Whole Foods Market (WFM) 10-Q 16 May 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity

Document and Entity	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014	9-May-14
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000865436	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--09-28	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	13-Apr-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	367,573,070

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$305	$290
Short-term investments - available-for-sale securities	779	733
Restricted cash	109	111
Accounts receivable	205	188
Merchandise inventories	443	414
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	89	93
Deferred income taxes	157	151
Total current assets	2,087	1,980
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,663	2,428
Long-term investments - available-for-sale securities	278	302
Goodwill	679	679
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	81	65
Deferred income taxes	85	72
Other assets	21	12
Total assets	5,894	5,538
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current installments of capital lease obligations	2	1
Accounts payable	271	247
Accrued payroll, bonus and other benefits due team members	377	367
Dividends payable	45	37
Other current liabilities	534	436
Total current liabilities	1,229	1,088
Long-term capital lease obligations, less current installments	60	26
Deferred lease liabilities	523	500
Other long-term liabilities	46	46
Total liabilities	1,858	1,660
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, no par value, 600.0 shares authorized; 376.8 and 375.7 shares issued; 371.4 and 372.4 shares outstanding at 2014 and 2013, respectively	2,832	2,765
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 5.4 and 3.3 shares at 2014 and 2013, respectively	-270	-153
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-2	1
Retained earnings	1,476	1,265
Total shareholders' equity	4,036	3,878
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$5,894	$5,538

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	600	600
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	376.8	375.7
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	371.4	372.4
Common Stock, No Par Value	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	5.4	3.3

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Sales	$3,322	$3,027	$7,561	$6,883
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	2,131	1,926	4,885	4,434
Gross profit	1,191	1,101	2,676	2,449
Direct store expenses	840	769	1,917	1,748
General and administrative expenses	107	91	239	207
Pre-opening expenses	11	10	27	24
Relocation, store closure and lease termination costs	2	3	7	7
Operating income	231	228	486	463
Investment and other income, net of interest expense	2	3	6	6
Income before income taxes	233	231	492	469
Provision for income taxes	91	89	192	181
Net income	$142	$142	$300	$288
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.38	$0.81	$0.78
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	371.5	370.5	372	370.7
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.38	$0.80	$0.77
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted basis (in shares)	374.5	373.7	375.3	374.1
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.12	$0.10	$0.24	$1.20

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$142	$142	$300	$288
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2	-3	-3	-5
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2	-3	-3	-5
Comprehensive income	$144	$139	$297	$283

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Common stock in treasury	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Sep. 30, 2012	$3,802	$2,592	($28)	$5	$1,233
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	'	370.9	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	551	'	'	'	551
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-4	'	'	-4	'
Dividends ($0.24 and $1.40 per common share for the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 and fiscal year ended September 29, 2013, respectively)	-519	'	'	'	-519
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans	81	81	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans (in shares)	'	4.1	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-125	'	-125	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	'	-2.6	'	'	'
Tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	36	36	'	'	'
Share-based payment expense	56	56	'	'	'
Balances at Sep. 29, 2013	3,878	2,765	-153	1	1,265
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2013	372.4	372.4	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	300	'	'	'	300
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-3	'	'	-3	'
Dividends ($0.24 and $1.40 per common share for the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 and fiscal year ended September 29, 2013, respectively)	-89	'	'	'	-89
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans	24	24	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans (in shares)	'	1.1	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-117	'	-117	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	-2.1	-2.1	'	'	'
Tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	7	7	'	'	'
Share-based payment expense	36	36	'	'	'
Balances at Apr. 13, 2014	$4,036	$2,832	($270)	($2)	$1,476
Balances (in shares) at Apr. 13, 2014	371.4	371.4	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.12	$0.10	$0.24	$1.20	$1.40

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$300	$288
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	198	179
Share-based payment expense	36	30
Deferred income tax benefit	-18	-2
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	-7	-8
Accretion of premium/discount on marketable securities	16	16
Deferred lease liabilities	17	22
Other	7	8
Net change in current assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-20	6
Merchandise inventories	-29	-9
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6	8
Accounts payable	24	-17
Accrued payroll, bonus and other benefits due team members	10	27
Other current liabilities	78	45
Net change in other long-term liabilities	1	-3
Net cash provided by operating activities	619	590
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Development costs of new locations	-207	-157
Other property and equipment expenditures	-155	-107
Purchase of intangible assets	-18	'
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-514	-528
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	473	825
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	2	-7
Payment for purchase of acquired entities	'	-22
Other investing activities	-12	-7
Net cash used in investing activities	-431	-3
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Common stock dividends paid	-82	-434
Issuance of common stock	24	16
Purchase of treasury stock	-117	-63
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	7	8
Net cash used in financing activities	-168	-473
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5	-1
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	15	113
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	290	89
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	305	202
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Federal and state income taxes paid	$206	$178

