Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Related to Impaired Property and Equipment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2014	Aug. 28, 2013	Aug. 29, 2012
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	$ (2,498)
Property and equipment - Total impairments		(615)	(451)
	(2,498)
Company Owned Restaurants [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	6,446	722
	6,446	722
Company Owned Restaurants [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	6,446	722
Property and equipment - Total impairments	(2,498)	(462)	(276)
	6,446	722
Corporate Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement		447
		447
Corporate Assets [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	1,144	3,159	2,683
	1,144	3,159	2,683
Corporate Assets [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement		447
Property and equipment - Total impairments		(153)
		447
Corporate Assets [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement	1,144	3,159	2,683
Property and equipment - Total impairments	(1,200)	(663)	(868)
	1,144	3,159	2,683
Cullinary Contract Services [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement			57
			57
Cullinary Contract Services [Member] | Continuing Operations [Member]
Continuing Operations
Property and equipment - Fair value measurement			57
Property and equipment - Total impairments			(175)
			$ 57