SpartanNash (SPTN) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	4-Oct-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'SPTN	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SPARTANNASH COMPANY	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000877422	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-03	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	37,495,960

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$8,048	$9,216
Accounts and notes receivable, net	305,433	285,393
Inventories, net	612,901	589,497
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,093	38,423
Property and equipment held for sale	11,013	440
Total current assets	971,488	922,969
Property and equipment, net	596,294	628,482
Goodwill	297,352	299,186
Other assets, net	126,135	133,014
Total assets	1,991,269	1,983,651
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	411,279	365,584
Accrued payroll and benefits	64,307	81,175
Other accrued expenses	43,851	51,992
Deferred income taxes	22,987	18,706
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	7,349	7,345
Total current liabilities	549,773	524,802
Long-term liabilities	'	'
Deferred income taxes	91,602	86,750
Postretirement benefits	18,855	22,009
Other long-term liabilities	37,261	44,898
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	549,530	598,319
Total long-term liabilities	697,248	751,976
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)	'	'
Shareholders’ equity	'	'
Common stock, voting, no par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 37,625 and 37,371 shares outstanding	521,875	518,056
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-8,375	-8,794
Retained earnings	230,748	197,611
Total shareholders’ equity	744,248	706,873
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$1,991,269	$1,983,651

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,625	37,371
Preferred stock, par value	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014		Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'	'	'
Net sales	$1,809,571		$630,088	$5,953,473	$2,061,491
Cost of sales	1,548,162		499,627	5,079,612	1,625,890
Gross profit	261,409		130,461	873,861	435,601
Operating expenses	'		'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	227,690		113,455	771,961	377,740
Merger transaction and integration	1,379		4,634	8,128	7,011
Restructuring and asset impairment	-1,272		'	-67	2,220
Total operating expenses	227,797		118,089	780,022	386,971
Operating earnings	33,612		12,372	93,839	48,630
Other income and expenses	'		'	'	'
Interest expense	5,467		2,205	18,416	8,211
Debt extinguishment	'		'	'	2,762
Other, net	-1		-5	4	-20
Total other income and expenses	5,466		2,200	18,420	10,953
Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations	28,146		10,172	75,419	37,677
Income taxes	10,977		3,513	28,336	14,050
Earnings from continuing operations	17,169		6,659	47,083	23,627
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	-73		-88	-358	-428
Net earnings	$17,096		$6,571	$46,725	$23,199
Basic earnings per share:	'		'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$0.46		$0.30	$1.25	$1.08
Loss from discontinued operations	($0.01)	[1]	'	($0.01)	($0.02)
Net earnings	$0.45		$0.30	$1.24	$1.06
Diluted earnings per share:	'		'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$0.45		$0.30	$1.25	$1.08
Loss from discontinued operations	'		'	($0.01)	($0.02)
Net earnings	$0.45		$0.30	$1.24	$1.06
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'		'	'	'
Basic	37,717		21,876	37,678	21,820
Diluted	37,778		21,969	37,749	21,908
[1]	Includes rounding

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$17,096	$6,571	$46,725	$23,199
Other comprehensive income, before tax	'	'	'	'
Pension and postretirement liability adjustment	203	336	678	845
Total other comprehensive income, before tax	203	336	678	845
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	-78	-130	-259	-327
Total other comprehensive income, after tax	125	206	419	518
Comprehensive income	$17,221	$6,777	$47,144	$23,717

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands
Balance, value at Dec. 28, 2013	$706,873	$518,056	($8,794)	$197,611
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2013	37,371	'	'	'
Net earnings	46,725	'	'	46,725
Other comprehensive income	419	'	419	'
Dividends ($0.36 per share)	-13,588	'	'	-13,588
Share repurchase, Value	-2,492	-2,492	'	'
Share repurchase, Shares	-121	'	'	'
Stock-based employee compensation	6,017	6,017	'	'
Issuances of common stock and related tax benefit on stock option exercises and stock bonus plan and from deferred compensation plan, value	1,393	1,393	'	'
Issuances of common stock and related tax benefit on stock option exercises and stock bonus plan and from deferred compensation plan, shares	145	'	'	'
Issuances of restricted stock and related income tax benefits, value	530	530	'	'
Issuances of restricted stock and related income tax benefits, shares	317	'	'	'
Cancellations of restricted stock, value	-1,629	-1,629	'	'
Cancellations of restricted stock, shares	-87	'	'	'
Balance, value at Oct. 04, 2014	$744,248	$521,875	($8,375)	$230,748
Balance, shares at Oct. 04, 2014	37,625	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]	'
Dividends per share	$0.36

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net earnings	$46,725	$23,199
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	358	428
Earnings from continuing operations	47,083	23,627
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Restructuring and asset impairment charges	-67	2,220
Convertible debt interest	'	379
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	2,762
Depreciation and amortization	68,043	31,586
LIFO expense	5,077	413
Postretirement benefits expense	1,093	147
Deferred income taxes	3,640	-7,885
Stock-based compensation expense	6,017	2,865
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation	-651	-146
Other, net	-205	99
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-18,629	-9,540
Inventories	-29,582	-5,857
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,676	6,841
Accounts payable	59,079	11,245
Accrued payroll and benefits	-17,021	-4,273
Postretirement benefit payments	-4,016	-252
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities	-7,152	1,906
Net cash provided by operating activities	117,385	56,137
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-57,611	-28,784
Net proceeds from the sale of assets	5,368	115
Loans to customers	-4,915	'
Payments from customers on loans	2,864	'
Other	-68	-1,095
Net cash used in investing activities	-54,362	-29,764
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	788,740	424,384
Payments on revolving credit facility	-831,688	-387,315
Share repurchase	-2,492	'
Repurchase of convertible notes	'	-57,973
Repayment of other long-term debt	-5,836	-3,139
Financing fees paid	-479	-27
Excess tax benefit on stock compensation	651	146
Proceeds from sale of common stock	780	224
Dividends paid	-13,588	-5,679
Net cash used in financing activities	-63,912	-29,379
Cash flows from discontinued operations	'	'
Net cash used in operating activities	-279	-454
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-279	-454
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-1,168	-3,460
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	9,216	8,960
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$8,048	$5,500

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation
	SpartanNash Company was formerly known as Spartan Stores, Inc. which began doing business under the assumed name of “SpartanNash Company,” upon completion of the merger with Nash-Finch Company (“Nash-Finch”) on November 19, 2013. The formal name change to SpartanNash Company was approved and became effective after the annual shareholders meeting on May 28, 2014. The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (the “financial statements”) include the accounts of SpartanNash Company and its subsidiaries (“SpartanNash”). The operating results of Nash-Finch are included in the financial statements for the year-to-date and third quarter ended October 4, 2014 only. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	In connection with the merger with Nash-Finch, effective November 19, 2013, the Board of Directors of SpartanNash determined to change the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in March to the Saturday nearest to December 31, beginning with the transition period ended December 28, 2013. Beginning with fiscal 2014 the Company’s interim quarters consist of 12 weeks, except for the first quarter which consists of 16 weeks. As a result of this change, in these financial statements, including the notes thereto, financial results for the current third quarter and year-to-date ended October 4, 2014 are for 12 and 40 weeks, respectively. In addition, our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings include an unaudited 12-week period and 40-week period ended October 12, 2013 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the prior year include an unaudited 40-week period ended October 12, 2013. The prior year financial statements were recast to the new fiscal year format based upon the original fiscal period end dates. As a result, the period end date for the prior year financial statements differs with the current year by one week and the full prior fiscal year will consist of 51 weeks with the fourth quarter comprised of only 11 weeks. Fiscal year 2014 will consist of 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprised of 13 weeks.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements, taken as a whole, contain all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of SpartanNash as of October 4, 2014, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Note 2 Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	On April 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08 “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU No. 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of ASU No. 2014-08 on its financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The new guidance contained in the ASU affects any reporting organization that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending December 30, 2017. Adoption is allowed by either the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the Company’s financial statements.

