Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions (Number Of Restaurants Sold And Developed By Franchisees And Related Gains And Fees Recognized) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Apr. 15, 2012		Apr. 17, 2011		Apr. 15, 2012		Apr. 17, 2011
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Restaurants sold to franchisees	37		26		37		114
New restaurants opened by franchisees	9		11		29		28
Initial franchise fees	$ 1,770		$ 1,640		$ 2,490		$ 5,879
Proceeds from the sale of company-operated restaurants	20,715	[1]	5,505	[1]	21,964	[1]	49,588	[1]
Net assets sold (primarily property and equipment)	(5,754)		(4,520)		(5,833)		(19,872)
Goodwill related to the sale of company-operated restaurants	(604)		(107)		(652)		(966)
Other	(279)		0		(279)		0
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	14,078	[1]	878	[1]	15,200	[1]	28,750	[1]
Additional Proceeds and Gains [Member]
Summary Of Refranchisings, Franchisee Development And Acquisitions [Line Items]
Gains on the sale of company-operated restaurants	$ 900				$ 2,100

[1] Amounts in 2012 include additional proceeds and gains of $0.9 million in the quarter and $2.1 million year-to-date recognized upon the extension of the underlying franchise and lease agreements related to restaurants sold in a prior year.