Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 21, 2013	Jun. 16, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SAFEWAY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000086144
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-29
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 29, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		239.6
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 4.3