Publix Super Markets (PUSH) 10-Q 1 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 18, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	28-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'ck0000081061	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000081061	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-27	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	779,343,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$200,696	$301,868
Short-term investments	823,578	829,559
Trade receivables	549,307	540,156
Merchandise inventories	1,461,947	1,506,977
Deferred tax assets	76,371	55,761
Prepaid expenses	78,980	25,823
Total current assets	3,190,879	3,260,144
Long-term investments	5,736,973	5,161,927
Other noncurrent assets	346,011	319,818
Property, plant and equipment	8,864,566	8,418,636
Accumulated depreciation	-3,759,916	-3,613,884
Net property, plant and equipment	5,104,650	4,804,752
Total assets	14,378,513	13,546,641
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,405,569	1,383,134
Accrued expenses:	'	'
Contribution to retirement plans	312,925	448,339
Self-insurance reserves	152,327	150,860
Salaries and wages	200,708	116,116
Other	359,520	223,048
Current portion of long-term debt	71,847	37,509
Federal and state income taxes	20,364	19,916
Total current liabilities	2,523,260	2,378,922
Deferred tax liabilities	342,809	356,956
Self-insurance reserves	204,410	205,181
Accrued postretirement benefit cost	103,326	102,763
Long-term debt	104,241	124,645
Other noncurrent liabilities	114,216	110,378
Total liabilities	3,392,262	3,278,845
Common stock related to Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)	2,707,336	2,322,903
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock of $1 par value. Authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued 786,042 shares in 2014 and 776,721 shares in 2013	786,042	776,721
Additional paid-in capital	2,170,996	1,898,974
Retained earnings	8,062,393	7,454,448
Treasury stock at cost, 6,571 shares in 2014	-207,117	0
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	124,667	86,999
Common stock related to ESOP	-2,707,336	-2,322,903
Total stockholders’ equity	8,229,645	7,894,239
Noncontrolling interests	49,270	50,654
Total equity	10,986,251	10,267,796
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$14,378,513	$13,546,641

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	786,042,000	776,721,000
Treasury stock at cost, shares	6,571,000	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Sales	$7,505,586	$7,040,064	$15,320,326	$14,543,448
Other operating income	59,074	56,611	120,036	112,281
Total revenues	7,564,660	7,096,675	15,440,362	14,655,729
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of merchandise sold	5,468,593	5,073,192	11,079,461	10,452,770
Operating and administrative expenses	1,535,148	1,450,063	3,092,928	2,944,848
Total costs and expenses	7,003,741	6,523,255	14,172,389	13,397,618
Operating profit	560,919	573,420	1,267,973	1,258,111
Investment income, net	37,932	26,619	63,560	48,363
Other income, net	4,927	4,787	12,419	8,884
Earnings before income tax expense	603,778	604,826	1,343,952	1,315,358
Income tax expense	199,718	203,944	446,186	443,223
Net earnings	$404,060	$400,882	$897,766	$872,135
Weighted average shares outstanding	782,132	783,671	780,056	780,891
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$0.52	$0.51	$1.15	$1.12
Dividends paid per common share	$0.37	$0.35	$0.37	$0.35

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$404,060	$400,882	$897,766	$872,135
Other comprehensive earnings:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale (AFS) securities, net of tax effect	38,335	-34,450	50,248	-755
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on AFS securities, net of tax effect	-9,312	-4,044	-12,749	-5,676
Adjustment to postretirement benefit plan obligation, net of tax effect	85	806	169	1,612
Comprehensive earnings	$433,168	$363,194	$935,434	$867,316

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale (AFS) securities, tax effect	$24,140	($21,694)	$31,642	($476)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain on AFS securities, tax effect	-5,863	-2,547	-8,028	-3,574
Adjustment to postretirement benefit plan obligation, tax effect	$53	$508	$106	$1,016