Merger

Merger	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Merger	'
	Note 3 Merger
	On November 19, 2013, Spartan Stores, Inc. completed a merger with Nash-Finch, a food distribution company serving military commissaries and exchanges and independent grocery retailers as well as an operator of retail grocery stores.
	The merger was accounted for under the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” The related assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values on the acquisition date.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on November 19, 2013. During the measurement period, which will end on November 18, 2014, net adjustments of $7.0 million have been made to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. These adjustments are summarized in the table presented below. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2013 has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect these adjustments made as of November 19, 2013 as required by the accounting guidance for business combinations. The valuation process is not complete and the final determination of the fair values may result in further adjustments to the values presented below:
	(In thousands)	Initial		2014 Adjustments			October 4,
		Valuation		to Fair Value			2014
		$	790,296	$	(2,866	)	$	787,430
	Current assets
	Property and equipment		369,495		(22,995	)		346,500
	Goodwill		43,584		(6,962	)		36,622
	Intangible assets		10,750		17,800			28,550
	Other		38,160		—			38,160
	Total assets acquired		1,252,285		(15,023	)		1,237,262
			353,484		(11,263	)		342,221
	Current liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities		81,047		(4,516	)		76,531
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		438,140		756			438,896
	Total liabilities assumed		872,671		(15,023	)		857,648
		$	379,614	$	—		$	379,614
	Net assets acquired
	During the second quarter ended July 12, 2014, management of the Company made revisions to the cash flow projections to correct the allocation between certain reporting units related to the valuation analysis completed in 2013. Management has concluded that the purchase accounting effect of the revisions is not material to the consolidated financial statements for any period presented. As a result of the revisions, property and equipment was decreased by $23.0 million, while intangible assets were increased by $19.3 million and goodwill was increased by $3.7 million.
	The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired of $36.6 million was preliminarily recorded as goodwill in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and allocated to the Food Distribution segment. The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected synergies and the assembled workforce of Nash-Finch. No goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
	Intangible assets acquired are currently valued as follows:
	(In thousands)	Intangible		Useful Life
		Assets
	Trade names	$	6,700		Indefinite
	Customer lists		5,100		7 years
	Customer relationships		12,100		20 years
	Favorable leases		4,650		7 to 22 years
		$	28,550
	The following supplemental pro forma financial information presents sales and net earnings as if the Nash-Finch Company was acquired on the first day of the 40-week period ended October 12, 2013. This pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the 40-week period presented or that may be obtained in the future.
		12-Oct-13
	(In thousands)	12 Weeks		40 Weeks
		Ended		Ended
		$	1,796,656	$	5,928,875
	Net sales
	Net earnings from continuing operations		13,799		41,980

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Note 4 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Retail			Food		Total
					Distribution
	Balance at December 28, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	254,438		$	131,348	$	385,786
	Accumulated impairment charges		(86,600	)		—		(86,600	)
	Goodwill, net		167,838			131,348		299,186
			(1,834	)		—		(1,834	)
	Other
	Balance at October 4, 2014:
	Goodwill		252,604			131,348		383,952
	Accumulated impairment charges		(86,600	)		—		(86,600	)
	Goodwill, net	$	166,004		$	131,348	$	297,352
	The following table reflects the components of amortized intangible assets, included in “Other, net” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		4-Oct-14					December 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Gross			Accumulated		Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization		Carrying			Amortization
		Amount					Amount
	Non-compete agreements	$	2,527		$	1,732	$	4,566		$	3,427
	Favorable leases		8,408			2,601		8,408			2,215
	Pharmacy customer script lists		17,223			10,951		17,423			8,946
	Customer relationships		12,100			597		12,100			78
	Trade names		1,219			408		1,219			233
	Franchise fees and other		400			165		370			129
	Total	$	41,877		$	16,454	$	44,086		$	15,028
	The weighted average amortization period for amortizable intangible assets is as follows:
	Non-compete agreements		5.9 years
	Favorable leases		16.7 years
	Customer lists		7.2 years
	Customer relationships		20.0 years
	Trade names		7.0 years
	Franchise fees and other		10.4 years
	Estimated amortization expense for fiscal year 2014 through 2018 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Fiscal Year			Amortization
					Expense
			2014		$	3,413
			2015			3,156
			2016			2,622
			2017			2,397
			2018			2,033
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets that are not amortized consist primarily of trade names and licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages which totaled $33.1 million and $33.2 million as of October 4, 2014 and December 28, 2013.

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair

Restructuring and Asset Impairment	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Asset Impairment	'
	Note 5 Restructuring and Asset Impairment
	The following table provides the activity of restructuring costs for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014. Accrued restructuring costs recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are included in “Other accrued expenses” in Current liabilities and “Other long-term liabilities” in Long-term liabilities based on when the obligations are expected to be paid.
	(In thousands)		Lease and			Severance			Total
			Ancillary Costs
			$	19,496		$	1,035		$	20,531
	Balance at December 28, 2013
	Provision for lease and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income			236			—			236	(a)
	Provision for severance			—			306			306	(b)
	Changes in estimates			(1,436	)		—			(1,436	)(c)
	Accretion expense			523			—			523
	Payments			(5,378	)		(1,257	)		(6,635	)
	Balance at October 4, 2014		$	13,441		$	84		$	13,525
	(a)	The provision for lease and related ancillary costs represents the initial charges estimated to be incurred for store closings in the Retail segment.
	(b)	The provision for severance includes $0.1 million related to a distribution center closing in the Food Distribution segment and $0.2 million related to store closings in the Retail segment.
	(c)	Goodwill was reduced by $1.3 million as a result of certain of these changes in estimates as the initial charges for certain stores were established in the purchase price allocations for previous acquisitions.  In addition, Restructuring charges were reduced by $0.1 million for the remainder of the changes in estimates.
	Included in the liability are lease obligations recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments, calculated using a risk-free interest rate, and related ancillary costs from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated sublease income.
	Restructuring and asset impairment charges included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings consisted of the following:
			12 Weeks Ended						40 Weeks Ended
	(In thousands)		October 4,			October 12,			October 4,			October 12,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Asset impairment charges (a)		$	—		$	—		$	906		$	2,220
	Provision for leases and related ancillary costs, net of			—			—			236			—
	sublease income, related to store closings (b)
	Gains on sales of assets related to stores closed			(1,638	)		—			(2,636	)		—
	Provision for severance (c)			40			—			306			—
	Other costs associated with distribution center and			326			—			1,213			—
	store closings
	Changes in estimates (d)			—			—			(92	)		—
			$	(1,272	)	$	—		$	(67	)	$	2,220
	(a)	The asset impairment charges were incurred in the Retail segment due to economic and competitive environment of certain stores.
	(b)	The provision for lease and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income, represents the initial charges estimated to be incurred for store closings in the Retail segment.
	(c)	The provision for severance related to a distribution center closing in the Food Distribution segment and store closings in the Retail segment.
	(d)	The majority of the changes in estimates relates to revised estimates of lease ancillary costs associated with previously closed facilities in the Retail and Food Distribution segments. The Retail and Food Distribution segments realized $(379) and $287, respectively, in the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 6 Fair Value Measurements
	Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. At October 4, 2014 and December 28, 2013 the estimated fair value and the book value of our debt instruments were as follows:
	(In thousands)	October 4, 2014		December 28, 2013
	Book value of debt instruments:
	Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease	$	7,349	$	7,345
	obligations
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		549,530		598,319
	Total book value of debt instruments		556,879		605,664
	Fair value of debt instruments		561,500		609,682
	Excess of fair value over book value	$	4,621	$	4,018
	The estimated fair value of debt is based on market quotes for instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities (level 2 valuation techniques).
	ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:
	Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.
	Long-lived assets with a book value of $0.9 million and $3.6 million in the 40 week periods ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, respectively, were measured at a fair value of $0.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. Our accounting and finance team management, which report to the chief financial officer, determine our valuation policies and procedures. The development and determination of the unobservable inputs for level 3 fair value measurements and fair value calculations are the responsibility of our accounting and finance team management and are approved by the chief financial officer. Fair value of long-lived assets is determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future cash flows, discounted using a risk-adjusted rate of interest. SpartanNash estimates future cash flows based on experience and knowledge of the market in which the assets are located, and when necessary, uses real estate brokers. See Note 5 for discussion of long-lived asset impairment charges.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 7 Commitments and Contingencies
	We are engaged from time-to-time in routine legal proceedings incidental to our business. We do not believe that these routine legal proceedings, taken as a whole, will have a material impact on our business or financial condition. While the ultimate effect of such actions cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that their outcome will not result in a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity of SpartanNash.
	On or about July 24, 2013, a putative class action complaint (the “State Court Action”) was filed in the District Court for the Fourth Judicial District, State of Minnesota, County of Hennepin (the “State Court”), by a stockholder of Nash-Finch Company in connection with the pending merger with Spartan Stores, Inc. The State Court Action was styled Greenblatt v. Nash-Finch Co. et al., Case No. 27-cv-13-13710. That complaint was amended on August 28, 2013, after Spartan Stores filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission containing a preliminary version of the joint proxy statement/prospectus. On September 9, 2013, the defendants filed motions to dismiss the State Court Action. On or about September 19, 2013, a second putative class action complaint (the “Federal Court Action” and, together with the State Court Action, the “Putative Class Actions”) was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota (the “Federal Court”), by a stockholder of Nash-Finch. The Federal Court Action was styled Benson v. Covington et al., Case No. 0:13-cv-02574.
	The Putative Class Actions alleged that the directors of Nash-Finch breached their fiduciary duties by, among other things, approving a merger that provided for inadequate consideration under circumstances involving certain alleged conflicts of interest; that the merger agreement included allegedly preclusive deal protection provisions; and that Nash-Finch and Spartan Stores allegedly aided and abetted the directors in breaching their duties to Nash-Finch’s stockholders. Both Putative Class Actions also alleged that the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus was false and misleading due to the omission of a variety of allegedly material information. The complaint in the Federal Court Action also asserted additional claims individually on behalf of the plaintiff under the federal securities laws. The Putative Class Actions sought, on behalf of their putative classes, various remedies, including enjoining the merger from being consummated in accordance with its agreed-upon terms, damages, and costs and disbursements relating to the lawsuit.
	SpartanNash believed that these lawsuits were without merit; however, to eliminate the burden, expense and uncertainties inherent in such litigation, Nash-Finch and Spartan Stores agreed, as part of settlement discussions, to make certain supplemental disclosures in the joint proxy statement/prospectus requested by the Putative Class Actions in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus. On October 30, 2013, the defendants entered into the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the settlement of the Putative Class Actions. The Memorandum of Understanding outlined the terms of the parties’ agreement in principle to settle and release all claims which were or could have been asserted in the Putative Class Actions. In consideration for such settlement and release, Nash-Finch and Spartan Stores acknowledged that the supplemental disclosures in the joint proxy statement/prospectus were made in response to the Putative Class Actions. The Memorandum of Understanding contemplated that the parties will use their best efforts to agree upon, execute and present to the State Court for approval a stipulation of settlement within thirty days after the later of the date that the Merger is consummated or the date that plaintiffs and their counsel have confirmed the fairness, adequacy, and reasonableness of the settlement, and that upon execution of such stipulation, and as a condition to final approval of the settlement, the plaintiff in the Federal Action would withdraw the claims in and cause to be dismissed the Federal Action, with any individual claims being dismissed with prejudice. The Memorandum of Understanding provided that Nash-Finch would pay, on behalf of all defendants, the plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and expenses, subject to approval by the State Court, in an amount not to exceed $550,000. On February 11, 2014, the parties executed the Stipulation and Agreement Compromise, Settlement and Release (the “Stipulation of Settlement.”) to resolve, discharge and settle the Putative Class Actions. The Stipulation of Settlement was subject to customary conditions, including approval by the State Court, which will consider the fairness, reasonableness and adequacy of such settlement. On February 18, 2014, the Federal Court entered a final order dismissing the Federal Court Action with prejudice. On February 28, 2014, pursuant to the terms of the Stipulation of Settlement, the plaintiffs in the State Court Action filed an unopposed motion for preliminary approval of class action settlement, conditional certification of class, and approval of notice to be furnished to the class. On March 7, 2014, the State Court entered an order preliminarily approving the Settlement Stipulation, subject to a hearing, scheduled for May 20, 2014. At the hearing on May 20, 2014, the Settlement Stipulation was approved. On July 21, 2014, the appeals period expired and the matter is now closed.
	SpartanNash contributes to the Central States multi-employer pension plan based on obligations arising from its collective bargaining agreements in Bellefontaine, Ohio, Lima, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan covering its distribution center union associates. This plan provides retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. Trustees are appointed by contributing employers and unions; however, SpartanNash is not a trustee. The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants, as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plan. SpartanNash currently contributes to the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund under the terms outlined in the “Primary Schedule” of Central States’ Rehabilitation Plan. This schedule requires varying increases in employer contributions over the previous year’s contribution. Increases are set within the collective bargaining agreement and vary by location.
	Based on the most recent information available to SpartanNash, management believes that the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in this multi-employer plan significantly exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. Because SpartanNash is one of a number of employers contributing to this plan, it is difficult to ascertain what the exact amount of the underfunding would be, although management anticipates that SpartanNash’s contributions to this plan will increase each year. Management is not aware of any significant change in funding levels since December 28, 2013. To reduce this underfunding, management expects meaningful increases in expense as a result of required incremental multi-employer pension plan contributions in future years. Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably determined.

