Note 22. Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014	Dec. 18, 2013	Sep. 25, 2013	Jul. 03, 2013	Dec. 19, 2012	Apr. 09, 2014	Apr. 10, 2013	Sep. 24, 2014	Sep. 25, 2013	Sep. 26, 2012
Notes to Financial Statements
Total revenues	$ 193,669	$ 193,229	$ 172,339	$ 179,499	$ 184,602	$ 166,511	$ 234,574	$ 225,210
Gross profit	37,359	39,724	38,377	41,541	43,476	37,613	52,191	50,189
Costs and expenses	196,512	190,429	167,843	177,164	178,137	159,181	224,753	220,606
Earnings before income taxes	13,048	13,367	24,864	39,277	169,834	5,930	(12,263)	1,420
Net earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.	$ 8,522	$ 9,594	$ 16,491	$ 26,825	$ 106,704	$ 4,562	$ (5,803)	$ 2,180	$ 28,804	$ 140,271	$ 21,593
Basic earnings per common share	$ 4.96	$ 5.67	$ 9.62	$ 17.46	$ 69.08	$ 2.94	$ (3.39)	$ 1.41
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 4.95	$ 5.66	$ 9.60	$ 17.43	$ 68.92	$ 2.94	$ (3.39)	$ 1.40