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Cash received from customers	$15,338,994	$14,572,874
Cash paid to employees and suppliers	-13,352,472	-12,649,515
Income taxes paid	-533,388	-472,450
Self-insured claims paid	-154,078	-159,879
Dividends and interest received	109,856	96,725
Other operating cash receipts	116,419	108,420
Other operating cash payments	-8,513	-8,393
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,516,818	1,487,782
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Payment for capital expenditures	-540,466	-271,755
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	11,923	4,623
Payment for investments	-1,200,079	-1,349,602
Proceeds from sale and maturity of investments	640,366	550,438
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,088,256	-1,066,296
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment for acquisition of common stock	-378,106	-305,147
Proceeds from sale of common stock	142,618	113,969
Dividends paid	289,821	274,646
Repayment of long-term debt	-6,413	-2,578
Other, net	1,988	-338
Net cash used in financing activities	-529,734	-468,740
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-101,172	-47,254
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	301,868	337,400
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	200,696	290,146
Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Net earnings	897,766	872,135
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	237,401	250,606
Increase in LIFO reserve	20,724	19,234
Retirement contributions paid or payable in common stock	174,526	173,487
Deferred income taxes and affordable housing amortization	-42,213	-4,302
Loss on disposal and impairment of property, plant and equipment	14,611	2,825
Gain on AFS securities	-20,777	-9,250
Net amortization of investments	70,649	64,542
Changes in operating assets and liabilities providing (requiring) cash:	'	'
Trade receivables	-7,600	2,707
Merchandise inventories	24,306	-9,915
Prepaid expenses and other noncurrent assets	-7,254	-9,061
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	200,451	160,598
Self-insurance reserves	696	-790
Federal and state income taxes	-44,393	-24,411
Other noncurrent liabilities	-2,075	-623
Total adjustments	619,052	615,647
Net cash provided by operating activities	$1,516,818	$1,487,782

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Publix Super Markets, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, the accompanying statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire 2014 fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently_Adopted_Accounting_St

Recently Adopted Accounting Standard	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted Accounting Standard	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) permitting companies to make an accounting policy election to account for qualified affordable housing investments using the proportional amortization method if certain criteria are met. Under this method, the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits received and the net investment performance is recognized in the statements of earnings as a component of income tax expense. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to adopt the ASU early. The cumulative effect of the change from adopting the ASU was recorded during the quarter ended March 29, 2014 as the effect on the quarter and prior periods was not material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU will not have an effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and accounts payable, approximates their respective carrying amounts due to their short-term maturity.
	The fair value of available-for-sale (AFS) securities is based on market prices using the following measurement categories:
	Level 1 – Fair value is determined by using quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. AFS securities that are included in this category are primarily a mutual fund, exchange traded funds and equity securities.
	Level 2 – Fair value is determined by using other than quoted prices. By using observable inputs (for example, benchmark yields, interest rates, reported trades and broker dealer quotes), the fair value is determined through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities and matrix pricing of corporate and municipal bonds by using pricing of similar bonds based on coupons, ratings and maturities. In addition, the value of collateralized mortgage obligation securities is determined by using models to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for these securities which have prepayment features. AFS securities that are included in this category are primarily debt securities (tax exempt and taxable bonds).
	Level 3 – Fair value is determined by using other than observable inputs. Fair value is determined by using the best information available in the circumstances and requires significant management judgment or estimation. No AFS securities are currently included in this category.
	Following is a summary of fair value measurements for AFS securities as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		Fair		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
		Value
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	June 28, 2014	$	6,560,551	1,366,705	5,193,846	—
	December 28, 2013	$	5,991,486	1,085,194	4,906,292	—

