EX-10

Exhibit 10.1

Letter Agreement between Nash-Finch Company and Kevin Elliott dated November 12, 2012.

November 12, 2012

Kevin Elliott

6837 Branch Trail

Frisco, TX 75035

Dear Kevin,

We are pleased to offer you the position of Executive Vice President, President & Chief Operating Officer - Nash Finch Wholesale/Retail with Nash Finch Company. This position reports to Alec Covington, President & Chief Executive Officer. Your effective start date will be mutually agreed upon by you and the Company. Your election as an Executive Officer of the Company is subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

The following summarizes the terms of the offer: To the extent that this offer refers to a Company plan, policy, or agreement, the terms of the plan, policy or agreement will control and are incorporated into this offer letter. The Company retains the right to modify, amend or terminate any Company plan, policy or agreement, consistent with the terms of those plans, policies and/or agreements.

Base Salary:

Your base salary will be set at $9,587.73 per week, which equates to approximately $500,000 annualized, less income and payroll taxes. This approximation is based on a 52.15 week payroll year.

Benefit Programs:

As a full-time associate, you and your eligible dependents are eligible for coverage under our Nash Finch Company Group Health, Life and Disability Program the first of the month after completing thirty days (30) of employment. You will be eligible to participate in the Nash Finch Company 401K program after your first day of employment.

Executive Life Insurance:

The Company will maintain term life insurance on your behalf with a death benefit of $1,000,000. You will be responsible for any income tax consequences of the company’s provision of this benefit to you.

Executive Physical:

Nash Finch Company recognizes the contributions of its leaders and understands the pressures and responsibilities of these positions. After ninety days of employment, you are eligible to participate in the executive physical examination program, which is a fully paid benefit. This program is administered through the Mayo Clinic Executive Health Program in Rochester, Minnesota. You will receive additional information about this program after you begin employment.

Vacation:

You will receive four (4) weeks paid vacation to use during your first twelve (12) months of employment. After 30 days of employment, you will also receive two (2) personal days to use each calendar year, including this calendar year.

Relocation:

Relocation to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area is a requirement for the position. Relocation assistance is delivered by Sirva Relocation. A representative from Human Resources will contact you directly to discuss your relocation options. Relocation is subject to signing a repay agreement.

If your permanent residence and the state in which you work are different, there may be certain tax implications based on IRS regulations. Please seek professional tax advice.

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Executive Incentive Plan:

You will be eligible for the 2013 Executive Incentive Plan (“EIP”). Your EIP bonus opportunity will be prorated from your effective hire date and your target incentive amount will be equal to 70% of your annualized base salary. The EIP plan can payout anywhere between zero and 150% of target if the company’s performance exceeds the performance goals. The actual amount of any such bonus will be determined in accordance with the terms of the EIP. You must be employed on the last day of the bonus year to be eligible for any bonus payout, where applicable. Additional information regarding the 2013 program will be made available to you in March.

For the 2013 EIP, you will receive the greater of 50% of your target incentive amount ($175,000) or the actual amount earned in accordance with the actual plan results for the year. This payout would occur in the same time frame as other incentive payments.

Long Term Incentive Plan:

You will be eligible to participate in the 2013 Nash Finch Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) and if your employment begins prior to December 1, 2012, you will be eligible to participate in the 2012 Nash Finch Long Term Incentive Plan on a pro-rated basis. Your long term incentive plan opportunity will be prorated from your effective hire date and will equal 100% of your annualized base salary. The LTIP plans can payout anywhere between zero and 200% of target and the final payout, if any, is dependent on actual performance. The LTIP will be settled in Nash Finch common stock, with specific payouts, if any, at the end of the three year plan period determined by the Nash Finch stock price and company performance measured in comparison to a peer group of selected food companies, all in accordance with the specific terms of the LTIP. We anticipate, but do not promise, that a version or variation of the current LTIP will be in effect for eligible executives for the foreseeable future. Additional information regarding the LTIP will be reviewed with you after your first day of employment.

Deferred Compensation

You will be eligible to participate in the Nash Finch Company Deferred Compensation Plan. Additional information regarding the plan will be reviewed with you after your first day of employment.

Severance:

If your employment is terminated by the Company, other than (a) for cause or (b) by reason of a change in control (in which case the terms of the change in control agreement would govern), the Company will agree to provide you with 24 months of base salary, paid over a 24-month/104-week period (“severance period”) on regularly scheduled paydays, as severance compensation with such payments commencing six months and a day after your separation from the company. If you exercise your rights under COBRA during the severance period, your cost for COBRA benefits will be set at the rate paid by active associates for the same level of benefits. The consideration for the Company’s agreement to make such payments would be your release of claims you might then have against the Company. The Company’s obligation to make payments during the severance period will end on the earlier of: (a) your acceptance of regular full time employment; or (b) the second anniversary of the date your employment with the Company ended. Provided, however, that if you receive compensation from your new employer (“new compensation”) of an amount less than the base salary paid pursuant to this paragraph, the Company will make severance payments to you in an amount equal to the difference between the base pay under this paragraph and your new compensation until the second anniversary of the date your employment with the Company ended. Payments pursuant to this Paragraph shall not be considered compensation or earnings for purposes of any employee benefit plan or arrangement of the Company and its Affiliates.

Change in Control:

As consideration for this offer, the Company desires to enter into a letter of agreement with you which sets forth the benefits which the Company agrees will be provided to you in the event your employment with the Company is terminated in connection with a Change in Control. This letter of agreement will be presented to you separately from this offer letter.

