Variable Interest Entities (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 07, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 471		$ 375
Current liabilities	217,317		275,302
Other long-term liabilities	105,578		103,060
Retained earnings	1,148,995		1,120,671
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,360,418		1,463,725
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash	246		444
Other current assets	2,329	[1]	2,536	[1]
Other assets, net	9,012	[1]	11,051	[1]
Total assets	11,587		14,031
Current liabilities	129		14
Other long-term liabilities	11,639	[2]	14,428	[2]
Retained earnings	(181)		(411)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 11,587		$ 14,031

[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.