Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Detail) - Non-recurring fair value measurements related to impaired property and equipment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2013	Feb. 15, 2012	Feb. 13, 2013	Feb. 15, 2012
Continuing Operations
Level	$ 1,321	$ (72)	$ 1,563	$ (81)
Company-Owned Asset (Member) | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Continuing Operations
Level			20
Company-Owned Asset (Member)
Continuing Operations
Balance	20		20
Total Impairment			(90)
Corporate Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Continuing Operations
Level			1,634	1,875
Corporate Assets [Member]
Continuing Operations
Balance	1,634	1,875	1,634	1,875
Total Impairment			(506)	(510)
Culinary Contract Services [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Continuing Operations
Level				57
Culinary Contract Services [Member]
Continuing Operations
Balance		57		57
Total Impairment				$ (175)