Associate_Retirement_Plans

Associate Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Associate Retirement Plans	'
	Note 8 Associate Retirement Plans
	The following table provides the components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for the 12 weeks and 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Cash Balance Pension Plan						Super Foods
	12 Weeks Ended							Pension Plan
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14
	Interest cost	$	556		$	517		$	461
	Expected return on plan assets		(867	)		(944	)		(532	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		228			300			—
	Net periodic income	$	(83	)	$	(127	)	$	(71	)
	Settlement expense		261			—			—
	Total expense (income)	$	178		$	(127	)	$	(71	)
	(In thousands)	SERP						Spartan Stores Medical Plan
	12 Weeks Ended
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	44		$	59
	Interest cost		8			8			91			89
	Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			(37	)		(13	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		7			6			4			41
	Net periodic cost	$	15		$	14		$	102		$	176
	(In thousands)	Cash Balance Pension Plan						Super Foods
	40 Weeks Ended							Pension Plan
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14
	Interest cost	$	1,854		$	1,804		$	1,536
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,891	)		(3,241	)		(1,773	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		761			995			—
	Net periodic income	$	(276	)	$	(442	)	$	(237	)
	Settlement expense		783			—			—
	Total expense (income)	$	507		$	(442	)	$	(237	)
	(In thousands)	SERP						Spartan Stores Medical Plan
	40 Weeks Ended
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	144		$	183
	Interest cost		27			28			303			300
	Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			(122	)		(42	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		23			22			15			127
	Net periodic cost	$	50		$	50		$	340		$	568
	The Company made contributions of $2.0 million and $1.1 million to the Super Foods Pension Plan during the 40 weeks and 12 weeks ended October 4, 2014, respectively, and expects to make contributions totaling $2.3 million for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2015. No contributions were made to the Cash Balance Pension Plan for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014, nor are any expected to be made for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2015.
	As previously stated in Note 7, SpartanNash contributes to the Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (“Fund”) (EIN 7456500) under the terms of the existing collective bargaining agreements and in the amounts set forth in the related collective bargaining agreements. SpartanNash employer contributions during the 39-week transition fiscal year ended December 28, 2013 totaled $6.8 million, which Fund administrators represent is less than 5% of total employer contributions to the Fund. SpartanNash’s employer contributions for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013 were $10.3 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Other_Comprehensive_Income_or_

Other Comprehensive Income or Loss	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income or Loss	'
	Note 9 Other Comprehensive Income or Loss
	SpartanNash reports comprehensive income or loss in accordance with ASU 2012-13, “Comprehensive Income,” in the financial statements. Total comprehensive income is defined as all changes in shareholders’ equity during a period, other than those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders. Generally, for SpartanNash, total comprehensive income equals net earnings plus or minus adjustments for pension and other postretirement benefits.
	While total comprehensive income is the activity in a period and is largely driven by net earnings in that period, accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) represents the cumulative balance of other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of the balance sheet date. For SpartanNash, AOCI is the cumulative balance related to pension and other postretirement benefits.
	During the 12 week periods ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was reclassified from AOCI to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings, of which $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, increased selling, general and administrative expenses and $0.1 million reduced income taxes in each period.  During the 40 week periods ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, was reclassified from AOCI to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings, of which $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, increased selling, general and administrative expenses and $0.3 million reduced income taxes in each period.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 10 Income Taxes
	The effective income tax rate was 39.0% and 34.5% for the 12 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, respectively. For the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, the effective income tax rate was 37.6% and 37.3%, respectively. The differences from the Federal statutory rate in the current and prior year periods are due primarily to state income taxes, partially offset by the benefit resulting from the favorable settlement of unrecognized tax liabilities established in the prior year.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 11 Share-Based Compensation
	SpartanNash has three shareholder-approved stock incentive plans that provide for the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, and other stock-based awards to directors, officers and other key associates.
	SpartanNash accounts for share-based compensation awards in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 718 which requires that share-based payment transactions be accounted for using a fair value method and the related compensation cost recognized in the financial statements over the period that an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award. SpartanNash recognized share-based compensation expense (net of tax) of $0.6 million ($0.02 per diluted share) and $0.5 million ($0.02 per diluted share) for the 12 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, respectively, as a component of Operating expenses and Income taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Share-based compensation expense (net of tax) was $3.7 million ($0.10 per diluted share) and $1.8 million ($0.8 per diluted share) for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, respectively.
	The following table summarizes activity in the share-based compensation plans for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014:
		Shares			Weighted		Restricted			Weighted
		Under			Average		Stock			Average
		Options			Exercise		Awards			Grant-Date
					Price					Fair Value
			586,766		$	19.3		518,835		$	23.56
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013
	Granted		—			—		317,576			22.63
	Exercised/Vested		(64,120	)		12.17		(219,894	)		16.41
	Cancelled/Forfeited		(4,131	)		3.25		(11,840	)		21.82
			518,515		$	20.31		604,677		$	23.09
	Outstanding at October 4, 2014
			518,515		$	20.31
	Vested and expected to vest in the future at October 4, 2014
			518,515		$	20.31
	Exercisable at October 4, 2014
	There were no stock options granted during the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013.
	As of October 4, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards granted under our stock incentive plans was $5.6 million for restricted stock. The remaining compensation costs not yet recognized are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years for restricted stock. All compensation costs related to stock options have been recognized.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 12 Discontinued Operations
	Results of the discontinued operations are excluded from the accompanying notes to the financial statements for all periods presented, unless otherwise noted. There were no operations that were reclassified to discontinued operations during the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 13 Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations:
		12 Weeks Ended						40 Weeks Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	October 4,			October 12,			October 4,			October 12,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	17,169		$	6,659		$	47,083		$	23,627
	Adjustment for earnings attributable to participating securities		(280	)		(155	)		(820	)		(564	)
	Earnings from continuing operations used in calculating earnings per share	$	16,889		$	6,504		$	46,263		$	23,063
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding, including participating securities		37,717			21,876			37,678			21,820
	Adjustment for participating securities		(616	)		(508	)		(656	)		(521	)
	Shares used in calculating basic earnings per share		37,101			21,368			37,022			21,299
	Effect of dilutive stock options		61			93			71			88
	Shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share		37,162			21,461			37,093			21,387
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.46		$	0.3		$	1.25		$	1.08
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.45		$	0.3		$	1.25		$	1.08

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 14 Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Non-cash financing activities include the issuance of restricted stock to employees and directors of $7.2 million and $3.8 million for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, respectively. Non-cash investing activities include capital expenditures included in accounts payable of $3.6 million and $1.9 million for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013, respectively.

Operating_Segment_Information

Operating Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segment Information	'
	Note 15 Operating Segment Information
	The allocation of intersegment profit and corporate level expenses to the reporting segments was historically performed for the legacy Spartan Stores operations and the legacy Nash-Finch Company operations using methodologies consistent with Spartan Stores’ and Nash-Finch Company’s respective historical practices. As previously disclosed, subsequent to the merger management commenced an evaluation of potential methodologies for allocating intersegment profit and corporate level expenses to the reporting segments to determine the most appropriate manner for the newly merged operations.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, management completed this evaluation. The new allocation methodology was applied in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 and reflects the manner in which the business is now managed and how management allocates resources and assesses performance. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, results for the first and second quarters of fiscal 2014 and all quarters in fiscal year 2013 have been revised to reflect the new allocation methodologies.  There was no impact to consolidated financial results.
	The following tables set forth information about SpartanNash by operating segment under the new methodologies:
	(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	12 Week Period Ended October 4, 2014
	Net sales to external customers		$	523,553		$	764,288		$	521,730		$	1,809,571
	Inter-segment sales			—			223,809			—			223,809
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			3			1,375			1			1,379
	Depreciation and amortization			2,751			6,931			10,269			19,951
	Operating earnings			5,651			13,834			14,127			33,612
	Capital expenditures			1,120			9,329			9,542			19,991
	(In thousands)		Food			Retail			Total
			Distribution
	12 Week Period Ended October 12, 2013
	Net sales to external customers		$	270,195		$	359,893		$	630,088
	Inter-segment sales			150,561			—			150,561
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			4,634			—			4,634
	Depreciation and amortization			1,529			8,179			9,708
	Operating earnings			1,366			11,006			12,372
	Capital expenditures			3,059			6,199			9,258
	(In thousands)		Military						Retail			Total
						Food
						Distribution
	40 Week Period Ended October 4, 2014
	Net sales to external customers		$	1,710,122		$	2,503,216		$	1,740,135		$	5,953,473
	Inter-segment sales			—			751,777			—			751,777
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			27			8,097			4			8,128
	Depreciation and amortization			8,580			23,105			35,236			66,921
	Operating earnings			15,956			38,713			39,170			93,839
	Capital expenditures			13,968			19,319			24,324			57,611
	(In thousands)					Retail			Total
			Food
			Distribution
	40 Week Period Ended October 12, 2013
	Net sales to external customers		$	878,791		$	1,182,700		$	2,061,491
	Inter-segment sales			493,936			—			493,936
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			7,011			—			7,011
	Depreciation and amortization			5,225			26,701			31,926
	Operating earnings			15,519			33,111			48,630
	Capital expenditures			8,528			20,256			28,784
	12 Week Period Ended July 12, 2014 (second quarter)
	(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	As currently reported
	Net sales to external customers		$	502,402		$	767,926		$	539,847		$	1,810,175
	Inter-segment sales			—			231,622			—			231,622
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			24			2,554			3			2,581
	Depreciation and amortization			1,552			7,155			10,710			19,417
	Operating earnings			5,884			10,670			16,095			32,649
	Capital expenditures			2,653			3,423			8,705			14,781
			Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	Allocation methodology changes applied
	Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Inter-segment sales			—			(12,244	)		—			(12,244	)
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			—			—			—
	Depreciation and amortization			66			(550	)		484			—
	Operating earnings			(847	)		(458	)		1,305			—
	Capital expenditures			—			—			—			—
			Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	502,402		$	767,926		$	539,847		$	1,810,175
Inter-segment sales			—			243,866			—			243,866
Merger transaction and integration expenses			24			2,554			3			2,581
Depreciation and amortization			1,486			7,705			10,226			19,417
Operating earnings			6,731			11,128			14,790			32,649
Capital expenditures			2,653			3,423			8,705			14,781
12 Week Period Ended July 20, 2013 (second quarter)
(In thousands)		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As currently reported
Net sales to external customers		$	271,890		$	379,235		$	651,125
Inter-segment sales			153,126			—			153,126
Merger transaction and integration expenses			2,377			—			2,377
Depreciation and amortization			1,565			7,927			9,492
Operating earnings			1,100			14,066			15,166
Capital expenditures			2,562			7,237			9,799
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
Allocation methodology changes applied
Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—
Inter-segment sales			(7,083	)		—			(7,083	)
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			—			—
Depreciation and amortization			(522	)		522			—
Operating earnings			(5,665	)		5,665			—
Capital expenditures			—			—			—
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	271,890		$	379,235		$	651,125
Inter-segment sales			160,209			—			160,209
Merger transaction and integration expenses			2,377			—			2,377
Depreciation and amortization			2,087			7,405			9,492
Operating earnings			6,765			8,401			15,166
Capital expenditures			2,562			7,237			9,799
16 Week Period Ended April 19, 2014 (first quarter)
(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
As currently reported
Net sales to external customers		$	684,167		$	971,002		$	678,558		$	2,333,727
Inter-segment sales			—			296,346			—			296,346
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			4,168			—			4,168
Depreciation and amortization			4,277			9,019			14,257			27,553
Operating earnings			4,421			14,209			8,948			27,578
Capital expenditures			10,195			6,567			6,077			22,839
		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
Allocation methodology changes applied
Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Inter-segment sales			—			(15,470	)		—			(15,470	)
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			—			—			—
Depreciation and amortization			84			(709	)		625			—
Operating earnings			(1,140	)		(152	)		1,292			—
Capital expenditures			—			—			—			—
		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	684,167		$	971,002		$	678,558		$	2,333,727
Inter-segment sales			—			311,816			—			311,816
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			4,168			—			4,168
Depreciation and amortization			4,193			9,728			13,632			27,553
Operating earnings			5,561			14,361			7,656			27,578
Capital expenditures			10,195			6,567			6,077			22,839
16 Week Period Ended April 27, 2013 (first quarter)
(In thousands)		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As currently reported
Net sales to external customers		$	336,706		$	443,572		$	780,278
Inter-segment sales			190,249			—			190,249
Depreciation and amortization			2,131			10,595			12,726
Operating earnings			13,053			8,039			21,092
Capital expenditures			2,907			6,820			9,727
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
Allocation methodology changes applied
Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—
Inter-segment sales			(8,624	)		—			(8,624	)
Depreciation and amortization			(685	)		685			—
Operating earnings			(6,268	)		6,268			—
Capital expenditures			—			—			—
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	336,706		$	443,572		$	780,278
Inter-segment sales			198,873			—			198,873
Depreciation and amortization			2,816			9,910			12,726
Operating earnings			19,321			1,771			21,092
Capital expenditures			2,907			6,820			9,727
(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
11 Week Period Ended December 28, 2013 (fourth quarter)
Net sales to external customers		$	248,642		$	473,900		$	406,005		$	1,128,547
Inter-segment sales			—			179,708			—			179,708
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			13,985			—			13,985
Depreciation and amortization			1,412			3,972			9,355			14,739
Operating earnings			1,901			(4,132	)		(10,846	)		(13,077	)
Capital expenditures			2,246			2,202			7,009			11,457
		4-Oct-14			December 28,
					2013*
Total Assets
Military		$	480,599		$	451,518
Food Distribution			810,725			805,468
Retail			695,192			721,898
Discontinued operations			4,753			4,767
Total		$	1,991,269		$	1,983,651
*	See Note 3.
The following table presents sales by type of similar product and services:
		12 Weeks Ended												40 Weeks Ended
(Dollars in thousands)		4-Oct-14						12-Oct-13						4-Oct-14				12-Oct-13
Non-perishables (1)		$	1,146,410			63.4	%	$	312,038			49.5	%	$	3,753,373	63.1	%	$	1,012,545	49.1	%
Perishables (2)			554,970			30.7			223,841			35.5			1,840,802	30.9			740,582	35.9
Pharmacy			65,733			3.6			50,909			8.1			215,459	3.6			163,242	7.9
Fuel			42,458			2.3			43,300			6.9			143,839	2.4			145,122	7.1
Consolidated net sales		$	1,809,571			100	%	$	630,088			100	%	$	5,953,473	100	%	$	2,061,491	100	%
(1)	Consists primarily of general merchandise, grocery, beverages, snacks and frozen foods.
(2)	Consists primarily of produce, dairy, meat, bakery, deli, floral and seafood.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Year	'
	In connection with the merger with Nash-Finch, effective November 19, 2013, the Board of Directors of SpartanNash determined to change the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in March to the Saturday nearest to December 31, beginning with the transition period ended December 28, 2013. Beginning with fiscal 2014 the Company’s interim quarters consist of 12 weeks, except for the first quarter which consists of 16 weeks. As a result of this change, in these financial statements, including the notes thereto, financial results for the current third quarter and year-to-date ended October 4, 2014 are for 12 and 40 weeks, respectively. In addition, our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings include an unaudited 12-week period and 40-week period ended October 12, 2013 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the prior year include an unaudited 40-week period ended October 12, 2013. The prior year financial statements were recast to the new fiscal year format based upon the original fiscal period end dates. As a result, the period end date for the prior year financial statements differs with the current year by one week and the full prior fiscal year will consist of 51 weeks with the fourth quarter comprised of only 11 weeks. Fiscal year 2014 will consist of 53 weeks with the fourth quarter comprised of 13 weeks.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	On April 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08 “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU No. 2014-08 changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of ASU No. 2014-08 on its financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The new guidance contained in the ASU affects any reporting organization that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending December 30, 2017. Adoption is allowed by either the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the Company’s financial statements.
Business Combinations	'
	The merger was accounted for under the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” The related assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values on the acquisition date.

