EX-10.52

Exhibit 10.52

Summary of Calendar 2013 Non-Employee Director Compensation

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (the "Company") compensates each member of its Board of Directors (the "Board") who is not an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries.  Upon becoming a member of the Board of Directors and at each subsequent re-election thereto, non-employee directors receive an annual fee of $37,500 for services as a director, plus $2,500 for each Board meeting or committee meeting attended.  In addition to the general fees for directors described above, the Chairmen of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board are paid an additional annual fee of $6,000 and $4,000, respectively, for services as chairmen of those committees. Additionally, the Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee is paid an additional annual fee of $6,000 for his services as Lead Independent Director and as chairman of that committee.

Non-employee directors of the Company may defer the payment of the annual fee(s) and/or Board and committee meeting fees pursuant to the Company's Director Deferral Plan.  Fees deferred pursuant to the Director Deferral Plan are converted into units representing shares of Common Stock of the Company (the "Common Stock") with a fair market value equal to the value of the fees deferred, and the number of units is then credited to the director's account at the time such fees would otherwise be paid to the director, along with additional units representing the amount of any dividends or stock distributions.  Ordinarily, under the terms of the Director Deferral Plan, upon termination of service as a director, or in the event of death, the number of stock units in the director's account are delivered and paid in the form of whole shares of Common Stock to the director or a designated beneficiary, plus the cash equivalent for any fractional shares.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Company's equity incentive plans, the Company typically grants a ten-year option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock to each new non-employee director upon his or her initial election as director.  These options are immediately vested, and the exercise price of these options is equal to the average of the high and low sale price of a share of the Common Stock on the date of the director's election.  

The Company grants additional compensation to its non-employee directors from time to time, at the Board's discretion.  This additional compensation generally takes the form of discretionary contributions by the Company to the Director Deferral Plan for the benefit of each non-employee director, however, other award types may be granted in the future at the discretion of the Board and/or the independent members of the Board.  Each non-employee director receives a discretionary Company contribution of $30,000 paid into the Direct Deferral Plan and converted into units as discussed above.

The Company also provides $100,000 of term life insurance coverage, personal group excess liability insurance coverage, and certain perquisites for each non-employee director.

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

HARRIS TEETER SUPERMARKETS, INC.

Affiliated Companies

As of November 15, 2013

Listed below are the domestic subsidiaries of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc., (the “Registrant”) all of which are wholly owned and are owned directly by the Registrant, unless otherwise indicated.

Subsidiary

State of Incorporation

Harris Teeter, Inc.⁽²⁾

North Carolina

Harris Teeter Properties, LLC⁽¹⁾

North Carolina

Harris-Teeter Services, Inc.⁽¹⁾

North Carolina

HTTAH, LLC⁽¹⁾

North Carolina

HTP Relo, LLC⁽¹⁾

North Carolina

Ruddick of Delaware, Inc.

Delaware

Ruddick Operating Company, LLC

Delaware

RDK Investments Company⁽²⁾

North Carolina

__________

⁽¹⁾ Owned by Harris Teeter, Inc.

⁽²⁾ Owned by Ruddick Operating Company

In the normal course of business, RDK Investments Company and Harris Teeter Properties LLC from time to time makes investments in corporations and partnerships that may result in ownership of capital stock or other interests as an investment.

EX-23

EXHIBIT 23

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements No. 33-26302, No. 33-56567, No. 333-19085, No. 333-22659, No. 333-53671, No. 333-62768, No. 333-98265, No. 333-105665, No. 333-131927, No. 333-143746 and No. 333-172395 on Form S-8 of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries of our reports dated December 2, 2013 with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, and related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended October 1, 2013, and the related financial statement schedule "Valuation and Qualifying Accounts," management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of October 1, 2013 and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of October 1, 2013, which reports appear in the annual report on Form 10-K of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2013.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP                     
Charlotte, North Carolina
December 2, 2013

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
for the Chief Executive Officer

I, Thomas W. Dickson, certify that:
1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
	(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Name: Thomas W. Dickson
Title: Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: December 2, 2013

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
for the Chief Financial Officer

I, John B. Woodlief, certify that:
1.	I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
	(a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
	(b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
	(c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
	(d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.	The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
	(a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
	(b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ John B. Woodlief
Name: John B. Woodlief
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: December 2, 2013

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Thomas W. Dickson, state and attest that I am the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (the "Company"). I hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that
•	the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended October 1, 2013 containing financial statements (the "periodic report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
•	the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.
/s/ Thomas W. Dickson
Name: Thomas W. Dickson
Title: Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: December 2, 2013

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John B. Woodlief, state and attest that I am the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (the "Company"). I hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that
•	the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended October 1, 2013 containing financial statements (the "periodic report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and
•	the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.
/s/ John B. Woodlief
Name: John B. Woodlief
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: December 2, 2013

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 8) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	$ 26,425
2015	26,167
2016	13,427
2017	14,208
2018	15,024
Years 2019-2023	87,743
SERP [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	1,199
2015	2,428
2016	2,531
2017	2,724
2018	3,668
Years 2019-2023	$ 20,318

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Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross taxes at beginning of year	$ 450	$ 4,338	$ 4,104
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	246
Additions for tax positions of prior years	211	185	1,396
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(120)	(4,073)	(1,162)
Reductions for settlements
Reductions for deposits made
Gross taxes at end of year	787	450	4,338
Accumulated interest	66	59	1,322
Federal tax benefit of state income tax deduction	(47)	(28)	(242)
Balance included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year	$ 806	$ 481	$ 5,418

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Pension Plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at the beginning of year	$ 350,025	$ 370,514
Service cost	3,835	2,957	2,645
Interest cost	15,314	16,129	18,163
Actuarial (gain) loss	(13,748)	(10,526)	(12,627)
Gain due to curtailment
Loss due to special termination benefits
Benefits paid	(12,948)	(16,710)
Spin-off of liability to A&E plan		(73,849)
Pension benefit obligation at end of year	321,445	350,025
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year	286,514	276,374
Actual return on plan assets	12,351	40,549
Employer contribution	368	50,221
Benefits paid	(12,948)	(16,710)
Non-investment expenses	(923)	(830)
Spin-off of assets to A&E plan		(63,090)
Fair value of assets at end of year	285,362	286,514
Funded status	(36,083)	(63,511)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	125,874	167,924
Unrecognized prior service cost	59	87
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost	(89,850)	(104,500)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
(Prepaid) Accrued benefits liability	89,850	104,500
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0	168,011
Net amount recognized	36,083	63,511
SERP [Member]
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at the beginning of year	56,372	47,212
Service cost	776	787	814
Interest cost	2,341	2,412	1,955
Actuarial (gain) loss	(3,613)	(1,212)	(1,521)
Gain due to curtailment		(3,475)
Loss due to special termination benefits		(1,300)
Benefits paid	(1,199)	(1,221)
Spin-off of liability to A&E plan
Pension benefit obligation at end of year	52,657	56,372
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contribution	1,199	1,221
Benefits paid	(1,199)	(1,221)
Non-investment expenses
Spin-off of assets to A&E plan
Fair value of assets at end of year
Funded status	(52,657)	(56,372)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	8,963	18,209
Unrecognized prior service cost	743	917
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost	(42,951)	(37,246)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
(Prepaid) Accrued benefits liability	42,951	37,246
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,706	19,126
Net amount recognized	$ 52,657	$ 56,372

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Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Schedule of operating results of discontinued operations
Loss from Discontinued Operations		$ (15,755)	$ 26,078
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,088	(2,057)	(2,461)
Loss on Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	(1,088)	(17,415)	(20,211)
American and Efird [Member]
Schedule of operating results of discontinued operations
Net Sales		30,313	320,876
Cost of Sales		23,205	241,539
Gross Profit		7,108	79,337
SG&A Expenses		22,824	52,351
Operating Loss		(15,716)	26,986
Interest Expense		19	380
Interest Income		(17)	(170)
Less Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		37	698
Loss on Disposition of Discontinued Operations		3,717	48,750
Loss from Discontinued Operations		(19,472)	(22,672)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,088	(2,507)	(2,461)
Loss on Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	$ (1,088)	$ (17,415)	$ (20,211)

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Intangible Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Intangible Liabilities [Abstract]

INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES

9. INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES

In connection with the Lowes Foods transaction, the Company recorded intangible liabilities associated with unfavorable operating lease contracts which are included with other long-term liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying amount of intangible liabilities as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 was as follows (in thousands): 

	2013			2012
Acquired Unfavorable Operating Leases	$	2,199		$	2,199
Accumulated amortization		(211	)		(52	)
Total Intangible Liabilities, Net of Accumulated Amortization	$	1,988		$	2,147

Amortization expense for intangible liabilities was $159,000 and $52,000 in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. Intangible liabilities are amortized over the primary term of the underlying lease contracts which have remaining terms from 11 to 15 years. Projected amortization for intangible liabilities existing as of October 1, 2013 is $159,000 per year for fiscal 2014 through 2018.

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Goodwill (Details) (Lowes Food Stores [Member], Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Stores	Oct. 02, 2012
Lowes Food Stores [Member] | Purchase and Sale Agreement [Member]
Goodwill (Textual)
Number of store locations acquired	10
Number of store locations sold	6
Cash consideration	$ 26.3
Impairment losses and other incremental costs		$ 29.8

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Statements of Consolidated Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Net Sales	$ 4,709,866	$ 4,535,414	$ 4,285,565
Cost of Sales	3,292,903	3,176,914	3,015,517
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	1,222,615	1,187,522	1,089,342
Operating Profit	194,348	170,978	180,706
Interest Expense	16,425	16,998	19,116
Interest Income	(263)	(587)	(133)
Net Investment Gain			(19,392)
Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	178,186	154,567	181,115
Income Tax Expense	69,206	54,640	69,657
Earnings From Continuing Operations, Net of Income Taxes	108,980	99,927	111,458
(Loss) Earnings From Operations of Discontinued Operations		(15,755)	26,078
Loss on Disposition of Discontinued Operations		(3,717)	(48,750)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,088	(2,057)	(2,461)
Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes	(1,088)	(17,415)	(20,211)
Net Earnings	$ 107,892	$ 82,512	$ 91,247
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:
Continuing Operations	$ 2.23	$ 2.05	$ 2.30
Discontinued Operations	$ (0.02)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.42)
Net Earnings	$ 2.21	$ 1.69	$ 1.88
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:
Continuing Operations	$ 2.21	$ 2.04	$ 2.28
Discontinued Operations	$ (0.02)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.41)
Net Earnings	$ 2.19	$ 1.68	$ 1.87
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	48,916	48,751	48,469
Diluted (in shares)	49,212	49,053	48,852
Regular Dividend Declared
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.55	$ 0.52
Special Dividend Declared
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50

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Inventories

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

2. INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with the cost of a substantial portion of inventories being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The LIFO cost of such inventories was $40,740,000 and $42,440,000 less than the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively. Limited categories of inventories that are valued on the FIFO cost method totaled $46,857,000 and $49,302,000 at the end of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.

The following table summarizes the components of inventories as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (in thousands):

	2013		2012
Finished goods	$	314,003	$	301,102
Raw materials		2,806		4,004
Total inventories	$	316,809	$	305,106

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Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract]

COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

16. COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)

The following table details the computation of EPS for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands except per share data):

	2013		2012		2011
Basic EPS:
Earnings From Continuing Operations	$	108,980	$	99,927	$	111,458
Weighted average common shares outstanding		48,916		48,751		48,469
Basic EPS	$	2.23	$	2.05	$	2.30
Diluted EPS:
Earnings From Continuing Operations	$	108,980	$	99,927	$	111,458
Weighted average common shares outstanding		48,916		48,751		48,469
Net potential common share equivalents - stock options		5		17		27
Net potential common share equivalents - stock awards		291		285		356
Weighted average common shares outstanding		49,212		49,053		48,852
Diluted EPS	$	2.21	$	2.04	$	2.28
Excluded from the calculation of common share equivalents:
Anti-dilutive common share equivalents - stock options		-		-		-
Anti-dilutive common share equivalents - stock awards		-		-		-

Stock awards that are based on performance are excluded from the calculation of potential common share equivalents until the performance criteria are met. As such, the impact of 112,000, 103,000 and 147,000 performance shares for the fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted shares.

To calculate the EPS on the Loss From Discontinued Operations and on Net Earnings, the denominator for both basic and diluted earnings per share is the same as used in the table above. The basic and diluted EPS for the Loss From Discontinued Operations and for Net Earnings were as follows (in thousands except per share data):

	2013			2012			2011
Loss From Discontinued Operations	$	(1,088	)	$	(17,415	)	$	(20,211	)
Loss Per Share:
Basic	$	(0.02	)	$	(0. 36	)	$	(0.42	)
Diluted		(0.02	)		(0. 36	)		(0.41	)

	2013		2012		2011
Net Earnings	$	107,892	$	82,512	$	91,247
Earnings Per Share:
Basic	$	2.21	$	1. 69	$	1.88
Diluted		2.19		1. 68		1.87

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Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Estimated fair value [Member]
Schedule of estimated fair value and carrying amount outstanding of senior notes
Senior notes	$ 121,900	$ 127,730
Carrying Amount [Member]
Schedule of estimated fair value and carrying amount outstanding of senior notes
Senior notes	$ 100,000	$ 100,000

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Leases (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]
Minimum, net of sublease income	$ 105,257	$ 99,289	$ 94,901
Contingent	1,645	1,378	1,252
Total	$ 106,902	$ 100,667	$ 96,153

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Derivative Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

10. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

During fiscal 2009, the Company entered into two separate three-year interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $80.0 million. The swap agreements effectively fixed the interest rate on $80.0 million of the Company's term loan, of which $40.0 million was at 1.81% and $40.0 million was at 1.80%, excluding the applicable margin and associated fees. Both interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges. The swap agreements expired according to their terms on January 30, 2012 and May 12, 2012.

In order to limit the price variability in fuel purchases associated with its distribution operations, the Company has entered into a series of purchased call options and written put options. The options effectively establish a low and high purchase price, excluding shipping, handling and taxes, for a set amount of gallons. All of the options are deemed to be net purchase options which are designated as a cash flow hedge. The following table summarizes the primary terms for options that have been entered into or were in effect during the reporting periods:

		Option Period		Price Per Gallon
Contract Date	Gallons Under Options	Begin	End	Low	High
05-04-10	168,000	08-01-10	10-31-10	$2.09	$2.60
05-04-10	588,000	07-01-10	10-31-10	$2.12	$2.60
11-16-10	1,092,000	12-01-10	04-30-11	$1.95	$2.56
01-05-11	1,344,000	05-01-11	11-30-11	$2.43	$2.80
08-05-11	1,218,000	12-01-11	05-31-12	$2.77	$3.13
10-04-11	1,260,000	06-01-12	11-30-12	$2.50	$2.88
05-08-12	1,260,000	12-01-12	11-30-13	$2.84	$3.20

06-07-12	1,260,000	12-01-12	11-30-13	$2.59	$2.96
05-01-13	1,008,000	12-01-13	11-30-14	$2.66	$2.87
06-05-13	1,050,000	12-01-13	11-30-14	$2.71	$2.92

The following tables present the required fair value quantitative disclosures, on a combined basis, for the Company's financial instruments, designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):

	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement as of October 1, 2013:
Net purchase options (included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet)	$	133	$	-	$	133	$	-
Net purchase options (included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet)		3		-		3		-
Fair Value Measurement as of October 2, 2012:
Net purchase options (included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet)		302		-		302		-
Net purchase options (included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet)		25		-		25		-

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the years ended October 1, 2013 or October 2, 2012.

