Impairment, Disposition Of Property And Equipment, Restaurant Closing Costs And Restructuring (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Apr. 14, 2013
Apr. 15, 2012
Apr. 14, 2013
litigation
Apr. 15, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Impairment charges and other     $ 4,828 $ 2,109
Losses (gains) on the disposition of property and equipment, net 1,248 1,775 416 2,858
Impairment and other charges, net 2,382 5,074 5,645 9,425
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Business Exit Costs 429 864 1,190 2,933
Severance costs 302 1,525 670 1,525
Other restructuring costs 41 0 485 0
Restructuring costs 343 1,525 1,155 1,525
Number of Closed Restaurants Related to Eminent Domain Proceeds in Current Period     2  
Gains from imminent domain [Member]
        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Losses (gains) on the disposition of property and equipment, net     (2,400)  
Facility Closing [Member]
        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Balance at beginning of period 19,561 21,228 20,677 21,657
Business Exit Costs 312 666 738 1,912
Cash payments (1,436) (1,727) (2,978) (3,402)
Balance at end of period 18,437 20,167 18,437 20,167
Employee Severance [Member]
        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Balance at beginning of period 671   1,758  
Cash payments (934)   (2,389)  
Severance costs 302   670  
Balance at end of period 39   39  
Underperforming Jack In The Box Restaurants [Member]
        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Impairment charges and other $ 362 $ 910 $ 2,884 $ 2,109