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Whole Foods Market, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “Whole Foods Market,” “Company,” or “we”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2013. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation. Where appropriate, we have reclassified prior year financial statements to conform to current year presentation. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for a full fiscal year. The Company reports its results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. The first fiscal quarter is 16 weeks, the second and third quarters each are 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter is 12 or 13 weeks. Fiscal years 2014 and 2013 are 52-week years. The Company has one operating segment and a single reportable segment, natural and organic foods supermarkets.
	The following is a summary of percentage sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:
		Twelve weeks ended				Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,		April 14,		April 13,		April 14,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Sales:
	United States	96.8	%	96.7	%	96.8	%	96.6	%
	Canada and United Kingdom	3.2		3.3		3.2		3.4
	Total sales	100	%	100	%	100	%	100	%
	The following is a summary of the percentage of net long-lived assets by geographic area as of the dates indicated:
		April 13,		September 29,
		2014		2013
	Long-lived assets, net:
	United States	95.9	%	95.7	%
	Canada and United Kingdom	4.1		4.3
	Total long-lived assets, net	100	%	100	%

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The provisions are effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year ending September 27, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” which amends ASC 405, “Liabilities.” The amendments provide guidance on the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, including debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings, for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The provisions are effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year ending September 27, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company holds money market fund investments that are classified as cash equivalents that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company also holds available-for-sale securities generally consisting of state and local municipal obligations and variable rate demand notes which hold high credit ratings. These instruments are valued using a series of multi-dimensional relational models and series of matrices with standard inputs obtained from readily available pricing sources and other observable market data, such as benchmark yields and base spread.
	The carrying amounts of accrued payroll, bonuses and other benefits due team members, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. Store closure reserves and estimated workers’ compensation claims are recorded at net present value to approximate fair value.
	The Company held the following financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on the hierarchy levels indicated (in millions):
	April 13, 2014	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market fund	$	31	$	—	$	—	$	31
	Commercial paper	—		64		—		64
	Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Commercial paper	—		110		—		110
	Corporate bonds	—		22		—		22
	Municipal bonds	—		908		—		908
	Variable rate demand notes	—		17		—		17
	Total	$	31	$	1,121	$	—	$	1,152
	September 29, 2013	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market fund	$	73	$	—	$	—	$	73
	Commercial paper	—		104		—		104
	Municipal bonds	—		17		—		17
	Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Corporate bonds	—		5		—		5
	Municipal bonds	—		1,010		—		1,010
	Variable rate demand notes	—		20		—		20
	Total	$	73	$	1,156	$	—	$	1,229

