Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 08, 2012		Oct. 02, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 517		$ 1,793
Current liabilities	265,707		282,983
Other long-term liabilities	340,376		290,723
Retained earnings	1,108,194		1,063,020
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,479,088		1,432,322
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash	707		531
Other current assets	2,286	[1]	2,086	[1]
Other assets, net	11,876	[1]	12,292	[1]
Total assets	14,869		14,909
Current liabilities	89		140
Revolving credit facility	0		1,160
Other long-term liabilities	15,248	[2]	14,046	[2]
Retained earnings	(468)		(437)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 14,869		$ 14,909

[1] Consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees.

[2] Consists primarily of the capital note contributions from Jack in the Box which are eliminated in consolidation.