Carrols Restaurant (TAST) 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Feb. 27, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000809248	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-29	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	29-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,711,096	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$142,651,309

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash	$8,302	$38,290
Receivables, Net, Current	2,846	6,418
Inventory, Net	6,494	7,729
Prepaid rent	2,332	2,435
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,874	2,911
Refundable income taxes	2,631	43
Deferred income taxes	3,196	2,442
Total current assets	28,675	60,268
Restricted cash	20,000	20,000
Property and equipment, net	152,175	135,926
Franchise rights, net	90,168	94,170
Goodwill	8,162	8,162
Franchise agreements, net	12,802	12,993
Favorable leases, net (Note 5)	2,974	3,287
Deferred financing fees	4,344	5,340
Deferred income taxes	6,824	2,222
Other assets	3,357	3,888
Total assets	329,481	346,256
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	1,147	1,062
Accounts payable	14,687	20,075
Accrued interest	2,140	2,138
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	18,021	15,223
Accrued real estate taxes	4,945	4,041
Other liabilities	9,709	10,251
Total current liabilities	50,649	52,790
Long-term debt, net of current portion	158,189	159,233
Lease financing obligations	1,200	1,197
Deferred income-sale-leaseback of real estate	16,824	18,623
Accrued postretirement benefits	2,370	2,622
Unfavorable leases, net	8,175	9,045
Other liabilities	14,870	12,573
Total liabilities	252,277	256,083
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $.01	0	0
Voting common stock, par value $.01	230	227
Additional paid-in capital	69,258	68,056
Retained Earnings	7,155	21,362
Accumulated other comprehensive income	702	669
Treasury stock, at cost	-141	-141
Total stockholders' equity	77,204	90,173
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$329,481	$346,256

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Franchise agreements, accumulated amortization	$6,353	$7,188
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	100	100
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	100	100
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,711,257	23,682,869
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,048,334	22,748,241

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Restaurant sales	$663,483	$539,608	$347,518
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of sales	201,532	172,698	103,860
Restaurant wages and related expenses	208,404	169,857	109,155
Restaurant rent expense	47,198	37,883	22,665
Other restaurant operating expenses	106,508	88,883	53,389
Advertising expense	29,615	22,257	14,424
General and administrative	37,228	36,085	20,982
Depreciation and amortization	33,594	26,321	16,058
Impairment and other lease charges	4,462	977	1,293
Other income	17	-717	-720
Total operating expenses	668,558	554,244	341,106
Income from operations	-5,075	-14,636	6,412
Interest Expense	18,841	12,764	7,353
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1,509	1,244
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-23,916	-28,909	-2,185
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-10,397	-10,093	-1,661
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-13,519	-18,816	-524
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	-72	11,742
Net income (loss)	-13,519	-18,888	11,218
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Continuing Operations	($0.59)	($0.83)	($0.02)
Discontinued Operations	$0	$0	$0.54
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	22,958,963	22,580,468	21,677,837
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-13,519	-18,888	11,218
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of tax	0	68	-68
Change in postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax	33	-484	-382
Comprehensive income (loss)	($13,486)	($19,304)	$10,768

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Stock-based compensation	$1,205	$925	$1,037

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Jan. 02, 2011	$44,907	$216	$0	$3,474	$39,823	$1,535	($141)
Common stock, shares outstanding at Jan. 02, 2011	'	21,632,402	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2,779	0	0	2,779	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options	551	1	0	550	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	97,376	'	'	'	'	'
Vesting of non-vested shares and excess tax benefits	152	1	0	151	0	0	0
Vesting of non-vested shares, shares	'	20,459	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	11,218	0	0	0	11,218	0	0
Change in valuation of interest rate swap	-68	0	0	0	0	-68	0
Change in postretirement benefit obligations	-382	0	0	0	0	-382	0
Balance at Jan. 01, 2012	59,157	218	0	6,954	51,041	1,085	-141
Common stock, shares outstanding at Jan. 01, 2012	'	21,750,237	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2,169	0	0	2,169	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options	295	0	0	295	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	69,824	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of stock options, shares	'	666,090	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of stock options	0	7	0	-7	0	0	0
Vesting of non-vested shares and excess tax benefits	936	2	0	934	0	0	0
Vesting of non-vested shares, shares	'	262,090	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of preferred stock	57,711	0	0	57,711	0	0	0
Distribution of Fiesta Restaurant Group's net assets	-10,791	0	0	0	-10,791	0	0
Net income (loss)	-18,888	0	0	0	-18,888	0	0
Change in valuation of interest rate swap	68	0	0	0	0	68	0
Change in postretirement benefit obligations	-484	0	0	0	0	-484	0
Balance at Dec. 30, 2012	90,173	227	0	68,056	21,362	669	-141
Common stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 30, 2012	22,748,241	22,748,241	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,205	0	0	1,205	0	0	0
Vesting of non-vested shares and excess tax benefits	0	3	0	-3	0	0	0
Vesting of non-vested shares, shares	'	300,093	'	'	'	'	'
Distribution of Fiesta Restaurant Group's net assets	-688	0	0	0	-688	0	0
Net income (loss)	-13,519	0	0	0	-13,519	0	0
Change in valuation of interest rate swap	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in postretirement benefit obligations	33	0	0	0	0	33	0
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	$77,204	$230	$0	$69,258	$7,155	$702	($141)
Common stock, shares outstanding at Dec. 29, 2013	23,048,334	23,048,334	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Parentheticals (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$0	$42	($43)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	$30	($322)	($243)

