Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Total
Balance at Sep. 30, 2009	$ 757	$ 143,691	$ 167,731	$ 112	$ (20,430)	$ 291,861
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			19,692			19,692
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax $789 (July 2011) and $58 (July 2010)				(92)		(92)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax $3,342 (July 2011) and $393 (July 2010)				(614)		(614)
Total comprehensive income						18,986
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		1,062			(265)	797
Retirement of shares held by subsidiary	(1)	1
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares		(711)				(711)
Reacquired shares from acquisition					(34,146)	(34,146)
Purchase of shares of Company stock by consolidated affiliated partnerships					(37,046)	(37,046)
Sale of Company shares by consolidated affiliated partnerships		(685)			3,336	2,651
Balance at Jul. 07, 2010	756	143,358	187,423	(594)	(88,551)	242,392
Balance at Sep. 29, 2010	756	143,521	195,825	(1,152)	(89,955)	248,995
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			23,784			23,784
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax $789 (July 2011) and $58 (July 2010)				1,235		1,235
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax $3,342 (July 2011) and $393 (July 2010)				5,226		5,226
Total comprehensive income						30,245
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		851			(614)	237
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interests to reflect maximum redemption value		(4,271)				(4,271)
Balance at Jul. 06, 2011	$ 756	$ 140,101	$ 219,609	$ 5,309	$ (90,569)	$ 275,206