Merger_Tables

Merger (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The valuation process is not complete and the final determination of the fair values may result in further adjustments to the values presented below:
	(In thousands)	Initial		2014 Adjustments			October 4,
		Valuation		to Fair Value			2014
		$	790,296	$	(2,866	)	$	787,430
	Current assets
	Property and equipment		369,495		(22,995	)		346,500
	Goodwill		43,584		(6,962	)		36,622
	Intangible assets		10,750		17,800			28,550
	Other		38,160		—			38,160
	Total assets acquired		1,252,285		(15,023	)		1,237,262
			353,484		(11,263	)		342,221
	Current liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities		81,047		(4,516	)		76,531
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		438,140		756			438,896
	Total liabilities assumed		872,671		(15,023	)		857,648
		$	379,614	$	—		$	379,614
	Net assets acquired
Intangible Assets Acquired	'
	Intangible assets acquired are currently valued as follows:
	(In thousands)	Intangible		Useful Life
		Assets
	Trade names	$	6,700		Indefinite
	Customer lists		5,100		7 years
	Customer relationships		12,100		20 years
	Favorable leases		4,650		7 to 22 years
		$	28,550
Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results	'
	This pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the 40-week period presented or that may be obtained in the future.
		12-Oct-13
	(In thousands)	12 Weeks		40 Weeks
		Ended		Ended
		$	1,796,656	$	5,928,875
	Net sales
	Net earnings from continuing operations		13,799		41,980

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Retail			Food		Total
					Distribution
	Balance at December 28, 2013:
	Goodwill	$	254,438		$	131,348	$	385,786
	Accumulated impairment charges		(86,600	)		—		(86,600	)
	Goodwill, net		167,838			131,348		299,186
			(1,834	)		—		(1,834	)
	Other
	Balance at October 4, 2014:
	Goodwill		252,604			131,348		383,952
	Accumulated impairment charges		(86,600	)		—		(86,600	)
	Goodwill, net	$	166,004		$	131,348	$	297,352
Schedule of Components of Amortized Intangible Assets, Includes in Other Net	'
	The following table reflects the components of amortized intangible assets, included in “Other, net” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		4-Oct-14					December 28, 2013
	(In thousands)	Gross			Accumulated		Gross			Accumulated
		Carrying			Amortization		Carrying			Amortization
		Amount					Amount
	Non-compete agreements	$	2,527		$	1,732	$	4,566		$	3,427
	Favorable leases		8,408			2,601		8,408			2,215
	Pharmacy customer script lists		17,223			10,951		17,423			8,946
	Customer relationships		12,100			597		12,100			78
	Trade names		1,219			408		1,219			233
	Franchise fees and other		400			165		370			129
	Total	$	41,877		$	16,454	$	44,086		$	15,028
Summary of Weighted Average Amortization Period for Amortizable Intangible Assets	'
	The weighted average amortization period for amortizable intangible assets is as follows:
	Non-compete agreements		5.9 years
	Favorable leases		16.7 years
	Customer lists		7.2 years
	Customer relationships		20.0 years
	Trade names		7.0 years
	Franchise fees and other		10.4 years
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense for Future	'
	Estimated amortization expense for fiscal year 2014 through 2018 is as follows:
	(In thousands)	Fiscal Year			Amortization
					Expense
			2014		$	3,413
			2015			3,156
			2016			2,622
			2017			2,397
			2018			2,033

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair1

Restructuring and Asset Impairment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Costs	'
	The following table provides the activity of restructuring costs for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014. Accrued restructuring costs recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are included in “Other accrued expenses” in Current liabilities and “Other long-term liabilities” in Long-term liabilities based on when the obligations are expected to be paid.
	(In thousands)		Lease and			Severance			Total
			Ancillary Costs
			$	19,496		$	1,035		$	20,531
	Balance at December 28, 2013
	Provision for lease and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income			236			—			236	(a)
	Provision for severance			—			306			306	(b)
	Changes in estimates			(1,436	)		—			(1,436	)(c)
	Accretion expense			523			—			523
	Payments			(5,378	)		(1,257	)		(6,635	)
	Balance at October 4, 2014		$	13,441		$	84		$	13,525
	(a)	The provision for lease and related ancillary costs represents the initial charges estimated to be incurred for store closings in the Retail segment.
	(b)	The provision for severance includes $0.1 million related to a distribution center closing in the Food Distribution segment and $0.2 million related to store closings in the Retail segment.
	(c)	Goodwill was reduced by $1.3 million as a result of certain of these changes in estimates as the initial charges for certain stores were established in the purchase price allocations for previous acquisitions.  In addition, Restructuring charges were reduced by $0.1 million for the remainder of the changes in estimates.
Schedule of Restructuring and Asset Impairment	'
	Restructuring and asset impairment charges included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings consisted of the following:
			12 Weeks Ended						40 Weeks Ended
	(In thousands)		October 4,			October 12,			October 4,			October 12,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Asset impairment charges (a)		$	—		$	—		$	906		$	2,220
	Provision for leases and related ancillary costs, net of			—			—			236			—
	sublease income, related to store closings (b)
	Gains on sales of assets related to stores closed			(1,638	)		—			(2,636	)		—
	Provision for severance (c)			40			—			306			—
	Other costs associated with distribution center and			326			—			1,213			—
	store closings
	Changes in estimates (d)			—			—			(92	)		—
			$	(1,272	)	$	—		$	(67	)	$	2,220
	(a)	The asset impairment charges were incurred in the Retail segment due to economic and competitive environment of certain stores.
	(b)	The provision for lease and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income, represents the initial charges estimated to be incurred for store closings in the Retail segment.
	(c)	The provision for severance related to a distribution center closing in the Food Distribution segment and store closings in the Retail segment.
	(d)	The majority of the changes in estimates relates to revised estimates of lease ancillary costs associated with previously closed facilities in the Retail and Food Distribution segments. The Retail and Food Distribution segments realized $(379) and $287, respectively, in the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Estimated Fair Value and Book Value of Debt Instruments	'
	At October 4, 2014 and December 28, 2013 the estimated fair value and the book value of our debt instruments were as follows:
	(In thousands)	October 4, 2014		December 28, 2013
	Book value of debt instruments:
	Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease	$	7,349	$	7,345
	obligations
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		549,530		598,319
	Total book value of debt instruments		556,879		605,664
	Fair value of debt instruments		561,500		609,682
	Excess of fair value over book value	$	4,621	$	4,018

Associate_Retirement_Plans_Tab

Associate Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs	'
	The following table provides the components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs for the 12 weeks and 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014 and October 12, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Cash Balance Pension Plan						Super Foods
	12 Weeks Ended							Pension Plan
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14
	Interest cost	$	556		$	517		$	461
	Expected return on plan assets		(867	)		(944	)		(532	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		228			300			—
	Net periodic income	$	(83	)	$	(127	)	$	(71	)
	Settlement expense		261			—			—
	Total expense (income)	$	178		$	(127	)	$	(71	)
	(In thousands)	SERP						Spartan Stores Medical Plan
	12 Weeks Ended
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	44		$	59
	Interest cost		8			8			91			89
	Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			(37	)		(13	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		7			6			4			41
	Net periodic cost	$	15		$	14		$	102		$	176
	(In thousands)	Cash Balance Pension Plan						Super Foods
	40 Weeks Ended							Pension Plan
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14
	Interest cost	$	1,854		$	1,804		$	1,536
	Expected return on plan assets		(2,891	)		(3,241	)		(1,773	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		761			995			—
	Net periodic income	$	(276	)	$	(442	)	$	(237	)
	Settlement expense		783			—			—
	Total expense (income)	$	507		$	(442	)	$	(237	)
	(In thousands)	SERP						Spartan Stores Medical Plan
	40 Weeks Ended
		4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13			4-Oct-14			12-Oct-13
	Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	144		$	183
	Interest cost		27			28			303			300
	Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			(122	)		(42	)
	Recognized actuarial net loss		23			22			15			127
	Net periodic cost	$	50		$	50		$	340		$	568

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Activity	'
	The following table summarizes activity in the share-based compensation plans for the 40 weeks ended October 4, 2014:
		Shares			Weighted		Restricted			Weighted
		Under			Average		Stock			Average
		Options			Exercise		Awards			Grant-Date
					Price					Fair Value
			586,766		$	19.3		518,835		$	23.56
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013
	Granted		—			—		317,576			22.63
	Exercised/Vested		(64,120	)		12.17		(219,894	)		16.41
	Cancelled/Forfeited		(4,131	)		3.25		(11,840	)		21.82
			518,515		$	20.31		604,677		$	23.09
	Outstanding at October 4, 2014
			518,515		$	20.31
	Vested and expected to vest in the future at October 4, 2014
			518,515		$	20.31
	Exercisable at October 4, 2014

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Continuing Operations	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations:
		12 Weeks Ended						40 Weeks Ended
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	October 4,			October 12,			October 4,			October 12,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	17,169		$	6,659		$	47,083		$	23,627
	Adjustment for earnings attributable to participating securities		(280	)		(155	)		(820	)		(564	)
	Earnings from continuing operations used in calculating earnings per share	$	16,889		$	6,504		$	46,263		$	23,063
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding, including participating securities		37,717			21,876			37,678			21,820
	Adjustment for participating securities		(616	)		(508	)		(656	)		(521	)
	Shares used in calculating basic earnings per share		37,101			21,368			37,022			21,299
	Effect of dilutive stock options		61			93			71			88
	Shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share		37,162			21,461			37,093			21,387
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.46		$	0.3		$	1.25		$	1.08
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	0.45		$	0.3		$	1.25		$	1.08

Operating_Segment_Information_

Operating Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment	'
	The following tables set forth information about SpartanNash by operating segment under the new methodologies:
	(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	12 Week Period Ended October 4, 2014
	Net sales to external customers		$	523,553		$	764,288		$	521,730		$	1,809,571
	Inter-segment sales			—			223,809			—			223,809
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			3			1,375			1			1,379
	Depreciation and amortization			2,751			6,931			10,269			19,951
	Operating earnings			5,651			13,834			14,127			33,612
	Capital expenditures			1,120			9,329			9,542			19,991
	(In thousands)		Food			Retail			Total
			Distribution
	12 Week Period Ended October 12, 2013
	Net sales to external customers		$	270,195		$	359,893		$	630,088
	Inter-segment sales			150,561			—			150,561
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			4,634			—			4,634
	Depreciation and amortization			1,529			8,179			9,708
	Operating earnings			1,366			11,006			12,372
	Capital expenditures			3,059			6,199			9,258
	(In thousands)		Military						Retail			Total
						Food
						Distribution
	40 Week Period Ended October 4, 2014
	Net sales to external customers		$	1,710,122		$	2,503,216		$	1,740,135		$	5,953,473
	Inter-segment sales			—			751,777			—			751,777
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			27			8,097			4			8,128
	Depreciation and amortization			8,580			23,105			35,236			66,921
	Operating earnings			15,956			38,713			39,170			93,839
	Capital expenditures			13,968			19,319			24,324			57,611
	(In thousands)					Retail			Total
			Food
			Distribution
	40 Week Period Ended October 12, 2013
	Net sales to external customers		$	878,791		$	1,182,700		$	2,061,491
	Inter-segment sales			493,936			—			493,936
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			7,011			—			7,011
	Depreciation and amortization			5,225			26,701			31,926
	Operating earnings			15,519			33,111			48,630
	Capital expenditures			8,528			20,256			28,784
	12 Week Period Ended July 12, 2014 (second quarter)
	(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	As currently reported
	Net sales to external customers		$	502,402		$	767,926		$	539,847		$	1,810,175
	Inter-segment sales			—			231,622			—			231,622
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			24			2,554			3			2,581
	Depreciation and amortization			1,552			7,155			10,710			19,417
	Operating earnings			5,884			10,670			16,095			32,649
	Capital expenditures			2,653			3,423			8,705			14,781
			Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	Allocation methodology changes applied
	Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Inter-segment sales			—			(12,244	)		—			(12,244	)
	Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			—			—			—
	Depreciation and amortization			66			(550	)		484			—
	Operating earnings			(847	)		(458	)		1,305			—
	Capital expenditures			—			—			—			—
			Military			Food			Retail			Total
						Distribution
	As originally reported
	Net sales to external customers		$	502,402		$	767,926		$	539,847		$	1,810,175
	Inter-segment sales			—			243,866			—			243,866
Merger transaction and integration expenses			24			2,554			3			2,581
Depreciation and amortization			1,486			7,705			10,226			19,417
Operating earnings			6,731			11,128			14,790			32,649
Capital expenditures			2,653			3,423			8,705			14,781
12 Week Period Ended July 20, 2013 (second quarter)
(In thousands)		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As currently reported
Net sales to external customers		$	271,890		$	379,235		$	651,125
Inter-segment sales			153,126			—			153,126
Merger transaction and integration expenses			2,377			—			2,377
Depreciation and amortization			1,565			7,927			9,492
Operating earnings			1,100			14,066			15,166
Capital expenditures			2,562			7,237			9,799
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
Allocation methodology changes applied
Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—
Inter-segment sales			(7,083	)		—			(7,083	)
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			—			—
Depreciation and amortization			(522	)		522			—
Operating earnings			(5,665	)		5,665			—
Capital expenditures			—			—			—
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	271,890		$	379,235		$	651,125
Inter-segment sales			160,209			—			160,209
Merger transaction and integration expenses			2,377			—			2,377
Depreciation and amortization			2,087			7,405			9,492
Operating earnings			6,765			8,401			15,166
Capital expenditures			2,562			7,237			9,799
16 Week Period Ended April 19, 2014 (first quarter)
(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
As currently reported
Net sales to external customers		$	684,167		$	971,002		$	678,558		$	2,333,727
Inter-segment sales			—			296,346			—			296,346
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			4,168			—			4,168
Depreciation and amortization			4,277			9,019			14,257			27,553
Operating earnings			4,421			14,209			8,948			27,578
Capital expenditures			10,195			6,567			6,077			22,839
		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
Allocation methodology changes applied
Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Inter-segment sales			—			(15,470	)		—			(15,470	)
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			—			—			—
Depreciation and amortization			84			(709	)		625			—
Operating earnings			(1,140	)		(152	)		1,292			—
Capital expenditures			—			—			—			—
		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	684,167		$	971,002		$	678,558		$	2,333,727
Inter-segment sales			—			311,816			—			311,816
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			4,168			—			4,168
Depreciation and amortization			4,193			9,728			13,632			27,553
Operating earnings			5,561			14,361			7,656			27,578
Capital expenditures			10,195			6,567			6,077			22,839
16 Week Period Ended April 27, 2013 (first quarter)
(In thousands)		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As currently reported
Net sales to external customers		$	336,706		$	443,572		$	780,278
Inter-segment sales			190,249			—			190,249
Depreciation and amortization			2,131			10,595			12,726
Operating earnings			13,053			8,039			21,092
Capital expenditures			2,907			6,820			9,727
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
Allocation methodology changes applied
Net sales to external customers		$	—		$	—		$	—
Inter-segment sales			(8,624	)		—			(8,624	)
Depreciation and amortization			(685	)		685			—
Operating earnings			(6,268	)		6,268			—
Capital expenditures			—			—			—
		Food			Retail			Total
		Distribution
As originally reported
Net sales to external customers		$	336,706		$	443,572		$	780,278
Inter-segment sales			198,873			—			198,873
Depreciation and amortization			2,816			9,910			12,726
Operating earnings			19,321			1,771			21,092
Capital expenditures			2,907			6,820			9,727
(In thousands)		Military			Food			Retail			Total
					Distribution
11 Week Period Ended December 28, 2013 (fourth quarter)
Net sales to external customers		$	248,642		$	473,900		$	406,005		$	1,128,547
Inter-segment sales			—			179,708			—			179,708
Merger transaction and integration expenses			—			13,985			—			13,985
Depreciation and amortization			1,412			3,972			9,355			14,739
Operating earnings			1,901			(4,132	)		(10,846	)		(13,077	)
Capital expenditures			2,246			2,202			7,009			11,457
		4-Oct-14			December 28,
					2013*
Total Assets
Military		$	480,599		$	451,518
Food Distribution			810,725			805,468
Retail			695,192			721,898
Discontinued operations			4,753			4,767
Total		$	1,991,269		$	1,983,651
*	See Note 3.
Summary of Sales by Type of Similar Products and Services	'
	The following table presents sales by type of similar product and services:
			12 Weeks Ended												40 Weeks Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)		4-Oct-14						12-Oct-13						4-Oct-14				12-Oct-13
	Non-perishables (1)		$	1,146,410			63.4	%	$	312,038			49.5	%	$	3,753,373	63.1	%	$	1,012,545	49.1	%
	Perishables (2)			554,970			30.7			223,841			35.5			1,840,802	30.9			740,582	35.9
	Pharmacy			65,733			3.6			50,909			8.1			215,459	3.6			163,242	7.9
	Fuel			42,458			2.3			43,300			6.9			143,839	2.4			145,122	7.1
	Consolidated net sales		$	1,809,571			100	%	$	630,088			100	%	$	5,953,473	100	%	$	2,061,491	100	%
	(1)	Consists primarily of general merchandise, grocery, beverages, snacks and frozen foods.
	(2)	Consists primarily of produce, dairy, meat, bakery, deli, floral and seafood.