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Cash flows provided from (used for) operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($13,519)	($18,888)	$11,218
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	72	-11,742
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:	'	'	'
Loss on disposals of property and equipment	925	212	63
Stock-based compensation	1,205	925	1,037
Impairment and other lease charges	4,462	977	1,293
Depreciation and amortization	33,594	26,321	16,058
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,004	777	738
Amortization of unearned income	-143	0	0
Amortization of deferred gains from sale-leaseback transactions	-1,799	-1,776	-1,987
Deferred income taxes	-6,284	-9,399	4,828
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	1,509	733
Refundable income taxes	-2,379	2,196	-1,773
Accounts Receivable	3,653	-3,183	-99
Accounts payable	-2,691	7,160	-932
Accrued interest	2	2,112	-6,827
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	2,780	5,581	574
Other	771	3,611	20,266
Net cash provided from operating activities	21,581	18,207	33,448
Cash flows used for investing activities:	'	'	'
New restaurant development	-3,166	0	-1,757
Restaurant remodeling	-37,450	-21,342	-8,533
Other restaurant capital expenditures	-7,203	-6,247	-12,632
Corporate and restaurant information systems	-2,667	-10,053	-4,849
Total capital expenditures	-50,486	-37,642	-27,771
Acquisition of restaurants from BKC, net of cash acquired	0	-12,135	0
Increase in restricted cash balance	0	-20,000	0
Properties purchased for sale-leaseback	-3,144	0	-2,058
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	3,144	1,177	2,818
Proceeds from insurance recovery	0	610	477
Proceeds from sales of other properties	0	2,082	573
Net cash used for investing activities	-50,486	-65,908	-25,961
Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of senior secured second lien notes	0	150,000	0
Proceeds from Fiesta Restaurant Group financing	0	0	192,307
Cash of Fiesta Restaurant Group deconsolidated as a result of spin-off	0	-5,490	0
Term loan borrowings from Carrols LLC credit facility	0	0	65,000
Borrowings on previous revolving credit facilities	0	19,200	59,800
Repayments on previous revolving credit facilities	0	-23,200	-55,800
Repayments of term loans under prior credit facilities	0	-61,750	-80,214
Principal payments on term loans under prior credit facilities	0	-1,625	-8,661
Repayments of prior Carrols senior subordinated notes	0	0	-165,000
Capital contribution to Fiesta Restaurant Group	0	-2,500	-3,345
Principal payments on capital leases	-1,075	-620	-2
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	936	152
Financing costs associated with issuance of debt	-8	-5,945	-1,845
Proceeds from stock option exercises	0	295	551
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities	-1,083	69,301	2,943
Net increase (decrease) in cash from continuing operations	-29,988	21,600	10,430
Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities of discontinued operations	0	3,718	21,052
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities of discontinued operations	0	-15,007	-15,082
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities of discontinued operations	0	3,318	5,117
Net increase (decrease) in cash from discontinued operations	0	-7,971	11,087
Net increase (decrease) in cash	-29,988	13,629	21,517
Cash, beginning of period	38,290	24,661	3,144
Cash, end of period	8,302	38,290	24,661
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Received	858	0	0
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'	'
Interest paid on long-term debt	17,731	9,751	18,055
Interest paid on lease financing obligations	101	101	96
Accruals for capital expenditures	524	5,034	307
Income taxes paid (refunded), net	-1,733	-2,889	-446
Capital lease obligations incurred	116	10,779	0
Preferred stock issued for consideration in acquisition	$0	$57,711	$0

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis Of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Business Description. At December 29, 2013 Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Carrols Restaurant Group" or the "Company") operated, as franchisee, 564 restaurants under the trade name “Burger King” in 13 Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern states.
	Basis of Consolidation. Carrols Restaurant Group is a holding company and conducts all of its operations through Carrols Corporation (“Carrols”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Carrols Restaurant Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary Carrols. Any reference to “Carrols LLC” refers to Carrols’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Carrols LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
	Unless the context otherwise requires, Carrols Restaurant Group, Carrols and the direct and indirect subsidiaries of Carrols are collectively referred to as the “Company.” All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Burger King Acquisition. On May 30, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of 278 of Burger King Corporation's ("BKC") company-owned Burger King® restaurants ("the 2012 acquisition") located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia ("the acquired BKC restaurants"). See Note 2—Acquisition for further information.
	Spin-Off. On May 7, 2012, the Company completed the spin-off of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrols, through a pro-rata dividend to the stockholders of Carrols Restaurant Group of all of the outstanding shares of Fiesta's common stock (the "Spin-off"). As a result of the Spin-off, the results of operation and cash flows of Fiesta (including the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana segments) have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 3—Discontinued Operations for further information.
	Fiscal Year. The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 30. The fiscal years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 each contained 52 weeks.
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates include: accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, evaluation for impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and franchise rights, lease accounting matters, and valuation of deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
	Inventories. Inventories, primarily consisting of food and paper, are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
	Property and Equipment. The Company capitalizes all direct costs incurred to construct and substantially improve its restaurants. These costs are depreciated and charged to expense based upon their property classification when placed in service. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Owned buildings	9	to	30 years
	Equipment	3	to	7 years
	Computer hardware and software	3	to	7 years
	Assets subject to capital leases	Shorter of useful life or lease term
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term. In circumstances where an economic penalty would be presumed by the non-exercise of one or more renewal options under the lease, the Company includes those renewal option periods when determining the lease term. For significant leasehold improvements made during the latter part of the lease term, the Company amortizes those improvements over the shorter of their useful life or the expected lease term. The expected lease term would consider the exercise of renewal options if the value of the improvements would imply that an economic penalty would be incurred without the renewal of the option. Building costs incurred for new restaurants on leased land are depreciated over the lease term, which is generally a period of twenty years.
	Franchise Rights. For its restaurant acquisitions prior to 2002, the Company generally allocated to franchise rights, an intangible asset, the excess of purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. For acquisitions subsequent to 2002, the Company determined the fair value of franchise rights based upon the acquired restaurants' future earnings, discounting those earnings using an appropriate market discount rate and subtracting a contributory charge for net working capital, property and equipment and assembled workforce to determine the fair value attributable to these franchise rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.
	Franchise Agreements. Fees for initial franchises and renewals are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement, which is generally twenty years.
	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually as of the fiscal year end.
	Favorable and Unfavorable Leases. Favorable and unfavorable lease valuations resulted from the terms of acquired operating lease contracts being favorable or unfavorable relative to market terms of comparable leases on the acquisition date. Favorable and unfavorable lease valuations are amortized as a component of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lives of the leases. The weighted average amortization period of the favorable lease valuations is 14.7 years and unfavorable lease valuations is 14.4 years.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company assesses the recoverability of property and equipment, franchise rights and other intangible assets by determining whether the carrying value of these assets can be recovered over their respective remaining lives through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Impairment is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable.
	Deferred Financing Costs. Financing costs incurred in obtaining long-term debt and lease financing obligations are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related obligation as interest expense using the effective interest method.
	Leases. All leases are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception. The majority of the Company’s leases are operating leases. Many of the lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any option periods included in the determination of the lease term. Contingent rentals are generally based upon a percentage of sales or a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts and are generally not considered minimum rent payments but are recognized as rent expense when incurred.
	Lease Financing Obligations. Lease financing obligations pertain to real estate sale-leaseback transactions accounted for under the financing method. The assets (land and building) subject to these obligations remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at their historical costs and such assets (excluding land) continue to be depreciated over their remaining useful lives. The proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as lease financing obligations and the lease payments are applied as payments of principal and interest. The selection of the interest rate on lease financing obligations is evaluated at inception of the lease based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate adjusted to the rate required to prevent recognition of a non-cash loss or negative amortization of the obligation through the end of the primary lease term.
	Revenue Recognition. Revenues from Company restaurants are recognized when payment is tendered at the time of sale, net of sales discounts and excluding sales tax collected.
	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the tax rates that are anticipated to be in effect when those differences reverse. The deferred tax provision generally represents the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when it is necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is likely. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return.
	Advertising Costs. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
	Cost of Sales. The Company includes the cost of food, beverage and paper, net of any discounts, in cost of sales.
	Pre-opening Costs. The Company’s pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and generally include payroll costs associated with opening the new restaurant, rent and promotional costs.
	Insurance. The Company is insured for workers’ compensation, general liability and medical insurance claims under policies where it pays all claims, subject to stop-loss limitations both for individual claims and claims in the aggregate. Losses are accrued based upon the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liability for claims based on Company experience and certain actuarial methods used to measure such estimates. The Company does not discount any of its self-insurance obligations.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions. Financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of the Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2018 is based on a recent trading value, which is considered Level 2, and at December 29, 2013 was approximately $170.6 million. See Note 6 for a discussion of the fair value measurement of non-financial assets.
	Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. As described in Note 6, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $2.8 million, $1.0 million and $1.3 million during the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.
	Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company recognizes derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value, which are considered Level 1. The Company’s only derivative in the past three years was an interest rate swap that was settled in conjunction with the refinancing of debt during the year ended December 30, 2012 and it was designated as a cash flow hedge. Therefore, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item was recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement was immediately recognized in earnings. The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the statement of cash flows.
	Stock-Based Compensation. For non-vested stock awards, the fair market value of the award, determined based upon the closing value of the Company’s stock price on the grant date, is recorded to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  The Company applies the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of stock options granted to employees, which is then amortized on a straight-line basis to compensation expense over the requisite service period. In connection with the Spin-off of Fiesta, on March 5, 2012 the Company converted all of its outstanding vested stock options to shares of the Company's common stock and all of its outstanding non-vested stock options to non-vested shares of the Company's common stock.
	The Company has adopted an incentive stock plan under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and non-vested shares may be granted to employees and non-employee directors.  On an annual basis, the Company has granted incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and/or non-vested shares under this plan. Non-vested shares granted to certain restaurant employees generally vest 100% after three years, non-vested shares granted to corporate employees generally vest 25% per year over four years and non-vested shares granted to non-employee directors generally vest at varying rates over two to five years. Also see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Gift cards. The Company sells gift cards in its restaurants that are issued under BKC's gift card program. Proceeds from the sale of Burger King gift cards at the Company’s restaurants are remitted to BKC. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards upon redemption by the customer.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains its day-to-day operating cash balances in non-interest-bearing transaction accounts, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250. Although the Company maintains balances that exceed the federally insured limit, it has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes credit risk to be minimal.
	Segment Information. Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker currently evaluates the Company's operations from a number of different operational perspectives. The Company derives all significant revenues from a single operating segment. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its Burger King restaurants as one reportable segment.
	Subsequent Events.