Non-Compete Agreement & Conflict of Interest:

As consideration for hiring you and for the salary and benefits you receive under this offer, you agree that during your employment and for a period of twenty-four months after the voluntary or involuntary termination of your employment regardless of the reason, you will not alone or in any capacity with any other person or entity or on behalf of any other person or entity (other than by way of holding shares listed on a registered stock exchange not exceeding five percent of the outstanding class or series so listed), except with the written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly:

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(a) Engage in the business of wholesale distribution of food and/or related products in competition with the Company or in competition with any subsidiary, or related business entity of the Company, whether serving in association with, by engagement with, or as an officer, director, employee, principal, agent, or consultant of such competing business, including but not limited to, SUPERVALU, Inc.; Affiliated Foods, Midwest; Spartan Stores, Inc.; Merchants Distributors, Inc.; Laurel Grocery Company L.L.C.; C & S Wholesale Grocers; Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.; Coastal Pacific Food Distributors, Inc.; Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG); and Bethel-Eckert Enterprises, Inc., or any of their respective subsidiaries or business affiliates or successors, as and where such business of the Company or any subsidiary may then be conducted. (b) In any way interfere or attempt to interfere with the business of the Company or any subsidiary or related business entity of the Company in any way whatsoever, whether (1) by disrupting or, impairing relationships with any of current or potential vendors, suppliers, distributors or customers, or (2) by doing or saying anything to disparage or cause harm to the business; its reputation; its management, employees, officers, or directors; or any products or services of the Company; or (c) Solicit for employment, employ, or attempt to solicit or employ or otherwise engage or contract with any employee of the Company, any subsidiary, or any related entity. The obligations contained in this Agreement will survive the termination or expiration of your employment with the Company and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

As presented, this offer of employment is contingent and conditional upon passing a pre-employment drug-screen and background check and written verification releasing you from all non-compete agreements. Please arrange to complete the pre-employment drug test within two (2) business days of receipt of this offer letter. Failure to do so may result in this offer being rescinded.

On behalf of the Company, I am excited to offer you employment with Nash Finch and truly look forward to you joining our team.

Respectfully,

Alec C. Covington

President & CEO

Nash Finch Company

CONSENT OF ACCEPTANCE

I have reviewed the employment offer letter and I accept the offer of employment as outlined in this letter.

_______________________________                        _________________________

Kevin Elliott                                                                          Date

It is important to note that neither this document, nor any other written or verbal communication, should be construed as creating a contract for employment or a warranty of benefits for any particular period of time, nor does it change the “at will” employment relations between Nash Finch Company and any of it’s employees. This means that associates have the right to terminate the employment relationship with Nash Finch Company at any time, with or without notice, for any reason. Nash Finch Company has the same right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, for any reason not prohibited by law.

You acknowledge that this offer letter and any other enclosures represents the entire agreement between you and Nash Finch Company and that no verbal or written agreements, promises, or representations that are not specifically stated in this offer, are or will be binding upon Nash Finch Company.

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EX-12

 

Exhibit 12.1

NASH FINCH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
		Fiscal Year Ended					12 Weeks Ended
		Jan. 3,	Jan. 2,	Jan. 1,	Dec. 31,	Dec. 29,	Mar. 24,	Mar. 23,
(In thousands, except ratios)		2009	2010	2011	2011	2012	2012	2013
Fixed Charges:
Interest expense on	$	26,466	24,372	23,403	24,894	24,944	5,138	6,009
Indebtedness
Rent expense (1/3 of total		7,299	8,565	8,164	6,400	7,612	1,477	2,106
rent expense)
Total fixed charges	$	33,765	32,937	31,567	31,294	32,556	6,615	8,115
Earnings:
Income (loss) before	$	53,791	23,750	72,126	58,428	(121,694)	9,069	2,966
provision for income taxes
Fixed charges		33,765	32,937	31,567	31,294	32,556	6,615	8,115
Total earnings (loss)	$	87,556	56,687	103,693	89,722	(89,138)	15,684	11,081
Ratio		2.59x	1.72x	3.28x	2.87x	-2.74x	2.37x	1.37x

EX-31

Exhibit 31.1

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF THE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Alec C. Covington, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nash-Finch Company for the 12 weeks ended March 23, 2013;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)     Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)     Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and  presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)     Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)     All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  April 25, 2013

By:  /s/Alec C. Covington                                                                 

Name: Alec C. Covington

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31

 

Exhibit 31.2

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF THE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Robert B. Dimond, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nash-Finch Company for the 12 weeks ended March 23, 2013;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)     Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)     Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)     Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and  presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)     Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)     All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:   April 25, 2013                                                        

By:  /s/ Robert B. Dimond                                                                

Name:  Robert B. Dimond

Title:  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

EX-31

 

Exhibit 31.3

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF THE

CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER/CONTROLLER

I, Peter J. O’Donnell, certify that:

1.     I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nash-Finch Company for the 12 weeks ended March 23, 2013;

2.     Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.     Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)     Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)     Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)     Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and  presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)     Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.     The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)     All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:   April 25, 2013                                                        

By:  /s/ Peter J. O’Donnell                                                                 

Name:  Peter J. O’Donnell

Title:  Chief Accounting Officer/Controller

EX-32

Exhibit 32.1

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, AND CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER/CONTROLLER

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nash-Finch Company, (the “Company”) for the 12 weeks ended March 23, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Alec C. Covington, President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert B. Dimond, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Peter J. O’Donnell, Chief Accounting Officer/Controller, respectively, of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350, that to our knowledge:

(1)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Report. 

Date:   April 25, 2013                                                        

By:  /s/Alec C. Covington                                                                 

Name: Alec C. Covington

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

By:  /s/ Robert B. Dimond                                                                

Name:  Robert B. Dimond

Title:  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

By:  /s/ Peter J. O’Donnell                                                                 

Name:  Peter J. O’Donnell

Title:  Chief Accounting Officer/Controller

XML

Segment Reporting (Detail) - Major segments of the business (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Sales from external customers	$ 1,094,241	$ 1,069,845
Inter-segment sales
Segment profit	7,648	13,473
Military [Member]
Sales from external customers	532,043	534,328
Inter-segment sales
Segment profit	4,717	10,474
Food Distribution [Member]
Sales from external customers	385,328	432,758
Inter-segment sales	92,405	51,870
Segment profit	147	2,338
Retail [Member]
Sales from external customers	176,870	102,759
Inter-segment sales
Segment profit	2,784	661
Elimination [Member]
Sales from external customers
Inter-segment sales	(92,405)	(51,870)
Segment profit

XML

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$ 0.4
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions		$ 2.9

