic benefit cost and other losses	1,378	2,181	$ 2,377
Total Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Comprehensive Income	2,204	(4,443)
Net actuarial loss	218
Prior service cost	0
Total	218
Defined Benefit Plan, Other	$ 151	$ 159

Retirement Plans (Fair Value Of

Retirement Plans (Fair Value Of Plan Assets Of Pension Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 332,657	$ 356,312
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	(8,278)	(3,575)
Defined Benefit Plan, Other	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(10,261)	(10,963)
Projected benefit obligation	442,264	434,896	$ 382,068
Accumulated benefit obligation	441,451	433,010
Fair value of plan assets	332,657	356,312	336,425
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	(1,134)	(859)
Defined Benefit Plan, Other	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(4,455)	(4,175)
Projected benefit obligation	75,346	69,733	64,717
Accumulated benefit obligation	74,388	68,914
Fair value of plan assets	0	0	0
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	(182)	(542)
Defined Benefit Plan, Other	151	159
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(1,184)	(1,456)
Projected benefit obligation	28,911	27,626	33,243
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Retirement Plans (Components Of

Retirement Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 7,592	$ 7,633	$ 10,210
Interest cost	19,750	20,196	19,964
Expected return on plan assets	(23,273)	(24,492)	(22,715)
Actuarial loss	8,278	3,575	15,665
Net periodic benefit cost	12,347	6,912	23,124
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	1,196	1,639	1,586
Actuarial loss	182	542	791
Net periodic benefit cost	1,378	2,181	2,377
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	676	490	543
Interest cost	2,945	3,049	2,664
Actuarial loss	1,134	859	2,170
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	269	269	269
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 5,024	$ 4,667	$ 5,646

Retirement Plans (Determining T

Retirement Plans (Determining The Present Values Of Benefit Obligations And Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cash flow period extension		P30Y
Qualified Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	[1]	4.79%	4.60%	5.37%
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Rate of future pay increases	[1]	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	[2]	4.60%	5.37%	4.34%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Long-term rate of return on assets	[2]	6.50%	7.25%	7.25%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Rate of future pay increases	[2]	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	[1]	4.45%	4.36%	4.88%
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Rate of future pay increases	[1]	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	[2]	4.36%	4.88%	4.34%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Rate of future pay increases	[2]	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations, Discount rate	[1]	4.47%	4.43%	5.04%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost, Discount rate	[2]	4.43%	5.04%	4.34%
[1]	Determined as of end of year
[2]	Determined as of beginning of year.

Retirement Plans (Health Care C

Retirement Plans (Health Care Cost Trend Rates For Postretirement Health Plans) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Participants Under Age 65 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate for next year	8.00%	8.25%	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	2,030	2,030
Participants Age 65 Or Older [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Health care cost trend rate for next year	7.50%	7.75%	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	2,028	2,028

Retirement Plans (Effect Of Cha

Retirement Plans (Effect Of Change In The Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Total interest and service cost, 1% Point Increase	$ 143
Total interest and service cost, 1% Point Decrease	(121)
Postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Point Increase	3,494
Postretirement benefit obligation, 1% Point Decrease	$ (2,972)

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of P

Retirement Plans (Schedule Of Plan Asset Allocation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	100.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	100.00%
Domestic Equity Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	25.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	25.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	15.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	35.00%
International Equity Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	27.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	25.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	15.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	35.00%
Core Fixed Funds Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	27.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	25.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	20.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	30.00%
Real Return Bonds Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	0.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	3.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	0.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	10.00%
Alternative Investments Member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	4.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	5.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	0.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	10.00%
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	12.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	8.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	0.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	10.00%
High Yield [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	2.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	5.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	0.00%
Commodity Contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Plan Assets, Equity securities	3.00%
Asset Allocation, Target, Equity securities	4.00%
Asset Allocation, Minimum, Equity securities	0.00%
Asset Allocation, Maximum, Equity securities	10.00%