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition [Text Block]	'
	Acquisition
	On May 30, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of 278 restaurants from BKC for a purchase price consisting of (i) a 28.9% equity ownership interest in the Company, (ii) $3.8 million for cash on hand and inventory at the acquired BKC restaurants and (iii) $9.4 million of franchise fees and $3.6 million for BKC’s assignment of its right of first refusal ("ROFR") on franchisee restaurant transfers in 20 states pursuant to an operating agreement dated May 30, 2012 (the "operating agreement") with BKC entered into at closing. The ROFR is payable in quarterly payments over five years. The Company also entered into new franchise agreements pursuant to the purchase and operating agreements and entered into new leases with BKC for all of the restaurants acquired in 2012, including leases for 81 restaurants owned in fee by BKC and subleases for 197 restaurants under terms substantially the same as BKC’s underlying leases for those properties. Pursuant to the operating agreement, the Company also agreed to remodel 455 Burger King restaurants to BKC’s 20/20 restaurant image.
	The aggregate purchase price was $74.5 million consisting of equity consideration of $57.7 million from the issuance of 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and a cash purchase price of $16.8 million. The value of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock") was based on 9.4 million shares of common stock, the number of common shares the Preferred Stock would be convertible into at the stock price of $6.13 per share on the closing date of the 2012 acquisition. See Note 16—Preferred Stock for further information.
	Under the acquisition method of accounting, the aggregate purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets based upon their fair values on the acquisition date. The Company engaged a third party valuation specialist to assist with the valuation of franchise rights, leasehold improvements and favorable and unfavorable leases. The Company estimated that BKC's carrying value of restaurant equipment, subject to certain adjustments, and restaurant equipment subject to capital leases was equivalent to fair value of this equipment at the date of the 2012 acquisition. The fair value determination of franchising fees for certain restaurants was based on the amounts paid for such fees as the terms were at market rates.
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash	$	417
	Inventory	3,336
	Leasehold improvements	7,640
	Restaurant equipment	20,955
	Restaurant equipment - subject to capital lease	10,751
	Franchise fees	8,597
	Franchise rights	30,700
	Favorable leases	3,470
	Deferred tax assets	2,465
	Goodwill	6,712
	Capital lease obligation for equipment	(10,779		)
	Other liabilities	(174		)
	Unfavorable leases	(9,553		)
	Net assets acquired	$	74,537
	The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair value of net assets acquired of $6.7 million was recognized as goodwill, a portion of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets relative to the 2012 acquisition are due to the book and tax bases difference of net favorable and unfavorable leases.
	The fair value of the favorable and unfavorable leases acquired, as well as the fair value of the leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment acquired, were measured using significant inputs not observable in the open market. As such, the Company categorizes these as Level 2 inputs under ASC 820.
	The results of operations of the acquired BKC restaurants are included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations from May 31, 2012, the day following the closing of the 2012 acquisition. The acquired BKC restaurants contributed revenues of $174.3 million for the period May 31, 2012 through December 30, 2012. It is impracticable to disclose net earnings for the post-acquisition period for these acquired BKC restaurants as net earnings of these restaurants were not tracked on a collective basis due to the integration of administrative functions, including field supervision. During the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, approximately $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of transaction costs related to the 2012 acquisition were recorded in general and administrative expense.
	The pro forma impact on the results of operations is included in the below table for the annual period prior to the date of the closing of the 2012 acquisition on May 30, 2012 in which the acquisition was not previously consolidated. The pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the 2012 acquisition been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of any future consolidated operating results.
	The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma operating results (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 30, 2012			January 1, 2012
	Restaurant sales		$	665,032		$	642,398
	Net loss from continuing operations		$	(24,935	)	$	(14,509	)
	Net loss per share from continuing operations, basic and diluted		$	(1.10	)	$	(0.67	)
	This pro forma financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies or cost savings that may be associated with the 2012 acquisition or any integration costs we may incur related to the 2012 acquisition.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	On May 7, 2012, the Company completed the Spin-off of Fiesta, a former wholly owned subsidiary of Carrols which included the Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurant brands, through the distribution in the form of a pro rata dividend of all of Fiesta's issued and outstanding common stock to Carrols Restaurant Group’s stockholders whereby each stockholder of Carrols Restaurant Group on April 26, 2012 received one share of Fiesta’s common stock for every one share of the Company's common stock held. As a result of the Spin-off, Fiesta is an independent public company whose common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FRGI.” At the date of the Spin-off, the dividend of Fiesta common stock to the Company's stockholders resulted in a distribution of net assets of $9.9 million to Fiesta. Carrols made additional distributions of $0.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2012 related to the allocation to Fiesta of estimated 2012 net operating loss carryforwards and $0.7 million in 2013 related to income taxes for the periods prior to the Spin-off.
	As a result of the Spin-off, the Company had no remaining Fiesta assets and liabilities as of December 30, 2012. The consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows present Fiesta’s businesses for the period from January 3, 2011 through May 7, 2012 as discontinued operations.
	The consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for periods through the completion of the Spin-off included certain general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support to Fiesta for executive management, information systems and certain accounting, legal and other administrative functions, which had previously been allocated to Fiesta. The allocation of certain of these expenses do not qualify for classification within discontinued operations, and therefore are included as general and administrative expenses within continuing operations. In addition, certain expenses directly related to the Spin-off which had previously been allocated to both the Company and Fiesta have been included in discontinued operations in their entirety.
	The following table details amounts associated with the Spin-off which have been reported in discontinued operations:
		December 30, 2012			January 1, 2012
	Revenues	$	175,364		$	474,968
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	(625		)	17,591
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(72	)	$	11,742
	In connection with the Spin-off, on April 24, 2012 Carrols Restaurant Group and Carrols entered into several agreements with Fiesta that govern the Company’s post Spin-off relationship with Fiesta, including a Separation and Distribution Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Transition Services Agreement. Amounts earned by Carrols under the Transition Services Agreement were $3.4 million and $3.8 million during the years ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
		December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012
	Land	$	4,879		$	3,639
	Owned buildings	7,545			6,997
	Leasehold improvements	149,268			125,551
	Equipment	162,854			154,678
	Assets subject to capital leases	16,121			16,085
		340,667			306,950
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(188,492		)	(171,024		)
		$	152,175		$	135,926
	Assets subject to capital leases primarily pertain to buildings leased for certain restaurant locations and certain leases of restaurant equipment and had accumulated amortization at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 of $7,346 and $6,102, respectively. Depreciation expense for all property and equipment for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $28,364, $21,632 and $12,255, respectively.