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	All of the Company’s debt and equity securities are classified as AFS and are carried at fair value. The Company evaluates whether AFS securities are other-than-temporarily impaired (OTTI) based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the duration of the market value decline, the credit rating of the issuer or security, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled principal or interest payments and the financial health and prospects of the issuer or security.
	Declines in the value of AFS securities determined to be OTTI are recognized in earnings and reported as OTTI losses. Debt securities with unrealized losses are considered OTTI if the Company intends to sell the debt security or if the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to any anticipated recovery. If the Company determines that a debt security is OTTI under these circumstances, the impairment recognized in earnings is measured as the difference between the amortized cost and the current fair value. A debt security is also determined to be OTTI if the Company does not expect to recover the amortized cost of the debt security. However, in this circumstance, if the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and will not be required to sell the debt security, the impairment recognized in earnings equals the estimated credit loss as measured by the difference between the present value of expected cash flows and the amortized cost of the debt security. Expected cash flows are discounted using the debt security’s effective interest rate. An equity security is determined to be OTTI if the Company does not expect to recover the cost of the equity security. Declines in the value of AFS securities determined to be temporary are reported, net of tax, as other comprehensive losses and included as a component of stockholders’ equity.
	Interest and dividend income, amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts and realized gains and losses on AFS securities are included in investment income. Interest income is accrued as earned. Dividend income is recognized as income on the ex-dividend date of the stock. The cost of AFS securities sold is based on the first-in, first-out method.
	Following is a summary of AFS securities as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		Amortized		Gross			Gross				Fair
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized				Value
				Gains			Losses
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	28-Jun-14
	Tax exempt bonds	$	3,434,434		27,491			2,587			3,459,338
	Taxable bonds	1,719,252			8,883			1,069			1,727,066
	Restricted investments	170,000			776			—			170,776
	Equity securities	1,021,170			185,621			3,420			1,203,371
		$	6,344,856		222,771			7,076			6,560,551
	28-Dec-13
	Tax exempt bonds	$	3,430,028		25,588			9,917			3,445,699
	Taxable bonds	1,445,901			7,641			3,863			1,449,679
	Restricted investments	170,000			—			86			169,914
	Equity securities	790,975			139,119			3,900			926,194
		$	5,836,904		172,348			17,766			5,991,486
	Realized gains on sales of AFS securities totaled $15,558,000 and $21,731,000 for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014, respectively. Realized losses on sales of AFS securities totaled $383,000 and $954,000 for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014, respectively. There were no OTTI losses on AFS securities for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014.
	Realized gains on sales of AFS securities totaled $11,185,000 and $18,047,000 for the three and six months ended June 29, 2013, respectively. Realized losses on sales of AFS securities totaled $4,594,000 and $8,797,000 for the three and six months ended June 29, 2013, respectively. There were no OTTI losses on AFS securities for the three and six months ended June 29, 2013.
	The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities by expected maturity as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are as follows:
		28-Jun-14				28-Dec-13
		Amortized		Fair		Amortized			Fair
		Cost		Value		Cost			Value
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	820,058	823,578		824,780			829,559
	Due after one year through five years	3,969,130		3,996,514		3,590,615			3,609,115
	Due after five years through ten years	235,036		234,058		295,407			288,421
	Due after ten years	129,462		132,254		165,127			168,283
		5,153,686		5,186,404		4,875,929			4,895,378
	Restricted investments	170,000		170,776		170,000			169,914
	Equity securities	1,021,170		1,203,371		790,975			926,194
		$	6,344,856	6,560,551		5,836,904			5,991,486
	Following is a summary of temporarily impaired AFS securities by the time period impaired as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		Less Than						12 Months				Total
		12 Months						or Longer
		Fair		Unrealized				Fair		Unrealized		Fair	Unrealized
		Value		Losses				Value		Losses		Value	Losses
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	28-Jun-14
	Tax exempt bonds	$	188,319		393			181,087			2,194	369,406		2,587
	Taxable bonds	283,512			387			81,882			682	365,394		1,069
	Equity securities	53,850			2,113			7,672			1,307	61,522		3,420
	Total temporarily impaired AFS securities	$	525,681		2,893			270,641			4,183	796,322		7,076
	28-Dec-13
	Tax exempt bonds	$	502,304		6,710			106,985			3,207	609,289		9,917
	Taxable bonds	535,233			3,347			19,367			516	554,600		3,863
	Restricted investments	169,914			86			—			—	169,914		86
	Equity securities	31,400			3,499			3,152			401	34,552		3,900
	Total temporarily impaired AFS securities	$	1,238,851		13,642			129,504			4,124	1,368,355		17,766
	There are 177 AFS securities issues contributing to the total unrealized loss of $7,076,000 as of June 28, 2014. Unrealized losses related to debt securities are primarily due to interest rate volatility impacting the market value of certain bonds. The Company continues to receive scheduled principal and interest payments on these debt securities. Unrealized losses related to equity securities are primarily due to temporary equity market fluctuations that are expected to recover.

