Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Duration of first quarter, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.

Name:	wfm_DurationOfFirstQuarter
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Duration of fiscal year, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.

Name:	wfm_DurationOfFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Duration of fourth quarter, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.

Name:	wfm_DurationOfFourthQuarter
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Duration of second quarter, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.

Name:	wfm_DurationOfSecondQuarter
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Duration of third quarter, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.