XML

Share-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 23, 2013 Performance Based Grants [Member] Long.termincentiveplan LTIP [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Performance Based Grants [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Time Vesting Equity Units	Mar. 23, 2013 Performance Vesting Units	Mar. 23, 2013 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	Mar. 24, 2012 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 N2009 Plan [Member] Long.termincentiveplan LTIP [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 N2009 Plan [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Long.termincentiveplan LTIP [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)						$ 0.5	$ 1.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years								3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures			(11,500)					101,739
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted		295,148	295,300
PercentageOfNumberOfPerformanceUnitsGrantedInShares										zero to 200%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)				$ 19.72	$ 20.83

XML

Earnings Per Share (Detail) - Basic and Diluted Earnings per share (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Net earnings (in Dollars)	$ 2,060	$ 5,454
Net earnings per share-basic:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	12,998	12,951
Shares contingently issuable	52	184
Weighted-average shares and potential dilutive shares outstanding	13,050	13,135
Net earnings per share-diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.42
Net earnings per share-basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.42

XML

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements

We account for instruments recorded at fair value under the established fair value framework.  The framework also applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  

The fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements is as follows:

Level 1:  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Quoted prices, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, which are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:  Inputs that are unobservable for the assets or liabilities.

As of March 23, 2013 and December 29, 2012, we are not a party to any financial instruments that would be subject to a fair value measurement. 

Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

 Financial assets with carrying values approximating fair value include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  Financial liabilities with carrying values approximating fair value include accounts payable and outstanding checks. The carrying value of these financial assets and liabilities approximates fair value due to their short maturities.

The fair value of notes receivable approximates the carrying value, which includes a reserve for estimated uncollectible amounts, at March 23, 2013 and December 29, 2012.  Substantially all notes receivable are based on floating interest rates which adjust to changes in market rates.

Long-term debt, which includes any current maturities of long-term debt, at March 23, 2013, had a carrying value and fair value of $381.4 million, and at December 29, 2012, had a carrying value and fair value of $356.3 million.  At March 23, 2013, all of our long-term debt was based on floating interest rates which adjust to changes in market rates.

Non-Financial Assets

During the first quarter of 2013, we recognized no asset impairments as compared to $0.1 million in asset impairments during the first quarter of 2012.  We utilize a discounted cash flow model and market approach that incorporates unobservable level 3 inputs to test for goodwill and long-lived asset impairments. 

XML

Long-term Debt and Bank Credit Facilities (Detail) - Debt outstanding (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Debt	$ 381,400	$ 356,251
Less current maturities
Long-term debt	381,400	356,251
Asset Backed Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit [Member]
Debt	362,698	188,825
Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt		148,724
Note Payable And Mortgage Notes [Member]
Debt	$ 18,702	$ 18,702

XML

Long-term Debt and Bank Credit Facilities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 15, 2012	Dec. 21, 2011	Mar. 23, 2013 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Amendment [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 FILO Tranche Loans [Member]	Mar. 15, 2013 Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Swing Linesubfacility [Member]	Mar. 23, 2013 Letterof Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 520,000,000				$ 590,000,000					$ 50,000,000	$ 75,000,000
SeniorSubordinatedConvertibleDebtReserve		150,000,000	100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings				250,000,000		30,000,000
LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseDecreaseInCommitmentForPeriod					70,000,000
TrancheLoansPeriodicAmortization						2,500,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description	The LIBOR interest rate margin can vary quarterly in 0.25% increments between three pricing levels ranging from 1.50% to 2.00%, except for FILO Tranche Loans which bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Increase	0.0025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	2.00%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.75%								3.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	212,900,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	14,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms	The Credit Agreement contains no financial covenants unless and until (i) the continuance of an event of default thereunder, or (ii) the failure of the Company to maintain Excess Availability equal to or greater than 10% of the borrowing base at any time, in which event, the Company must comply with a trailing 12-month basis consolidated fixed charge covenant ratio of 1.0 : 1.0, which ratio shall continue to be tested each period thereafter until Excess Availability exceeds 10% of the borrowing base for three consecutive fiscal periods.
Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Amount	15,000,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								150,100,000
DebtInstrumentMaturityAmount								322,000,000
DebtInstrumentMaturityAmountPerInstrument							466.11
DebtConversionConvertibleRedemptionRateDenominator							1,000
Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments							$ 150,100,000

XML

Long-term Debt and Bank Credit Facilities (Detail) - Debt outstanding (Parentheticals)	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Senior subordinated convertible debt, interest rate, stated percentage	1.75%
Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt [Member]
Senior subordinated convertible debt, interest rate, stated percentage		3.50%
Year of maturity		2035
Note Payable And Mortgage Notes [Member]
Year of maturity	2019	2019

XML

Guarantees (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Guarantor Obligations, Caption for Recorded Liabilities	lease obligations
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value	$ 1.3	$ 1.4
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	7.8	8.3
Guarantees Issued After December 31, 2002 [Member]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 1.3

XML

Share-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Note 3 – Share-Based Compensation

The Company is required to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model.  The value of the portion of the awards ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service period.  We recognized share-based compensation expense as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the amount of $0.5 million during the first quarter 2013 as compared to $1.1 million during the first quarter 2012.

We have four equity compensation plans under which incentive performance units, stock appreciation rights, and other forms of share-based compensation have been or may be granted, primarily to key employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors.  These plans include the Amended 2009 Incentive Award Plan (“2009 Plan”), the Amended 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”), the Director Deferred Compensation Plan, and the 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan.  These plans are more fully described in Part II, Item 8 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 under the caption “Footnote 10 – Share-based Compensation Plans” and in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 11, 2013.

Since 2009, awards have taken the form of performance units (including share units pursuant to our Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”)) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). 

Performance units pursuant to our LTIP were granted during each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013 under the 2009 Plan.  These units vest at the end of a three-year period.  On December 29, 2012, 101,739 units outstanding from the LTIP grants made during fiscal 2010 vested and were cancelled without conversion to shares of common stock because the Company did not achieve the minimum performance metrics of the LTIP for the related performance period required for a payout of common shares.

