Variable Interest Entities (Components Of FFE's Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Oct. 02, 2011		Oct. 03, 2010
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Other current assets	$ 1,793		$ 3,592
Current liabilities	282,983		283,183
Other long-term liabilities	290,723		250,440
Retained earnings	1,063,020		982,420
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,432,322		1,407,092
Jack In The Box Franchise Finance, LLC ("FFE") [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash	531
Other current assets	2,086	[1]
Other assets, net	12,292	[1]
Total assets	14,909
Current liabilities	140
Revolving credit facility	1,160
Other long-term liabilities	14,046	[2]
Retained earnings	(437)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 14,909

[1] Consists primarily of amounts due from franchisees.

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