17. Schedule Of Net Revenue by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2012	Jul. 06, 2011	Jul. 04, 2012	Jul. 06, 2011
Net Revenue	$ 175,773	$ 170,861	$ 565,847	$ 540,860
Steak n Shake
Net Revenue	107,925	165,228	549,338	524,266
Western
Net Revenue	4,261	4,336	11,789	11,825
Total Restaurant Operations
Net Revenue	175,186	169,564	561,127	536,091
Management fees
Net Revenue				224
Consolidated affiliated partnerships
Net Revenue	587	1,297	4,720	4,545
Total Investment Management Operations
Net Revenue	1,933	1,297	4,720	4,769
Total Revenue
Net Revenue	$ 175,773	$ 170,861	$ 565,847	$ 540,860