The pre-tax unrealized gains (losses) associated with the cash flow hedges for the fiscal years were as follows (in thousands):

	2013			2012		2011
Unrealized (losses) gains recorded in other comprehensive income	$	(124	)	$	1,036	$	758

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 9) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Savings Plan	$ 19,384	$ 21,778	$ 20,584
Deferred Compensation and other	$ 1,321	$ 1,256	$ 945

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Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Schedule of components of inventories
Finished Goods	$ 314,003	$ 301,102
Raw Materials	2,806	4,004
Total Inventories	$ 316,809	$ 305,106

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Pension Plan [Member]
Schedule of net periodic pension expense
Service cost	$ 3,835	$ 2,957	$ 2,645
Interest cost	15,314	16,129	18,163
Expected return on plan assets	(17,907)	(19,195)	(22,636)
Amortization of prior service cost	29	29	85
Recognized net actuarial loss	13,748	10,526	12,627
Net periodic pension expense	15,019	10,446	10,884
Settlement / Curtailment expense		27,739
Special termination benefits cost
Total Expense	15,019	38,185	10,884
SERP [Member]
Schedule of net periodic pension expense
Service cost	776	787	814
Interest cost	2,341	2,412	1,955
Amortization of prior service cost	174	179	247
Recognized net actuarial loss	3,613	1,212	1,521
Net periodic pension expense	6,904	4,590	4,537
Settlement / Curtailment expense		453
Special termination benefits cost		1,300
Total Expense	$ 6,904	$ 6,343	$ 4,537

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Leases (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2014	$ 109,345
2015	112,814
2016	112,102
2017	111,066
2018	108,584
Later years	1,083,860
Total minimum lease obligations (receivables)	1,637,771
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	(1,251)
2015	(893)
2016	(595)
2017	(389)
2018	(31)
Later years
Total minimum lease obligations (receivables)	(3,159)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	13,171
2015	13,176
2016	13,226
2017	13,271
2018	13,527
Later years	134,600
Total minimum lease obligations (receivables)	200,971
Amount representing interest	(88,493)
Present value of net minimum obligation (included with long-term debt)	$ 112,478

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Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule of estimated fair value and carrying amount outstanding of senior notes

	2013		2012
Senior Notes - estimated fair value	$	121,900	$	127,730
Senior Notes - carrying amount		100,000		100,000

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Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

19. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The Company's stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The following table sets forth certain financial information, the high and low sales prices and dividends declared per share of common stock for the periods indicated (in millions, except per share data):

	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter		Fiscal Year
2013 Operating Results
Net Sales	$	1,161.1	$	1,169.1	$	1,185.8		$	1,193.9	$	4,709.9
Gross Profit		334.7		359.6		362.2			360.5		1,417.0
Earnings From Continuing Operations		22.8		32.9		32.1			21.2		109.0
Loss From Discontinued Operations		-		-		(1.1	)		-		(1.1	)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:
Continuing Operations		0.47		0.67		0.66			0.43		2.23

	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Fiscal Year
Discontinued Operations		-			-			(0.02	)		-			(0.02	)
Net Earnings		0.47			0.67			0.63			0.43			2.21
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:
Continuing Operations		0.46			0.67			0.65			0.43			2.21
Discontinued Operations		-			-			(0.02	)		-			(0.02	)
Net Earnings		0.46			0.67			0.63			0.43			2.19
Dividend Per Share		0.65			0.15			0.15			0.15			1.10
Market Price Per Share:
High		39.42			45.03			48.96			49.90			49.90
Low		35.25			35.31			39.47			47.28			35.25
2012 Operating Results
Net Sales	$	1,119.5		$	1,120.4		$	1,152.7		$	1,142.8		$	4,535.4
Gross Profit		326.8			343.6			348.3			339.8			1,358.5
Earnings From Continuing Operations		25.8			30.4			20.0			23.7			99.9
Loss From Discontinued Operations		(12.1	)		(0.2	)		(4.2	)		(0.9	)		(17.4	)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:
Continuing Operations		0.53			0.62			0.41			0.49			2.05
Discontinued Operations		(0.25	)		-			(0.09	)		(0.02	)		(0.36	)
Net Earnings		0.28			0.62			0.32			0.47			1.69
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:
Continuing Operations		0.53			0.62			0.41			0.48			2.04
Discontinued Operations		(0.25	)		-			(0.09	)		(0.02	)		(0.36	)
Net Earnings		0.28			0.62			0.32			0.46			1.68
Dividend Per Share		0.13			0.14			0.14			0.14			0.55
Market Price Per Share:
High		45.45			45.31			41.74			42.99			45.45
Low		37.78			39.16			36.10			37.27			36.10

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in various lawsuits and environmental and patent matters arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that such matters will not have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Refer to Note 7 above for additional commitments and contingencies.

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accumulated unrecognized losses for minimum pension liabilities	$ 82,375	$ 113,584	$ 122,736
Accumulated unrecognized losses for postemployment liabilities	98	158	111
Accumulated unrecognized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges	(4)	(79)	523
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	$ 82,469	$ 113,663	$ 123,370

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Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of rent expense

		2013		2012		2011
Minimum, net of sublease income	$	105,257	$	99,289	$	94,901
Contingent		1,645		1,378		1,252
Total	$	106,902	$	100,667	$	96,153

Schedule of future minimum lease payments for capital leases

	Operating					Capital
Fiscal Year	Leases		Subleases			Leases
2014	$	109,345	$	(1,251	)	$	13,171
2015		112,814		(893	)		13,176
2016		112,102		(595	)		13,226
2017		111,066		(389	)		13,271
2018		108,584		(31	)		13,527
Later years		1,083,860		-			134,600
Total minimum lease obligations (receivables)	$	1,637,771	$	(3,159	)		200,971
Amount representing interest							(88,493	)
Present value of net minimum obligation (included with long-term debt)						$	112,478

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of provision for income taxes from continuing operations

	2013			2012			2011
Current:
Federal	$	74,627		$	37,696		$	38,211
State and other		15,042			12,469			12,949
		89,669			50,165			51,160
Deferred:
Federal		(18,646	)		7,038			17,834
State and other		(1,817	)		(2,563	)		663
		(20,463	)		4,475			18,497
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations	$	69,206		$	54,640		$	69,657

Schedule of income tax expense from continuing operations differed from an amount computed by applying the statutory tax rates to pre-tax income

		2013			2012			2011
Income tax on pre-tax income at the statutory federal rate of 35%	$	62,365		$	54,098		$	63,390
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
State and other income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		7,436			6,120			8,604
Tax credits		(1,845	)		(2,494	)		(1,081	)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)		(1,031	)		(556	)		(583	)
COLI		(1,393	)		(2,420	)		(803	)
Non-deductible transaction costs		1,872			-			-
Tax law changes		840			-			-
Other items, net		962			(108	)		130
Income tax expense	$	69,206		$	54,640		$	69,657

Schedule of tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to the company's consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities

	2013			2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Employee benefits	$	52,457		$	57,880
Rent obligations		28,795			28,960
Liabilities not currently deductible		18,719			18,053
Vendor allowances		9,022			6,626
Other		16,756			14,886
Total deferred tax assets	$	125,749		$	126,405
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	(104,454	)	$	(114,144	)
Inventories		(19,089	)		(14,537	)
Other		(2,606	)		(2,621	)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(126,149	)	$	(131,302	)

Schedule of reconciliation of the unrecognized tax liability

	2013			2012			2011
Gross taxes at beginning of year	$	450		$	4,338		$	4,104
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		246			-			-
Additions for tax positions of prior years		211			185			1,396
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(120	)		(4,073	)		(1,162	)
Reductions for settlements		-			-			-
Reductions for deposits made		-			-			-
Gross taxes at end of year		787			450			4,338
Accumulated interest		66			59			1,322
Federal tax benefit of state income tax deduction		(47	)		(28	)		(242	)
Balance included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year	$	806		$	481		$	5,418

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Inventories (Details 1) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]
LIFO cost of inventories	$ 40,740,000	$ 42,440,000
FIFO cost of inventories	$ 46,857,000	$ 49,302,000

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Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Inventories [Abstract]

Schedule of components of inventories

		2013		2012
Finished goods	$	314,003	$	301,102
Raw materials		2,806		4,004
Total inventories	$	316,809	$	305,106

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 1) (Net purchase options [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options	$ 133	$ 302
Included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options
Included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options	133	302
Included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options
Included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options	3	25
Included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options
Included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options	3	25
Included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Net purchase options

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Stock Options and Stock Awards (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Equity Incentive Plans (Textual)
Additional options or stock awards and performance shares granted	2,164,000
Total fair value of stock awards, vested	$ 5,978,000	$ 12,359,000	$ 5,388,000
Stock awards requisite service period (in years)	5 years
Stock Options [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Textual)
Outstanding stock options exercisable price per share, lower range (in dollars per share)	$ 17.24
Outstanding stock options exercisable price per share, upper range (in dollars per share)	$ 42.02
Stock options granted	$ 12.34
Expected life	7 years 3 months 29 days
Interest rate	1.43%
Volatility	31.88%
Dividend yield	1.59%
Compensation expense	123,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable	275,000	602,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised	467,000	493,000	876,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Textual)
Percentage of stock awards	50.00%
Unamortized expense related to stock awards	9,621,000
Weighted average recognition period	1 year 7 months 6 days
Compensation expense	$ 7,597,000	$ 7,121,000	$ 8,073,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Textual)
Percentage of stock awards	50.00%
Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Textual)
Number of shares authorized for issuance	6,500,000

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (Purchased call options and written put options)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013 gal
Contract Date, 05-04-10 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	168,000
Option Period, Begin	Aug. 01, 2010
Option Period, End	Oct. 31, 2010
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.09
Price Per Gallon - High	2.60
Contract Date, 05-04-10 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	588,000
Option Period, Begin	Jul. 01, 2010
Option Period, End	Oct. 31, 2010
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.12
Price Per Gallon - High	2.60
Contract Date, 11-16-10 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,092,000
Option Period, Begin	Dec. 01, 2010
Option Period, End	Apr. 30, 2011
Price Per Gallon - Low	1.95
Price Per Gallon - High	2.56
Contract Date, 01-05-11 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,344,000
Option Period, Begin	May 01, 2011
Option Period, End	Nov. 30, 2011
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.43
Price Per Gallon - High	2.80
Contract Date, 08-05-11 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,218,000
Option Period, Begin	Dec. 01, 2011
Option Period, End	May 31, 2012
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.77
Price Per Gallon - High	3.13
Contract Date, 10-04-11 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,260,000
Option Period, Begin	Jun. 01, 2012
Option Period, End	Nov. 30, 2012
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.50
Price Per Gallon - High	2.88
Contract Date, 05-08-12 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,260,000
Option Period, Begin	Dec. 01, 2012
Option Period, End	Nov. 30, 2013
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.84
Price Per Gallon - High	3.20
Contract Date, 06-07-12 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,260,000
Option Period, Begin	Dec. 01, 2012
Option Period, End	Nov. 30, 2013
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.59
Price Per Gallon - High	2.96
Contract Date, 05-01-13 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,008,000
Option Period, Begin	Dec. 01, 2013
Option Period, End	Nov. 30, 2014
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.66
Price Per Gallon - High	2.87
Contract Date, 06-05-13 [Member]
Schedule of derivative instruments
Gallons Under Options	1,050,000
Option Period, Begin	Dec. 01, 2013
Option Period, End	Nov. 30, 2014
Price Per Gallon - Low	2.71
Price Per Gallon - High	2.92

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Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of operating results of discontinued operations

	2013			2012			2011
Net Sales	$	-		$	30,313		$	320,876
Cost of Sales		-			23,205			241,539
Gross Profit		-			7,108			79,337
SG&A Expenses		-			22,824			52,351
Operating (Loss) Profit		-			(15,716	)		26,986
Interest Expense		-			19			380
Interest Income		-			(17	)		(170	)
Less Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		-			37			698
Loss on Disposition of Discontinued Operations		-			3,717			48,750
Loss on Discontinued Operations		-			(19,472	)		(22,672	)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		1,088			(2,057	)		(2,461	)
(Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes	$	(1,088	)	$	(17,415	)	$	(20,211	)

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Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Sep. 28, 2008
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized			75,000,000
Common stock, no par value
Purchase and retire percentage of outstanding common shares	10.00%
Non-cumulative voting preference stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized			4,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, par value per share			$ 0.56
Convertible preferred stock, liquidation value			$ 10
Additional Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized			1,000,000

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Discontinued Operations (Detail Textuals) (American and Efird [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 07, 2011
American and Efird [Member]
Discontinued Operations (Textual)
Purchase price in cash consideration	$ 180

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Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 1,193,900,000	$ 1,185,800,000	$ 1,169,100,000	$ 1,161,100,000	$ 1,142,800,000	$ 1,152,700,000	$ 1,120,400,000	$ 1,119,500,000	$ 4,709,866,000	$ 4,535,414,000	$ 4,285,565,000
Gross Profit	360,500,000	362,200,000	359,600,000	334,700,000	339,800,000	348,300,000	343,600,000	326,800,000	1,417,000,000	1,358,500,000
Earnings From Continuing Operations	21,200,000	32,100,000	32,900,000	22,800,000	23,700,000	20,000,000	30,400,000	25,800,000	109,000,000	99,900,000
Loss From Discontinued Operations			$ (1,100)		$ (900,000)	$ (4,200,000)	$ (200,000)	$ (12,100,000)	$ (1,100,000)	$ (17,400,000)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:
Continuing Operations	$ 0.43	$ 0.66	$ 0.67	$ 0.47	$ 0.49	$ 0.41	$ 0.62	$ 0.53	$ 2.23	$ 2.05	$ 2.30
Discontinued Operations		$ (0.02)			$ (0.02)	$ (0.09)		$ (0.25)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.42)
Net Earnings	$ 0.43	$ 0.63	$ 0.67	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.32	$ 0.62	$ 0.28	$ 2.21	$ 1.69	$ 1.88
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Continuing Operations	$ 0.43	$ 0.65	$ 0.67	$ 0.46	$ 0.48	$ 0.41	$ 0.62	$ 0.53	$ 2.21	$ 2.04	$ 2.28
Discontinued Operations		$ (0.02)			$ (0.02)	$ (0.09)		$ (0.25)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.41)
Net Earnings	$ 0.43	$ 0.63	$ 0.67	$ 0.46	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 0.62	$ 0.28	$ 2.19	$ 1.68	$ 1.87
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.65	$ 0.14	$ 0.14	$ 0.14	$ 0.13	$ 1.10	$ 0.55	$ 0.52
Market Price Per Share:
High	$ 49.90	$ 48.96	$ 45.03	$ 39.42	$ 42.99	$ 41.74	$ 45.31	$ 45.45	$ 49.90	$ 45.45
Low	$ 47.28	$ 39.47	$ 35.31	$ 35.25	$ 37.27	$ 36.10	$ 39.16	$ 37.78	$ 35.25	$ 36.10

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Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

17. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On November 7, 2011, the Company completed the sale of all of its ownership interest in A&E to two affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP. The purchase price was $180 million in cash consideration, adjusted for working capital and certain liabilities, including under-funded pension liabilities and foreign debt.

