Schedule of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 24, 2014	Sep. 25, 2013
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.	$ 91,050		$ (15,843)	$ 28,804	$ 140,271
Other comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(261)		(2,896)	(21,979)	(22,440)
Parent Company
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Biglari Holdings Inc.	91,050	$ 18,949	(15,843)	28,804	140,271
Other comprehensive income:
Reclassification of investment appreciation in net earnings	0	0	62	(29,578)	(182,286)
Applicable income taxes	0	0	(21)	11,237	67,640
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments	(341)	6,540	(892)	(4,930)	146,079
Applicable income taxes	126	(2,478)	327	1,874	(53,881)
Foreign currency translation	(46)	289	(2,372)	(582)	8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(261)	4,351	(2,896)	(21,979)	(22,440)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 90,789	$ 23,300	$ (18,739)	$ 6,825	$ 117,831