Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock	Total
Beginning Balance at Sep. 29, 2010	$ 756	$ 143,521	$ 195,825	$ (1,152)	$ (89,955)	$ 248,995
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			15,108			15,108
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax				1,285		1,285
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax				592		592
Total comprehensive income						16,985
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		741			(537)	204
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value		(7,668)				(7,668)
Ending Balance at Apr. 13, 2011	756	136,594	210,933	725	(90,492)	258,516
Beginning Balance at Sep. 28, 2011	756	144,569	230,390	(5,468)	(90,569)	279,678
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			13,323			13,323
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax				(902)		(902)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax				23,427		23,427
Total comprehensive income						35,848
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		453			2	455
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value		(6,287)				(6,287)
Ending Balance at Apr. 11, 2012	$ 756	$ 138,735	$ 243,713	$ 17,057	$ (90,567)	$ 309,694