During the first quarter of 2013, a total of 295,148 units were granted pursuant to our LTIP.  For these awards, depending on a comparison of the Company’s actual Fiscal 2013 results for Consolidated EBITDA and sales to the Company’s Fiscal 2013 budget for Consolidated EBITDA and sales, a participant could receive a number of shares ranging from zero to 200% of the number of performance units granted.  Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value (for shares expected to vest) is recorded through equity over the three-year vesting period as the units can only be settled in stock.

During fiscal 2008 through 2010, RSUs were awarded to certain executives of the Company.  Awards vest in increments over the term of the grant or cliff vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, as designated in the award documents.  In addition to the time vesting criteria, awards granted in 2008 and 2009 to two of the Company’s executives include performance vesting conditions.  The Company records expense for such awards over the service vesting period if the Company anticipates the performance vesting conditions will be satisfied.

The following table summarizes activity in our share-based compensation plans during the first quarter of 2013:

(in thousands, except vesting periods)	Service Based Grants (Board Units and RSUs)	Weighted Average Remaining Restriction/ Vesting Period (Years)	Performance Based Grants (LTIP & Performance RSUs)	Weighted Average Remaining Restriction/ Vesting Period (Years)
Outstanding at December 29, 2012	512.2	0.1	641.7	0.9
Granted	0.6		295.3
Forfeited/cancelled	-		(11.5)
Restrictions lapsed/ units settled	(0.3)		(1.5)
Shares deferred upon vesting/settlement & dividend equivalents on deferred shares(1)	4.6		2.8
Outstanding at March 23, 2013	517.1	0.1	926.8	1.4
Vested at December 29, 2012	475.4		303.1
Vested at March 23, 2013	480.0		304.4

⁽¹⁾ “Shares deferred upon vesting/settlement” above are net of the performance adjustment factor applied to the “units settled” for the participants that deferred shares as provided in the plan.

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of time vesting equity units and performance vesting units granted during the first quarter of 2013 was $19.72 and $20.83, respectively. 

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Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 906,000	$ 3,615,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	30.50%	39.90%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	2,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	300,000
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 100,000

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Segment Reporting (Detail) - Schedule of Condensed Income Statement (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Total segment profit	$ 7,648	$ 13,473
Unallocated amounts:
Interest	(4,682)	(4,404)
Earnings before income taxes	$ 2,966	$ 9,069

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Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Sales	$ 1,094,241	$ 1,069,845
Cost of sales	1,001,358	989,122
Gross profit	92,883	80,723
Other costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	75,108	58,312
Depreciation and amortization	8,800	8,204
Interest expense	6,009	5,138
Total other costs and expenses	89,917	71,654
Earnings before income taxes	2,966	9,069
Income tax expense	906	3,615
Net earnings	$ 2,060	$ 5,454
Net earnings per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.42
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.42
Declared dividends per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	12,998	12,951
Diluted (in Shares)	13,050	13,135

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Basis of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

                The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2012.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Nash-Finch Company and our subsidiaries (“Nash Finch” or “the Company”) at March 23, 2013, and December 29, 2012, the results of operations for the 12 weeks ended March 23, 2013 (“first quarter 2013”), and March 24, 2012 (“first quarter 2012”), and cash flows for the 12 weeks ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012.  Adjustments consist only of normal recurring items, except for any items discussed in the notes below.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the unaudited consolidated financial statements.  Results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

                The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

                During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company revised its presentation of fees received from customers for shipping, handling, and the performance of certain other services, which primarily impacted our Food Distribution and Military business segments.  The Company historically presented these items, such as freight fees, fuel surcharges, and fees for advertising services as a reduction to cost of sales.  In accordance with the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, the Company revised its presentation to classify amounts billed to a customer related to shipping and handling in a sale transaction as revenue.  The Company also revised its presentation to classify fees received for the performance of certain other services as revenue.  The revisions had the effect of increasing both sales and cost of sales, but did not have an impact on gross profit, earnings before income taxes, net earnings, cash flows, or financial position for any period, or their respective trends.  Management determined that the change in presentation was not material to any period.  Certain prior year amounts shown below related to the first quarter of fiscal 2012 have been revised to conform to the current presentation.  Amounts related to fiscal 2012 periods after the first quarter will be revised as shown the next time those periods are presented.

	12 Weeks Ended
	March 24, 2012			12 Weeks Ended
	As Originally			March 24, 2012
(in 000's)	Reported	% of Sales	Adjustments	As Revised	% of Sales
Sales	$ 1,058,634	100.0%	11,211	$ 1,069,845	100.0%
Cost of Sales	977,911	92.4%	11,211	989,122	92.5%
Gross Profit	$ 80,723	7.6%	-	$ 80,723	7.5%

	12 Weeks Ended
	June 16, 2012			12 Weeks Ended
	As Originally			June 16, 2012
(in 000's)	Reported	% of Sales	Adjustments	As Revised	% of Sales
Sales	$ 1,092,798	100.0%	11,444	$ 1,104,242	100.0%
Cost of Sales	1,004,004	91.9%	11,444	1,015,448	92.0%
Gross Profit	$ 88,794	8.1%	-	$ 88,794	8.0%

	16 Weeks Ended
	October 6, 2012			16 Weeks Ended
	As Originally			October 6, 2012
(in 000's)	Reported	% of Sales	Adjustments	As Revised	% of Sales
Sales	$ 1,496,343	100.0%	14,747	$ 1,511,090	100.0%
Cost of Sales	1,368,698	91.5%	14,747	1,383,445	91.6%
Gross Profit	$ 127,645	8.5%	-	$ 127,645	8.4%

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Detail) - Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.70%	4.35%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%
Rate of compensation increase
Other Benefits [Member]
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.70%	4.35%
Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

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Segment Reporting (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

		First Quarter Ended
		March 23, 2013			March 24, 2012
(In thousands)		Sales from external customers	Inter-segment sales	Segment profit	Sales from external customers	Inter-segment sales	Segment profit
Military	$	532,043	-	4,717	534,328	-	10,474
Food Distribution		385,328	92,405	147	432,758	51,870	2,338
Retail		176,870	-	2,784	102,759	-	661
Eliminations		-	(92,405)	-	-	(51,870)	-
Total	$	1,094,241	-	7,648	1,069,845	-	13,473

Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]

Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income:
		First Quarter Ended		Year-to-Date Ended
		March 23,	March 24,	March 23,	March 24,
(In thousands)		2013	2012	2013	2012
Total segment profit	$	7,648	13,473	7,648	13,473
Unallocated amounts:
Interest		(4,682)	(4,404)	(4,682)	(4,404)
Earnings before income taxes	$	2,966	9,069	2,966	9,069

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Earnings Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Weighted Average Number of Shares, Contingently Issuable	52,000	184,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares, Contingently Issuable	47,000	79,000
Long.termincentiveplan LTIP [Member]
Weighted Average Number of Shares, Contingently Issuable	5,000	105,000

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Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012	Dec. 29, 2012
Inventory, LIFO Reserve	$ 90,500,000		$ 90,700,000
Inventory, LIFO Reserve, Period Charge	$ (187,000)	$ 182,000

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Inventories

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 2 – Inventories

                We use the LIFO method for valuation of a substantial portion of our inventories.  An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs.  Because these estimates are subject to many factors beyond management’s control, interim results are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.  If the FIFO method had been used, inventories would have been approximately $90.5 million higher on March 23, 2013 and $90.7 million higher on December 29, 2012.  We recorded a LIFO credit of $0.2 million during the first quarter 2013 as compared to a LIFO charge of $0.2 million during the first quarter 2012.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current assets:
Cash	$ 1,196	$ 1,291
Accounts and notes receivable, net	265,452	239,925
Inventories	360,883	362,526
Prepaid expenses and other	14,548	18,569
Deferred tax assets, net	3,739	3,724
Total current assets	645,818	626,035
Notes receivable, net	23,556	21,360
Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment	736,680	738,857
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(439,781)	(436,572)
Net property, plant and equipment	296,899	302,285
Goodwill	22,877	22,877
Customer contracts and relationships, net	6,413	6,649
Investment in direct financing leases	1,887	1,923
Deferred tax assets, net	29,548	2,780
Other assets	19,566	19,708
Total assets	1,046,564	1,003,617
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,722	2,265
Accounts payable	242,257	247,392
Accrued expenses	55,511	52,326
Income taxes payable	20,004	429
Total current liabilities	319,494	302,412
Long-term debt	381,400	356,251
Capital lease obligations	14,379	14,807
Other liabilities	34,562	33,758
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - no par value. Authorized 500 shares; none issued
Common stock - $1.66 2/3 par value. Authorized 50,000 shares; issued 13,799 and 13,799 shares, respectively	22,998	22,998
Additional paid-in capital	114,231	113,641
Common stock held in trust	(1,295)	(1,295)
Deferred compensation obligations	1,295	1,295
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(15,705)	(15,705)
Retained earnings	226,878	227,161
Common stock in treasury; 1,524 and 1,525 shares, respectively	(51,673)	(51,706)
Total stockholders' equity	296,729	296,389
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,046,564	$ 1,003,617

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Basis of Presentation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]

	12 Weeks Ended
	March 24, 2012			12 Weeks Ended
	As Originally			March 24, 2012
(in 000's)	Reported	% of Sales	Adjustments	As Revised	% of Sales
Sales	$ 1,058,634	100.0%	11,211	$ 1,069,845	100.0%
Cost of Sales	977,911	92.4%	11,211	989,122	92.5%
Gross Profit	$ 80,723	7.6%	-	$ 80,723	7.5%

	12 Weeks Ended
	June 16, 2012			12 Weeks Ended
	As Originally			June 16, 2012
(in 000's)	Reported	% of Sales	Adjustments	As Revised	% of Sales
Sales	$ 1,092,798	100.0%	11,444	$ 1,104,242	100.0%
Cost of Sales	1,004,004	91.9%	11,444	1,015,448	92.0%
Gross Profit	$ 88,794	8.1%	-	$ 88,794	8.0%

	16 Weeks Ended
	October 6, 2012			16 Weeks Ended
	As Originally			October 6, 2012
(in 000's)	Reported	% of Sales	Adjustments	As Revised	% of Sales
Sales	$ 1,496,343	100.0%	14,747	$ 1,511,090	100.0%
Cost of Sales	1,368,698	91.5%	14,747	1,383,445	91.6%
Gross Profit	$ 127,645	8.5%	-	$ 127,645	8.4%

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Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Apr. 11, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NASH FINCH CO
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,274,775
Amendment Flag	true
Amendment Description	The Nash-Finch Company is filing this Amendment No. 1 (the "Form 10-Q/A") to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 23, 2013 (the "Form 10-Q"), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on April 25, 2013, solely to disclose certain corrections were made to Note 10 – Segment Reporting of the financial statements furnished in Part I, Item I. The Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income table inadvertently omitted information in the Year-to-Date Ended March 23, 2013 column from the Form 10-Q as originally filed due to unanticipated technical difficulties. No other changes have been made to the Form 10-Q. This Form 10-Q/A continues to speak as of the original filing date of the Form 10-Q, does not reflect events that may have occurred subsequent to the original filing date, and does not modify or update any related disclosures made in the Form 10-Q.
Entity Central Index Key	0000069671
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Mar. 23, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

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Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

(in thousands, except vesting periods)	Service Based Grants (Board Units and RSUs)	Weighted Average Remaining Restriction/ Vesting Period (Years)	Performance Based Grants (LTIP & Performance RSUs)	Weighted Average Remaining Restriction/ Vesting Period (Years)
Outstanding at December 29, 2012	512.2	0.1	641.7	0.9
Granted	0.6		295.3
Forfeited/cancelled	-		(11.5)
Restrictions lapsed/ units settled	(0.3)		(1.5)
Shares deferred upon vesting/settlement & dividend equivalents on deferred shares(1)	4.6		2.8
Outstanding at March 23, 2013	517.1	0.1	926.8	1.4
Vested at December 29, 2012	475.4		303.1
Vested at March 23, 2013	480.0		304.4