The following table sets forth the historical operating results of A&E and the loss on disposition of discontinued operations for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, which have been reclassified as discontinued operations (in thousands):

Cost of Sales

-23,205241,539

	2013			2012			2011
Net Sales	$	-		$	30,313		$	320,876
Gross Profit		-			7,108			79,337
SG&A Expenses		-			22,824			52,351
Operating (Loss) Profit		-			(15,716	)		26,986
Interest Expense		-			19			380
Interest Income		-			(17	)		(170	)
Less Net Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		-			37			698
Loss on Disposition of Discontinued Operations		-			3,717			48,750
Loss on Discontinued Operations		-			(19,472	)		(22,672	)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		1,088			(2,057	)		(2,461	)
(Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes	$	(1,088	)	$	(17,415	)	$	(20,211	)

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Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Equity of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.	Non-controlling Interest
Balance at Oct. 02, 2010	$ 898,923	$ 98,285	$ 918,843	$ (124,679)	$ 892,449	$ 6,474
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 02, 2010		48,901,482
Net earnings	91,945		91,247		91,247	698
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	5,208			5,208	5,208	236
Dividends ($0.52, $0.55 and $1.10 a share)	(25,555)		(25,555)		(25,555)
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits	1,779	1,779			1,779
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits (in shares)		38,256
Share-based compensation	8,073	8,073			8,073
Share-based compensation (in shares)		273,844
Shares effectively purchased and retired for withholding taxes	(2,485)	(2,485)			(2,485)
Shares effectively purchased and retired for withholding taxes (in shares)		(65,765)
Directors stock plan	3	3			3
Acquisition from noncontrolling interest	(2,250)	(1,444)			(1,444)	(806)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(795)					(795)
Balance at Oct. 01, 2011	975,082	104,211	984,535	(119,471)	969,275	5,807
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 01, 2011		49,147,817
Balance at Oct. 02, 2011
Net earnings	82,512		82,512		82,512
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	10,603			10,603	10,603	56
Dividends ($0.52, $0.55 and $1.10 a share)	(27,112)		(27,112)		(27,112)
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits	2,245	2,245			2,245
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits (in shares)		30,506
Share-based compensation	10,016	10,016			10,016
Share-based compensation (in shares)		236,554
Shares effectively purchased and retired for withholding taxes	(5,129)	(5,129)			(5,129)
Shares effectively purchased and retired for withholding taxes (in shares)		(122,292)
Directors stock plan	4	4			4
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(176)					(176)
Disposition of subsidiary	(10,482)			(4,795)	(4,795)	(5,687)
Balance at Oct. 02, 2012	1,037,619	111,347	1,039,935	(113,663)	1,037,619
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 02, 2012		49,292,585
Net earnings	107,892		107,892		107,892
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	31,194			31,194	31,194
Dividends ($0.52, $0.55 and $1.10 a share)	(54,413)		(54,413)		(54,413)
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits	1,010	1,010			1,010
Exercise of stock options, including tax benefits (in shares)		24,000
Share-based compensation	7,720	7,720			7,720
Share-based compensation (in shares)		202,113
Shares effectively purchased and retired for withholding taxes	(2,155)	(2,155)			(2,155)
Shares effectively purchased and retired for withholding taxes (in shares)		(59,730)
Directors stock plan	5	5			5
Balance at Oct. 01, 2013	$ 1,128,872	$ 117,927	$ 1,093,414	$ (82,469)	$ 1,128,872
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 01, 2013		49,458,968

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Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Earnings	$ 107,892	$ 82,512	$ 91,247
Loss from Discontinued Operations	1,088	17,415	20,211
Non-Cash Items Included in Net Income:
Depreciation and Amortization	149,098	135,542	128,717
Deferred Income Taxes	(23,003)	1,814	13,684
Net Loss (Gain) on Sale of Property and Investments	120	(132)	(20,162)
Share-Based Compensation	7,720	7,121	8,073
Other, Net	3,300	(1,863)	(1,496)
Changes in Operating Accounts Providing (Utilizing) Cash:
Accounts Receivable	(2,898)	(12,179)	785
Inventories	(11,703)	(17,969)	(15,112)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	17,010	864	3,308
Accounts Payable	(5,211)	24,665	37,528
Other Current Liabilities	5,513	(4,513)	18,449
Other Long-Term Operating Accounts	(24,876)	(25,980)	(41,312)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities of Discontinued Ops.			28,326
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	224,050	207,297	272,246
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital Expenditures	(190,717)	(199,946)	(147,993)
Purchase of Other Investments	(7,760)	(3,448)	(19,436)
Business Acquisition		(26,296)
Proceeds from Sale of Property and Investments	15,283	172,143	65,697
Net (Investments in) Proceeds From Company-owned Life Insurance	(5,788)	12,486	(1,073)
Other, Net		(28)	(627)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities of Discontinued Operations			(5,538)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(188,982)	(45,089)	(108,970)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	(4,325)	(83,706)	(30,910)
Dividends Paid	(54,413)	(27,112)	(25,555)
Proceeds from Stock Issued	374	485	622
Share-Based Compensation Tax Benefits	636	1,760	908
Shares Effectively Purchased and Retired for Withholding Taxes	(2,155)	(5,129)	(2,485)
Other, Net	216	(774)	139
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities of Discontinued Operations			(4,698)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(59,667)	(114,476)	(61,979)
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(24,599)	47,732	101,297
Cash Effect of Foreign Currency Fluctuations of Discontinued Ops.			(107)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	212,211	164,479	73,612
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	187,612	212,211	174,802
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Continuing Operations	187,612	212,211	164,479
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Discontinued Operations			10,323
Cash Paid During the Year For:
Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized	16,365	18,141	19,194
Income Taxes	81,157	75,059	41,753
Non-Cash Activity - Assets Acquired under Capital Leases	$ 5,315	$ 8,866	$ 12,144

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Property

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Property [Abstract]

PROPERTY

3. PROPERTY

The following table summarizes the components of property as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 (in thousands):

	2013			2012
Land	$	30,167		$	30,167
Buildings and improvements		250,283			233,538
Machinery and equipment		968,597			890,500
Leasehold improvements		915,278			838,792
Construction in progress		80,078			77,707
Total, at cost		2,244,403			2,070,704
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,102,158	)		(968,001	)
Property, net	$	1,142,245		$	1,102,703

Depreciation and amortization expense for property was $147,977,000, $134,455,000 and $127,779,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Current:
Federal	$ 74,627	$ 37,696	$ 38,211
State and other	15,042	12,469	12,949
Current income tax expense (benefit), total	89,669	50,165	51,160
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal	(18,646)	7,038	17,834
State and other	(1,817)	(2,563)	663
Deferred income tax expense (benefit), total	(20,463)	4,475	18,497
Income tax expense	$ 69,206	$ 54,640	$ 69,657

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

          The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries, including its wholly-owned operating company, Harris Teeter, Inc. ("Harris Teeter"), collectively referred to herein as the Company. All material intercompany amounts have been eliminated. To the extent that non-affiliated parties held minority equity investments in joint ventures of the Company, such investments are classified as noncontrolling interest.

The Company reviews its investments in entities to determine if such entities are deemed to be variable interest entities ("VIE's") as defined by ASC paragraph 810-10-05-8. The Company will consolidate those VIE's in which the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company concluded that it did not have any VIE's that required consolidation in the reported fiscal years.

On November 7, 2011, the Company completed the sale of all of its ownership interest in its thread manufacturing subsidiary, American & Efird ("A&E") to two affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP. The purchase price was $180.0 million in cash consideration, subject to adjustments for working capital and certain liabilities, including under-funded pension liabilities and foreign debt. A&E's results of operations and financial position are reported as discontinued operations in these financial statements.

Operations

The Company operates one primary business segment, retail grocery (including related real estate and store development activities) through its wholly-owned subsidiary Harris Teeter. Harris Teeter is a regional supermarket chain operating primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia.

Fiscal Year

Effective April 2, 2012, the Company's fiscal year end was changed from the Sunday nearest to September 30 to the Tuesday nearest to September 30 to coincide with Harris Teeter's fiscal year end. Fiscal 2013 includes the 52 weeks ended October 1, 2013, fiscal 2012 includes the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2012, and fiscal 2011 includes the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2011 (October 4, 2011 for Harris Teeter).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of consolidated cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid and unrestricted cash investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

The Company's inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with the cost of substantially all inventories being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Limited categories of inventories are valued on the weighted average and on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost methods. Under the LIFO valuation method, all retail store inventories are initially stated at estimated cost as calculated by the Retail Inventory Method (RIM). Under RIM, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. LIFO indices are developed approximately one month prior to year end except for inventory held at the Company's distribution facilities which are developed at year end. The annual LIFO measurement is achieved by applying the indices to the actual inventory on hand as of year end.

Vendor Rebates, Credits and Promotional Allowances

Consistent with standard practices in the retail industry, the Company receives allowances from vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements. These allowances are generally intended to defray the costs of promotion, advertising and selling the vendor's products. Vendor rebates, credits and other promotional allowances that relate to buying and merchandising activities, including lump-sum payments associated with long-term contracts, are recorded as a component of cost of sales as they are earned, the recognition of which is determined in accordance with the underlying agreement with the vendor, the authoritative guidance and completion of the earning process. Portions of vendor allowances that are refundable to the vendor, in whole or in part, by the nature of the provisions of the contract are deferred from recognition until realization is reasonably assured.

 

The Company recognizes allowances when it fulfills the purpose for which the vendor funds were intended and the Company incurs a cost. Thus, it is the Company's policy to recognize the vendor allowance consistent with the timing of the recognition of the expense that the allowance is intended to reimburse and to determine the accounting classification consistent with the economic substance of the underlying transaction. Where the Company provides an identifiable benefit or service to the vendor apart from the purchase of merchandise, that transaction is recorded separately. For example, co-operative advertising allowances are accounted for as a reduction of advertising expense in the period in which the advertising cost is incurred. If the advertising allowance exceeds the cost of advertising, then the excess is recorded against the cost of sales in the period in which the related expense is recognized.

Vendor allowances for price markdowns are credited to the cost of sales during the period in which the related markdown was taken and charged to the cost of sales. Slotting and stocking allowances received from a vendor to ensure that its products are carried or to introduce a new product are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales over the period covered by the agreement with the vendor based on the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise to which the allowance applies. Display allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales in the period earned in accordance with the vendor agreement. Volume rebates by the vendor in the form of a reduction of the purchase price of the merchandise reduce the cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Generally, volume rebates under a structured purchase program with allowances awarded based on the level of purchases are recognized, when realization is assured, as a reduction in the cost of sales in the appropriate monthly period based on the actual level of purchases in the period relative to the total purchase commitment and adjusted for the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise.

Property and Depreciation

Property is recorded at cost and is depreciated, using principally the straight-line method, over the following useful lives:

Land improvements	10-40 years
Buildings	15-40 years
Machinery and equipment	3-15 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the lease. Assets under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the lease term. Refer to Note 3 below for the amount of depreciation and amortization expense recorded in the reporting periods. Maintenance and repairs are charged against income when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals, replacements and betterments are added to property. The cost and the related accumulated depreciation of assets retired are eliminated from the accounts with gains or losses on disposal being added to or deducted from earnings.

Impairment of Other Long-lived Assets and Closed Store Obligations

The Company assesses its other long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net non-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of net book value over the estimated fair value of the asset impaired, and recorded as an offset to the asset value. The fair value is estimated based on expected future cash flows or third party valuations, if available.

The value of property and equipment associated with closed stores and facilities is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on the Company's prior history of disposing of similar assets and current economic conditions. Management continually reviews its fair value estimates and records impairment charges for assets held for sale when management determines, based on new information which it believes to be reliable, that such charges are appropriate.

The Company records liabilities for closed stores that are under long-term lease agreements. The liability represents an estimate of the present value of the remaining non-cancelable lease payments after the anticipated closing date, net of estimated subtenant income. The closed store liabilities usually are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, unless settled earlier. Management estimates the subtenant income and future cash flows based on its historical experience and knowledge of (1) the market in which the store is located, (2) the results of its previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and (3) the current economic conditions.

Investments

The Company invests in certain real estate development projects, with a managing partner or partners and members of the project, in which the Company either operates or plans to operate a supermarket. Generally, all major decisions regarding investments in real estate development projects are shared between all members. In particular, the use and sale of investments, business plans and budgets are generally required to be approved by all members. Generally, the managing partner receives fees for services that are believed to be at market. These investments, depending on the state of development, are accounted for either under the equity method of accounting or at cost.

The Company evaluates its investments using specific criteria to determine whether the Company will absorb the majority of the expected losses or receive a majority of the residual returns, and is the primary beneficiary. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, guarantees by members, fees paid to a partner and voting rights.

In addition, the Company continues to hold certain equity interests in a few emerging growth companies as a result of investments made in certain venture capital funds during prior years. As stated below, these investments are carried at the lower of cost or market. As a result of distributions, market write-downs and disposals over the past several years, the recorded aggregate value of these investments have been effectively reduced to zero.

Real estate and other investments are carried at the lower of cost or market and are periodically reviewed for potential impairment as discussed above. Investments accounted for under the equity method totaled $72,822,000 and $59,599,000 as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively. Investments accounted for under the cost method totaled $30,543,000 and $47,825,000 as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently, if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Intangible assets with finite, measurable lives are amortized over their respective useful lives until they reach their estimated residual values, and are reviewed for impairment along with other long-lived assets as discussed above.

Insurance

The Company utilizes a combination of self-insured retention and high-deductible programs for workers' compensation claims, healthcare claims, and general liability and automotive liability losses. The Company has purchased insurance coverage in order to establish certain limits to its exposure on a per claim basis. The Company determines the estimated liability required for worker compensation claims, general liability and automotive liability by first analyzing the costs of claims incurred and then adjusts such estimates through actuarial methods to project the ultimate cost for claims incurred. The estimated total expected costs of claims includes an estimate for claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) and is discounted to present values using a discount rate representing a return on high-quality fixed income securities with an average maturity equal to the average payout of the related liability.

The Company records an accrual for the estimated amount of self-insured healthcare IBNR claims. These liabilities are recorded based on historical experience, which is monitored, and accruals are adjusted when warranted by changes in facts and circumstances.

Deferred Rent

The Company recognizes rent holidays, including the period of time the Company has access prior to the store opening, which typically includes construction and fixturing activity, and rent escalations on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The deferred rent amount is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expenses construction period rent as incurred.

Derivatives

The Company has historically utilized derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates. As of the end of fiscal 2013, there were no outstanding interest rate hedge agreements. All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair value. The Company does not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.

Derivatives are required to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet and receive hedge accounting treatment when certain conditions are met. In accordance with this standard, the Company's derivative financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as "cash flow" hedges, to the extent the hedges are highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax effects. Ineffective portions of cash flow hedges, if any, are recognized in current period earnings. Other comprehensive income or loss is reclassified into current period earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.