Goodwill_Franchise_Rights_Favo

Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases (Note)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases	'
	Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases
	Goodwill. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the determined fair value of goodwill is less than the related carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of the last day of the fiscal year. In performing its goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the net book value of its reporting unit to its estimated fair value, the latter determined by employing a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach. There have been no goodwill impairment losses during the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012.
	Franchise Rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King restaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period. Following is a summary of the Company’s franchise rights as of the respective balance sheet dates:
		December 29, 2013				December 30, 2012
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated
				Amortization				Amortization
	Franchise rights	$	168,986	$	78,818	$	168,869	$	74,699
	Amortization expense related to franchise rights for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $4,120, $3,767 and $3,194, respectively and the Company expects annual amortization to be $4,149 in both 2014 and 2015, $4,142 in 2016, and $4,111 in both 2017 and 2018. No impairment charges were recorded related to the Company’s franchise rights for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012.
	Favorable and Unfavorable Leases. Amounts allocated to favorable and unfavorable leases related to the 2012 acquisition are being amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements as a net reduction of restaurant rent expense. Following is a summary of the Company’s favorable and unfavorable leases as of the respective balance sheet dates, which are included as assets and liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:
		December 29, 2013				December 30, 2012
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated
								Amortization
	Favorable leases	$	3,470	$	496	$	3,470	$	183
	Unfavorable leases	$	9,553	$	1,378	$	9,553	$	508
	The net reduction of rent expense related to the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases for the year ended December 29, 2013 was $557 and the Company expects the net amortization to be $546 in 2014, $528 in 2015, $449 in 2016, $430 in 2017 and $410 in 2018.

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset’s carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for the lease liabilities to be incurred, net of any estimated sublease recoveries.
	The Company determined the fair value of restaurant equipment, for those restaurants reviewed for impairment, based on current economic conditions and the Company’s history of using these assets in the operation of its business. These fair value asset measurements rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Level 3 assets measured at fair value associated with impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 29, 2013 totaled $0.7 million.
	During the year ended December 29, 2013, the Company recorded other lease charges of $1.6 million associated with the closure of four of the Company's restaurants in the second quarter of 2013, impairment charges of $2.8 million consisting of approximately $0.9 million of capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants and $1.9 million related to initial impairment charges for nineteen underperforming restaurants.
	During the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.0 million, and $1.3 million, respectively, related to certain underperforming restaurants.
	The following table presents the activity in the accrual for closed restaurant locations:
		December 29, 2013
	Balance, December 30, 2012	$	—
	Provisions for restaurant closures	1,616
	Payments, net	(242		)
	Other adjustments, including the effect of discounting future obligations	92
	Balance, December 29, 2013	$	1,466

Other_Liabilities_LongTerm

Other Liabilities, Long-Term	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Other Liabilities, Long-Term
	Other liabilities, long-term, at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
		December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012
	Accrued occupancy costs	$	7,793	$	5,591
	Accrued workers’ compensation and general liability claims	2,272		2,025
	Deferred compensation	353		282
	Long-term obligation to BKC for right of first refusal	1,672		2,393
	Other	2,780		2,282
		$	14,870	$	12,573
	Accrued occupancy costs above include long-term obligations pertaining to closed restaurant locations, contingent rent, and accruals to expense operating lease rental payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Leases
	The Company utilizes land and buildings in its operations under various lease agreements. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations. Initial lease terms are generally for twenty years and, in many cases, provide for renewal options and in most cases rent escalations. Certain leases require contingent rent, determined as a percentage of sales as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement. For most locations, the Company is obligated for occupancy related costs including payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.
	In the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company sold two, one and two restaurant properties, respectively, in sale-leaseback transactions for net proceeds of $3,144, $1,177 and $2,818, respectively. These leases have been classified as operating leases and contain a twenty-year initial term plus renewal options.
	Deferred gains from sale-leaseback transactions of Burger King restaurant properties of $705 and $133 were recognized during the years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, and are being amortized over the term of the related leases. The amortization of deferred gains on sale-leaseback transactions was $1,799, $1,776 and $1,987 for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.
	Minimum rent commitments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases at December 29, 2013 were as follows:
	Fiscal year ending:	Capital			Operating
	December 28, 2014	$	1,734		$	44,099
	January 3, 2016	1,733			42,450
	January 1, 2017	1,733			41,019
	December 31, 2017	1,733			38,136
	December 30, 2018	1,739			36,053
	Thereafter	2,982			298,768
	Total minimum lease payments	11,654			$	500,525
	Less amount representing interest	(2,318		)
	Total obligations under capital leases	9,336
	Less current portion	(1,147		)
	Long-term obligations under capital leases	$	8,189
	Total rent expense on operating leases, including contingent rent on both operating and capital leases, was as follows:
		Year ended
		December 29,			December 30,		January 1,
		2013			2012		2012
	Minimum rent on real property	$	43,650		$	34,758	$	20,765
	Contingent rent on real property	3,548			3,125		1,900
	Restaurant rent expense	47,198			37,883		22,665
	Administrative and equipment rent	225			174		114
		$	47,423		$	38,057	$	22,779