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500	500
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, No Par Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common Stock, Par Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.66	$ 1.66
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000	50,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	13,799	13,799
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	12,275	12,274
Treasury Stock, Shares	1,524	1,525

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 7 – Income Taxes

For the first quarter of 2013 and 2012, our income tax expense was $0.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

                The provision for income taxes reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year, adjusted for any discrete events, which are reported in the period that they occur.  This estimate is re-evaluated each quarter based on the Company’s estimated tax expense for the full fiscal year.  The first quarter 2013 Company effective tax rate was not impacted by the reversal of any previously unrecognized tax benefits due to statute of limitations expirations.  For the first quarter of 2013, our effective tax rate was 30.5% as compared to 39.9% for the first quarter of 2012.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the end of the first quarter of 2013 was $2.0 million.  There was no net change in unrecognized tax benefits since December 29, 2012.  The total amount of tax benefits that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate was $0.3 million at the end of the first quarter of 2013.  We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  At the end of the first quarter of 2013, we had approximately $0.1 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued.

We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

                The Company or its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and local jurisdictions.  With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities for years 2008 and prior.  An audit by the Internal Revenue Service for our fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is scheduled to begin in the second quarter 2013.

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Guarantees

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Guarantees [Text Block]

Note 6 – Guarantees

We have guaranteed lease obligations of certain food distribution customers.  In the event these retailers are unable to meet their lease payments or otherwise experience an event of default, we would be unconditionally liable for the outstanding balance of their lease obligations ($1.3 million as of March 23, 2013, as compared to $1.4 million as of December 29, 2012), which would be due in accordance with the underlying agreements.

For guarantees issued after December 31, 2002, we are required to recognize an initial liability for the fair value of the obligation assumed under the guarantee.  The maximum undiscounted payments we would be required to make in the event of default under these guarantees is $1.3 million, which is referenced above.  These guarantees are secured by certain business assets and personal guarantees of the respective customers.  We believe these customers will be able to perform under the lease agreements and that no payments will be required and no loss will be incurred under the guarantees.  A liability representing the fair value of the obligations assumed under the guarantees is included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The amount of this liability is currently not significant.

We have also assigned various leases to other entities.  If the assignees become unable to continue making payments under the assigned leases, we estimate our maximum potential obligation with respect to the assigned leases to be $7.8 million as of March 23, 2013 as compared to $8.3 million as of December 29, 2012.

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Basis of Presentation (Detail) - Table (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				4 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012	Jun. 16, 2012 Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Mar. 24, 2012 Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Oct. 06, 2012 Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]	Jun. 16, 2012 Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Mar. 24, 2012 Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Oct. 06, 2012 Scenario, Adjustment [Member]	Jun. 16, 2012 Restatement Adjustment [Member]	Mar. 24, 2012 Restatement Adjustment [Member]	Oct. 06, 2012 Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Sales	$ 1,094,241	$ 1,069,845	$ 1,092,798	$ 1,058,634	$ 1,496,343	$ 11,444	$ 11,211	$ 14,747	$ 1,104,242	$ 1,069,845	$ 1,511,090
Sales			100.00%	100.00%	100.00%				100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Cost of Sales	1,001,358	989,122	1,004,004	977,911	1,368,698	11,444	11,211	14,747	1,015,448	989,122	1,383,445
Cost of Sales			91.90%	92.40%	91.50%				92.00%	92.50%	91.60%
Gross Profit	$ 92,883	$ 80,723	$ 88,794	$ 80,723	$ 127,645				$ 88,794	$ 80,723	$ 127,645
Gross Profit			8.10%	7.60%	8.50%				8.00%	7.50%	8.40%

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Long-term Debt and Bank Credit Facilities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)		March 23, 2013	December 29, 2012
Asset-backed credit agreement:
Revolving credit	$	362,698	188,825
Senior subordinated convertible debt, 3.50% due in 2035		-	148,724
Notes payable and mortgage notes, variable rate due in various
installments through 2019		18,702	18,702
Total debt		381,400	356,251
Less current maturities		-	-
Long-term debt	$	381,400	356,251

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Segment Reporting

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 10 – Segment Reporting

We sell and distribute products that are typically found in supermarkets and operate three reportable operating segments.  The Military segment consists of eight distribution centers that distribute products primarily to military commissaries and exchanges.  Our Food Distribution segment consists of 13 distribution centers that sell to independently operated retail grocery stores, our corporate owned stores and other customers.  As of March 23, 2013, the Retail segment consists of 75 corporate-owned stores that sell directly to the consumer. 

A summary of the major segments of the business is as follows:

		First Quarter Ended
		March 23, 2013			March 24, 2012
(In thousands)		Sales from external customers	Inter-segment sales	Segment profit	Sales from external customers	Inter-segment sales	Segment profit
Military	$	532,043	-	4,717	534,328	-	10,474
Food Distribution		385,328	92,405	147	432,758	51,870	2,338
Retail		176,870	-	2,784	102,759	-	661
Eliminations		-	(92,405)	-	-	(51,870)	-
Total	$	1,094,241	-	7,648	1,069,845	-	13,473

Reconciliation to Consolidated Statements of Income:
		First Quarter Ended		Year-to-Date Ended
		March 23,	March 24,	March 23,	March 24,
(In thousands)		2013	2012	2013	2012
Total segment profit	$	7,648	13,473	7,648	13,473
Unallocated amounts:
Interest		(4,682)	(4,404)	(4,682)	(4,404)
Earnings before income taxes	$	2,966	9,069	2,966	9,069

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 8 – Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

                The following table presents the components of our pension and postretirement net periodic benefit cost:

12 Weeks Ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012:
		Pension Benefits		Other Benefits
(In thousands)		2013	2012	2013	2012
Interest cost	$	423	471	4	6
Expected return on plan assets		(476)	(465)	-	-
Amortization of prior service cost		-	-	-	-
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		212	197	(9)	(5)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	159	203	(5)	1

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the first quarter of 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

	Pension Benefits		Other Benefits
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.70%	4.35%	3.70%	4.35%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	N/A	N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

                Total contributions to our pension plan in fiscal 2013 are expected to be $0.4 million.

