Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, less allowances of $177 and $177 at October 7, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Inventory, Net Inventories Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract] Property, plant, and equipment: Land Land Buildings and Improvements, Gross Buildings and improvements Leasehold Improvements, Gross Leasehold improvements Fixtures and Equipment, Gross Fixtures and equipment Construction in Progress, Gross Construction in progress Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant, and equipment, gross Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant, and equipment, net Capital Leased Assets, Gross Assets under capital leases Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization of $19,570 and $17,325 at October 7, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Goodwill Goodwill Equity Method Investments Equity investment in joint venture Investment in joint venture Other Assets Other assets Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued salaries and wages Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of debt, less debt issuance costs Total current portion of debt Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Obligations under capital leases Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt, less debt issuance costs Total long-term debt Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Postretirement and postemployment benefits Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized shares - 10,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares - none Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized shares - 340,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares - 75,987,863 and 74,120,113 at October 7, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Accumulated other comprehensive loss Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars) Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization Capitalized software, accumulated amortization (in dollars) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, issued shares Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, outstanding shares Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, issued shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, outstanding shares Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income Revenue From Contract With Customer Including Assessed Tax Net sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of sales, buying and occupancy Cost of sales, distribution and store occupancy Gross Profit Gross margin Operating Expenses Operating and administrative expenses Operating Income (Loss) Income from operations Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest expense, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in earnings of joint venture Equity in earnings of joint venture Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Total before income taxes Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit (provision) Income tax (provision) benefit Income tax expense (benefit) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net income Net income Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic income per share (in dollars per share) Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted income per share (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic (in shares) Weighted average shares outstanding for basic EPS Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (in shares) Weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding for diluted EPS Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive income: Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract] Derivative instruments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax (Loss) gain, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $0 and $127, respectively, for sixteen weeks ended; $(51) and $398, respectively, for forty weeks ended Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustments, net of income tax expense of $0 and $4, respectively, for sixteen weeks ended; $6 and $10, respectively, for forty weeks ended Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income Other comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Derivative instrument gain (loss), tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Reclassification adjustments, tax Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Operating activities Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Amortization Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs Share-based Compensation. Share-based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Loss (Gain) on disposal of property, plant, and equipment Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairment Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Accrued salaries and wages Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Investing activities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property, plant, and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment Payments for Software Investment in capitalized software Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Financing activities Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Payment of minimum withholding taxes on net share settlement of share-based compensation awards Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Fees paid in conjunction with debt financing Proceeds from Lines of Credit Borrowings on bank line of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Payments on bank line of credit Notes Payable Payment on promissory note ProceedsFromLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations Cash received from landlord related to financing lease obligations Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Stock repurchases Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period No definition available Cash Paid During Period [Abstract] Cash paid during the period for: Interest Paid Interest Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Non-cash investing and financing activities Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Software development costs incurred but not paid Construction in Progress Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Construction in progress costs incurred but not paid Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Property acquired through capital and financing lease obligations Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Issuance of restricted stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Issuance of restricted stock awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Forfeiture of restricted stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Forfeiture of restricted stock awards (in shares) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock option exercises Number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld to satisfy all or a portion of the required exercise price and to cover the minimum required employee withholding taxes. Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Net of Withholding Stock option exercises (in shares) Restricted Stock, Value, Shares Issued Net of Tax Withholdings Vested restricted stock awards withheld on net share settlement Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Stock awards retained for the purpose of grantee's income tax obligations (in shares) Vested restricted stock awards withheld on net share settlement (in shares) Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Fair Value Measurements Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The entire disclosure of accumulated other comprehensive income. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Disclosure of accounting policy for prepaid expenses and other current assets. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Policy Text Block] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant, and Equipment Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Capitalized Software Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure of accounting policy for other assets. Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Other Assets Disclosure of accounting policy for accounts payable. Accounts Payable [Policy Text Block] Accounts Payable Disclosure of accounting policy for other long-term liabilities. Other Long Term Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Other Long-Term Liabilities Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lease Accounting Disclosure of accounting policy for store opening and closing costs. Store Opening and Closing Costs [Policy Text Block] Store Opening and Closing Costs Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Significant Accounting Estimates Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Sales, Buying and Occupancy Cost of Sales, Vendor Allowances, Policy [Policy Text Block] Vendor Rebates and Other Allowances Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating and Administrative Expenses Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translations Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting for Retirement Benefit Plans Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings (Loss) per Share Tabular disclosure of the estimated useful life of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block] Schedule of useful lives of property, plant, and equipment Tabular disclosure of the estimated useful life of finite-lived intangible assets. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted-average amortization periods of finite-lived intangible assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Single-Employer Plan Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan Defined Benefit [Member] Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Defined Benefit Postretirement Health Coverage [Member] Postretirement health care plan Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] The Smart & Final Stores, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2014 Incentive Plan"). Stock Incentive Plan2014 [Member] 2014 Incentive Plan The SF CC Holdings, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2014 Incentive Plan"). Stock Incentive Plan2012 [Member] 2012 Incentive Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-Based Compensation Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of restricted stock award activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of option activity Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in AOCL by each component Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of items reclassified out of each component of AOCL and the related tax effects Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of operating information and total assets for the reportable segments Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Smart & Final del Noroeste, S.A. de C.V. ("SFDN"), a joint venture. Smart And Final Del Noroeste [Member] SFDN Number of Stores Number of stores Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage Fiscal Period Duration Fiscal period Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents Represents the maximum duration of the processing time for credit card, debit card and electronic benefits transfer transactions to be classified as cash and cash equivalents. Maximum Period of Transaction Processing for Classification As Cash and Cash Equivalents Maximum processing period credit card, debit card and electronic transfer transactions to be classified as cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment Properties held for sale Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building And Building Improvements [Member] Buildings and improvements Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Fixtures and equipment Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum Maximum [Member] Maximum Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Useful lives (in years) Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks [Member] Signature brands Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill impairment charge Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Weighted average amortization period (in years) Represents the weighted average amortization period of leasehold interests. Other long-term liabilities weighted average amortization (in years) Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Significant Accounting Policies Represents the pricing valuation of carrying value in a percentage Pricing Valuation Of Carrying Amount Percentage Pricing valuation of carrying value Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term debt carrying value Principal amount of long-term debt outstanding Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term debt fair value Deferred Finance Costs, Net Debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Discount on debt issuance The amount of increase to the maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility through an incremental facility. Line of Credit Facility Increase in Maximum Borrowing Capacity Increase in borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Applicable margin (as a percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Term Term of debt (in years) Number of days that a loan agreement will mature prior to the earliest maturity date. Days prior to the earliest maturity date of loan agreement Maturity date requirement for payment of Term Loan Facility (in days) Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Rate at period end (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Calculated borrowing base Sub-limit for letters of credit. sub-limit for letters of credit Sub-limit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Drawn facility outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Remaining borrowing capacity Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Gross proceeds Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Recurring Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Cash and cash equivalents that fund supplemental executive retirement plan and deferred compensation plan Exchange Traded Funds [Member] Assets that fund supplemental executive retirement plan Investment vehicle invested in Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts"). Investment In Sprouts Farmers Market [Member] Deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts Investment vehicle invested in Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts") and others. Investment In Sprouts Farmers Market And Other [Member] Deferred compensation plan investment in Sprouts and other Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Liabilities related to deferred compensation plans. Deferred Compensation Liabilities [Member] Deferred compensation plan Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Financial