Merger_Additional_Information_

Merger - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jul. 12, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Jul. 12, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014
				Food Distribution Segment [Member]	Fair Value Adjustments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets adjustments	$19,300,000	'	'	'	$7,000,000
Property and equipment adjustments	-23,000,000	'	'	'	'
Goodwill adjustments	3,700,000	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	$297,352,000	$299,186,000	$36,600,000	'

Merger_Fair_Values_of_Assets_A

Merger - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Current assets	$787,430
Property and equipment	346,500
Goodwill	36,622
Intangible assets	28,550
Other	38,160
Total assets acquired	1,237,262
Current liabilities	342,221
Other long-term liabilities	76,531
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	438,896
Total liabilities assumed	857,648
Net assets acquired	379,614
Initial Valuation [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Current assets	790,296
Property and equipment	369,495
Goodwill	43,584
Intangible assets	10,750
Other	38,160
Total assets acquired	1,252,285
Current liabilities	353,484
Other long-term liabilities	81,047
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	438,140
Total liabilities assumed	872,671
Net assets acquired	379,614
Fair Value Adjustments [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Current assets	-2,866
Property and equipment	-22,995
Goodwill	-6,962
Intangible assets	17,800
Total assets acquired	-15,023
Current liabilities	-11,263
Other long-term liabilities	-4,516
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	756
Total liabilities assumed	($15,023)

Merger_Intangible_Assets_Acqui

Merger - Intangible Assets Acquired (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible Assets	$28,550
Trade Name [Member]	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
IntangibleAssets	6,700
Useful Life	'Indefinite
Customer lists [Member]	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible Assets	5,100
Useful Life	'7 years
Customer relationships [Member]	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible Assets	12,100
Useful Life	'20 years
Favorable leases [Member]	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Intangible Assets	$4,650
Favorable leases [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Useful Life	'7 years
Favorable leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Acquired Finite And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Useful Life	'22 years

Merger_Pro_Forma_Effect_on_Ope

Merger - Pro Forma Effect on Operating Results (Detail) (Nash-Finch Company [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 12, 2013
Nash-Finch Company [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$1,796,656	$5,928,875
Net earnings from continuing operations	$13,799	$41,980

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$383,952	$385,786
Accumulated impairment charges	-86,600	-86,600
Goodwill, net	297,352	299,186
Other	-1,834	'
Retail [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	252,604	254,438
Accumulated impairment charges	-86,600	-86,600
Goodwill, net	166,004	167,838
Other	-1,834	'
Food Distribution [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	131,348	131,348
Goodwill, net	$131,348	$131,348

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Components of Amortized Intangible Assets , Includes in Other Net (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$41,877	$44,086
Accumulated Amortization	16,454	15,028
Non-compete agreements [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	2,527	4,566
Accumulated Amortization	1,732	3,427
Favorable leases [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	8,408	8,408
Accumulated Amortization	2,601	2,215
Pharmacy customer script lists [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	17,223	17,423
Accumulated Amortization	10,951	8,946
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	12,100	12,100
Accumulated Amortization	597	78
Trade Name [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,219	1,219
Accumulated Amortization	408	233
Franchise fees and other [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	400	370
Accumulated Amortization	$165	$129

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Weighted Average Amortization Period for Amortizable Intangible Assets (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Non-compete agreements [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'5 years 10 months 24 days
Favorable leases [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'16 years 8 months 12 days
Customer lists [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'7 years 2 months 12 days
Customer relationships [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'20 years
Trade Name [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'7 years
Franchise fees and other [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Weighted Average Useful Life	'10 years 4 months 24 days

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense for Future (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$3,413
2015	3,156
2016	2,622
2017	2,397
2018	$2,033

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]	'	'
Indefinite lived intangible assets not amortized	$33.10	$33.20

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair2

Restructuring and Asset Impairment- Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	'	$20,531
Provision for severance	40	306
Changes in estimates	'	-1,436
Accretion expense	'	523
Payments	'	-6,635
Ending balance	13,525	13,525
Business Restructuring Reserves [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Provision for lease and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income	'	236
Lease and Ancillary Costs [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	'	19,496
Changes in estimates	'	-1,436
Accretion expense	'	523
Payments	'	-5,378
Ending balance	13,441	13,441
Lease and Ancillary Costs [Member] | Business Restructuring Reserves [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Provision for lease and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income	'	236
Severance [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	'	1,035
Provision for severance	'	306
Payments	'	-1,257
Ending balance	$84	$84

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair3

Restructuring and Asset Impairment- Schedule of Activity of Restructuring Costs (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Provision for severance	$40,000	$306,000
Reduction in goodwill	'	-1,300,000
Reduction in restructuring charges	'	-100,000
Food Distribution Segment [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Provision for severance	'	100,000
Retail Segment [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Provision for severance	'	$200,000

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair4

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Schedule of Restructuring,Asset Impairment and Other (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Asset impairment charges	'	$906	$2,220
Gains on sales of assets related to stores closed	-1,638	-2,636	'
Provision for severance	40	306	'
Other costs associated with distribution center and store closings	326	1,213	'
Changes in estimates	'	-92	'
Restructuring, asset impairment and other	-1,272	-67	2,220
Business Restructuring Reserves [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provision for leases and related ancillary costs, net of sublease income, related to store closings	'	$236	'

Restructuring_and_Asset_Impair5

Restructuring and Asset Impairment - Schedule of Restructuring,Asset Impairment and Other (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Changes in estimates	($92)
Retail Segment [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Changes in estimates	-379
Food Distribution Segment [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Changes in estimates	$287

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Estimated Fair Value and Book Value of Debt Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Book value of debt instruments:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$7,349	$7,345
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	549,530	598,319
Total book value of debt instruments	556,879	605,664
Fair value of debt instruments	561,500	609,682
Excess of fair value over book value	$4,621	$4,018

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$0.90	$3.60
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On Non Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets measured fair value on nonrecurring basis	$0	$1.40

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (Maximum [Member], Nash-Finch Company [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Maximum [Member] | Nash-Finch Company [Member]	'
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]	'
Legal fees and expense	$550,000

Associate_Retirement_Plans_Com

Associate Retirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Cash Balance Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	$556	$517	$1,854	$1,804
Expected return on plan assets	-867	-944	-2,891	-3,241
Recognized actuarial net loss	228	300	761	995
Net periodic income	-83	-127	-276	-442
Settlement expense	261	'	783	'
Total expense (income)	178	-127	507	-442
Super Foods Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	461	'	1,536	'
Expected return on plan assets	-532	'	-1,773	'
Net periodic income	-71	'	-237	'
Total expense (income)	-71	'	-237	'
SERP [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	8	8	27	28
Recognized actuarial net loss	7	6	23	22
Total expense (income)	15	14	50	50
Spartan Stores Medical Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	44	59	144	183
Interest cost	91	89	303	300
Amortization of prior service cost	-37	-13	-122	-42
Recognized actuarial net loss	4	41	15	127
Total expense (income)	$102	$176	$340	$568

Associate_Retirement_Plans_Add

Associate Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 04, 2014	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 12, 2013
	Super Foods Pension Plan [Member]	Super Foods Pension Plan [Member]	Super Foods Pension Plan [Member]	Cash Balance Pension Plan [Member]	Cash Balance Pension Plan [Member]	Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member]	Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member]	Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund [Member]
			Forecast [Member]		Forecast [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Standard pension funding carryover	$1.10	$2	$2.30	$0	$0	'	'	'
Pension contributions during plan year	'	'	'	'	'	$10.30	$6.80	$7.20
Maximum company contribution as percentage of total employer contributions	'	'	'	'	'	5.00%	'	'