The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether derivatives used as hedging instruments are highly effective in offsetting the changes in the cash flow of the hedge items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or ceases to be highly effective, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

The Company enters into purchase commitments for a portion of the fuel utilized in its distribution operations. The Company expects to take delivery of and to utilize these resources in a reasonable period of time and in the conduct of normal business. Accordingly, these fuel purchase commitments qualify as normal purchases. The Company also utilizes derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure in the price variations of fuel. In addition, from time to time the Company will enter into commodity forward contracts related to the purchase of ingredients used in production processes. These contracts generally qualify for the normal purchase exception under guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activity.

By entering into derivative instrument contracts, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. The Company attempts to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, limiting its exposure to any single counterparty and regularly monitoring its market position with each counterparty.

The Company's derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (the exit price). The fair value should be based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in measuring fair value is as follows:

•Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

•Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly

•Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized at the point of sale to the customers, net of returns and sales taxes.

Cost of Sales

The major components of cost of sales are (a) the cost of products sold determined under the Retail Inventory Method (see "Inventories" above) reduced by purchase cash discounts and vendor purchase allowances and rebates, (b) the cost of various sales promotional activities reduced by vendor promotional allowances, and reduced by cooperative advertising allowances to the extent an advertising allowance exceeds the cost of the advertising, (c) the cost of product waste, including, but not limited to, physical waste and theft, (d) the cost of product distribution, including warehousing, freight and delivery, and (e) any charges, or credits, associated with LIFO reserves and valuation allowances for obsolete and slow moving inventories. Additionally, the costs of production of product sold by the dairy operation to outsiders are included in cost of sales in the period in which the sales are recognized in revenues.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The major components of selling, general and administrative expenses are (a) the costs associated with store operations, including store labor and training, fringe benefits and incentive compensation, supplies and maintenance, regional and district management and store support, store rent and other occupancy costs, property management and similar costs, (b) advertising costs, (c) shipping and handling costs, excluding freight, warehousing and distribution costs, (d) merchandising and purchasing department staffing, supplies and associated costs, (e) customer service and support, and (f) the costs of maintaining general and administrative support functions, including, but not limited to, personnel administration, finance and accounting, treasury, credit, information systems, marketing, and environmental, health and safety, based on appropriate classification under generally accepted accounting principles.

Advertising

Costs incurred to produce media advertising are expensed in the period in which the advertising first takes place. All other advertising costs are also expensed when incurred. Cooperative advertising income from vendors is recorded in the period in which the related expense is incurred and amounted to $408,000, $320,000 and $624,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net advertising expenses of $19,575,000, $19,807,000 and $20,071,000 were included in the Company's results of operations for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Tax credits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes in the years in which they are generated. Deferred tax liabilities or assets at the end of each period are determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes are settled or realized. Accordingly, income tax expense will increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires that a minimum recognition threshold be met for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return before being recognized in the financial statements. The Company has elected to record interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Basic EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted by the dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents resulting from the operation of the Company's comprehensive stock option and awards plans.

Stock Options and Stock Awards

The Company uses fair-value accounting for all share-based payments to employees. Compensation expense for stock awards are based on the grant date fair value and are expensed ratably over their vesting period, resulting in more expense in the early years. Income tax benefits attributable to stock options exercised are credited to capital stock.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net earnings but rather are recorded directly in shareholders' equity. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes as of October 1, 2013, October 2, 2012 and October 2, 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands):

	2013			2012			2011
Accumulated unrecognized losses for minimum pension liabilities	$	82,375		$	113,584		$	122,736
Accumulated unrecognized losses for postemployment liabilities		98			158			111
Accumulated unrecognized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges		(4	)		(79	)		523
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	$	82,469		$	113,663		$	123,370

Cash Flows

A portion of the discontinued operations were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This created an exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. The impact of changes in the relationship of other currencies to the U.S. dollar was historically not significant.

Reclassifications

To conform to classifications used in the current year, the financial statements for the prior year reflect certain reclassifications.

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of change in the benefit obligation and plan assets, funded ststus and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets

	Pension Plan						SERP
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at the beginning of year	$	350,025		$	370,514		$	56,372		$	47,212
Service cost		3,835			2,957			776			787
Interest cost		15,314			16,129			2,341			2,412
Actuarial (gain) loss		(34,781	)		50,984			(5,633	)		9,357
Gain due to curtailment		-			-			-			(3,475	)
Loss due to special termination benefits		-			-			-			1,300
Benefits paid		(12,948	)		(16,710	)		(1,199	)		(1,221	)
Spin-off of liability to A&E plan		-			(73,849	)		-			-
Pension benefit obligation at end of year		321,445			350,025			52,657			56,372
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year		286,514			276,374			-			-
Actual return on plan assets		12,351			40,549			-			-
Employer contribution		368			50,221			1,199			1,221
Benefits paid		(12,948	)		(16,710	)		(1,199	)		(1,221	)
Non-investment expenses		(923	)		(830	)		-			-
Spin-off of assets to A&E plan		-			(63,090	)		-			-
Fair value of assets at end of year		285,362			286,514			-			-
Funded status		(36,083	)		(63,511	)		(52,657	)		(56,372	)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss		125,874			167,924			8,963			18,209
Unrecognized prior service cost		59			87			743			917
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost	$	89,850		$	104,500		$	(42,951	)	$	(37,246	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
(Prepaid) Accrued benefit liability	$	(89,850	)	$	(104,500	)	$	42,951		$	37,246
Accumulated other comprehensive income		125,933			168,011			9,706			19,126
Net amount recognized	$	36,083		$	63,511		$	52,657		$	56,372

Schedule of projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets

	Pension Plan				SERP
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Projected benefit obligation	$	321,445	$	350,025	$	52,657	$	56,372
Accumulated benefit obligation		291,580		317,303		46,769		48,639
Fair value of plan assets		285,362		286,514		-		-

Schedule of net periodic pension expense

Pension Plan	2013			2012			2011
Service cost	$	3,835		$	2,957		$	2,645
Interest cost		15,314			16,129			18,163
Expected return on plan assets		(17,907	)		(19,195	)		(22,636	)
Amortization of prior service cost		29			29			85
Recognized net actuarial loss		13,748			10,526			12,627
Net periodic pension expense		15,019			10,446			10,884
Settlement / Curtailment expense		-			27,739			-
Total Expense	$	15,019		$	38,185		$	10,884

SERP	2013		2012		2011
Service cost	$	776	$	787	$	814
Interest cost		2,341		2,412		1,955
Amortization of prior service cost		174		179		247
Recognized net actuarial loss		3,613		1,212		1,521
Net periodic pension expense		6,904		4,590		4,537
Curtailment cost		-		453		-
Special termination benefit cost		-		1,300		-
Total expense	$	6,904	$	6,343	$	4,537

Schedule of summary of assumptions utilized

	2013		2012		2011
Weighted Average Discount Rate - Pension Plan	5.20	%	4.45	%	5.50	%
Weighted Average Discount Rate - SERP	5.00	%	4.20	%	5.40	%
Rate of Increase in Future Payroll Costs:
Pension Plan	3.0% - 8.0%*		3.0% - 8.0%*		3.0% - 8.0%*
SERP	6.0	%	6.0	%	6.0	%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets (Pension Plan only)	6.75	%	7.40	%	8.00	%

* Rate varies by age, with higher rates associated with lower aged participants.

Schedule of fair value measurement of pension plan's assets

	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement as of October 1, 2013:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	3,676	$	3,676	$	-	$	-
Common Collective Trust Funds		88,906		-		88,906		-
Common Collective Loan Funds		28,381		-		-		28,381
Corporate Bonds		39,667		39,667		-		-
Municipal Bonds		311		311		-		-
Other Fixed Income Securities		7,494		7,494		-		-
Asset-Backed Securities		70		-		70		-
Equities		27,081		27,081		-		-
Hedge Funds		45,413		-		-		45,413
Mutual Funds		41,925		41,925		-		-
Group Annuity Contract		2,438		-		2,438		-
Total Assets	$	285,362	$	120,154	$	91,414	$	73,794

	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement as of October 2, 2012:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	3,043	$	3,043	$	-	$	-
Common Collective Trust Funds		81,422		-		81,422		-
Corporate Bonds		55,275		55,275		-		-
Municipal Bonds		11,579		11,579		-		-
U.S. Government Securities		1,540		1,540		-		-
Other Fixed Income Securities		5,354		5,354		-		-
Asset-Backed Securities		11,486		-		11,486		-
Equities		21,588		21,588		-		-
Hedge Funds		15,568		-		-		15,568
Mutual Funds		77,344		77,344		-		-
Group Annuity Contract		2,315		-		2,315		-
Total Assets	$	286,514	$	175,723	$	95,223	$	15,568

Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments with measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)

	Common Collective Loan Funds		Hedge Funds
Ending Balance, October 2, 2011	$	-	$	37,319
Contributions		-		-
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)		-		814
Sales and Settlements		-		(22,565	)
Ending Balance, October 2, 2012		-		15,568
Contributions		28,000		28,000
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)		381		2,200
Sales and Settlements		-		(355	)
Ending Balance, October 1, 2013	$	28,381	$	45,413

Schedule of assets in directed trusts by investment classification

Asset Class		October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
	Fixed income		35.3	%		66.3	%
	Domestic equities		18.9			15.3
	International equities		12.7			8.8
	Alternative Investments - Hedge Funds		15.9			5.4
	Alternative Investments - Loan Funds		10.0			-
	Alternative Investments - Real Estate		3.1			2.3
	Balanced Mutual Funds		2.0			-
	Guaranteed investment contracts		0.8			0.8
	Cash equivalents		1.3			1.1
			100	%		100	%

Schedule of general assets guidelines by segment

Asset Class	Minimum Exposure			Target			Maximum Exposure
Investment grade fixed income and cash equivalents		30.0	%		50.0	%		100.0	%
Domestic equities:		0.0			19.0			40.0
Large cap core		0.0			9.0			20.0
Small cap value		0.0			5.0			10.0
Small cap growth		0.0			5.0			10.0
International equities:		0.0			13.0			20.0
International value		0.0			4.5			7.0
International growth		0.0			4.5			7.0
Emerging markets		0.0			4.0			6.0
Alternative Investments:		0.0			18.0			30.0
Real Estate		0.0			6.0			10.0
Hedge Funds		0.0			12.0			20.0

Schedule of expected future benefit payments

		Pension Plan		SERP
2014	$	26,425	$	1,199
2015		26,167		2,428
2016		13,427		2,531
2017		14,208		2,724
2018		15,024		3,668
Years 2019-2023		87,743		20,318

Schedule of expense associated with the savings plan, deferred compensation arrangements and other plans

	2013		2012		2011
Savings Plan	$	19,384	$	21,778	$	20,584
Deferred Compensation and other		1,321		1,256		945

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Subsequent Event

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Subsequent Event [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

19. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On October 3, 2013, the Company's shareholders voted to approve the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with The Kroger Co. ("Kroger") and Hornet Acquisition, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger. The Merger Agreement provides for the merger of Merger Sub with and into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the merger the Company's shareholders will receive $49.38 in cash for each share of common stock they own. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals (including under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1974, as amended) and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2013 or the first quarter of calendar year 2014.

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Property (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Property [Abstract]

Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates

	2013			2012
Land	$	30,167		$	30,167
Buildings and improvements		250,283			233,538
Machinery and equipment		968,597			890,500
Leasehold improvements		915,278			838,792
Construction in progress		80,078			77,707
Total, at cost		2,244,403			2,070,704
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,102,158	)		(968,001	)
Property, net	$	1,142,245		$	1,102,703

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Stock Options and Stock Awards (Details 1) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Stock Options [Member]
Summary of Company's stock option plans
Outstanding at beginning of period	36,000	67,000	104,000
Granted	10,000
Exercised	(24,000)	(31,000)	(37,000)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of period	22,000	36,000	67,000
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 21.17	$ 18.77	$ 17.86
Granted	$ 42.02
Exercised	$ 15.64	$ 15.94	$ 16.25
Outstanding and exercisable at end of period	$ 36.68	$ 21.17	$ 18.77

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule of derivative instruments

		Option Period		Price Per Gallon
Contract Date	Gallons Under Options	Begin	End	Low	High
05-04-10	168,000	08-01-10	10-31-10	$2.09	$2.60
05-04-10	588,000	07-01-10	10-31-10	$2.12	$2.60
11-16-10	1,092,000	12-01-10	04-30-11	$1.95	$2.56
01-05-11	1,344,000	05-01-11	11-30-11	$2.43	$2.80
08-05-11	1,218,000	12-01-11	05-31-12	$2.77	$3.13
10-04-11	1,260,000	06-01-12	11-30-12	$2.50	$2.88
05-08-12	1,260,000	12-01-12	11-30-13	$2.84	$3.20

06-07-12	1,260,000	12-01-12	11-30-13	$2.59	$2.96
05-01-13	1,008,000	12-01-13	11-30-14	$2.66	$2.87
06-05-13	1,050,000	12-01-13	11-30-14	$2.71	$2.92

Schedule of fair value quantitative disclosures on a combined basis for the company's financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges

	Carrying Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement as of October 1, 2013:
Net purchase options (included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet)	$	133	$	-	$	133	$	-
Net purchase options (included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet)		3		-		3		-
Fair Value Measurement as of October 2, 2012:
Net purchase options (included with Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on the balance sheet)		302		-		302		-
Net purchase options (included with Accounts Payable on the balance sheet)		25		-		25		-

Schedule of pre-tax unrealized gains (losses) associated with cash flow hedges

	2013			2012		2011
Unrealized (losses) gains recorded in other comprehensive income	$	(124	)	$	1,036	$	758

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Stock Options and Stock Awards (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Restricted Stock [Member]
Summary of the status of the Company's stock awards
Non-vested at beginning of period, shares	600	797	706
Granted	230	212	298
Vested	(178)	(389)	(191)
Forfeited	(20)	(20)	(16)
Non-vested at end of period, shares	632	600	797
Non-vested at beginning of period, WAGFV	$ 35.94	$ 32.25	$ 28.52
Granted	$ 35.63	$ 42.44	$ 38.44
Vested	$ 33.50	$ 31.71	$ 28.29
Forfeited	$ 35.79	$ 35.30	$ 30.34
Non-vested at end of period, WAGFV	$ 36.03	$ 35.94	$ 32.25

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Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], Definitive merger agreement [Member], USD $)	Oct. 03, 2013
Subsequent Event [Member] | Definitive merger agreement [Member]
Subsequent Event (Textual)
Purchase price per share of outstanding shares	$ 49.38

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Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Intangible Assets (Textual)
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 1,280,000	$ 1,139,000	$ 937,000
Projected amortization expense for intangible assets in 2014	1,220,000
Projected amortization expense for intangible assets in 2015	1,075,000
Projected amortization expense for intangible assets in 2016	1,075,000
Projected amortization expense for intangible assets in 2017	$ 1,075,000
Minimum
Intangible Assets (Textual)
Useful life of amortizable intangible assets (in years)	1 year
Maximum
Intangible Assets (Textual)
Useful life of amortizable intangible assets (in years)	17 years

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Property (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates
Total, at Cost	$ 2,244,403	$ 2,070,704
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(1,102,158)	(968,001)
Property, Net	1,142,245	1,102,703
Land [Member]
Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates
Total, at Cost	30,167	30,167
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates
Total, at Cost	250,283	233,538
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates
Total, at Cost	968,597	890,500
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates
Total, at Cost	915,278	838,792
Construction in Progress [Member]
Schedule of components of property as of the respective balance sheet dates
Total, at Cost	$ 80,078	$ 77,707

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, depreciation methods	straight-line method
Land Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Land Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Building | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years
Building | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (in dollars)	$ 1,661	$ 1,648
Common stock, no par value (in dollars per share)
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	49,458,968	49,292,585

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Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of intangible assets as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

	2013			2012
Acquired favorable operating leases	$	20,740		$	20,740
Pharmacy scripts		602			602
Total amortizing intangibles		21,342			21,342
Accumulated amortization		(7,583	)		(6,303	)
Total intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$	13,759		$	15,039

The Company has no non-amortizing intangible assets. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $1,280,000, $1,139,000 and $937,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Amortizing intangible assets have remaining useful lives from one to 17 years. Projected amortization expense for intangible assets existing as of October 1, 2013 is: $1,220,000 for fiscal 2014 and $1,075,000 per year for fiscal 2015 through 2018.