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term Debt
	Long-term debt at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
		December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012
	Collateralized:
	Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes	$	150,000		$	150,000
	Capital leases (Note 8)	9,336			10,295
		159,336			160,295
	Less: current portion	(1,147		)	(1,062		)
		$	158,189		$	159,233
	Senior Secured Second Lien Notes. On May 30, 2012, the Company issued $150.0 million of 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2018 (the "Notes") pursuant to an indenture governing such Notes.
	The Notes mature and are payable on May 15, 2018. Interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. The Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries and are secured by second-priority liens on substantially all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ assets (including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of its subsidiaries).
	The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company in whole or in part at any time after May 15, 2015 at a price of 105.625% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed before May 15, 2016, 102.813% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed after May 15, 2016 but before May 15, 2017 and 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed after May 15, 2017. Prior to May 15, 2015, the Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of each note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. In addition, the indenture governing the Notes also provides that the Company may redeem up to 35% of the Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before May 15, 2015.
	The Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed, unconditionally and in full by the Company's subsidiaries which are directly or indirectly 100% owned by the Company. Separate condensed consolidating information is not included because the Company is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Company or the guarantor subsidiaries to obtain funds from its respective subsidiaries. All consolidated amounts in the Company's financial statements are representative of the combined guarantors.
	The indenture governing the Notes includes certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries who are guarantors under the indenture to, among other things: incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock; incur liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; sell assets; agree to payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries; enter into transaction with affiliates; or merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of the Company's assets.
	The indenture governing the Notes and the security agreement provide that any capital stock and equity interests of any of the Company's subsidiaries will be excluded from the collateral to the extent that the par value, book value or market value of such capital stock or equity interests exceeds 20% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
	The indenture governing the Notes contains customary default provisions, including without limitation, a cross-default provision pursuant to which it is an event of default under these notes and the indenture if there is a default under any indebtedness of the Company having an outstanding principal amount of $15.0 million or more which results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity or is caused by a failure to pay principal when due. The Company was in compliance as of December 29, 2013 with the restrictive covenants of the indenture governing the Notes.
	Senior Credit Facility. On May 30, 2012, the Company entered into a senior credit facility, which provides for aggregate revolving credit borrowings of up to $20.0 million (including $15.0 million available for letters of credit) maturing on May 30, 2017. The senior credit facility also provides for incremental borrowing increases of up to $25.0 million, in the aggregate. As of December 29, 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings under the senior credit facility.
	Under the senior credit facility (all terms not otherwise defined herein are defined in the senior credit facility), the Company has deposited $20.0 million in an account with the Administrative Agent as collateral for the senior credit facility until the date on which its Adjusted Leverage Ratio is less than 6.00x for two consecutive fiscal quarters (the “Cash Collateral Release Date"). This amount is classified as restricted cash on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2013.
	Prior to the Cash Collateral Release Date, revolving credit borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum, at the Company’s option, of:
	(i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable margin of 0.75% or
	(ii) the LIBOR Rate plus the applicable margin of 1.75%.
	Following the Cash Collateral Release Date, borrowings under the senior credit facility will bear interest at a rate per annum, at the Company’s option, of
	(i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable margin of 2.50% to 3.25% based on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio, or
	(ii) the LIBOR Rate plus the applicable margin of 3.50% to 4.25% based on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio.
	The Company’s obligations under the senior credit facility are guaranteed by its subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of the subsidiaries.
	Under the senior credit facility, the Company will be required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings in the event of dispositions of assets, debt issuances and insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions).
	The senior credit facility contains certain covenants, including, without limitation, those limiting the Company’s and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of its business in all material respects, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends. In addition, the senior credit facility requires the Company to meet certain financial ratios, including Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and Adjusted Leverage Ratio (all as defined under the senior credit facility), however the Company is not required to be in compliance with such ratios so long as the senior credit facility is cash collateralized.
	The senior credit facility contains customary default provisions, including that the lenders may terminate their obligation to advance and may declare the unpaid balance of borrowings, or any part thereof, immediately due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of customary defaults which include, without limitation, payment default, covenant defaults, bankruptcy type defaults, cross-defaults on other indebtedness, judgments or upon the occurrence of a change of control.
	After reserving $7.6 million for letters of credit issued under the facility for workers’ compensation and other insurance policies, $12.4 million was available for revolving credit borrowings under the senior credit facility at December 29, 2013.
	At December 29, 2013, principal payments required on long-term debt are as follows:
	2014	$	1,147
	2015	1,225
	2016	1,309
	2017	1,398
	2018	151,499
	Thereafter	2,758
		$	159,336
	The weighted average interest rate on all debt, excluding lease financing obligations, for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was 11.25%, 9.6% and 6.0%, respectively. Interest expense on the Company’s long-term debt, excluding lease financing obligations, was $18,734, $12,657 and $11,228 for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.

