Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Impaired Property and Equipment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 12, 2014	Feb. 13, 2013
Company Owned Restaurants [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Impaired Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	$ 3,498	$ 20
Company Owned Restaurants [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Impaired Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	3,498	20
Property and equipment - Total impairments	(1,850)	(90)
Corporate Assets [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Impaired Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	1,567	1,634
Corporate Assets [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Impaired Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	1,567	1,634
Property and equipment - Total impairments	$ (451)	$ (506)