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Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Earnings	$ 107,892	$ 82,512	$ 91,247
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Cash Flow Hedge	(124)	1,036	758
Change in Pension and Other Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans	51,597	14,516	8,334
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment		830	(232)
Other Comprehensive Income	51,473	16,382	8,860
Income Tax Expense	20,279	5,779	3,652
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Income Tax	31,194	10,603	5,208
Comprehensive Income	$ 139,086	$ 93,115	$ 96,455

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Leases (Details Textual) (Harris Teeter, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Harris Teeter
Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration period of equipment	5 years
Lease expiration period of stores	26 years
Lease expiration period of stores provided on additional rentals including stores sublet	4 years
Future minimum lease payments assumed by sub-tenants with recourse	$ 27.3
Lease Expiration Period of Subtenants	8 years

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 187,612	$ 212,211
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts of $1,661 and $1,648	62,165	59,267
Refundable Income Taxes	1,722	27,583
Inventories	316,809	305,106
Deferred Income Taxes	7,696	6,044
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	30,026	24,182
Total Current Assets	606,030	634,393
Property, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	1,142,245	1,102,703
Investments	103,365	107,424
Goodwill	19,301	19,301
Intangible Assets	13,759	15,039
Other Long-Term Assets	128,537	73,628
Total Assets	2,013,237	1,952,488
Current Liabilities
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	4,788	4,219
Accounts Payable	275,909	281,142
Accrued Compensation	71,371	69,390
Other Current Liabilities	100,261	96,887
Total Current Liabilities	452,329	451,638
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	208,691	208,271
Deferred Income Taxes	8,096	10,941
Pension Liabilities	88,740	119,883
Other Long-Term Liabilities	126,509	124,136
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity
Common Stock, no par value - Shares Outstanding: 49,458,968 and 49,292,585, respectively	117,927	111,347
Retained Earnings	1,093,414	1,039,935
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(82,469)	(113,663)
Total Equity	1,128,872	1,037,619
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 2,013,237	$ 1,952,488

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Property (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Property (Textual)
Depreciation and amortization expense for property	$ 147,977,000	$ 134,455,000	$ 127,779,000

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 321,445	$ 350,025	$ 370,514
Accumulated benefit obligation	291,580	317,303
Fair value of plan assets	285,362	286,514	276,374
SERP [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	52,657	56,372	47,212
Accumulated benefit obligation	46,769	48,639
Fair value of plan assets

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Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Employee benefits	$ 52,457	$ 57,880
Rent obligations	28,795	28,960
Liabilities not currently deductible	18,719	18,053
Vendor allowances	9,022	6,626
Other	16,756	14,886
Total deferred tax assets	125,749	126,405
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	(104,454)	(114,144)
Inventories	(19,089)	(14,537)
Other	(2,606)	(2,621)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$ (126,149)	$ (131,302)

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries, including its wholly-owned operating company, Harris Teeter, Inc. ("Harris Teeter"), collectively referred to herein as the Company. All material intercompany amounts have been eliminated. To the extent that non-affiliated parties held minority equity investments in joint ventures of the Company, such investments are classified as noncontrolling interest.

The Company reviews its investments in entities to determine if such entities are deemed to be variable interest entities ("VIE's") as defined by ASC paragraph 810-10-05-8. The Company will consolidate those VIE's in which the Company is the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company concluded that it did not have any VIE's that required consolidation in the reported fiscal years.

On November 7, 2011, the Company completed the sale of all of its ownership interest in its thread manufacturing subsidiary, American & Efird ("A&E") to affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP. The purchase price was $180.0 million in cash consideration, subject to adjustments for working capital and certain liabilities, including under-funded pension liabilities and foreign debt. A&E's results of operations and financial position are reported as discontinued operations in these financial statements.

Operations

Operations

The Company operates one primary business segment, retail grocery (including related real estate and store development activities) through its wholly-owned subsidiary Harris Teeter. Harris Teeter is a regional supermarket chain operating primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia.

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year

Effective April 2, 2012, the Company's fiscal year end was changed from the Sunday nearest to September 30 to the Tuesday nearest to September 30 to coincide with Harris Teeter's fiscal year end. Fiscal 2013 includes the 52 weeks ended October 1, 2013, fiscal 2012 includes the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2012, and fiscal 2011 includes the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2011 (October 4, 2011 for Harris Teeter).

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of consolidated cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid and unrestricted cash investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

Inventories

The Company's inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market with the cost of substantially all inventories being determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Limited categories of inventories are valued on the weighted average and on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost methods. Under the LIFO valuation method, all retail store inventories are initially stated at estimated cost as calculated by the Retail Inventory Method (RIM). Under RIM, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. LIFO indices are developed approximately one month prior to year end except for inventory held at the Company's distribution facilities which are developed at year end. The annual LIFO measurement is achieved by applying the indices to the actual inventory on hand as of year end.

Vendor Rebates, Credits and Promotional Allowances

Vendor Rebates, Credits and Promotional Allowances

Consistent with standard practices in the retail industry, the Company receives allowances from vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements. These allowances are generally intended to defray the costs of promotion, advertising and selling the vendor's products. Vendor rebates, credits and other promotional allowances that relate to buying and merchandising activities, including lump-sum payments associated with long-term contracts, are recorded as a component of cost of sales as they are earned, the recognition of which is determined in accordance with the underlying agreement with the vendor, the authoritative guidance and completion of the earning process. Portions of vendor allowances that are refundable to the vendor, in whole or in part, by the nature of the provisions of the contract are deferred from recognition until realization is reasonably assured.

The Company recognizes allowances when it fulfills the purpose for which the vendor funds were intended and the Company incurs a cost. Thus, it is the Company's policy to recognize the vendor allowance consistent with the timing of the recognition of the expense that the allowance is intended to reimburse and to determine the accounting classification consistent with the economic substance of the underlying transaction. Where the Company provides an identifiable benefit or service to the vendor apart from the purchase of merchandise, that transaction is recorded separately. For example, co-operative advertising allowances are accounted for as a reduction of advertising expense in the period in which the advertising cost is incurred. If the advertising allowance exceeds the cost of advertising, then the excess is recorded against the cost of sales in the period in which the related expense is recognized.

Vendor allowances for price markdowns are credited to the cost of sales during the period in which the related markdown was taken and charged to the cost of sales. Slotting and stocking allowances received from a vendor to ensure that its products are carried or to introduce a new product are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales over the period covered by the agreement with the vendor based on the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise to which the allowance applies. Display allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales in the period earned in accordance with the vendor agreement. Volume rebates by the vendor in the form of a reduction of the purchase price of the merchandise reduce the cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Generally, volume rebates under a structured purchase program with allowances awarded based on the level of purchases are recognized, when realization is assured, as a reduction in the cost of sales in the appropriate monthly period based on the actual level of purchases in the period relative to the total purchase commitment and adjusted for the estimated inventory turns of the merchandise.

Property and Depreciation

Property and Depreciation

Property is recorded at cost and is depreciated, using principally the straight-line method, over the following useful lives:

Land improvements	10-40 years
Buildings	15-40 years
Machinery and equipment	3-15 years

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the remaining term of the lease. Assets under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life or the lease term. Refer to Note 3 below for the amount of depreciation and amortization expense recorded in the reporting periods. Maintenance and repairs are charged against income when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals, replacements and betterments are added to property. The cost and the related accumulated depreciation of assets retired are eliminated from the accounts with gains or losses on disposal being added to or deducted from earnings.

Impairment of Other Long-lived Assets and Closed Store Obligations

Impairment of Other Long-lived Assets and Closed Store Obligations

The Company assesses its other long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the net non-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of net book value over the estimated fair value of the asset impaired, and recorded as an offset to the asset value. The fair value is estimated based on expected future cash flows or third party valuations, if available.

The value of property and equipment associated with closed stores and facilities is adjusted to reflect recoverable values based on the Company's prior history of disposing of similar assets and current economic conditions. Management continually reviews its fair value estimates and records impairment charges for assets held for sale when management determines, based on new information which it believes to be reliable, that such charges are appropriate.

The Company records liabilities for closed stores that are under long-term lease agreements. The liability represents an estimate of the present value of the remaining non-cancelable lease payments after the anticipated closing date, net of estimated subtenant income. The closed store liabilities usually are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed stores, unless settled earlier. Management estimates the subtenant income and future cash flows based on its historical experience and knowledge of (1) the market in which the store is located, (2) the results of its previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and (3) the current economic conditions.

Investments

Investments

The Company invests in certain real estate development projects, with a managing partner or partners and members of the project, in which the Company either operates or plans to operate a supermarket. Generally, all major decisions regarding investments in real estate development projects are shared between all members. In particular, the use and sale of investments, business plans and budgets are generally required to be approved by all members. Generally, the managing partner receives fees for services that are believed to be at market. These investments, depending on the state of development, are accounted for either under the equity method of accounting or at cost.

The Company evaluates its investments using specific criteria to determine whether the Company will absorb the majority of the expected losses or receive a majority of the residual returns, and is the primary beneficiary. Factors considered in determining whether the Company is the primary beneficiary include risk and reward sharing, guarantees by members, fees paid to a partner and voting rights.

In addition, the Company continues to hold certain equity interests in a few emerging growth companies as a result of investments made in certain venture capital funds during prior years. As stated below, these investments are carried at the lower of cost or market. As a result of distributions, market write-downs and disposals over the past several years, the recorded aggregate value of these investments have been effectively reduced to zero.

Real estate and other investments are carried at the lower of cost or market and are periodically reviewed for potential impairment as discussed above. Investments accounted for under the equity method totaled $72,822,000 and $59,599,000 as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively. Investments accounted for under the cost method totaled $30,543,000 and $47,825,000 as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently, if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. Intangible assets with finite, measurable lives are amortized over their respective useful lives until they reach their estimated residual values, and are reviewed for impairment along with other long-lived assets as discussed above.

Insurance

Insurance

The Company utilizes a combination of self-insured retention and high-deductible programs for workers' compensation claims, healthcare claims, and general liability and automotive liability losses. The Company has purchased insurance coverage in order to establish certain limits to its exposure on a per claim basis. The Company determines the estimated liability required for worker compensation claims, general liability and automotive liability by first analyzing the costs of claims incurred and then adjusts such estimates through actuarial methods to project the ultimate cost for claims incurred. The estimated total expected costs of claims includes an estimate for claims incurred but not reported (IBNR) and is discounted to present values using a discount rate representing a return on high-quality fixed income securities with an average maturity equal to the average payout of the related liability.

The Company records an accrual for the estimated amount of self-insured healthcare IBNR claims. These liabilities are recorded based on historical experience, which is monitored, and accruals are adjusted when warranted by changes in facts and circumstances.

Deferred Rent

Deferred Rent

The Company recognizes rent holidays, including the period of time the Company has access prior to the store opening, which typically includes construction and fixturing activity, and rent escalations on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The deferred rent amount is included in Other Long-Term Liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expenses construction period rent as incurred.

Derivatives

Derivatives

The Company has historically utilized derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates. As of the end of fiscal 2013, there were no outstanding interest rate hedge agreements. All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at their respective fair value. The Company does not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.

Derivatives are required to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet and receive hedge accounting treatment when certain conditions are met. In accordance with this standard, the Company's derivative financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as "cash flow" hedges, to the extent the hedges are highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax effects. Ineffective portions of cash flow hedges, if any, are recognized in current period earnings. Other comprehensive income or loss is reclassified into current period earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.

The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether derivatives used as hedging instruments are highly effective in offsetting the changes in the cash flow of the hedge items. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or ceases to be highly effective, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.

The Company enters into purchase commitments for a portion of the fuel utilized in its distribution operations. The Company expects to take delivery of and to utilize these resources in a reasonable period of time and in the conduct of normal business. Accordingly, these fuel purchase commitments qualify as normal purchases. The Company also utilizes derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure in the price variations of fuel. In addition, from time to time the Company will enter into commodity forward contracts related to the purchase of ingredients used in production processes. These contracts generally qualify for the normal purchase exception under guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activity.

By entering into derivative instrument contracts, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. The Company attempts to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, limiting its exposure to any single counterparty and regularly monitoring its market position with each counterparty.

The Company's derivative instruments do not contain any credit-risk related contingent features.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market, or if none exists, the most advantageous market, for the specific asset or liability at the measurement date (the exit price). The fair value should be based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used in measuring fair value is as follows:

•Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets

•Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly

•Level 3 - Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liabilities.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized at the point of sale to the customers, net of returns and sales taxes.

Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales

The major components of cost of sales are (a) the cost of products sold determined under the Retail Inventory Method (see "Inventories" above) reduced by purchase cash discounts and vendor purchase allowances and rebates, (b) the cost of various sales promotional activities reduced by vendor promotional allowances, and reduced by cooperative advertising allowances to the extent an advertising allowance exceeds the cost of the advertising, (c) the cost of product waste, including, but not limited to, physical waste and theft, (d) the cost of product distribution, including warehousing, freight and delivery, and (e) any charges, or credits, associated with LIFO reserves and valuation allowances for obsolete and slow moving inventories. Additionally, the costs of production of product sold by the dairy operation to outsiders are included in cost of sales in the period in which the sales are recognized in revenues.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The major components of selling, general and administrative expenses are (a) the costs associated with store operations, including store labor and training, fringe benefits and incentive compensation, supplies and maintenance, regional and district management and store support, store rent and other occupancy costs, property management and similar costs, (b) advertising costs, (c) shipping and handling costs, excluding freight, warehousing and distribution costs, (d) merchandising and purchasing department staffing, supplies and associated costs, (e) customer service and support, and (f) the costs of maintaining general and administrative support functions, including, but not limited to, personnel administration, finance and accounting, treasury, credit, information systems, marketing, and environmental, health and safety, based on appropriate classification under generally accepted accounting principles.