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Investments
	The Company holds investments in marketable securities that are classified as either short- or long-term available-for-sale securities. Investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related tax effect, included as a component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Declines in fair value below the Company’s carrying value deemed to be other than temporary are charged against net earnings. The Company held the following investments at fair value as of the dates indicated (in millions):
		April 13,		September 29,
		2014		2013
	Short-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Commercial paper	$	110	$	—
	Corporate bonds	17		—
	Municipal bonds	635		713
	Variable rate demand notes	17		20
	Total short-term marketable securities	$	779	$	733
	Long-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Corporate bonds	$	5	$	5
	Municipal bonds	273		297
	Total long-term marketable securities	$	278	$	302
	Gross unrealized holding gains and losses were not material at April 13, 2014 or September 29, 2013. Available-for-sale securities totaling approximately $114 million and $252 million were in unrealized loss positions at April 13, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. The aggregate value of available-for-sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months totaled approximately $5 million and $22 million at April 13, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 or fiscal year ended September 29, 2013. At April 13, 2014, the average effective maturity of the Company’s short- and long-term available-for-sale securities was approximately 5 months and 15 months, respectively, compared to approximately 5 months and 16 months, respectively, at September 29, 2013.
	Additionally, during the twelve weeks ended April 13, 2014, the Company invested approximately $10 million in an equity interest that is accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method of accounting and classified as “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Under the cost method, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, certain distributions, and additional investments.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	No adjustments to goodwill were recorded during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014. The Company recorded goodwill totaling approximately $16 million primarily related to the acquisition of six retail locations during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 14, 2013. During the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014, the Company acquired definite-lived intangible assets totaling approximately $18 million primarily related to acquired leasehold rights. The Company acquired approximately $6 million, primarily favorable lease assets related to the acquisition of six retail locations, during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 14, 2013. The components of intangible assets as of the dates indicated were as follows (in millions):
		April 13, 2014					September 29, 2013
		Gross carrying		Accumulated			Gross carrying		Accumulated
		amount		amortization			amount		amortization
	Definite-lived contract-based	$	120	$	(43	)	$	102	$	(40	)
	Definite-lived marketing-related and other	1		(1		)	1		(1		)
	Indefinite-lived contract-based	4					3
	Total	$	125	$	(44	)	$	106	$	(41	)
	Amortization expense associated with intangible assets totaled approximately $1 million and $3 million for the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014, respectively, and approximately $1 million and $2 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Future amortization expense associated with the net carrying amount of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be as follows (in millions):
	Remainder of fiscal year 2014	$	2
	Fiscal year 2015	5
	Fiscal year 2016	5
	Fiscal year 2017	5
	Fiscal year 2018	5
	Future fiscal years	55
	Total	$	77

Reserves_for_Closed_Properties

Reserves for Closed Properties	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Reserves for Closed Properties
	The following table provides a summary of store closure reserve activity during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 and fiscal year ended September 29, 2013 (in millions):
		April 13,			September 29,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	36		$	41
	Additions	2			5
	Usage	(5		)	(11		)
	Adjustments	3			1
	Ending balance	$	36		$	36

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Dividends per Common Share
	The following table provides a summary of dividends declared per common share during fiscal year 2014 to date and fiscal year 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts):
	Date of declaration	Dividend per				Date of record		Date of payment		Total amount
		common share
	Fiscal year 2014:
	November 1, 2013	$	0.12			January 17, 2014		January 28, 2014		$	45
	February 24, 2014(1)	0.12				April 11, 2014		April 22, 2014		45
	Fiscal year 2013:
	November 29, 2012	$	1			December 10, 2012		December 21, 2012		$	371
	November 7, 2012	0.1				January 18, 2013		January 29, 2013		37
	March 15, 2013	0.1				April 12, 2013		April 23, 2013		37
	June 12, 2013	0.1				July 5, 2013		July 16, 2013		37
	September 10, 2013	0.1				September 27, 2013		October 8, 2013		37
	(1) Dividend accrued at April 13, 2014
	Treasury Stock
	The following table outlines the share repurchase programs authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, and the related repurchase activity as of April 13, 2014 (in millions):
	Authorization date	Expiration date		Amount authorized				Cost of repurchases				Authorization available
	November 15, 2012	December 31, 2014		$	300			$	117			$	183
	November 1, 2013	December 31, 2015		500				—				500
				$	800			$	117			$	683
	Share repurchase activity for the periods indicated was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Twelve weeks ended								Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,				April 14,				April 13,				April 14,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Number of common shares acquired	1				0.9				2.1				1.4
	Average price per common share acquired	$	52.86			$	43.46			$	54.5			$	44.48
	Total cost of common shares acquired	$	55			$	37			$	117			$	63
	Subsequent to the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company repurchased approximately 9.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price per share of $39.45 for a total of approximately $361 million.
	Under the repurchase programs, purchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, including open market purchases. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic conditions and market conditions, and other considerations. Purchases may be made through a Rule 10b5-1 plan pursuant to pre-determined metrics set forth in such plan. The Board’s authorization of the repurchase programs does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and they may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	Earnings per Share
	The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents consisting of incremental common shares deemed outstanding from the assumed exercise of stock options and the dilutive effect of restricted stock awards.
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Twelve weeks ended				Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,		April 14,		April 13,		April 14,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income	$	142	$	142	$	300	$	288
	(numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	371.5		370.5		372		370.7
	(denominator for basic earnings per share)
	Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based awards	3		3.2		3.3		3.4
	Weighted average common shares outstanding and	374.5		373.7		375.3		374.1
	potential additional common shares outstanding
	(denominator for diluted earnings per share)
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.38	$	0.81	$	0.78
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.38	$	0.8	$	0.77
	The computation of diluted earnings per share for the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 does not include options to purchase approximately 4.8 million shares and 4.3 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. The computation of diluted earnings per share for each of the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended April 14, 2013 does not include options to purchase approximately 7.2 million shares of common stock due to their antidilutive effect.

