Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_InsuranceAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The total expense recognized in the period for promotion, public relations, and brand or product advertising.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Name:	us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions) of accrued known and estimated losses incurred as of the balance sheet date for which no insurance coverage exists, and for which a claim has been made or is probable of being asserted, typically arising from workmen's compensation-type of incidents and personal injury to nonemployees from accidents on the entity's property.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Name:	us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

This element represents the remaining lease term of closed properties for which lease liabilities have to be paid, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

No definition available.

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

Name:	wfm_CostOfGoodsSoldAndOccupancyCostsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	wfm_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

This element represents the percentage of total purchases attributable to the entity's largest supplier.

No definition available.

Name:	wfm_PercentageOfPurchasesFromLargestSupplier
Namespace Prefix:	wfm_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration