Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Feb. 25, 2015	Jun. 14, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	SAFEWAY INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000086144
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-03
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 03, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 7.8