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	Share-Based Payments
	Share-based payment expense before income taxes recognized during the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 totaled approximately $18 million and $36 million, respectively, and approximately $13 million and $30 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Share-based payment expense was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in millions):
		Twelve weeks ended						Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,			April 14,			April 13,			April 14,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Direct store expenses	8			8			18			17
	General and administrative expenses	10			5			17			12
	Share-based payment expense before income taxes	18			13			36			30
	Income tax benefit	(7		)	(5		)	(14		)	(11		)
	Net share-based payment expense	$	11		$	8		$	22		$	19
	At April 13, 2014 and September 29, 2013, approximately 41.3 million shares and 42.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, were available for future stock incentive grants.
	Stock Options
	During the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014, the Company awarded approximately 0.9 million stock options pursuant to the Whole Foods Market 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. The weighted average grant date fair value per option granted during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 was $14.05. The fair value of stock option grants during fiscal year 2014 has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		2014
	Expected dividend yield	0.897	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.32	%
	Expected volatility	32.64	%
	Expected life, in years	4.52
	Total share-based payment expense related to vesting stock options totaled approximately $16 million and $34 million for the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014, respectively, and approximately $12 million and $30 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. At April 13, 2014 and September 29, 2013, there was approximately $104 million and $130 million of unrecognized share-based payment expense, respectively, related to unvested stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, related to approximately 13.2 million shares and 12.4 million shares, respectively. The Company anticipates this expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.
	Restricted Stock
	During the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 and April 14, 2013, the Company awarded approximately 0.2 million shares and 0.1 million shares of restricted common stock, respectively, pursuant to the Whole Foods Market 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. Fair value of the restricted share issuances on grant date for the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 and April 14, 2013 totaled approximately $11 million and $4 million, respectively.
	Total share-based payment expense related to restricted shares for both the twelve and twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 totaled approximately $2 million and is included in the “General and administrative expenses” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Share-based payment expense related to restricted shares was not material during fiscal year 2013. At April 13, 2014 and September 29, 2013, there was approximately $12 million and $3 million of unrecognized share-based payment expense, respectively, related to unvested restricted stock. The Company anticipates this expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.4 years.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is exposed to claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business and uses various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe best serves the interests of our stakeholders. Our primary contingencies are associated with insurance and self-insurance obligations and litigation matters. Estimation of our insurance and self-insurance liabilities requires significant judgments, and actual claim settlements and associated expenses may differ from our current provisions for loss. We have exposures to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation for which assessing and estimating the outcomes of these matters involve substantial uncertainties.
	The Company evaluates contingencies on an ongoing basis and has established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Insurance and legal settlement liabilities are included in the “Other current liabilities” line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Related Party Transactions
	The Company provides ongoing support to three independent nonprofit organizations: Whole Planet Foundation, Whole Kids Foundation, and Whole Cities Foundation (the “Foundations”). Whole Planet Foundation’s mission is to empower the poor through microcredit, with a focus on developing-world communities that supply the Company’s stores with product. Whole Kids Foundation is dedicated to improving children’s nutrition through partnerships with schools, educators, and other organizations. Whole Cities Foundation is dedicated to supporting efforts to increase access to nutritious, fresh food and health education in underserved communities. The board of directors of each of the Foundations is principally comprised of members of the Company’s management. Additionally, the Company provides administrative support and covers all operating costs of the Foundations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company reports its results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. The first fiscal quarter is 16 weeks, the second and third quarters each are 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter is 12 or 13 weeks. Fiscal years 2014 and 2013 are 52-week years.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company holds money market fund investments that are classified as cash equivalents that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company also holds available-for-sale securities generally consisting of state and local municipal obligations and variable rate demand notes which hold high credit ratings. These instruments are valued using a series of multi-dimensional relational models and series of matrices with standard inputs obtained from readily available pricing sources and other observable market data, such as benchmark yields and base spread.
	The carrying amounts of accrued payroll, bonuses and other benefits due team members, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. Store closure reserves and estimated workers’ compensation claims are recorded at net present value to approximate fair value.
Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Equity investments without readily determinable fair values for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method of accounting and classified as “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Under the cost method, investments are carried at cost and are adjusted only for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, certain distributions, and additional investments.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents consisting of incremental common shares deemed outstanding from the assumed exercise of stock options and the dilutive effect of restricted stock awards.
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	'
	Under the repurchase programs, purchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, including open market purchases. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic conditions and market conditions, and other considerations. Purchases may be made through a Rule 10b5-1 plan pursuant to pre-determined metrics set forth in such plan. The Board’s authorization of the repurchase programs does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and they may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Entity Wide Information Geographic Area Revenue [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of percentage sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:
		Twelve weeks ended				Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,		April 14,		April 13,		April 14,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Sales:
	United States	96.8	%	96.7	%	96.8	%	96.6	%
	Canada and United Kingdom	3.2		3.3		3.2		3.4
	Total sales	100	%	100	%	100	%	100	%
Schedule of Entity Wide Information Geographic Area Long-Lived Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following is a summary of the percentage of net long-lived assets by geographic area as of the dates indicated:
		April 13,		September 29,
		2014		2013
	Long-lived assets, net:
	United States	95.9	%	95.7	%
	Canada and United Kingdom	4.1		4.3
	Total long-lived assets, net	100	%	100	%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company held the following financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on the hierarchy levels indicated (in millions):
	April 13, 2014	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market fund	$	31	$	—	$	—	$	31
	Commercial paper	—		64		—		64
	Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Commercial paper	—		110		—		110
	Corporate bonds	—		22		—		22
	Municipal bonds	—		908		—		908
	Variable rate demand notes	—		17		—		17
	Total	$	31	$	1,121	$	—	$	1,152
	September 29, 2013	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
	Cash equivalents:
	Money market fund	$	73	$	—	$	—	$	73
	Commercial paper	—		104		—		104
	Municipal bonds	—		17		—		17
	Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Corporate bonds	—		5		—		5
	Municipal bonds	—		1,010		—		1,010
	Variable rate demand notes	—		20		—		20
	Total	$	73	$	1,156	$	—	$	1,229