Consolidation_of_Joint_Venture

Consolidation of Joint Ventures and Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures and Debt [Abstract]	'
Consolidation of Joint Ventures and Long-Term Debt	'
	onsolidation of Joint Ventures and Long-Term Debt
	From time to time, the Company enters into Joint Ventures (JV), in the legal form of limited liability companies, with certain real estate developers to partner in the development of shopping centers with the Company as the anchor tenant. The Company consolidates certain of these JVs in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company is considered to have a controlling financial interest in a JV when it has (1) the power to direct the activities of the JV that most significantly impact the JV’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the JV that could potentially be significant to such JV.
	The Company evaluates a JV using specific criteria to determine whether the Company has a controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of the JV. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, experience and financial condition of the other JV members, voting rights, involvement in routine capital and operating decisions and each member’s influence over the JV owned shopping center’s economic performance.
	Generally, most major JV decision making is shared between all members. In particular, the use and sale of JV assets, business plans and budgets are generally required to be approved by all members. However, the Company, through its anchor tenant operating lease agreement, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly influence the economic performance of the JV owned shopping center. Additionally, through its member equity interest in the JV, the Company will receive a significant portion of the JV’s benefits or is obligated to absorb a significant portion of the JV’s losses.
	As of June 28, 2014, the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated JVs were $158,166,000 and $54,083,000, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated JVs were $156,164,000 and $50,205,000, respectively. The assets are owned by, and the liabilities are obligations of, the JVs, not the Company, except for a portion of the long-term debt of certain JVs guaranteed by the Company. The JVs are financed with capital contributions from the members, loans and/or the cash flows generated by the JV owned shopping centers once in operation. Total earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests for 2014 and 2013 were immaterial. The Company’s involvement with these JVs does not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company’s long-term debt results primarily from the consolidation of loans of certain JVs and loans assumed in connection with the acquisition of certain shopping centers with the Company as the anchor tenant. The Company assumed loans totaling $16,975,000 during the six months ended June 28, 2014. No loans were assumed during the six months ended June 29, 2013. Maturities of JV loans range from August 2014 through April 2017 and have either (1) fixed interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 6.3% or (2) variable interest rates based on a LIBOR index plus 250 basis points. Maturities of assumed shopping center loans range from August 2014 through January 2027 and have fixed interest rates ranging from 5.1% to 7.5%.

Retirement_Plan

Retirement Plan	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plan	'
	Retirement Plan
	The Company has a trusteed, noncontributory Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit of eligible employees. The Company’s ESOP includes a put option for shares of the Company’s common stock distributed from the ESOP. Shares are distributed from the ESOP primarily to separated vested participants and certain eligible participants who elect to diversify their account balances. Since the Company’s common stock is not currently traded on an established securities market, if the owners of distributed shares desire to sell their shares, the Company is required to purchase the shares at fair value for a 15-month period after distribution of the shares from the ESOP. The fair value of distributed shares subject to the put option totaled $241,691,000 and $42,568,000 as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. The cost of the shares held by the ESOP totaled $2,465,645,000 and $2,280,335,000 as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. Due to the Company’s obligation under the put option, the distributed shares subject to the put option and the shares held by the ESOP are classified as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $2,707,336,000 and $2,322,903,000 as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the shares held by the ESOP totaled $7,697,447,000 and $7,139,235,000 as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings
	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings net of income taxes for the three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
		AFS Securities				Postretirement Benefits			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings
			(Amounts are in thousands)
	2014
	Balances at March 29, 2014		$	103,312			(7,753	)		95,559
	Unrealized gain on AFS securities		38,335				—			38,335
	Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net		(9,312		)		—			(9,312	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses		—				85			85
	Net other comprehensive earnings		29,023				85			29,108
	Balances at June 28, 2014		$	132,335			(7,668	)		124,667
	2013
	Balances at March 30, 2013		$	90,349			(19,191	)		71,158
	Unrealized loss on AFS securities		(34,450		)		—			(34,450	)
	Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net		(4,044		)		—			(4,044	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses		—				806			806
	Net other comprehensive (losses) earnings		(38,494		)		806			(37,688	)
	Balances at June 29, 2013		$	51,855			(18,385	)		33,470
	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings net of income taxes for the six months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
		AFS Securities				Postretirement Benefits			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings
			(Amounts are in thousands)
	2014
	Balances at December 28, 2013		$	94,836			(7,837	)		86,999
	Unrealized gain on AFS securities		50,248				—			50,248
	Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net		(12,749		)		—			(12,749	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses		—				169			169
	Net other comprehensive earnings		37,499				169			37,668
	Balances at June 28, 2014		$	132,335			(7,668	)		124,667
	2013
	Balances at December 29, 2012		$	58,286			(19,997	)		38,289
	Unrealized loss on AFS securities		(755		)		—			(755	)
	Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net		(5,676		)		—			(5,676	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses		—				1,612			1,612
	Net other comprehensive (losses) earnings		(6,431		)		1,612			(4,819	)
	Balances at June 29, 2013		$	51,855			(18,385	)		33,470