Lease_Financing_Obligations

Lease Financing Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Lease Financing Obligations [Abstract]	'
Lease Financing Obligations [Text Block]	'
	Lease Financing Obligations
	The Company entered into sale-leaseback transactions in various years that did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting and as a result were classified as financing transactions. Under the financing method, the assets remain on the consolidated balance sheet and proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as a financing liability. Payments under these leases are applied as payments of imputed interest and deemed principal on the underlying financing obligations.
	These leases generally provide for an initial term of twenty years plus renewal options. The rent payable under such leases includes a minimum rent provision and in some cases, includes rent based on a percentage of sales. These leases also require payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.
	At December 29, 2013, payments required on lease financing obligations were as follows:
	2014	$	102
	2015	103
	2016	104
	2017	105
	2018	106
	Thereafter, through 2023	1,670
	Total minimum lease payments	2,190
	Less: Interest implicit in obligations	(990		)
	Total lease financing obligations	$	1,200
	The interest rate on lease financing obligations was 8.7% at December 29, 2013. Interest expense on lease financing obligations totaled $107 in each of the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012.

Other_Income

Other Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Component of Operating Income [Abstract]	'
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Other Income
	In 2012, the Company recorded net gains of $0.7 million related to related to property insurance recoveries from fires at two restaurants.
	During 2011, the Company recorded net gains of $0.7 million which included a gain of $0.3 million related to the sale of a non-operating property, a gain of $0.3 million related to property insurance recoveries from fires at two restaurants and a gain of $0.1 million related to a business interruption insurance recovery from storm damage at a restaurant.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The benefit for income taxes on income from continuing operations was comprised of the following:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13			December 30, 2012			January 1, 2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(4,325	)	$	(772	)	$	(6,606	)
	State	212			78			117
		(4,113		)	(694		)	(6,489		)
	Deferred (prepaid):
	Federal	(5,561		)	(10,055		)	4,875
	State	(1,347		)	(1,407		)	(47		)
		(6,908		)	(11,462		)	4,828
	Valuation allowance	624			2,063			—
	Benefit for income taxes	$	(10,397	)	$	(10,093	)	$	(1,661	)
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes.
	The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 were as follows:
		December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012
	Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Inventory and other reserves	$	(272	)	$	(486	)
	Accrued vacation benefits	1,939			1,733
	Accrued workers compensation	1,013			—
	Accrued settlement costs	—			981
	Other accruals	785			422
	Current deferred income tax assets	3,465			2,650
	Less: Valuation allowance	(269		)	(208		)
	Total current deferred income tax assets	3,196			2,442
	Long term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Deferred income on sale-leaseback of certain real estate	6,523			7,305
	Lease financing obligations	212			198
	Postretirement benefit obligations	1,363			1,452
	Accumulated other comprehensive income-postretirement benefits	(444		)	(414		)
	Stock-based compensation expense	290			329
	Property and equipment depreciation	1,348			1,058
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	5,735			7,042
	State net operating loss carryforwards	2,686			2,063
	Other intangibles, net	2,748			2,856
	Franchise rights	(23,868		)	(24,771		)
	Occupancy costs	5,038			4,452
	Tax credit carryforwards	5,721			984
	Other	1,890			1,523
	Long-term net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	9,242			4,077
	Less: Valuation allowance	(2,418		)	(1,855		)
	Total long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	6,824			2,222
	Carrying value of net deferred income tax assets	$	10,020		$	4,664
	The Company's federal and state net operating loss carryforwards expire in varying amounts through 2033. As of December 29, 2013, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $16.4 million. The Company has recorded a deferred income tax asset of $5.7 million reflecting the benefit of these loss carryforwards.
	The Company establishes a valuation allowance when it is necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is likely. The Company has performed the required assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of deferred income tax assets associated with federal net operating loss carryforwards in accordance with ASC 740. The Company considered all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of these deferred income tax assets. Judgment is used in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. In arriving at these judgments, the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which such evidence can be objectively verified.
	In evaluating the objective evidence provided by historical results, the Company considered (among other things) the past three years of cumulative losses, projected reversal of deferred tax liabilities, recent improvements in operating results, the ability to carry-back net operating losses generated through December 30, 2012 against taxable income reported in prior years, and the year of expiration of its net operating loss carryforwards which is 2033. The Company also considered subjective evidence related to the forecast of expected operating results for the years over the carryforward period. The trends included in the projections of taxable income, as well as forecasts of expected operating results over the carryforward period, reflect the continued improvement in the operating results of the acquired BKC restaurants such that the Company will generate the requisite level of pre-tax income to realize the benefit of its deferred tax assets of $10.0 million at December 29, 2013. Additionally, the deferred tax liabilities the Company has considered in the assessment of the realization of deferred tax assets will reverse in the carryforward period and same jurisdiction. Based on the analysis of positive and negative evidence, the Company believed that there was enough positive evidence to overcome our cumulative loss position at December 29, 2013, and therefore no valuation allowance related to federal net operating losses was necessary.
	The Company will continue to monitor and evaluate the positive and negative evidence considered in arriving at the above conclusion, in order to assess whether such conclusion remains appropriate in future periods.
	Due to the Spin-off in 2012, the Company conducted an analysis of the impact of certain equity transactions of the Company's stockholders during the year ended December 30, 2012 had on the Company's ability to utilize its net operating losses. The analysis concluded that the Company incurred a change in ownership within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC Section 382"). In general, IRC Section 382 places annual limitations on the use of certain tax attributes such as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards in existence at the ownership change date. The Company believes that the Section 382 limitation will not impact its realization of its tax assets.