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company held the following investments at fair value as of the dates indicated (in millions):
		April 13,		September 29,
		2014		2013
	Short-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Commercial paper	$	110	$	—
	Corporate bonds	17		—
	Municipal bonds	635		713
	Variable rate demand notes	17		20
	Total short-term marketable securities	$	779	$	733
	Long-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
	Corporate bonds	$	5	$	5
	Municipal bonds	273		297
	Total long-term marketable securities	$	278	$	302

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Finite-Lived And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of intangible assets as of the dates indicated were as follows (in millions):
		April 13, 2014					September 29, 2013
		Gross carrying		Accumulated			Gross carrying		Accumulated
		amount		amortization			amount		amortization
	Definite-lived contract-based	$	120	$	(43	)	$	102	$	(40	)
	Definite-lived marketing-related and other	1		(1		)	1		(1		)
	Indefinite-lived contract-based	4					3
	Total	$	125	$	(44	)	$	106	$	(41	)
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	Future amortization expense associated with the net carrying amount of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be as follows (in millions):
	Remainder of fiscal year 2014	$	2
	Fiscal year 2015	5
	Fiscal year 2016	5
	Fiscal year 2017	5
	Fiscal year 2018	5
	Future fiscal years	55
	Total	$	77

Reserves_for_Closed_Properties1

Reserves for Closed Properties (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a summary of store closure reserve activity during the twenty-eight weeks ended April 13, 2014 and fiscal year ended September 29, 2013 (in millions):
		April 13,			September 29,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	36		$	41
	Additions	2			5
	Usage	(5		)	(11		)
	Adjustments	3			1
	Ending balance	$	36		$	36

