Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Jan. 04, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Entity Registrant Name	IMPERIAL SUGAR CO /NEW/
Entity Central Index Key	0000831327
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 156
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,219,036