Variable Interest Entities (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 19, 2014		Sep. 29, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 323		$ 108
Current liabilities	181,087		211,674
Other long-term liabilities	277,280		286,124
Retained earnings	1,204,109		1,171,823
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,312,828		1,319,209
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC (FFE) [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash	0		250
Other current assets	2,432	[1]	2,368	[1]
Other assets, net	7,674	[1]	8,367	[1]
Total assets	10,106		10,985
Current liabilities	3,034		3,010
Other long-term liabilities	7,129	[2]	8,076	[2]
Retained earnings	(57)		(101)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 10,106		$ 10,985

[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.