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a summary of dividends declared per common share during fiscal year 2014 to date and fiscal year 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts):
	Date of declaration	Dividend per				Date of record		Date of payment		Total amount
		common share
	Fiscal year 2014:
	November 1, 2013	$	0.12			January 17, 2014		January 28, 2014		$	45
	February 24, 2014(1)	0.12				April 11, 2014		April 22, 2014		45
	Fiscal year 2013:
	November 29, 2012	$	1			December 10, 2012		December 21, 2012		$	371
	November 7, 2012	0.1				January 18, 2013		January 29, 2013		37
	March 15, 2013	0.1				April 12, 2013		April 23, 2013		37
	June 12, 2013	0.1				July 5, 2013		July 16, 2013		37
	September 10, 2013	0.1				September 27, 2013		October 8, 2013		37
	(1) Dividend accrued at April 13, 2014
Schedule of Share Repurchase Programs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table outlines the share repurchase programs authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, and the related repurchase activity as of April 13, 2014 (in millions):
	Authorization date	Expiration date		Amount authorized				Cost of repurchases				Authorization available
	November 15, 2012	December 31, 2014		$	300			$	117			$	183
	November 1, 2013	December 31, 2015		500				—				500
				$	800			$	117			$	683
Schedule of Shares Repurchased [Table Text Block]	'
	Share repurchase activity for the periods indicated was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Twelve weeks ended								Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,				April 14,				April 13,				April 14,
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Number of common shares acquired	1				0.9				2.1				1.4
	Average price per common share acquired	$	52.86			$	43.46			$	54.5			$	44.48
	Total cost of common shares acquired	$	55			$	37			$	117			$	63

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):
		Twelve weeks ended				Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,		April 14,		April 13,		April 14,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income	$	142	$	142	$	300	$	288
	(numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	371.5		370.5		372		370.7
	(denominator for basic earnings per share)
	Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based awards	3		3.2		3.3		3.4
	Weighted average common shares outstanding and	374.5		373.7		375.3		374.1
	potential additional common shares outstanding
	(denominator for diluted earnings per share)
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.38	$	0.81	$	0.78
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.38	$	0.8	$	0.77

ShareBased_Payments_Tables

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Share-based payment expense was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in millions):
		Twelve weeks ended						Twenty-eight weeks ended
		April 13,			April 14,			April 13,			April 14,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
	Direct store expenses	8			8			18			17
	General and administrative expenses	10			5			17			12
	Share-based payment expense before income taxes	18			13			36			30
	Income tax benefit	(7		)	(5		)	(14		)	(11		)
	Net share-based payment expense	$	11		$	8		$	22		$	19
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair value of stock option grants during fiscal year 2014 has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
		2014
	Expected dividend yield	0.897	%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.32	%
	Expected volatility	32.64	%
	Expected life, in years	4.52

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
	Segment
Organization Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	1	'
Number of Reportable Segments	1	'
Duration of Fiscal Year	'364 days	'364 days
Duration of First Quarter	'112 days	'
Duration of Second Quarter	'84 days	'
Duration of Third Quarter	'84 days	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Organization Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]	'	'
Duration of Fiscal Year	'364 days	'
Duration of Fourth Quarter	'84 days	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Organization Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]	'	'
Duration of Fiscal Year	'371 days	'
Duration of Fourth Quarter	'91 days	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_

Basis of Presentation (Details 2)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013
Percentage sales by geographic area	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Total Sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Percentage sales by geographic area	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Total Sales	96.80%	96.70%	96.80%	96.60%
Canada and United Kingdom [Member]	'	'	'	'
Percentage sales by geographic area	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Total Sales	3.20%	3.30%	3.20%	3.40%

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_1

Basis of Presentation (Details 3)	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Percentage net long-lived assets by geographic area	'	'
Percentage of Total Net Long-Lived Assets	100.00%	100.00%
United States [Member]	'	'
Percentage net long-lived assets by geographic area	'	'
Percentage of Total Net Long-Lived Assets	95.90%	95.70%
Canada and United Kingdom [Member]	'	'
Percentage net long-lived assets by geographic area	'	'
Percentage of Total Net Long-Lived Assets	4.10%	4.30%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Total	$31	$73
Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Total	1,121	1,156
Total [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Total	1,152	1,229
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	31	73
Money Market Funds [Member] | Total [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	31	73
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	64	104
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	110	'
Commercial Paper [Member] | Total [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	64	104
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	110	'
Municipal Notes Bonds [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	'	17
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	908	1,010
Municipal Notes Bonds [Member] | Total [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	'	17
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	908	1,010
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	22	5
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Total [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	22	5
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	17	20
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] | Total [Member]	'	'
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Marketable Securities - Available-for-sale	$17	$20

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	$779	$733
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	278	302
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	110	'
Corporate Note Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	17	'
Municipal Notes [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	635	713
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	17	20
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	5	5
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	$273	$297