Other_Comprehensive_Income_or_1

Other Comprehensive Income or Loss - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$17,096,000	$6,571,000	$46,725,000	$23,199,000
Selling, general and administrative	227,690,000	113,455,000	771,961,000	377,740,000
Reclassification from AOCI	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	100,000	200,000	400,000	500,000
Selling, general and administrative	200,000	300,000	700,000	800,000
Decreased/Increased in income taxes	($100,000)	($100,000)	($300,000)	($300,000)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate	39.00%	34.50%	37.60%	37.30%

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
			OptionPlan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of approved stock incentive plans	'	'	3	'
Share based compensation expense, Net of Tax	$0.60	$0.50	$3.70	$1.80
Share based compensation expense Per diluted share, Net of Tax	$0.02	$0.02	$0.10	$0.80
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted	'	'	0	0
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	$5.60	'	$5.60	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average period of recognition	'	'	'2 years 4 months 24 days	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 04, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Shares Under Options, Outstanding, Beginning balance	586,766
Shares Under Options, Exercised/Vested	-64,120
Shares Under Options, Cancelled/Forfeited	-4,131
Shares Under Options, Outstanding, Ending balance	518,515
Shares Under Options, Vested and expected to vest in the future at October 4, 2014	518,515
Shares Under Options, Exercisable	518,515
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Option outstanding, Beginning balance	$19.30
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised/Vested	$12.17
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled/Forfeited	$3.25
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$20.31
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest in the future at October 4, 2014	$20.31
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$20.31
Restricted Stock Awards, Outstanding, Beginning balance	518,835
Restricted Stock Awards, Granted	317,576
Restricted Stock Awards, Exercised/Vested	-219,894
Restricted Stock Awards, Cancelled/Forfeited	-11,840
Restricted Stock Awards, Outstanding, Ending balance	604,677
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$23.56
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$22.63
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Exercised/Vested	$16.41
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value/ Cancelled/Forfeited	$21.82
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$23.09

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$17,169	$6,659	$47,083	$23,627
Adjustment for earnings attributable to participating securities	-280	-155	-820	-564
Earnings from continuing operations used in calculating earnings per share	$16,889	$6,504	$46,263	$23,063
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding, including participating securities	37,717	21,876	37,678	21,820
Adjustment for participating securities	-616	-508	-656	-521
Shares used in calculating basic earnings per share	37,101	21,368	37,022	21,299
Effect of dilutive stock options	61	93	71	88
Shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share	37,162	21,461	37,093	21,387
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$0.46	$0.30	$1.25	$1.08
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.30	$1.25	$1.08

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted stock issuance	$7.20	$3.80
Capital expenditures recorded in current liabilities	$3.60	$1.90

Operating_Segment_Information_1

Operating Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					4 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 12, 2013	Jul. 20, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 27, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	$1,809,571	'	'	$630,088	'	'	'	$5,953,473	$2,061,491
Merger transaction and integration expenses	1,379	2,581	13,985	4,634	2,377	4,168	'	8,128	7,011
Depreciation and amortization	19,951	19,417	14,739	9,708	9,492	27,553	12,726	66,921	31,926
Operating earnings	33,612	32,649	-13,077	12,372	15,166	27,578	21,092	93,839	48,630
Capital expenditures	19,991	14,781	11,457	9,258	9,799	22,839	9,727	57,611	28,784
Total Assets	1,991,269	'	1,983,651	'	'	'	'	1,991,269	'
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Assets	4,753	'	4,767	'	'	'	'	4,753	'
Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	0	'	'	0	0	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Operating earnings	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	2,581	'	'	2,377	4,168	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	19,417	'	'	9,492	27,553	12,726	'	'
Operating earnings	'	32,649	'	'	15,166	27,578	21,092	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	14,781	'	'	9,799	22,839	9,727	'	'
Military [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	3	24	0	'	'	0	'	27	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,751	1,552	1,412	'	'	4,277	'	8,580	'
Operating earnings	5,651	5,884	1,901	'	'	4,421	'	15,956	'
Capital expenditures	1,120	2,653	2,246	'	'	10,195	'	13,968	'
Total Assets	480,599	'	451,518	'	'	'	'	480,599	'
Military [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	66	'	'	'	84	'	'	'
Operating earnings	'	-847	'	'	'	-1,140	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Military [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	24	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	1,486	'	'	'	4,193	'	'	'
Operating earnings	'	6,731	'	'	'	5,561	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	2,653	'	'	'	10,195	'	'	'
Food Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	1,375	2,554	13,985	4,634	2,377	4,168	'	8,097	7,011
Depreciation and amortization	6,931	7,155	3,972	1,529	1,565	9,019	2,131	23,105	5,225
Operating earnings	13,834	10,670	-4,132	1,366	1,100	14,209	13,053	38,713	15,519
Capital expenditures	9,329	3,423	2,202	3,059	2,562	6,567	2,907	19,319	8,528
Total Assets	810,725	'	805,468	'	'	'	'	810,725	'
Food Distribution [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	0	'	'	0	0	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	-550	'	'	-522	-709	-685	'	'
Operating earnings	'	-458	'	'	-5,665	-152	-6,268	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Food Distribution [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	2,554	'	'	2,377	4,168	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	7,705	'	'	2,087	9,728	2,816	'	'
Operating earnings	'	11,128	'	'	6,765	14,361	19,321	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	3,423	'	'	2,562	6,567	2,907	'	'
Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	1	3	0	0	0	0	'	4	0
Depreciation and amortization	10,269	10,710	9,355	8,179	7,927	14,257	10,595	35,236	26,701
Operating earnings	14,127	16,095	-10,846	11,006	14,066	8,948	8,039	39,170	33,111
Capital expenditures	9,542	8,705	7,009	6,199	7,237	6,077	6,820	24,324	20,256
Total Assets	695,192	'	721,898	'	'	'	'	695,192	'
Retail [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	0	'	'	0	0	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	484	'	'	522	625	685	'	'
Operating earnings	'	1,305	'	'	5,665	1,292	6,268	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Retail [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger transaction and integration expenses	'	3	'	'	0	0	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	10,226	'	'	7,405	13,632	9,910	'	'
Operating earnings	'	14,790	'	'	8,401	7,656	1,771	'	'
Capital expenditures	'	8,705	'	'	7,237	6,077	6,820	'	'
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	1,809,571	1,810,175	1,128,547	630,088	651,125	2,333,727	780,278	5,953,473	2,061,491
Operating Segments [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	1,810,175	'	'	651,125	2,333,727	780,278	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Military [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	523,553	502,402	248,642	'	'	684,167	'	1,710,122	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Military [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Military [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	502,402	'	'	'	684,167	'	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Food Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	764,288	767,926	473,900	270,195	271,890	971,002	336,706	2,503,216	878,791
Operating Segments [Member] | Food Distribution [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Food Distribution [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	767,926	'	'	271,890	971,002	336,706	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	521,730	539,847	406,005	359,893	379,235	678,558	443,572	1,740,135	1,182,700
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Retail [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	539,847	'	'	379,235	678,558	443,572	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	-223,809	-231,622	-179,708	-150,561	-153,126	-296,346	-190,249	-751,777	-493,936
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	12,244	'	'	7,083	15,470	8,624	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	-243,866	'	'	-160,209	-311,816	-198,873	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Military [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	0	0	0	'	'	0	'	0	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Military [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Military [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Food Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	-223,809	-231,622	-179,708	-150,561	-153,126	-296,346	-190,249	-751,777	-493,936
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Food Distribution [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	12,244	'	'	7,083	15,470	8,624	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Food Distribution [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	-243,866	'	'	-160,209	-311,816	-198,873	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Retail [Member] | Allocation Methodology Changes Applied [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	0	'	'	0	0	0	'	'
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Retail [Member] | As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	'	$0	'	'	$0	$0	$0	'	'

Operating_Segment_Information_2

Operating Segment Information - Summary of Sales by Type of Similar Products and Services (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013	Oct. 04, 2014	Oct. 12, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$1,809,571	$630,088	$5,953,473	$2,061,491
Percentage Consolidated Net Sale	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Fuel [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	42,458	43,300	143,839	145,122
Percentage Consolidated Net Sale	2.30%	6.90%	2.40%	7.10%
Non Perishables [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	1,146,410	312,038	3,753,373	1,012,545
Percentage Consolidated Net Sale	63.40%	49.50%	63.10%	49.10%
Perishables [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	554,970	223,841	1,840,802	740,582
Percentage Consolidated Net Sale	30.70%	35.50%	30.90%	35.90%
Pharmacy [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$65,733	$50,909	$215,459	$163,242
Percentage Consolidated Net Sale	3.60%	8.10%	3.60%	7.90%