Retirement Plans (Fair Values O

Retirement Plans (Fair Values Of The Qualified Plan's Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 27, 2015		Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		$ 332,657		$ 356,312
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		3,629		900
Equity, U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		15,812		17,063
Commingled [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		169,701		147,221
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		7,243		13,122
Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets				11,631
Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		88,621		121,666
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		36,967		32,593
Diversified funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		10,684		12,116
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		236,123		202,053
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	[1]	3,629		900
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	[2]	15,812		17,063
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commingled [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	169,701		147,221
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	[4]	7,243		13,122
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	[5]			11,631
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	29,054		0
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	[7]	0		0
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Diversified funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[8]	10,684		12,116
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		59,567		121,666
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity, U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commingled [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]			0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	59,567		121,666
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[7]	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Diversified funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[8]	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		36,967	[7]	32,593
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity, U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commingled [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[4]	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Government And Mortgage Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[5]			0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[6]	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		36,967	[7]	32,593	[7]	$ 29,352
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Diversified funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	[8]	$ 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 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
[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 (level 1) 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 (level 2)
[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.
[8]	Diversified funds are comprised of exchange-traded commodities futures and treasury bills, which are valued at unadjusted quoted market prices.

Retirement Plans (Changes In Le

Retirement Plans (Changes In Level 3 Investments For The Qualified Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015		Sep. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year		$ 356,312
Fair value at end of year		332,657		$ 356,312
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year		32,593
Fair value at end of year		36,967	[1]	32,593
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year		13,122
Fair value at end of year		7,243		13,122
Corporate Bonds [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	[2]	0
Fair value at end of year	[2]	0		0
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year		32,593
Fair value at end of year		36,967		32,593
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		32,593	[1]	29,352
Actual return on plan assets, Relating to assets still held at the reporting date		4,665		3,520
Actual return on plan assets, Relating to assets sold during the period		(40)		(18)
Purchases, sales, and settlements		(331)		(297)
Fair value at end of year	[1]	$ 36,967		$ 32,593
[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

Retirement Plans (Contributions

Retirement Plans (Contributions Expected To Be Paid In The Next Fiscal Year And The Projected Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated net contributions during fiscal 2013	$ 24,477
2,013	14,548
2,014	14,831
2,015	15,361
2,016	16,147
2,017	17,233
2018-2022	105,016
Postretirement Health Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated net contributions during fiscal 2013	1,320
2,013	1,324
2,014	1,403
2,015	1,470
2,016	1,673
2,017	1,711
2018-2022	$ 9,208

Share-Based Employee Compensa92

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value of shares issued in connection with director retirements	$ 33,772	$ 49,621	$ 64,299
Total shares purchased through ESPP	1,371	4,055	7,144
Deferred Compensation for Non Management Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs outstanding	79,158	75,466
Shares issued in connection with director retirements		10,616	44,714
Grant date fair value of shares issued in connection with director retirements		$ 600	$ 1,400
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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%
Average price of shares purchased through ESPP	$ 70.78	$ 49.25	$ 29.71
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted	$ 2,800
Weighted-average period for unrecognized compensation cost, (in years)	1 year 3 months 20 days
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 41,800	$ 42,400	$ 25,900
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (usd per share)	$ 22.04	$ 20.04	$ 11.84
Performance share awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted	$ 5,000
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (usd per share)		$ 47.29	$ 27.49
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted (usd per share)	$ 73.53
Total fair value of awards vested	$ 3,500	$ 3,600	$ 1,000
RSUs outstanding	162,914	330,203
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted	$ 200
Weighted-average period for unrecognized compensation cost, (in years)	2 years 1 month 5 days
RSUs outstanding	95,815
Performance-Vested Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average period for unrecognized compensation cost, (in years)	1 year 6 months 5 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted	$ 6,800
Weighted-average period for unrecognized compensation cost, (in years)	2 years 8 months 11 days
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted (usd per share)	$ 75.07	$ 49.79	$ 28.95
Total fair value of awards vested	$ 2,400	$ 3,500	$ 900
RSUs outstanding	332,973	330,871
Minimum [Member] | Performance share awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vested, percentage	50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Performance share awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	150.00%
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units vested, percentage	100.00%
Prior To Fiscal 2007 [Member] | Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Prior To Fiscal 2007 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award	P10Y
Prior To Fiscal 2007 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award	P11Y
Beginning Of 2007 [Member] | Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award	P7Y
Vesting period	3 years
Prior To Fiscal 2011 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSUs outstanding	60,272
Beginning Of Fiscal 2011 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years
RSUs outstanding	106,138
Management [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
RSUs outstanding	126,095
Non-Management Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	12 months
RSUs outstanding	40,468
Two Thousand Four Stock Incentive Plan Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	11,600,000
Shares of common stock available for future issuance	2,590,664
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Management Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized	350,000
Shares of common stock available for future issuance	143,122