Advertising

Advertising

Costs incurred to produce media advertising are expensed in the period in which the advertising first takes place. All other advertising costs are also expensed when incurred. Cooperative advertising income from vendors is recorded in the period in which the related expense is incurred and amounted to $408,000, $320,000 and $624,000 in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net advertising expenses of $19,575,000, $19,807,000 and $20,071,000 were included in the Company's results of operations for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Tax credits are recorded as a reduction of income taxes in the years in which they are generated. Deferred tax liabilities or assets at the end of each period are determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes are settled or realized. Accordingly, income tax expense will increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes requires that a minimum recognition threshold be met for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return before being recognized in the financial statements. The Company has elected to record interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recorded as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Basic EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted by the dilutive effect of potential common stock equivalents resulting from the operation of the Company's comprehensive stock option and awards plans.

Stock Options and Stock Awards

Stock Options and Stock Awards

The Company uses fair-value accounting for all share-based payments to employees. Compensation expense for stock awards are based on the grant date fair value and are expensed ratably over their vesting period, resulting in more expense in the early years. Income tax benefits attributable to stock options exercised are credited to capital stock.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net earnings but rather are recorded directly in shareholders' equity. The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes as of October 1, 2013, October 2, 2012 and October 2, 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands)

		2013			2012			2011
Accumulated unrecognized losses for minimum pension liabilities	$	82,375		$	113,584		$	122,736
Accumulated unrecognized losses for postemployment liabilities		98			158			111
Accumulated unrecognized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges		(4	)		(79	)		523
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	$	82,469		$	113,663		$	123,370

Cash Flows

Cash Flows

A portion of the discontinued operations were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. This created an exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. The impact of changes in the relationship of other currencies to the U.S. dollar was historically not significant.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications

To conform to classifications used in the current year, the financial statements for the prior year reflect certain reclassifications.

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Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains various retirement benefit plans for substantially all full-time employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans include the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Retirement and Savings Plan ("Savings Plan") which is a defined contribution retirement plan, the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Employees' Pension Plan ("Pension Plan") which is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit plan and the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") which is a non-qualified supplemental defined benefit pension plan for certain executive officers. Effective September 30, 2005, participation in the Pension Plan was closed to new entrants and frozen for all participants, with certain transition benefits provided to those participants that have achieved specified age and service levels on December 31, 2005.

Substantially all full-time employees of the Company participate in one of the Company sponsored retirement plans. Employee retirement benefits or Company contribution amounts under the various plans are a function of both the years of service and compensation for a specified period of time before retirement. The Company's current funding policy for the Pension Plan is to contribute annually the amount required by regulatory authorities to meet minimum funding requirements and an amount to increase the funding ratios over future years to a level determined by its actuaries to be effective in reducing the volatility of contributions.

The Company's fiscal year end is used as the measurement date for Company-sponsored defined benefit plans. The following table sets forth the change in the benefit obligation and plan assets, as well as the funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 for the Pension Plan and SERP (in thousands):

Unrecognized prior service cost$

	Pension Plan							SERP
	2013			2012				2013				2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at the beginning of year	$	350,025		$	370,514			$	56,372			$	47,212
Service cost		3,835			2,957				776				787
Interest cost		15,314			16,129				2,341				2,412
Actuarial (gain) loss		(34,781	)		50,984				(5,633	)			9,357
Gain due to curtailment		-			-				-				(3,475	)
Loss due to special termination benefits		-			-				-				1,300
Benefits paid		(12,948	)		(16,710	)			(1,199	)			(1,221	)
Spin-off of liability to A&E plan		-			(73,849	)			-				-
Pension benefit obligation at end of year		321,445			350,025				52,657				56,372
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year		286,514			276,374				-				-
Actual return on plan assets		12,351			40,549				-				-
Employer contribution		368			50,221				1,199				1,221
Benefits paid		(12,948	)		(16,710	)			(1,199	)			(1,221	)
Non-investment expenses		(923	)		(830	)			-				-
Spin-off of assets to A&E plan		-			(63,090	)			-				-
Fair value of assets at end of year		285,362			286,514				-				-
Funded status		(36,083	)		(63,511	)			(52,657	)			(56,372	)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss		125,874			167,924				8,963				18,209
	59			87				743				917
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost	$	89,850		$	104,500			$	(42,951	)		$	(37,246	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
(Prepaid) Accrued benefit liability	$	(89,850	)	(104,500	)		$	42,951			$	37,246
Accumulated other comprehensive income		125,933			168,011				9,706				19,126
Net amount recognized	$	36,083		$	63,511			$	52,657			$	56,372

The Company's defined benefit pension plans had projected and accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of plan assets as follows (in thousands):

	Pension Plan				SERP
	October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012		October 1, 2013		October 2, 2012
Projected benefit obligation	$	321,445	$	350,025	$	52,657	$	56,372
Accumulated benefit obligation		291,580		317,303		46,769		48,639
Fair value of plan assets		285,362		286,514		-		-

A minimum pension liability adjustment is required when the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets and accrued pension liabilities. This adjustment also requires the elimination of any previously recorded pension assets. The minimum liability adjustment, net of tax benefit, is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and included in the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income.

Net periodic pension expense for the Company's defined benefit pension plans for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 included the following components (in thousands):

Pension Plan

	2013				2012				2011
Service cost		$	3,835			$	2,957			$	2,645
Interest cost			15,314				16,129				18,163
Expected return on plan assets			(17,907	)			(19,195	)			(22,636	)
Amortization of prior service cost			29				29				85
Recognized net actuarial loss			13,748				10,526				12,627
Net periodic pension expense			15,019				10,446				10,884
Settlement / Curtailment expense			-				27,739				-
Total Expense		$	15,019			$	38,185			$	10,884

SERP	2013		2012		2011
Service cost	$	776	$	787	$	814
Interest cost		2,341		2,412		1,955
Amortization of prior service cost		174		179		247
Recognized net actuarial loss		3,613		1,212		1,521
Net periodic pension expense		6,904		4,590		4,537
Curtailment cost		-		453		-
Special termination benefit cost		-		1,300		-
Total expense	$	6,904	$	6,343	$	4,537

Net periodic pension expense for the Company's defined benefit pension plans is determined using assumptions as of the beginning of each year and the market-related value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value in a systematic and rational manner over five years. The projected benefit obligation and related funded status are determined using assumptions as of the end of each year. The following table summarizes the assumptions utilized:

	2013		2012		2011
Weighted Average Discount Rate - Pension Plan	5.20	%	4.45	%	5.50	%
Weighted Average Discount Rate - SERP	5.00	%	4.20	%	5.40	%
Rate of Increase in Future Payroll Costs:
Pension Plan	3.0% - 8.0%*		3.0% - 8.0%*		3.0% - 8.0%*
SERP	6.0	%	6.0	%	6.0	%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets (Pension Plan only)	6.75	%	7.40	%	8.00	%

* Rate varies by age, with higher rates associated with lower aged participants.

Discount rates are based on the expected timing and amounts of the expected employer paid benefits and are established by reference to a representative yield curve of non-callable bonds with a credit rating of Aa and above with durations similar to the pension liabilities.

Expected long-term return on plan assets is estimated by asset class and is generally based on historical returns, volatilities and risk premiums. Based upon the plan's asset allocation, composite return percentiles are developed upon which the plan's expected long-term rate of return is based.

The SERP is unfunded, with benefit payments being made from the Company's general assets. Assets of the Pension Plan are invested in a directed trust. The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarch, the Pension Plan's assets at fair value as of the fiscal year end (in thousands):

27,081$-

	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)			Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement as of October 1, 2013:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	3,676		$	3,676		$	-		$	-
Common Collective Trust Funds		88,906			-			88,906			-
Common Collective Loan Funds		28,381			-					28,381
Corporate Bonds		39,667			39,667			-			-
Municipal Bonds		311			311			-			-
Other Fixed Income Securities		7,494			7,494			-			-
Asset-Backed Securities		70			-			70			-
Equities				27,081			-			-
Hedge Funds		45,413			-			-			45,413
Mutual Funds		41,925			41,925			-			-
Group Annuity Contract		2,438			-			2,438			-
Total Assets	$	285,362		$	120,154		$	91,414		$	73,794

	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value Measurement as of October 2, 2012:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	3,043	$	3,043	$	-	$	-
Common Collective Trust Funds		81,422		-		81,422		-
Corporate Bonds		55,275		55,275		-		-
Municipal Bonds		11,579		11,579		-		-
U.S. Government Securities		1,540		1,540		-		-
Other Fixed Income Securities		5,354		5,354		-		-
Asset-Backed Securities		11,486		-		11,486		-
Equities		21,588		21,588		-		-
Hedge Funds		15,568		-		-		15,568
Mutual Funds		77,344		77,344		-		-
Group Annuity Contract		2,315		-		2,315		-
Total Assets	$	286,514	$	175,723	$	95,223	$	15,568

Following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments with measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 (in thousands):

	Common Collective Loan Funds		Hedge Funds
Ending Balance, October 2, 2011	$	-	$	37,319
Contributions		-		-
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)		-		814
Sales and Settlements		-		(22,565	)
Ending Balance, October 2, 2012		-		15,568
Contributions		28,000		28,000
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses)		381		2,200
Sales and Settlements		-		(355	)
Ending Balance, October 1, 2013	$	28,381	$	45,413

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension assets measured at fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Fair values of cash equivalents are largely provided by independent pricing services.

Common Collective Trust Funds - These investments are public investment vehicles valued using the Net Asset Value ("NAV") provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The investment is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy because the NAV's unit price is quoted on a private market that is not active; however, the unit price is based on underlying investments which are traded on an active market.

Common Collective Loan Funds - These investments are public investment vehicles valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The investment is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy because the NAV's unit price is quoted on a private market that is not active.

Bonds, U.S. Government Securities, Other Fixed Income Securities and Equities - These investments are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

Asset-Backed Securities - Prices are based on a compilation of primarily observable market information or a broker quote in a non-active market.

Hedge Funds - These investments are in a private investment fund that uses proprietary trading methods to seek returns. It is valued using the NAV provided by the manager of the fund. The investment is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy because the NAV's unit price is quoted on a private market that is not active.

Mutual Funds - These investments are public investment vehicles valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The NAV is a quoted price in an active market.

Group Annuity Contract - Fair value is calculated by discounting the related cash flow based on current yields of similar instruments with comparable durations considering the credit-worthiness of the issues.

Assets in the directed trusts by investment classification as of the fiscal year end were as follows:

 

Asset Class	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Fixed income		35.3	%		66.3	%
Domestic equities	18.9			15.3
International equities		12.7			8.8
Alternative Investments - Hedge Funds		15.9			5.4
Alternative Investments - Loan Funds		10.0			-
Alternative Investments - Real Estate		3.1			2.3
Balanced Mutual Funds		2.0			-
Guaranteed investment contracts		0.8			0.8

 

Asset Class	October 1, 2013			October 2, 2012
Cash equivalents		1.3		1.1
		100	%		100	%

Investments in the pension trust are overseen by the Retirement Plan Committee which is made up of officers and directors of the Company. The Company has developed an Investment Policy Statement based on the need to satisfy the long-term liabilities of the Pension Plan. The Company seeks to maximize return with reasonable and prudent levels of risk. Risk management is accomplished through diversification across asset classes, multiple investment manager portfolios and both general and portfolio-specific investment guidelines. The general asset guidelines by segment are as follows:

0.04.0

Asset Class	Minimum Exposure			Target			Maximum Exposure
Investment grade fixed income and cash equivalents		30.0	%		50.0	%		100.0	%
Domestic equities:		0.0			19.0			40.0
Large cap core		0.0			9.0			20.0
Small cap value		0.0			5.0			10.0
Small cap growth		0.0			5.0			10.0
International equities:				13.0			20.0
International value		0.0			4.5			7.0
International growth		0.0			4.5			7.0
Emerging markets		0.0					6.0
Alternative Investments:		0.0			18.0			30.0
Real Estate		0.0			6.0			10.0
Hedge Funds		0.0			12.0			20.0

Managers are expected to generate a total return consistent with their philosophy, offer protection in down markets and achieve a rate of return which ranks in the top 40% of a universe of similarly managed portfolios and outperform a target index, net of expenses, over rolling three year periods.

The Investment Policy Statement contains the following guidelines:

- Categorical restrictions such as limiting the average weighted duration of fixed income investments, limiting the aggregate amount of American Depository Receipts (ADRs), no direct foreign currency speculation, limited foreign exchange contracts, and limiting the use of derivatives;

- Portfolio restrictions that address such things as investment restrictions, proxy voting, and brokerage arrangements; and

- Asset class restrictions that address such things as single security or sector concentration, capitalization limits and minimum quality standards.

The Company plans to contribute approximately $1.2 million to the SERP during fiscal 2014. The Company's contribution to the SERP represents the benefit payments made during the fiscal year.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid by the Company's defined benefit pension plans (in thousands):

		Pension Plan		SERP
2014	$	26,425	$	1,199
2015		26,167		2,428
2016		13,427		2,531
2017		14,208		2,724
2018		15,024		3,668
Years 2019-2023		87,743		20,318

The Savings Plan is a defined contribution retirement plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, and was authorized for the purpose of providing retirement benefits for employees of the Company. The Company provides a matching contribution based on the amount of eligible compensation contributed by the associate and an automatic retirement contribution based on age and years of service.

The Company has certain deferred compensation arrangements which allow, or allowed in prior years, its directors, officers and selected key management personnel to forego the receipt of earned compensation for specified periods of time. These arrangements include (1) a directors' compensation deferral plan, funded in a rabbi trust, the benefit and payment under such plan being made in the Company's common stock that has historically been purchased on the open market, (2) a key management deferral plan, unfunded, the benefit liability under such plan determined on the basis of the performance of selected market investment indices, and (3) other compensation deferral arrangements, unfunded and only available to directors and select key management in prior years, the benefit liability for which is determined based on fixed rates of interest.