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Publix Super Markets, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, the accompanying statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 28, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire 2014 fiscal year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2013.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standard	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) permitting companies to make an accounting policy election to account for qualified affordable housing investments using the proportional amortization method if certain criteria are met. Under this method, the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax credits received and the net investment performance is recognized in the statements of earnings as a component of income tax expense. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company elected to adopt the ASU early. The cumulative effect of the change from adopting the ASU was recorded during the quarter ended March 29, 2014 as the effect on the quarter and prior periods was not material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The ASU requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU will not have an effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements for Available for Sale Securities	'
	Following is a summary of fair value measurements for AFS securities as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		Fair		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
		Value
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	June 28, 2014	$	6,560,551	1,366,705	5,193,846	—
	December 28, 2013	$	5,991,486	1,085,194	4,906,292	—

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available For Sale Securities	'
	Following is a summary of AFS securities as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		Amortized		Gross			Gross				Fair
		Cost		Unrealized			Unrealized				Value
				Gains			Losses
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	28-Jun-14
	Tax exempt bonds	$	3,434,434		27,491			2,587			3,459,338
	Taxable bonds	1,719,252			8,883			1,069			1,727,066
	Restricted investments	170,000			776			—			170,776
	Equity securities	1,021,170			185,621			3,420			1,203,371
		$	6,344,856		222,771			7,076			6,560,551
	28-Dec-13
	Tax exempt bonds	$	3,430,028		25,588			9,917			3,445,699
	Taxable bonds	1,445,901			7,641			3,863			1,449,679
	Restricted investments	170,000			—			86			169,914
	Equity securities	790,975			139,119			3,900			926,194
		$	5,836,904		172,348			17,766			5,991,486
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available For Sale Securities by Expected Maturity	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of AFS securities by expected maturity as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are as follows:
		28-Jun-14				28-Dec-13
		Amortized		Fair		Amortized			Fair
		Cost		Value		Cost			Value
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	820,058	823,578		824,780			829,559
	Due after one year through five years	3,969,130		3,996,514		3,590,615			3,609,115
	Due after five years through ten years	235,036		234,058		295,407			288,421
	Due after ten years	129,462		132,254		165,127			168,283
		5,153,686		5,186,404		4,875,929			4,895,378
	Restricted investments	170,000		170,776		170,000			169,914
	Equity securities	1,021,170		1,203,371		790,975			926,194
		$	6,344,856	6,560,551		5,836,904			5,991,486
Temporarily Impaired Available For Sale Securities by Time Period Impaired	'
	Following is a summary of temporarily impaired AFS securities by the time period impaired as of June 28, 2014 and December 28, 2013:
		Less Than						12 Months				Total
		12 Months						or Longer
		Fair		Unrealized				Fair		Unrealized		Fair	Unrealized
		Value		Losses				Value		Losses		Value	Losses
		(Amounts are in thousands)
	28-Jun-14
	Tax exempt bonds	$	188,319		393			181,087			2,194	369,406		2,587
	Taxable bonds	283,512			387			81,882			682	365,394		1,069
	Equity securities	53,850			2,113			7,672			1,307	61,522		3,420
	Total temporarily impaired AFS securities	$	525,681		2,893			270,641			4,183	796,322		7,076
	28-Dec-13
	Tax exempt bonds	$	502,304		6,710			106,985			3,207	609,289		9,917
	Taxable bonds	535,233			3,347			19,367			516	554,600		3,863
	Restricted investments	169,914			86			—			—	169,914		86
	Equity securities	31,400			3,499			3,152			401	34,552		3,900
	Total temporarily impaired AFS securities	$	1,238,851		13,642			129,504			4,124	1,368,355		17,766