assets Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Other assets Derivative Asset Derivatives Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Financial liabilities Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Other long-term liabilities Fair Value, Net Asset (Liability) Total Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Retirement Benefit Plans and Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Obligations The period after which coverage begins for full-time employees who are eligible to participate in the plan. Defined Benefit Plan Vesting Period Vesting period for plan participation Represents the number of employees that remain eligible for pension benefits under prior terms. Defined Benefit Plan Number of Employees that Remain Eligible for Pension Benefits under Prior Terms Number of employees that remain eligible for pension benefits under prior terms Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Components of net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Employer contributions to the Plan Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year Expected total minimum required contribution Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. corporate tax rate Percentage of deduction from using foreign tax credits to offset the income tax liability pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Percentage Of Deduction From Using Foreign Tax Credits To Offset The Income Tax Liability Percentage of deduction from using foreign tax credits to offset the income tax liability Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective tax rate (as a percent) Amount of income tax benefit from measurement period adjustment for the change from our provisional estimate relating to federal transition tax liability. Income Tax Benefit from Measurement Period Adjustment to the Federal Transition Tax Liability Tax benefit from measurement period adjustments to the federal transition tax liability Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted stock Stock Appreciation Rights S A R S [Member] Time-Based Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Option shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum equity-based incentive awards (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Vesting rights (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Additional disclosures Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense recognized (in dollars) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Unrecognized share-based compensation expense Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted-average period over which expense is expected to be recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant New awards available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised Period following employment termination or exercise of the applicable options, within which the entity may exercise its right of repurchase under the conditions of the award agreement, in the event of termination of employment for cause or discovery of detrimental activity. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Period for Exercise of Repurchase Rights After Termination for Cause or Detrimental Activity Period of repurchase rights in event of termination for cause or discovery of detrimental activity Period following employment termination within which the entity may exercise its right of repurchase under the conditions of the award agreement, in the event of termination of employment other than for cause or discovery of detrimental activity. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Period for Exercise of Repurchase Rights After Termination Other than for Cause Period of repurchase rights in event of termination other than for cause or discovery of detrimental activity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Designated Or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging Activity Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Foreign Currency Translation and Employee Benefit Obligation Adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Changes in AOCL by each component net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Changes in AOCL by each component net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax OCI before reclassification Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Total reclassifications, net of tax Amounts reclassified out of AOCL Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Amount Reclassified from AOCL Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Swap Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Items reclassified out of each component of AOCL and the related tax effects The amount of operating interest income (expense). Interest Income (Expense) Interest income (expense) Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Represents operating and reporting segment Smart & Final stores. Smart And Final [Member] Smart & Final The operating segment comprising the "Smart food service" store banner. Smart Food Service [Member] Smart Foodservice Corporate headquarters or functional department that may not earn revenues or may earn revenues that are only incidental to the activities of the entity, and other items not considered part of an operating segment. Corporate Nonsegment And Other [Member] Corporate / Other Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Information Number of Operating Segments Number of operating segments (in segments) Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party Intercompany receivable (payable) Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Depreciation and amortization Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities: Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Assumed exercise of time-based stock options and vesting of restricted stock Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted income per share (in shares) Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Line items related to the current portion of Long term debt Current Portion Of Debt [Member] Current portion of debt Line items related to the noncurrent portion of long term debt. Long Term Non Current Debt [Member] Long term debt An arrangement whereby the holder is entitled to receive in the future a number of shares in the entity at a specified price, subject to time-based vesting and other restrictions. Time Based Options [Member] Time-Based Options An arrangement whereby the holder is entitled to receive in the future a number of shares in the entity at a specified price, converted from stock options of the entity's Predecessor. Rollover Options [Member] Rollover Options Software And Software Development Costs [Member] Capitalized Software Reporting Unit [Axis] Reporting Unit [Domain] Reporting Unit [Domain] Lease Agreements [Member] Leasehold interests Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured Debt [Member] Term Loan Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Commercial Paper [Member] Promissory Note Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar [Member] Eurocurrency Borrowings Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Letter Of Credit [Member] Letters of credit Base Rate [Member] Alternate base rate London Interbank Offered Rate L I B O R [Member] LIBOR Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Consolidating Reportable segments