Expense associated with the Savings Plan, deferred compensation arrangements and other plans for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

	2013		2012		2011
Savings Plan	$	19,384	$	21,778	$	20,584
Deferred Compensation and other		1,321		1,256		945

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Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of high and low sales prices and dividends declared for the common stock

	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter		Fiscal Year
2013 Operating Results
Net Sales	$	1,161.1	$	1,169.1	$	1,185.8		$	1,193.9	$	4,709.9
Gross Profit		334.7		359.6		362.2			360.5		1,417.0
Earnings From Continuing Operations		22.8		32.9		32.1			21.2		109.0
Loss From Discontinued Operations		-		-		(1.1	)		-		(1.1	)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:
Continuing Operations		0.47		0.67		0.66			0.43		2.23

	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Fiscal Year
Discontinued Operations		-			-			(0.02	)		-			(0.02	)
Net Earnings		0.47			0.67			0.63			0.43			2.21
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:
Continuing Operations		0.46			0.67			0.65			0.43			2.21
Discontinued Operations		-			-			(0.02	)		-			(0.02	)
Net Earnings		0.46			0.67			0.63			0.43			2.19
Dividend Per Share		0.65			0.15			0.15			0.15			1.10
Market Price Per Share:
High		39.42			45.03			48.96			49.90			49.90
Low		35.25			35.31			39.47			47.28			35.25
2012 Operating Results
Net Sales	$	1,119.5		$	1,120.4		$	1,152.7		$	1,142.8		$	4,535.4
Gross Profit		326.8			343.6			348.3			339.8			1,358.5
Earnings From Continuing Operations		25.8			30.4			20.0			23.7			99.9
Loss From Discontinued Operations		(12.1	)		(0.2	)		(4.2	)		(0.9	)		(17.4	)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:
Continuing Operations		0.53			0.62			0.41			0.49			2.05
Discontinued Operations		(0.25	)		-			(0.09	)		(0.02	)		(0.36	)
Net Earnings		0.28			0.62			0.32			0.47			1.69
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:
Continuing Operations		0.53			0.62			0.41			0.48			2.04
Discontinued Operations		(0.25	)		-			(0.09	)		(0.02	)		(0.36	)
Net Earnings		0.28			0.62			0.32			0.46			1.68
Dividend Per Share		0.13			0.14			0.14			0.14			0.55
Market Price Per Share:
High		45.45			45.31			41.74			42.99			45.45
Low		37.78			39.16			36.10			37.27			36.10

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Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Oct. 02, 2010 Minimum [Member]	Oct. 02, 2010 Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Foreign and Us State Jurisdictions Statutes				3 years	5 years
Cumulative federal capital loss carryforwards	$ 25,000,000
State net operating loss carryforwards	36,400,000
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date	Oct. 01, 2017
Valuation allowances included in deferred income taxes	5,600,000	3,700,000
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	1,900,000	3,600,000	13,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties expense	$ 632,000

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Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Schedule of carrying amount of intangible assets
Acquired favorable operating leases	$ 20,740	$ 20,740
Pharmacy scripts	602	602
Total amortizing intangibles	21,342	21,342
Accumulated amortization	(7,583)	(6,303)
Total intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$ 13,759	$ 15,039

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Schedule of pre-tax unrealized gains (losses) associated with cash flow hedges
Unrealized gains (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$ (124)	$ 1,036	$ 758

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Stock Options and Stock Awards (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Stock Options and Stock Awards [Abstract]

Schedule of summary of stock awards

Stock Awards	2013					2012					2011
	Shares			WAGFV		Shares			WAGFV		Shares			WAGFV
Non-vested at beginning of period		600			35.94		797			32.25		706			28.52
Granted		230			35.63		212			42.44		298			38.44
Vested		(178	)		33.50		(389	)		31.71		(191	)		28.29
Forfeited		(20	)		35.79		(20	)		35.30		(16	)		30.34
Non-vested at end of period		632			36.03		600			35.94		797			32.25

Schedule of summary of stock option plans

	2013					2012					2011
Stock Options	Shares			Price		Shares			Price		Shares			Price
Outstanding at beginning of year		36		$	21.17		67		$	18.77		104		$	17.86
Granted		10			42.02		-			-		-			-
Exercised		(24	)		15.64		(31	)		15.94		(37	)		16.25
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year		22		$	36.68		36		$	21.17		67		$	18.77

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Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Long-term Debt [Abstract]

Schedule of debt

	2013		2012
7.72% Senior Note due April, 2017	$	50,000	$	50,000
7.55% Senior Note due July, 2017		50,000		50,000
Capital Lease Obligations		112,478		110,487
Other Obligations		1,001		2,003
Total		213,479		212,490
Less Current Portion		4,788		4,219
Total Long-Term Debt	$	208,691	$	208,271

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Intangible Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Intangible Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of intangible assets included in other long term liabilities

	2013			2012
Acquired Unfavorable Operating Leases	$	2,199		$	2,199
Accumulated amortization		(211	)		(52	)
Total Intangible Liabilities, Net of Accumulated Amortization	$	1,988		$	2,147

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Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Goodwill [Abstract]

GOODWILL

5. GOODWILL

In June 2012, the Company completed a purchase and sale agreement between Harris Teeter and Lowe's Food Stores, Inc. ("Lowes Foods") whereby Harris Teeter acquired ten Lowes Foods store locations and Lowes Foods acquired six Harris Teeter store locations and received cash consideration of $26.3 million. The transaction was accounted for as a business acquisition and assets and liabilities were valued at the current fair market value. During fiscal 2012, the Company recorded impairment losses and other incremental costs of approximately $29.8 million in connection with this transaction. Such costs are included with Selling, General & Administrative expenses on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. In connection with the Lowes Foods transaction, during the third quarter of fiscal 2012 the Company recorded goodwill of $23.2 million and made an assessment for goodwill impairment on those stores that would not be integrated into the operations, resulting in the Company recording goodwill impairment of $3.9 million. On an annual basis during the fourth fiscal quarter, the Company performs a fair value-based impairment test on the net book value of goodwill and will perform the same procedures on an interim basis if certain events or circumstances indicate that an impairment loss may have occurred.

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Intangible Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Intangible Liabilities (Textual)
Amortization for intangible liabilities	$ 159,000	$ 52,000
Projected amortization for intangible liabilities for the remainder of fiscal year 2013	159,000
Projected amortization for intangible liabilities for fiscal year 2014	159,000
Projected amortization for intangible liabilities for fiscal year 2015	159,000
Projected amortization for intangible liabilities for fiscal year 2016	159,000
Projected amortization for intangible liabilities for fiscal year 2017	159,000
Projected amortization for intangible liabilities for fiscal year 2018	$ 159,000
Minimum
Intangible Liabilities (Textual)
Underlying lease contracts remaining terms	11 years
Maximum
Intangible Liabilities (Textual)
Underlying lease contracts remaining terms	15 years

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Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Basic EPS:
Earnings From Continuing Operations, Net of Income Taxes (in dollars)									$ 108,980	$ 99,927	$ 111,458
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding									48,916,000	48,751,000	48,469,000
Basic EPS	$ 0.43	$ 0.66	$ 0.67	$ 0.47	$ 0.49	$ 0.41	$ 0.62	$ 0.53	$ 2.23	$ 2.05	$ 2.30
Diluted EPS:
Earnings From Continuing Operations, Net of Income Taxes (in dollars)									$ 108,980	$ 99,927	$ 111,458
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding									48,916,000	48,751,000	48,469,000
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding									49,212,000	49,053,000	48,852,000
Diluted EPS	$ 0.43	$ 0.65	$ 0.67	$ 0.46	$ 0.48	$ 0.41	$ 0.62	$ 0.53	$ 2.21	$ 2.04	$ 2.28
Stock Options [Member]
Diluted EPS:
Net Potential Common Share Equivalents		6							5,000	17,000	27,000
Anti-Dilutive Common Share Equivalents
Stock Awards [Member]
Diluted EPS:
Net Potential Common Share Equivalents									291,000	285,000	356,000
Anti-Dilutive Common Share Equivalents

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of useful lives of property

Land improvements	10-40 years
Buildings	15-40 years
Machinery and equipment	3-15 years

Shedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

		2013			2012			2011
Accumulated unrecognized losses for minimum pension liabilities	$	82,375		$	113,584		$	122,736
Accumulated unrecognized losses for postemployment liabilities		98			158			111
Accumulated unrecognized (gains) losses on cash flow hedges		(4	)		(79	)		523
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	$	82,469		$	113,663		$	123,370

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Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract]

Schedule of computation of earnings per share from continuing operations

	2013		2012		2011
Basic EPS:
Earnings From Continuing Operations	$	108,980	$	99,927	$	111,458
Weighted average common shares outstanding		48,916		48,751		48,469
Basic EPS	$	2.23	$	2.05	$	2.30
Diluted EPS:
Earnings From Continuing Operations	$	108,980	$	99,927	$	111,458
Weighted average common shares outstanding		48,916		48,751		48,469
Net potential common share equivalents - stock options		5		17		27
Net potential common share equivalents - stock awards		291		285		356
Weighted average common shares outstanding		49,212		49,053		48,852
Diluted EPS	$	2.21	$	2.04	$	2.28
Excluded from the calculation of common share equivalents:
Anti-dilutive common share equivalents - stock options		-		-		-
Anti-dilutive common share equivalents - stock awards		-		-		-

Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share for earnings (loss) from discontinued operations and for net earnings (loss)

	2013			2012			2011
Loss From Discontinued Operations	$	(1,088	)	$	(17,415	)	$	(20,211	)
Loss Per Share:
Basic	$	(0.02	)	$	(0. 36	)	$	(0.42	)
Diluted		(0.02	)		(0. 36	)		(0.41	)

	2013		2012		2011
Net Earnings	$	107,892	$	82,512	$	91,247
Earnings Per Share:
Basic	$	2.21	$	1. 69	$	1.88
Diluted		2.19		1. 68		1.87

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Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Long-term Debt [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

8. LONG-TERM DEBT

On January 30, 2012, the Company amended and restated its then-existing credit agreement that provided financing under a $100 million term loan and a $350 million revolving line of credit. The prior credit agreement was due to expire in December of 2012. The amended credit facility contains a revolving line of credit that provides for financing up to $350 million through its termination date on January 30, 2017. The amended credit agreement also provides for an optional increase of the revolving credit facility by an additional amount of up to $100 million (if the existing or new lenders agree to assume the additional commitments) and two one-year maturity extension options, both of which require consent of certain of the lenders. Outstanding borrowings under the amended credit agreement bear interest at a variable rate, at the Company's option at: (a) an alternate base rate, based on a reference to: rates on federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System, the prime rate, or the LIBOR Market Index Rate in effect on the interest determination date; (b) the LIBOR Market Index Rate; or (c) a LIBOR Rate, each plus an applicable margin as determined by the administrative agent in accordance with the terms of the amended credit agreement. The amount which may be borrowed from time to time and the applicable margin to the referenced interest rate are each dependent on a leverage factor. The leverage factor is based on a ratio of rent-adjusted consolidated funded debt divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and operating rents, as set forth in the amended credit agreement. The more significant of the financial covenants that the Company must meet during the term of the amended credit agreement include a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The amended credit agreement restricts the Company's ability to pay dividends and make certain other restricted payments, as defined in the amended credit agreement, if after giving effect to such restricted payment an event of default under the amended credit agreement would exist or the Company would not be in compliance with certain specified financial covenants. However, management does not expect these restrictions will affect the Company's ability to pay dividends at the current level in the foreseeable future.

Covenants in certain of the Company's long-term debt agreements limit the total indebtedness that the Company may incur. The most restrictive of these covenants is a consolidated maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio as defined in the Company's amended credit agreement. As of October 1, 2013, the amount of additional debt that could be incurred within the limitations of the debt covenants exceeded the borrowings available under the amended credit facility. As such, management believes that the limit on indebtedness does not restrict the Company's ability to meet future liquidity requirements through borrowings available under the Company's amended credit facility, including any liquidity requirements expected in connection with the Company's expansion plans for the foreseeable future.

Long-term debt as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 was as follows (in thousands):

1,001

	2013		2012
7.72% Senior Note due April, 2017	$	50,000	$	50,000
7.55% Senior Note due July, 2017		50,000		50,000
Capital Lease Obligations		112,478		110,487
Other Obligations			2,003
Total		213,479		212,490
Less Current Portion		4,788		4,219
Total Long-Term Debt	$	208,691	$	208,271

Long-term debt maturities (including capital lease obligations) in each of the next five fiscal years are as follows: 2014 - $4,788,000; 2015 - $4,077,000; 2016 - $4,438,000; 2017 - $104,851,000; 2018 - $5,345,000.

Total interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, on debt and capital lease obligations was $16,425,000, $18,269,000 and $19,140,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Capitalized interest totaled $1,582,000, $560,000 and $632,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Details Textual) (Performance Stock Awards [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Performance Stock Awards [Member]
Computation Of Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Textual)
Anti dilutive common share equivalents	112,000	103,000	147,000

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Income Taxes (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax on pre-tax income at the statutory federal rate of 35%	$ 62,365	$ 54,098	$ 63,390
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
State and other income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	7,436	6,120	8,604
Tax credits	(1,845)	(2,494)	(1,081)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)	(1,031)	(556)	(583)
COLI	(1,393)	(2,420)	(803)
Non-deductible transaction costs	1,872
Tax law changes	840
Other items, net	962	(108)	130
Income tax expense	$ 69,206	$ 54,640	$ 69,657

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Company Owned Life Insurance (COLI)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Company Owned Life Insurance [Abstract]

COMPANY OWNED LIFE INSURANCE (COLI)

4. COMPANY OWNED LIFE INSURANCE (COLI)

The Company has purchased life insurance policies to fund its obligations under certain benefit plans for officers, key employees and directors. The cash surrender value of these policies is recorded net of policy loans and included with other long-term assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The cash value of the Company's life insurance policies were $61,846,000 as of October 1, 2013 and $58,390,000 as of October 2, 2012, and no policy loans were outstanding at either date.

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Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividend per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.10	$ 0.55	$ 0.52
Tax benefits on exercise of options (in dollars)	$ 636	$ 1,760	$ 1,157

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Computation of Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Jul. 02, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	Oct. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2012	Apr. 02, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share for earnings (loss) from discontinued operations and for net earnings (loss)
Loss From Discontinued Operations, Net									$ (1,088)	$ (17,415)	$ (20,211)
Loss Per Share - Basic		$ (0.02)			$ (0.02)	$ (0.09)		$ (0.25)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.42)
Loss Per Share - Diluted		$ (0.02)			$ (0.02)	$ (0.09)		$ (0.25)	$ (0.02)	$ (0.36)	$ (0.41)
Net Earnings									$ 107,892	$ 82,512	$ 91,247
Earnings Per Share - Basic	$ 0.43	$ 0.63	$ 0.67	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.32	$ 0.62	$ 0.28	$ 2.21	$ 1.69	$ 1.88
Earnings Per Share - Diluted	$ 0.43	$ 0.63	$ 0.67	$ 0.46	$ 0.46	$ 0.32	$ 0.62	$ 0.28	$ 2.19	$ 1.68	$ 1.87

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Company Owned Life Insurance (COLI) (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Company Owned Life Insurance [Abstract]
Cash surrender value of life insurance policy	$ 61,846,000	$ 58,390,000

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Nov. 07, 2011 American and Efird Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Purchase price in cash consideration				$ 180,000,000
Equity method investments	72,822,000	59,599,000
Cost method investments	30,543,000	47,825,000
Cooperative advertising income	408,000	320,000	624,000
Net advertising expense	$ 19,575,000	$ 19,807,000	$ 20,071,000

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Common Collective Loan Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 28,381
Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	45,413	15,568	37,319
Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	285,362	286,514
Fair Value [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,676	3,043
Fair Value [Member] | Common Collective Trust Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	88,906	81,422
Fair Value [Member] | Common Collective Loan Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,381
Fair Value [Member] | Corporate Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	39,667	55,275
Fair Value [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	311	11,579
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,540
Fair Value [Member] | Other Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7,494	5,354
Fair Value [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	70	11,486
Fair Value [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	27,081	21,588
Fair Value [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	45,413	15,568
Fair Value [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	41,925	77,344
Fair Value [Member] | Group Annuity Contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,438	2,315
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	120,154	175,723
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,676	3,043
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Common Collective Trust Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	39,667	55,275
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	311	11,579
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		1,540
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Other Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7,494	5,354
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	27,081	21,588
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	41,925	77,344
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments (Level 1) [Member] | Group Annuity Contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	91,414	95,223
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common Collective Trust Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	88,906	81,422
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common Collective Loan Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	70	11,486
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Group Annuity Contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,438	2,315
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	73,794	15,568
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common Collective Trust Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common Collective Loan Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	28,381
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Government Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	45,413	15,568
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Group Annuity Contract [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 285,362	$ 286,514	$ 276,374

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Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of carrying amount of intangible assets

		2013			2012
Acquired favorable operating leases	$	20,740		$	20,740
Pharmacy scripts		602			602
Total amortizing intangibles		21,342			21,342
Accumulated amortization		(7,583	)		(6,303	)
Total intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$	13,759		$	15,039

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013		Oct. 02, 2012		Oct. 01, 2011
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Rate Of Increase In Future Payroll Cost [Abstract]
Weighted Average Discount Rate	5.20%		4.45%		5.50%
Assumed Long-Term Rate of Return on Assets (Pension Plan only)	6.75%		7.40%		8.00%
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Rate Of Increase In Future Payroll Cost [Abstract]
Rate of Increase in Future Payroll Costs:	3.00%	[1]	3.00%	[1]	3.00%	[1]
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Rate Of Increase In Future Payroll Cost [Abstract]
Rate of Increase in Future Payroll Costs:	8.00%	[1]	8.00%	[1]	8.00%	[1]
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Rate Of Increase In Future Payroll Cost [Abstract]
Weighted Average Discount Rate	5.00%		4.20%		5.40%
Rate of Increase in Future Payroll Costs:	6.00%		6.00%		6.00%

[1] Rate varies by age, with higher rates associated with lower aged participants.