Multi-employer pension plan

Certain of our unionized employees are covered by the Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Funds (“the Plan”), a multi-employer pension plan.  Contributions are determined in accordance with the provisions of negotiated union contracts and are generally based on the number of hours worked.  In fiscal 2012, the Company contributed $2.9 million to the Plan.  Based on the most recent information available, we believe the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities of the Plan substantially exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits.  The underfunding is not a direct obligation or liability of the Company.  However, if the Company were to exit certain markets or otherwise cease making contributions to the Plan, the Company could trigger a substantial withdrawal liability.  The amount of any increase in contributions will depend upon several factors, including the number of employers contributing to the Plan, results of the Company’s collective bargaining efforts, investment returns on assets held by the Plan, actions taken by the trustees of the Plan, and actions that the Federal government may take.  The Company does not believe it is likely that events requiring recognition of a withdrawal liability will occur.  Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably estimated.

A more detailed discussion of the risks associated with the Plan are contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report filed with the SEC on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Note 9 – Earnings Per Share

                The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

		First Quarter		Year-to-Date
		Ended		Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)		March 23, 2013	March 24, 2012	March 23, 2013	March 24, 2012
Net earnings	$	2,060	5,454	2,060	5,454
Net earnings per share-basic:
Weighted-average shares outstanding		12,998	12,951	12,998	12,951
Net earnings per share-basic	$	0.16	0.42	0.16	0.42
Net earnings per share-diluted:
Weighted-average shares outstanding		12,998	12,951	12,998	12,951
Shares contingently issuable		52	184	52	184
Weighted-average shares and potential dilutive shares outstanding		13,050	13,135	13,050	13,135
Net earnings per share-diluted	$	0.16	0.42	0.16	0.42

The senior subordinated convertible notes due in 2035, which were redeemed on March 15, 2013, were convertible at the option of the holder, only upon the occurrence of certain events.  The notes were not dilutive to earnings per share for any of the periods presented.  

                Vested shares deferred by executives and board members are included in the calculation of basic earnings per share.  Other performance units and RSUs granted between 2008 and 2013 pursuant to the 2000 Plan and 2009 Plan will be settled in shares of Nash Finch common stock.  Unvested RSUs are not included in basic earnings per share until vested. 

All shares of time-restricted stock are included in diluted earnings per share using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.  Performance units granted for the LTIP are only issuable if certain performance criteria are met, making these shares contingently issuable.  Therefore, the performance units were included in diluted earnings per share at the payout percentage based on performance criteria results as of the end of the respective reporting period and then accounted for using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.  For the first quarter of 2013, approximately 5,000 shares related to the LTIP and 47,000 shares related to RSUs were included under “shares contingently issuable” in the calculation of diluted EPS as compared to approximately 105,000 shares related to the LTIP and 79,000 shares related to RSUs during the first quarter of 2012.

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Legal Proceedings

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]

Note 11 – Legal Proceedings

                We are engaged from time-to-time in routine legal proceedings incidental to our business.  We do not believe that these routine legal proceedings, taken as a whole, will have a material impact on our business or financial condition.

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Detail) - Pension and Postretirement net periodic benefit cost (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Interest cost	$ 423	$ 471
Expected return on plan assets	(476)	(465)
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	212	197
Net periodic benefit cost	159	203
Other Benefits [Member]
Interest cost	4	6
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	(9)	(5)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (5)	$ 1

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

		First Quarter		Year-to-Date
		Ended		Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)		March 23, 2013	March 24, 2012	March 23, 2013	March 24, 2012
Net earnings	$	2,060	5,454	2,060	5,454
Net earnings per share-basic:
Weighted-average shares outstanding		12,998	12,951	12,998	12,951
Net earnings per share-basic	$	0.16	0.42	0.16	0.42
Net earnings per share-diluted:
Weighted-average shares outstanding		12,998	12,951	12,998	12,951
Shares contingently issuable		52	184	52	184
Weighted-average shares and potential dilutive shares outstanding		13,050	13,135	13,050	13,135
Net earnings per share-diluted	$	0.16	0.42	0.16	0.42

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Share-Based Compensation (Detail) - Activity in our share-based compensation plans	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Mar. 23, 2013
Service Based Grants [Member]
Outstanding Numbers	512,200	517,100
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Restriction/ Vesting Period (Years)	36 days	36 days
Vested Numbers	475,400	480,000
Granted		600
Restrictions lapsed/ units settled		(300)
Shares deferred upon vesting/settlement & dividend equivalents on deferred shares(1)		4,600
Performance Based Grants [Member]
Outstanding Numbers	641,700	926,800
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Restriction/ Vesting Period (Years)	328 days	1 year 146 days
Vested Numbers	303,100	304,400
Granted		295,300
Forfeited/cancelled		(11,500)
Restrictions lapsed/ units settled		(1,500)
Shares deferred upon vesting/settlement & dividend equivalents on deferred shares(1)		2,800

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013	Mar. 24, 2012
Operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 2,060	$ 5,454
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,800	8,204
Amortization of deferred financing costs	313	290
Non-cash convertible debt interest	1,363	1,390
Rebateable loans	1,034	1,155
Provision for (recovery of) bad debts	18	(279)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(26,783)	277
Loss (gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment	80	(476)
LIFO charge (credit)	(187)	182
Asset impairments		62
Share-based compensation expense	499	1,094
Deferred compensation	331	353
Other	(45)	(45)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts and notes receivable	(19,336)	(2,556)
Inventories	1,831	(13,946)
Prepaid expenses	(3,893)	(1,721)
Accounts payable	(9,953)	(9,768)
Accrued expenses	3,689	(11,167)
Income taxes payable	27,488	2,699
Other assets and liabilities	285	(169)
Net cash used in operating activities	(12,406)	(18,967)
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets	313	635
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(2,779)	(4,063)
Loans to customers	(10,608)	(1,560)
Payments from customers on loans	1,205	251
Corporate-owned life insurance, net	(391)	(178)
Other		(151)
Net cash used in investing activities	(12,260)	(5,066)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving debt	173,873	18,600
Dividends paid	(2,209)	(2,198)
Payments of long-term debt	(150,567)	(765)
Payments of capitalized lease obligations	(490)	(571)
Increase in outstanding checks	3,981	9,396
Payments of deferred financing costs	(6)	(41)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation		66
Other	(11)	(527)
Net cash provided by financing activities	24,571	23,960
Net decrease in cash	(95)	(73)
Cash at beginning of year	1,291	773
Cash at end of period	$ 1,196	$ 700