Investments_Details_2

Investments (Details 2) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	$114	$252
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	5	22
Short-term Investments Average Effective Maturity Period (in months)	'5 months	'5 months
Long-term Investments Average Effective Maturity Period (in months)	'15 months	'16 months
Cost Method Investments	$10	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
				Store
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	'	'	'	$16	'
Number of Stores Acquired	'	'	'	6	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	'	'	18	6	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	1	1	3	2	'
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	125	'	125	'	106
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-44	'	-44	'	-41
Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	120	'	120	'	102
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	4	'	4	'	3
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-43	'	-43	'	-40
Marketing-Related and Other Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1	'	1	'	1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($1)	'	($1)	'	($1)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	Apr. 13, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$2
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five	55
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$77

Reserves_for_Closed_Properties2

Reserves for Closed Properties (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$36	$41
Additions	2	5
Usage	-5	-11
Adjustments	3	1
Ending Balance	$36	$36

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Apr. 13, 2014

Apr. 14, 2013

Apr. 13, 2014

Apr. 14, 2013

Sep. 29, 2013

Apr. 13, 2014

Sep. 29, 2013

Jul. 07, 2013

Apr. 14, 2013

Jan. 19, 2014

Jan. 20, 2013

Jan. 20, 2013

Dividend Declared [Member]

Dividend Declared [Member]

Dividend Declared [Member]

Dividend Declared [Member]

Dividend Declared [Member]

Dividend Declared [Member]

Special Dividend [Member]

Dividends Per Common Share [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends Payable, Date Declared

'

'

'

'

'

24-Feb-14

10-Sep-13

12-Jun-13

15-Mar-13

1-Nov-13

7-Nov-12

29-Nov-12

Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)

$0.12

$0.10

$0.24

$1.20

$1.40

$0.12

$0.10

$0.10

$0.10

$0.12

$0.10

$1

Dividends Payable, Date of Record

'

'

'

'

'

11-Apr-14

27-Sep-13

5-Jul-13

12-Apr-13

17-Jan-14

18-Jan-13

10-Dec-12

Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid

'

'

'

'

'

22-Apr-14

8-Oct-13

16-Jul-13

23-Apr-13

28-Jan-14

29-Jan-13

21-Dec-12

Dividends, Common Stock, Cash

'

'

$89

'

$519

$45

$37

$37

$37

$45

$37

$371

Shareholders_Equity_Details_2

Shareholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 13, 2014	15-May-14
						Nov. 15, 2012 Share Repurchase Program [Member]	Nov. 1, 2013 Share Repurchase Program [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
Treasury Stock [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	'	$800	'	'	$300	$500	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Amount Utilized For Repurchases	117	'	117	'	'	117	0	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	'	'	683	'	'	183	500	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	1	0.9	2.1	1.4	'	'	'	9.1
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$52.86	$43.46	$54.50	$44.48	'	'	'	$39.45
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$55	$37	$117	$63	$125	'	'	$361

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$142	$142	$300	$288	$551
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	371.5	370.5	372	370.7	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	374.5	373.7	375.3	374.1	'
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.38	$0.81	$0.78	'
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.38	$0.80	$0.77	'
Potential common shares outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	3	3.2	3.3	3.4	'

Earnings_per_Share_Details_2

Earnings per Share (Details 2) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4.8	7.2	4.3	7.2

ShareBased_Payments_Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	$18	$13	$36	$30
Share-based Payment, Tax Benefit	-7	-5	-14	-11
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense, Net of Tax	11	8	22	19
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	'	'	1	1
Direct store expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	8	8	18	17
General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	$10	$5	$17	$12

ShareBased_Payments_Details_2

Share-Based Payments (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Apr. 13, 2014	Apr. 14, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	$18	$13	$36	$30	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	41.3	'	41.3	'	42.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	'	'	0.90%	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	'	'	1.32%	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	'	'	32.64%	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'	'	'4 years 6 months 7 days	'	'
General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	10	5	17	12	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	16	12	34	30	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	'	'	0.9	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	$14.05	'	'
Unrecognized Share-based Payment Expense, Net of Estimated Forfeitures	104	'	104	'	130
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	13.2	'	13.2	'	12.4
Weighted Average Period for Recognition of Unrecognized Share-based Payment Expense (in years)	'	'	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	'	'	0.2	0.1	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	'	'	11	4	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	12	'	12	'	3
Weighted Average Period for Recognition of Unrecognized Share-based Payment Expense (in years)	'	'	'4 years 4 months 22 days	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Payment Expense	$2	'	$2	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 13, 2014
	Foundation
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Number of Nonprofit Organizations	3