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual)
Percentage of similarly managed portfolios over three year periods	40.00%
Recognition of changes in fair value period	5 years
SERP [Member]
Employee Benefit Plans (Textual)
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions in fiscal year 2013	$ 1.2

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual) (Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member], Interest Rate Swaps [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013 Swap
Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Number of interest rate derivatives held	2
Description of types of interest rate cash flow hedging instruments used	Interest rate swap
Maximum length of time hedged in interest rate cash flow hedge	3 years
Interest rate derivatives, aggregate notional amount	$ 80.0
Term loan	80.0
First half of term loan being hedged	40.0
Effective fixed rate of interest on first half of term loan	1.81%
Second half of term loan being hedged	$ 40.0
Effective fixed rate of interest on second half of term loan	1.80%

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Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 213,479	$ 212,490
Less Current Portion	(4,788)	(4,219)
Total Long-Term Debt	208,691	208,271
7.72% Senior Note due April, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	50,000	50,000
7.55% Senior Note due July, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	50,000	50,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	112,478	110,487
Other Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,001	$ 2,003

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Common Collective Loan Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year
Contribution	28,000
Net Realized And Unrealized Gains (Losses)	381
Sales and Settlements
Fair value of assets at end of year	28,381
Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets at the beginning of year	15,568	37,319
Contribution	28,000
Net Realized And Unrealized Gains (Losses)	2,200	814
Sales and Settlements	(355)	(22,565)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$ 45,413	$ 15,568

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Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents and notes receivables. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to each individual financial institution and places its temporary cash into investments of high credit quality. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to their dispersion across various companies and geographies.

The carrying amounts for certain of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of their short maturities. The fair value of variable interest debt approximates its carrying amount. The estimated fair value of the Company's Senior Notes due at various dates through 2017 (which accounts for 99% of the Company's fixed interest debt obligations) is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and maturities. The estimated fair value of the Company's Senior Notes and its carrying amount outstanding as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):

	2013		2012
Senior Notes - estimated fair value	$	121,900	$	127,730
Senior Notes - carrying amount		100,000		100,000

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Leases

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Leases [Abstract]

LEASES

7. LEASES

The Company leases certain equipment under agreements expiring during the next five years and leases most of its stores under agreements that expire during the next 26 years. It is expected that certain store leases will be renewed by exercising options or replaced by leases of other properties. Most store leases provide for additional rentals based on sales, and certain store facilities are sublet under leases expiring during the next four years. Certain leases also contain rent escalation clauses (step rents) that require additional rental amounts in the later years of the term. Rent expense for the last three fiscal years was as follows (in thousands):

	2013		2012		2011
Minimum, net of sublease income	$	105,257	$	99,289	$	94,901
Contingent		1,645		1,378		1,252
Total	$	106,902	$	100,667	$	96,153

Future minimum lease commitments (excluding leases assigned - see below) and total minimum sublease rental income to be received under non-cancelable subleases as of October 1, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

	Operating					Capital
Fiscal Year	Leases		Subleases			Leases
2014	$	109,345	$	(1,251	)	$	13,171
2015		112,814		(893	)		13,176
2016		112,102		(595	)		13,226
2017		111,066		(389	)		13,271
2018		108,584		(31	)		13,527
Later years		1,083,860		-			134,600
Total minimum lease obligations (receivables)	$	1,637,771	$	(3,159	)		200,971
Amount representing interest							(88,493	)
Present value of net minimum obligation (included with long-term debt)						$	112,478

In connection with the closing of certain store locations, the Company has assigned leases to several sub-tenants with recourse. These leases expire over the next 8 years and the future minimum lease payments totaling $27.3 million over this period have been assumed by these sub-tenants.

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Financial Instruments (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Percentage of fixed interest debt obligations of total debt obligation (in percent)	99.00%
Description of senior note due dates	Various dates through 2017

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

14. INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for fiscal 2010 and forward. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from three to five years.

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consisted of the following (in thousands):

	2013			2012			2011
Current:
Federal	$	74,627		$	37,696		$	38,211
State and other		15,042			12,469			12,949
		89,669			50,165			51,160
Deferred:
Federal		(18,646	)		7,038			17,834
State and other		(1,817	)		(2,563	)		663
		(20,463	)		4,475			18,497
Provision for income taxes from continuing operations	$	69,206		$	54,640		$	69,657

Income tax expense from continuing operations differed from an amount computed by applying the statutory tax rates to pre-tax income as follows (in thousands):      

		2013			2012			2011
Income tax on pre-tax income at the statutory federal rate of 35%	$	62,365		$	54,098		$	63,390
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
State and other income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		7,436			6,120			8,604
Tax credits		(1,845	)		(2,494	)		(1,081	)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)		(1,031	)		(556	)		(583	)
COLI		(1,393	)		(2,420	)		(803	)
Non-deductible transaction costs		1,872			-			-
Tax law changes		840			-			-
Other items, net		962			(108	)		130
Income tax expense	$	69,206		$	54,640		$	69,657

The tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to the Company's consolidated deferred tax assets and liabilities as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

	2013				2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Employee benefits	$	52,457			$	57,880
Rent obligations		28,795				28,960
Liabilities not currently deductible		18,719				18,053
Vendor allowances		9,022				6,626
Other		16,756				14,886
Total deferred tax assets	$	125,749			$	126,405
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	$	(104,454	)	$	(114,144	)
Inventories		(19,089	)			(14,537	)
Other		(2,606	)			(2,621	)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(126,149	)		$	(131,302	)

As of October 1, 2013, the Company had approximately $25.0 million of cumulative federal capital loss carryforwards, and approximately $36.4 million of state net operating loss carryforwards which will begin to expire in fiscal 2017. A valuation allowance of $5.6 million and $3.7 million is included with deferred income taxes as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012, respectively. The valuation allowance increased by $1.9 million from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013, increased by $3.6 million from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 and increased by $13,000 from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011. The allowance was developed based upon the uncertainty of the realization of certain federal or state deferred tax assets related to the federal capital loss carryforward and state net operating loss carryforwards. Although realization is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, the Company believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized through the expected generation of future taxable income.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the unrecognized tax liability for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

	2013			2012			2011
Gross taxes at beginning of year	$	450		$	4,338		$	4,104
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		246			-			-
Additions for tax positions of prior years		211			185			1,396
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(120	)		(4,073	)		(1,162	)
Reductions for settlements		-			-			-
Reductions for deposits made		-			-			-
Gross taxes at end of year		787			450			4,338
Accumulated interest		66			59			1,322
Federal tax benefit of state income tax deduction		(47	)		(28	)		(242	)
Balance included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year	$	806		$	481		$	5,418

As of October 1, 2013, unrecognized tax benefits of $632,000 (including interest and penalties) would reduce the Company's tax rate if recognized. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the remainder of the unrecognized tax benefits would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the tax authority to an earlier period.

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Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Capital Stock [Abstract]

CAPITAL STOCK

12. CAPITAL STOCK

The capital stock of the Company authorized as of September 28, 2008 was 75,000,000 shares of no par value Common Stock, 4,000,000 shares of Preference Stock (non-cumulative voting $0.56 convertible, $10 liquidation value), and 1,000,000 shares of Additional Preferred Stock. No shares of Preference Stock or Additional Preferred Stock were issued or outstanding as of October 1, 2013 or October 2, 2012.

The Board of Directors adopted a stock buyback program in 1996, authorizing, at management's discretion, the Company to purchase and retire up to 10% of the then outstanding shares of the Company's common stock for the purpose of preventing dilution as a result of the operation of the Company's comprehensive stock option and awards plans. There were no stock purchases in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011.

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Nov. 21, 2013	Apr. 02, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HARRIS TEETER SUPERMARKETS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000085704
Trading Symbol	htsi
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-01
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		49,503,036
Entity Public Float			$ 1,885,137,000
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 01, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 6)	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	35.30%	66.30%
Domestic equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	18.90%	15.30%
International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	12.70%	8.80%
Alternative Investments - Hedge Funds
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	15.90%	5.40%
Alternative Investments - Loan Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	10.00%
Alternative Investments - Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	3.10%	2.30%
Balanced Mutual Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	2.00%
Guaranteed investment contracts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	0.80%	0.80%
Cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	1.30%	1.10%

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Stock Options and Stock Awards

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2013

Stock Options and Stock Awards [Abstract]

STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK AWARDS

13. STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK AWARDS

As of October 1, 2013, the Company had various equity incentive plans, which were approved by the Company's shareholders, that authorized the issuance of 6.5 million shares of common stock pursuant thereto. Currently the Company grants equity awards under the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan, which was approved by the Company's shareholders in February 2011. After such time, no awards were granted under the Company's prior equity incentive plans, including without limitation the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. 2002 Comprehensive Stock Option and Award Plan (and the Addendum thereto) and the Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. 2000 Comprehensive Stock Option and Award Plan Prior Plans, although outstanding awards previously granted under such prior plans will continue in effect in accordance with the terms and conditions of those plans. As of October 1, 2013, the Company may grant additional options or stock awards and performance shares in the amount of 2,164,000 shares.

The Board of Directors began approving equity awards in lieu of stock options in 2004. These awards have historically been apportioned 50% as a fixed award of restricted stock (restricted from sale or transfer until vesting ratably over a five-year period of continued employment) and 50% as performance share awards, based on the attainment of certain performance targets for the ensuing fiscal year. If the fiscal year performance targets are met, the performance shares are subsequently issued as restricted stock and vest over four years of continued employment.

Stock awards are being expensed ratably over the employees' five-year requisite service period in accordance with the graded vesting schedule, resulting in more expense being recognized in the early years. Compensation expense related to restricted awards totaled $7,597,000, $7,121,000 and $8,073,000 for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The remaining unamortized expense as of October 1, 2013 is $9,621,000, with a weighted average recognition period of 1.60 years.

A summary of the status of the Company's restricted stock awards as of October 1, 2013, October 2, 2012 and October 2, 2011, changes during the periods ending on those dates and weighted average grant-date fair value (WAGFV) is presented below (shares in thousands):

Stock Awards	2013					2012					2011
	Shares			WAGFV		Shares			WAGFV		Shares			WAGFV
Non-vested at beginning of period		600			35.94		797			32.25		706			28.52
Granted		230			35.63		212			42.44		298			38.44
Vested		(178	)		33.50		(389	)		31.71		(191	)		28.29
Forfeited		(20	)		35.79		(20	)		35.30		(16	)		30.34
Non-vested at end of period		632			36.03		600			35.94		797			32.25

The total fair value of stock awards that vested during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $5,978,000, $12,359,000, and $5,388,000, respectively.

The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected life, volatility and expected forfeitures in valuing the options. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant. The weighted average fair value for stock options granted in fiscal 2013 was $12.34 per option and was based on the following weighted average assumptions: An expected life of 7.33 years; a risk-free interest rate of 1.43%; volatility of 31.88%; and a dividend yield of 1.59%. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period (which is immediately in the case of the fiscal 2013 grants) and amounted to $123,000 for fiscal 2013. There was no compensation expense related to stock options in fiscal 2012 or 2011.

A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans as of October 1, 2013, October 2, 2012, and October 2, 2011, changes during the years ending on those dates and related weighted average exercise price is presented below (shares in thousands):

	2013					2012					2011
Stock Options	Shares			Price		Shares			Price		Shares			Price
Outstanding at beginning of year		36		$	21.17		67		$	18.77		104		$	17.86
Granted		10			42.02		-			-		-			-
Exercised		(24	)		15.64		(31	)		15.94		(37	)		16.25
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year		22		$	36.68		36		$	21.17		67		$	18.77

As of October 1, 2013, all outstanding stock options were exercisable and the price per share ranged from $17.24 to $42.02. The total cash received from stock options exercised for the exercise price and related tax deductions are included in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. The Company has historically issued new shares to satisfy the stock options exercised. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable as of October 1, 2013 and October 2, 2012 was $275,000 and $602,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $595,000, $780,000, and $876,000, respectively.

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Intangible Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012
Schedule of intangible assets included in other long term liabilities
Acquired Unfavorable Operating Leases	$ 2,199	$ 2,199
Accumulated Amortization	(211)	(52)
Total Intangible Liabilities, Net of Accumulated Amortization	$ 1,988	$ 2,147

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Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Oct. 01, 2011	Jan. 30, 2012
Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Term loan				$ 100,000,000
Revolving line of credit				350,000,000
Amended revolving credit facility				350,000,000
Additional amount of revolving credit facility				100,000,000
Market index rate	Federal Reserve System, prime rate, or LIBOR Market Index Rate
Long-term debt maturities for 2014	4,788,000
Long-term debt maturities for 2015	4,077,000
Long-term debt maturities for 2016	4,438,000
Long-term debt maturities for 2017	104,851,000
Long-term debt maturities for 2018	5,345,000
Total interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, on debt and capital lease obligations	16,425,000	18,269,000	19,140,000
Capitalized interest	$ 1,582,000	$ 560,000	$ 632,000

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Employee Benefit Plans (Details 7)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2013
Investment grade fixed income and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	30.00%
Target	50.00%
Maximum Exposure	100.00%
Domestic equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	19.00%
Maximum Exposure	40.00%
Large Cap Core [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	9.00%
Maximum Exposure	20.00%
Small Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	5.00%
Maximum Exposure	10.00%
Small Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	5.00%
Maximum Exposure	10.00%
International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	13.00%
Maximum Exposure	20.00%
International value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	4.50%
Maximum Exposure	7.00%
International growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	4.50%
Maximum Exposure	7.00%
Emerging markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	4.00%
Maximum Exposure	6.00%
Alternative Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	18.00%
Maximum Exposure	30.00%
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	6.00%
Maximum Exposure	10.00%
Hedge Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Minimum Exposure	0.00%
Target	12.00%
Maximum Exposure	20.00%