Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock	Total
Beginning Balance at Sep. 28, 2010	$ 756	$ 143,521	$ 195,825	$ (1,152)	$ (89,955)	$ 248,995
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			9,463			9,463
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax				1,280		1,280
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax				436		436
Total comprehensive income						11,179
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		182			(12)	170
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value		(6,130)				(6,130)
Ending Balance at Dec. 22, 2010	756	137,573	205,288	564	(89,967)	254,214
Beginning Balance at Sep. 28, 2011	756	144,569	230,390	(5,468)	(90,569)	279,678
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			8,795			8,795
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax				(901)		(901)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax				12,658		12,658
Total comprehensive income						20,552
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		481				481
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value		(2,628)				(2,628)
Ending Balance at Dec. 21, 2011	$ 756	$ 142,422	$ 239,185	$ 6,289	$ (90,569)	$ 298,083