Segments (Schedule of Segment Information By Geographical Area) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 15, 2013		Jun. 16, 2012		Jun. 15, 2013 segment		Jun. 16, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments					8
Reportable segments					1
Sales and other revenue	$ 8,696.1		$ 8,833.9		$ 17,202.8		$ 17,337.8
Operating profit	138.1		138.7		244.3		250.7
Income before income taxes	90.5		69.5		138.6		115.8
Safeway Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other revenue	8,472.4		8,645.9		16,795.6		16,999.9
Operating profit	132.8		130.8		238.7		240.6
Income before income taxes	85.0		61.2		132.5		105.0
Blackhawk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other revenue	223.7		188.0		407.2		337.9
Operating profit	5.3	[1]	7.9	[1]	5.6	[1]	10.1	[1]
Income before income taxes	$ 5.5	[1]	$ 8.3	[1]	$ 6.1	[1]	$ 10.8	[1]

[1] Does not reflect noncontrolling interests in Blackhawk