Variable Interest Entities (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 597		$ 108
Current liabilities	206,307		211,674
Other long-term liabilities	309,435		286,124
Retained earnings	1,244,897		1,171,823
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,270,665		1,319,209
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash	0		250
Other current assets	2,494	[1]	2,368	[1]
Other assets, net	5,776	[1]	8,367	[1]
Total assets	8,270		10,985
Current liabilities	2,833		3,010
Revolving credit facility	0
Other long-term liabilities	5,367	[2]	8,076	[2]
Retained earnings	70		(101)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 8,270		$ 10,985

[1] Consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees.

[2] Consists primarily of the capital note contribution from Jack in the Box which is eliminated in consolidation.