Share-Based Employee Compensa93

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Components Of Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 12,420	$ 10,358	$ 11,392
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	18,602	17,664	2,094
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	2,782	2,660	5,075
Performance share awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	4,229	3,923	2,311
Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	156	310	430
Deferred Compensation for Non Management Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	264	218	220
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 4,989	$ 3,247	$ 3,356

Share-Based Employee Compensa94

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock options $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
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 3 months 20 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding, shares, beginning balance	1,189,570
Shares, Granted	123,042
Shares, Exercised	(708,096)
Shares, Forfeited	(10,168)
Options outstanding, shares, ending balance	594,348
Options exercisable, Shares	285,820
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Shares	594,348
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) | $ / shares	$ 26.74
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (usd per share) | $ / shares	73.53
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (usd per share) | $ / shares	21.29
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (usd per share) | $ / shares	38.74
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares	42.72
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share) | $ / shares	30.34
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 42.72
Options outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, years	4 years 7 months 28 days
Options exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, years	3 years 10 months 18 days
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, years	4 years 7 months 28 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 21,984
Options exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	14,112
Options exercisable and expected to vest, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 21,984

Share-Based Employee Compensa95

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Schedule Of Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.78%	2.05%	1.09%
Expected dividends yield	1.09%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	32.09%	39.18%	42.24%
Expected life of options (in years)	6 years	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Weighted-average grant date fair value (usd per share)	$ 22.04	$ 20.04	$ 11.84

Share-Based Employee Compensa96

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of PSU Activity) (Details) - Performance share awards	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Stock awards outstanding, Beginning balance, Shares	330,203
Granted, Shares	40,594
Issued, Shares	(189,584)
Forfeited, Shares	5,362
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	162,914
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ (48.54)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	(12,937)
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) | $ / shares	$ 25.69
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) | $ / shares	73.53
Issued, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) | $ / shares	26.70
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares	59.37
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Canceled In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 27.49

Share-Based Employee Compensa97

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of RSA Activity) (Details) - Nonvested Stock Awards [Member]	Sep. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Nonvested stock awards outstanding, Shares	95,815
Non vested stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.56

Share-Based Employee Compensa98

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of RSU Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Stock awards outstanding, Beginning balance, Shares	330,871
Granted, Shares	93,570
Released, Shares	(69,720)
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	332,973	330,871
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)	$ 33.73
Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	75.07	$ 49.79	$ 28.95
Released, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share)	34.44
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (usd per share)	$ 44.34	$ 33.73
Cancelled, Shares	21,748
Cancelled, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 46.83
Non-Management Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	12 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	40,468

Share-Based Employee Compensa99

Share-Based Employee Compensation (Summary Of Stock Equivalent Activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)shares
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 | $	$ 33,772,000	$ 49,621,000	$ 64,299,000
Deferred Compensation for Non Management 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	75,466
Deferred Directors' Compensation in Current Period, Shares	2,761
Stock distribution, Shares		(10,616)	(44,714)
Stock awards outstanding, Ending balance, Shares	79,158	75,466
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) | $ / shares	$ 23.44
Deferred directors' compensation, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (usd per share) | $ / shares	95.09
Stock awards outstanding, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 26.64	$ 23.44
StockEquivalentsDuringPeriodSharesDividend | $	$ 931
StockEquivalentdividendsweightedaveragepersharefairvalue | $ / shares	83.79
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures | $		$ 600,000	$ 1,400,000