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Long-term Debt and Bank Credit Facilities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 5 – Long‑term Debt and Bank Credit Facilities

Total debt outstanding was comprised of the following:

(In thousands)		March 23, 2013	December 29, 2012
Asset-backed credit agreement:
Revolving credit	$	362,698	188,825
Senior subordinated convertible debt, 3.50% due in 2035		-	148,724
Notes payable and mortgage notes, variable rate due in various
installments through 2019		18,702	18,702
Total debt		381,400	356,251
Less current maturities		-	-
Long-term debt	$	381,400	356,251

Asset-backed Credit Agreement

                On December 21, 2011, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement and related security and other agreements with Wells Fargo and the Lenders party thereto (the "Credit Agreement"), providing for a $520.0 million revolving asset-backed credit facility, which included a $50.0 million Swing Line sub-facility and a $75.0 million letter of credit sub-facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility").  At the inception of the agreement, we were required to maintain a reserve of $100.0 million with respect to the Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt, which reserve increased to $150.0 million commencing on December 15, 2012, and was eliminated upon redemption of the Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt on March 15, 2013.  Provided no event of default is then existing or would arise, the Company may from time-to-time request that the Revolving Credit Facility be increased by an aggregate amount (for all such requests) not to exceed $250.0 million.

                On November 27, 2012, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement.

                Among other things, the Amendment (i) increased the commitments under the Credit Agreement by $70.0 million to $590.0 million, including within the increase a first-in last-out tranche (“FILO Tranche Loans”) of $30.0 million which amortizes by $2.5 million on the first day of each fiscal quarter beginning March 24, 2013, (ii) extended the maturity of the Credit Agreement by one year to December 21, 2017, and (iii) provided for increases to advance rates of certain components of the borrowing base as well as permitting the inclusion of asset classes in the borrowing base that were previously excluded.

                The principal amount outstanding under the amended Revolving Credit Facility, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, will be due and payable in full at maturity on December 21, 2017.  The Company can elect, at the time of borrowing, for loans to bear interest at a rate equal to either the base rate or LIBOR plus a margin.  The LIBOR interest rate margin can vary quarterly in 0.25% increments between three pricing levels ranging from 1.50% to 2.00%, except for FILO Tranche Loans which bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75%.  The pricing levels for the non-FILO Tranche Loans are based on the Excess Availability, which is defined in the Credit Agreement as (a) the lesser of (i) the borrowing base; or (ii) the aggregate commitments; minus (b) the aggregate of the outstanding credit extensions.  The LIBOR interest rate margin was 1.75% as of March 23, 2013.

                At March 23, 2013, $212.9 million was available under the Revolving Credit Facility after giving effect to outstanding borrowings and to $14.4 million of outstanding letters of credit primarily supporting workers’ compensation obligations.

                The Credit Agreement contains no financial covenants unless and until (i) the continuance of an event of default thereunder, or (ii) the failure of the Company to maintain Excess Availability equal to or greater than 10% of the borrowing base at any time, in which event, the Company must comply with a trailing 12-month basis consolidated fixed charge covenant ratio of 1.0 : 1.0, which ratio shall continue to be tested each period thereafter until Excess Availability exceeds 10% of the borrowing base for three consecutive fiscal periods.

                The Credit Agreement contains usual and customary covenants for a facility of this type requiring the Company and its subsidiaries, among other things, to maintain collateral, comply with applicable laws, keep proper books and records, preserve corporate existence, maintain insurance and pay taxes in a timely manner. Events of default under the Credit Agreement are usual and customary for transactions of this type, subject to, in specific instances, materiality and cure periods including, among other things: (a) any failure to pay principal thereunder when due or to pay interest or fees on the due date; (b) material misrepresentations; (c) default under other agreements governing material indebtedness of the Company; (d) default in the performance or observation of any covenants; (e) any event of insolvency or bankruptcy; (f) any final judgments or orders to pay more than $15.0 million that remain unsecured or unpaid; (g) change of control, as defined in the Credit Agreement; and (h) any failure of a collateral document, after delivery thereof, to create a valid mortgage or first-priority lien.

                We are currently in compliance with all covenants contained within the credit agreement.

Senior Subordinated Convertible Debt

Tofinance a portion of the acquisition of two distribution centers in 2005, we sold $150.1 million in aggregate issue price (or $322.0 million aggregate principal amount at maturity) of senior subordinated convertible notes due in 2035.  The notes were unsecured senior subordinated obligations and ranked junior to our existing and future senior indebtedness, including borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.  On March 15, 2013, the Company completed the redemption of the notes at a price equal to $466.11 per $1,000 in principal amount at maturity, which resulted in a total payment of $150.1 million.  See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), for additional information regarding the notes.

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Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 24, 2012	Mar. 23, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 381.4	$ 356.3
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0.1

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Segment Reporting (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2013
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Military [Member]
Distribution Center	8
Food Distribution [Member]
Distribution Center	13
Retail [Member]
Number of Stores	75

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 23, 2013

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]

12 Weeks Ended March 23, 2013 and March 24, 2012:
		Pension Benefits		Other Benefits
(In thousands)		2013	2012	2013	2012
Interest cost	$	423	471	4	6
Expected return on plan assets		(476)	(465)	-	-
Amortization of prior service cost		-	-	-	-
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		212	197	(9)	(5)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	159	203	(5)	1

Schedule or Description of Weighted Average Discount Rate [Table Text Block]

	Pension Benefits		Other Benefits
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Weighted-average assumptions:
Discount rate	3.70%	4.35%	3.70%	4.35%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	N/A	N/A
Rate of compensation increase	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A