Segments (Schedule of Segment Information By Geographical Area) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 07, 2013		Sep. 08, 2012		Sep. 07, 2013 countries segment		Sep. 08, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments					8
Reportable segments					1
Sales and other revenue	$ 8,622.0		$ 8,525.8		$ 25,824.8		$ 25,863.6
Operating profit (loss)	81.3		116.7		325.5		367.3
Income (loss) before income taxes	23.0		56.1		161.5		171.9
Countries with retail store locations outside the United States					18
Safeway Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other revenue	8,090.0		8,034.4		24,222.1		24,347.1
Operating profit (loss)	90.8		122.1		349.9		379.0
Income (loss) before income taxes	32.9		61.7		186.9		184.1
Blackhawk [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other revenue	203.6	[1]	162.4	[1]	610.8	[1]	500.3	[1]
Operating profit (loss)	3.7	[1]	4.2	[1]	9.3	[1]	14.3	[1]
Income (loss) before income taxes	3.8	[1]	4.5	[1]	9.8	[1]	15.3	[1]
Dominick's [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales and other revenue	328.4		329.0		991.9		1,016.2
Operating profit (loss)	(13.2)		(9.6)		(33.7)		(26.0)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ (13.7)		$ (10.1)		$ (35.2)		$ (27.5)
Subsequent Event [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating segments					7

[1] Does not reflect noncontrolling interests in Blackhawk