Stockholders' Equity Stockho100

Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity(Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	3 Months Ended			4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 05, 2015	Apr. 12, 2015	Jan. 18, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 21, 2015	May. 07, 2015	Nov. 13, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Feb. 10, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 200,000,000	$ 0	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired					3.7
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method					$ 317,051,000	$ 319,690,000	$ 140,121,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.3	$ 0.30	$ 0.2	$ 0.20	$ 1	$ 0.40	$ 0
Dividends, Common Stock					$ 37,590,000
Expiration: November 2017 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 200,000,000				200,000,000
Expiration: November 2016 [Member] [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 25,500				25,500
Treasury Stock [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method					$ 317,051,000	$ 319,690,000	$ 140,121,000

Average Shares Outstanding (Rec

Average Shares Outstanding (Reconciliation Of Basic Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding To Diluted Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]
Weighted-average shares outstanding - basic	37,587	40,781	43,351
Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted	38,215	41,973	44,899
Antidilutive	84	153	145
Performance conditions not satisfied at the end of the period	15	20	209
Stock options
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	274	641	957
Nonvested stock awards and units
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	199	281	371
Performance share awards
Average Shares Outstanding [Line Items]
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	155	270	220

Variable Interest Entities (Nar

Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) - Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Prepayment of Notes Receivable	$ 3,900
Commitment from parent through capital note	20,000
Revolving credit facility	0
FFE Facility [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing	$ 80,000

Variable Interest Entities (Com

Variable Interest Entities (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other current assets		$ 3,106	$ 597
Current liabilities		229,389	206,307
Other long-term liabilities		370,058	309,435
Retained earnings		1,316,119	1,244,897
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		1,303,979	1,270,665
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash		100	0
Other current assets	[1]	1,037	2,494
Other assets, net	[1]	1,928	5,776
Total assets		3,065	8,270
Current liabilities	[2]	1,134	2,833
Revolving credit facility		0
Other long-term liabilities	[2]	1,793	5,367
Retained earnings		138	70
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 3,065	$ 8,270
[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 A104

Commitments, Contingencies And Legal Matters (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)center	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought	$ 45,000
General liability and workers' comp estimated claims to be paid by insurance providers	$ 25,800	$ 24,600
number of distribution center leases assigned to third parties | center	1
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 1,300
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2013	802,700
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2014	567,500
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2015	247,600
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2016	206,400
Unconditional purchase obligations, 2017	200,100
Unconditional purchase obligations, Total	$ 2,024,300

Segment Reporting (Summarized F

Segment Reporting (Summarized Financial Information Of Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 05, 2015	Apr. 12, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 06, 2014	Apr. 13, 2014	Jan. 18, 2015	Jan. 19, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues		$ 354,068	$ 359,506	$ 358,122	$ 344,687	$ 348,492	$ 340,870	$ 468,621	$ 450,081	$ 1,540,317	$ 1,484,131	$ 1,489,867
Consolidated earnings from operations		$ 41,674	$ 50,395	$ 41,868	$ 29,225	$ 43,000	$ 32,879	$ 63,236	$ 57,204	197,173	162,308	138,205
Interest Income (Expense), Net										(18,803)	(15,678)	(15,251)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest										178,370	146,630	122,954
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal										(3,139)	(3,548)	4,640
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment										86,226	60,525	84,690
Consolidated depreciation expense										88,778	90,655	92,006
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										(3,139)	(3,548)
Old segment reporting structure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal											0	0
Jack in the box brand restaurant operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues										1,145,176	1,127,243
Consolidated earnings from operations										265,230	235,574
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment										41,928	30,858
Consolidated depreciation expense										64,597	66,409
Jack In The Box [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues											1,127,243
Consolidated earnings from operations											130,408	113,864
Jack In The Box [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues												1,179,295
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment											38,132	55,221
Consolidated depreciation expense											73,663	76,191
Qdoba brand restaurant operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues										395,141	356,888
Consolidated earnings from operations										47,264	34,287
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment										34,071	17,967
Consolidated depreciation expense										17,103	16,992
Qdoba [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues											356,888	310,572
Consolidated earnings from operations											32,016	24,470
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment											22,393	29,469
Consolidated depreciation expense											16,992	15,815
F F E Operations New [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated earnings from operations	[1]									0	0
FFE Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated earnings from operations	[1]										(116)	(129)
Shared services and unallocated costs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated earnings from operations										(112,182)	(104,005)
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment										10,227	11,700
Consolidated depreciation expense										$ 7,078	7,254
Shared services and unallocated costs old reporting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated earnings from operations											0	0
Expenditures for long-lived assets by segment											0	0
Consolidated depreciation expense											$ 0	$ 0
[1]	(1) FFE operations are included in the Jack in the Box operations segment under the new basis of segmentation.