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive earnings net of income taxes for the three months ended June 28, 2014 and June 29, 2013:
		AFS Securities				Postretirement Benefits			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings
			(Amounts are in thousands)
	2014
	Balances at March 29, 2014		$	103,312			(7,753	)		95,559
	Unrealized gain on AFS securities		38,335				—			38,335
	Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net		(9,312		)		—			(9,312	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses		—				85			85
	Net other comprehensive earnings		29,023				85			29,108
	Balances at June 28, 2014		$	132,335			(7,668	)		124,667
	2013
	Balances at March 30, 2013		$	90,349			(19,191	)		71,158
	Unrealized loss on AFS securities		(34,450		)		—			(34,450	)
	Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net		(4,044		)		—			(4,044	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses		—				806			806
	Net other comprehensive (losses) earnings		(38,494		)		806			(37,688	)
	Balances at June 29, 2013		$	51,855			(18,385	)		33,470

Fair_Value_Measurements_for_Av

Fair Value Measurements for Available for Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	$6,560,551,000	$5,991,486,000
Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	6,560,551,000	5,991,486,000
Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	1,366,705,000	1,085,194,000
Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	5,193,846,000	4,906,292,000
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	$0	$0

Available_for_Sale_Securities_

Available for Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$6,344,856,000	$5,836,904,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	222,771,000	172,348,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	7,076,000	17,766,000
Fair Value	6,560,551,000	5,991,486,000
Tax exempt bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,434,434,000	3,430,028,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	27,491,000	25,588,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	2,587,000	9,917,000
Fair Value	3,459,338,000	3,445,699,000
Taxable bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,719,252,000	1,445,901,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	8,883,000	7,641,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	1,069,000	3,863,000
Fair Value	1,727,066,000	1,449,679,000
Restricted investments	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	170,000,000	170,000,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	776,000	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	86,000
Fair Value	170,776,000	169,914,000
Equity securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,021,170,000	790,975,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	185,621,000	139,119,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	3,420,000	3,900,000
Fair Value	$1,203,371,000	$926,194,000

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
	AFS_security		AFS_security
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total realized gains on sales of AFS securities	$15,558,000	$11,185,000	$21,731,000	$18,047,000	'
Total realized losses on sales of AFS securities	383,000	4,594,000	954,000	8,797,000	'
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0	0	0	'
Number of AFS securities issues contributing to total unrealized loss	177	'	177	'	'
Total, unrealized Losses	'	'	$7,076,000	'	$17,766,000

Amortized_Cost_and_Fair_Value_

Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available for Sale Securities by Expected Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Amortized Cost	'	'
Due in one year or less	$820,058,000	$824,780,000
Due after one year through five years	3,969,130,000	3,590,615,000
Due after five years through ten years	235,036,000	295,407,000
Due after ten years	129,462,000	165,127,000
Total	5,153,686,000	4,875,929,000
Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities	6,344,856,000	5,836,904,000
Fair Value	'	'
Due in one year or less	823,578,000	829,559,000
Due after one year through five years	3,996,514,000	3,609,115,000
Due after five years through ten years	234,058,000	288,421,000
Due after ten years	132,254,000	168,283,000
Total	5,186,404,000	4,895,378,000
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	6,560,551,000	5,991,486,000
Restricted investments	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'
Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities	170,000,000	170,000,000
Fair Value	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	170,776,000	169,914,000
Equity securities	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	'
Amortized cost of available-for-sale securities	1,021,170,000	790,975,000
Fair Value	'	'
Fair value of available-for-sale securities	$1,203,371,000	$926,194,000

