Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	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.			23,784			23,784
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax				1,235		1,235
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax				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 interest to reflect maximum redemption value		(4,271)				(4,271)
Ending Balance at Jul. 06, 2011	756	140,101	219,609	5,309	(90,569)	275,206
Beginning Balance at Sep. 28, 2011	756	144,569	230,390	(5,468)	(90,569)	279,678
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.			18,176			18,176
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings, net of tax				(902)		(902)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments, net of tax				39,019		39,019
Total comprehensive income						56,293
Exercise of stock options and other stock compensation transactions		860			23	883
Adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect maximum redemption value		(4,668)				(4,668)
Ending Balance at Jul. 04, 2012	$ 756	$ 140,761	$ 248,566	$ 32,649	$ (90,546)	$ 332,186