Supplemental Consolidated Ca106

Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information (Additional Information Related To Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest, net of amounts capitalized		$ 16,233	$ 13,754	$ 12,824
Income tax payments		28,764	29,145	43,365
Equipment capital lease obligations incurred		16,770	0	0
(Decrease) increase in accrued stock repurchases		(3,112)	(4,176)	7,288
Increase in dividends accrued or converted to common stock equivalents		174	68	0
Increase (decrease) in obligation for purchases of property and equipment (1)	[1]	$ 5,388	$ (1,187)	$ (1,274)
[1]	(1) In 2013, amounts also include changes in obligations related to assets held for sale.

Supplemental Consolidated Fi107

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information (Schedule Of Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statement Information [Abstract]
Trade	$ 36,990	$ 35,975
Other Prepaid Expense, Current	8,595	8,358
Notes receivable	1,726	3,574
Income Taxes Receivable	7,914	8,306
Other	2,900	2,955
Allowances for doubtful accounts	(1,555)	(796)
Accounts and other receivables, net	47,975	50,014
Prepaid income taxes	7,645	27,956
Prepaid Expense, Current	16,240	36,314
Company-owned life insurance policies	99,513	100,753
Deferred rent receivable	45,330	41,872
Deferred Tax Asset	78,151	50,807
Other	40,941	43,866
Other assets, net	263,935	237,298
Payroll and related taxes	56,223	54,905
Sales and property taxes	11,574	11,760
Insurance	35,370	34,834
Advertising	20,692	21,452
Gift card liability	4,608	4,064
Deferred franchise fees	1,198	1,464
Other	40,910	35,147
Accrued liabilities	170,575	163,626
Pension plans	180,476	143,838
Straight-line rent accrual	46,807	48,835
Other	142,775	116,762
Other long-term liabilities	$ 370,058	$ 309,435

Unaudited Quarterly Results 108

Unaudited Quarterly Results Of Operations (Quarterly Results Of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 05, 2015	Apr. 12, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Jul. 06, 2014	Apr. 13, 2014	Jan. 18, 2015	Jan. 19, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment				$ 2,100
Revenues	$ 354,068	$ 359,506	$ 358,122	344,687	$ 348,492	$ 340,870	$ 468,621	$ 450,081	$ 1,540,317	$ 1,484,131	$ 1,489,867
Earnings from operations	41,674	50,395	41,868	29,225	43,000	32,879	63,236	57,204	197,173	162,308	138,205
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 23,141	$ 26,831	$ 23,005	$ 16,160	$ 24,703	$ 15,801	$ 35,835	$ 32,286	$ 108,812	$ 88,950	$ 51,152
Net earnings per share, Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.64	$ 0.72	$ 0.61	$ 0.41	$ 0.62	$ 0.38	$ 0.93	$ 0.76	$ 2.89	$ 2.18	$ 1.18
Net earnings per share, Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.63	$ 0.71	$ 0.60	$ 0.40	$ 0.61	$ 0.37	$ 0.91	$ 0.74	$ 2.85	$ 2.12	$ 1.14

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended			4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 05, 2015	Apr. 12, 2015	Jan. 17, 2016	Jan. 18, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.3	$ 0.30	$ 0.2		$ 0.20	$ 1	$ 0.40	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared				$ 0.30