Note 3 - Related Party Information - Wakefern (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 28, 2012	Jul. 30, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Ownership interest in Wakefern	13.70%
Investment in Insure-Rite, Ltd	7.70%
Indebtedness to Wakefern	$ 2,830
Installment payments current	473
Installment payments year two	615
Installment payments year three	667
Installment payments year four	518
Installment payments year five	446
Installment payments year thereafter	111
Vendor allowances and rebates	23,953	17,724	18,913
Support services incurred charges	27,991	23,453	23,559
Note receivable related party	20,918
Note receivable term related party(months)	15
Note receivable rate related party	7.00%
Deposits Invested At Wakefern	82,294
Interest income earned on investments related entity	$ 2,571	$ 2,207	$ 2,020