Temporarily_Impaired_Available

Temporarily Impaired Available for Sale Securities by Time Period Impaired (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$525,681	$1,238,851
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	2,893	13,642
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	270,641	129,504
12 Months or Longer, Unrealized Losses	4,183	4,124
Total, Fair Value	796,322	1,368,355
Total, Unrealized Losses	7,076	17,766
Tax exempt bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	188,319	502,304
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	393	6,710
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	181,087	106,985
12 Months or Longer, Unrealized Losses	2,194	3,207
Total, Fair Value	369,406	609,289
Total, Unrealized Losses	2,587	9,917
Taxable bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	283,512	535,233
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	387	3,347
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	81,882	19,367
12 Months or Longer, Unrealized Losses	682	516
Total, Fair Value	365,394	554,600
Total, Unrealized Losses	1,069	3,863
Restricted investments	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	'	169,914
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	'	86
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	'	0
12 Months or Longer, Unrealized Losses	'	0
Total, Fair Value	'	169,914
Total, Unrealized Losses	'	86
Equity securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	53,850	31,400
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	2,113	3,499
12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	7,672	3,152
12 Months or Longer, Unrealized Losses	1,307	401
Total, Fair Value	61,522	34,552
Total, Unrealized Losses	$3,420	$3,900

Consolidation_of_Joint_Venture1

Consolidation of Joint Ventures and Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Carrying amounts of assets of the consolidated joint ventures (JVs)	$158,166,000	'	$156,164,000
Carrying amounts of liabilities of the consolidated joint ventures (JVs)	54,083,000	'	50,205,000
Loans assumed	$16,975,000	$0	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate, minimum	4.50%	'	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate, maximum	6.30%	'	'
Basis points added to LIBOR to determine variable interest rate	2.50%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year	'2014-08	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year	'2017-04	'	'
Shopping Center Loans	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate, minimum	5.10%	'	'
Debt instrument fixed interest rate, maximum	7.50%	'	'
Shopping Center Loans | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year	'2014-08	'	'
Shopping Center Loans | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year	'2027-01	'	'

Retirement_Plan_Additional_Inf

Retirement Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Period during which company is required to purchase shares at fair value after distribution of shares from ESOP	'15 months	'
Distributed shares subject to put option, fair value	$241,691	$42,568
ESOP, shares cost	2,465,645	2,280,335
Common stock related to ESOP	2,707,336	2,322,903
ESOP shares, fair value	$7,697,447	$7,139,235

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Earnings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balances at Beginning of Period	$95,559	$71,158	$86,999	$38,289
Unrealized gain (loss) on AFS securities	38,335	-34,450	50,248	-755
Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net	-9,312	-4,044	-12,749	-5,676
Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses	85	806	169	1,612
Net other comprehensive earnings	29,108	-37,688	37,668	-4,819
Balances at End of Period	124,667	33,470	124,667	33,470
AFS Securities	'	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balances at Beginning of Period	103,312	90,349	94,836	58,286
Unrealized gain (loss) on AFS securities	38,335	-34,450	50,248	-755
Net realized gain on AFS securities reclassified to investment income, net	-9,312	-4,044	-12,749	-5,676
Net other comprehensive earnings	29,023	-38,494	37,499	-6,431
Balances at End of Period	132,335	51,855	132,335	51,855
Postretirement Benefits	'	'	'	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balances at Beginning of Period	-7,753	-19,191	-7,837	-19,997
Amortization of actuarial losses reclassified to operating and administrative expenses	85	806	169	1,612
Net other comprehensive earnings	85	806	169	1,612
Balances at End of Period	($7,668)	($18,385)	($7,668)	($18,385)