	The Company determined in 2012 that there were uncertainties relative to its ability to utilize the deferred income tax assets associated with certain state net operating loss carryforwards. In recognition of these uncertainties, the Company provided a valuation allowance of $2.1 million in 2012 and $0.6 million in 2013 on all of the deferred income tax assets as of December 30, 2012, representing a charge to income tax expense. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that it will realize these deferred tax assets in the future, the Company will make an adjustment to the valuation allowance at that time. At December 29, 2013, the Company had a valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carryforwards of $2.7 million.
	The estimation of future taxable income for federal and state purposes and the Company's ability to realize deferred tax assets pertaining to federal and state net operating loss carryforwards can significantly change based on future events and operating results. Thus, recorded valuation allowances may be subject to future changes that could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	The Company's effective tax rate was 43.5%, 34.9% and 76.0% for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax benefit to the tax benefit applied to income from continuing operations for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012, and January 1, 2012 was as follows:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13			30-Dec-12			1-Jan-12
	Statutory federal income tax benefit	$	(8,371	)	$	(10,118	)	$	(765	)
	State income taxes (benefit), net of federal benefit	(656		)	(688		)	46
	Stock-based compensation expense	—			(657		)	336
	Change in valuation allowance	624			2,063			—
	Non-deductible expenses	19			14			242
	Employment tax credits	(2,298		)	(353		)	(1,148		)
	Miscellaneous	285			(354		)	(372		)
	Benefit for income taxes from continuing operations	$	(10,397	)	$	(10,093	)	$	(1,661	)
	The Company's policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years 2009 - 2013 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. Although it is not reasonably possible to estimate the amount by which unrecognized tax benefits may increase within the next twelve months due to uncertainties regarding the timing of examinations, the Company does not expect unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.
In September 2013, the IRS issued final regulations affecting costs to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property and re-proposed regulations affecting dispositions of tangible property. The final regulations are effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The Company has evaluated the final regulations and does not expect the adoption of the regulations to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	2006 Stock Incentive Plan. In 2006, the Company adopted a stock plan entitled the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2006 Plan”) and reserved and authorized a total of 3,300,000 shares of common stock for grant thereunder. On June 9, 2011, the stockholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan increasing the number of shares of common stock available for issuance by an additional 1,000,000 shares. As of December 29, 2013, 2,139,570 shares were available for future grant or issuance.
	In 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 28,766 non-vested shares to non-employee directors and 19,000 non-vested shares to an officer of the Company. In 2012, the Company issued an aggregate of 36,338 non-vested shares to non-employee directors and 510,900 non-vested shares to certain employees. In 2011, the Company issued an aggregate of 8,334 non-vested shares to non-employee directors and 360,200 non-vested shares to certain employees.
	In connection with the Spin-off of Fiesta, on March 5, 2012 Carrols Restaurant Group converted all of its outstanding vested stock options to shares of the Company's common stock and all of its outstanding non-vested stock options to non-vested shares of the Company's common stock. The non-vested stock awards issued vest according to the same period and anniversary dates as the original stock options, with the pro-rated portion of the award vesting on the anniversary of the original option award. The conversion resulted in $0.5 million of total incremental compensation cost pertaining to continuing operations of the Company, of which $0.4 million was recognized during the year ended December 30, 2012.
	The non-vested stock awards issued to certain employees in 2013, 2012 and 2011 vest over four years at the rate of 25% on each anniversary of the award. The non-vested stock awards issued to non-employee directors in 2013 and 2012 vest over five years at the rate of 20% on each anniversary date of the award, provided that the participant has continuously remained a director of the Company. The non-vested stock awards issued to non-employee directors in 2011 vest over two years at the rate of 50% on each anniversary date of the award, provided that the participant has continuously remained a director of the Company. Forfeiture rates are based on a stratification of employees by expected exercise behavior and range from 0% to 15%.
	Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012, and January 1, 2012 was $1.2 million, $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
	As of December 29, 2013, the total non-vested stock-based compensation expense was approximately $2.6 million and the remaining weighted average vesting period for non-vested shares was 2.1 years.
	A summary of all non-vested shares activity for the year ended December 29, 2013 was as follows:
		Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Price
	Non-vested at December 30, 2012	934,628	$	7.84
	Granted	47,766	6.23
	Vested	-300,093	8.51
	Forfeited	-19,378	10.16
	Non-vested at December 29, 2013	662,923	7.35
	The fair value of the non-vested shares is based on the closing price of the Company's stock on the date of grant.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease Guarantees. As of December 29, 2013, the Company is a guarantor under 35 Fiesta restaurant property leases, with lease terms expiring on various dates through 2030, and is the primary lessee on five Fiesta restaurant property leases, which it subleases to Fiesta. The Company is fully liable for all obligations under the terms of the leases in the event that Fiesta fails to pay any sums due under the lease, subject to indemnification provisions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement entered into in connection with the Spin-off.
	The maximum potential amount of future undiscounted rental payments the Company could be required to make under these leases at December 29, 2013 was $48.3 million. The obligations under these leases will generally continue to decrease over time as these operating leases expire. No payments related to these guarantees have been made by the Company to date and none are expected to be required to be made in the future. The Company has not recorded a liability for these guarantees in accordance with ASC 460 - Guarantees as Fiesta has indemnified the Company for all such obligations and the Company did not believe it was probable it would be required to perform under any of the guarantees or direct obligations.
	Litigation. The Company is a party to various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business.  The Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Transactions with Related Parties
	As part of the 2012 acquisition, the Company issued to BKC 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock which is convertible into 9,414,580 shares of Carrols Restaurant Group Common Stock ("Carrols Common Stock"), or 28.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock calculated on the date of the closing of the 2012 acquisition on a fully diluted basis. See Note 16—Preferred Stock for further information. As a result of the 2012 acquisition, BKC has two representatives on the Company's board of directors.
	Each of the Company's restaurants operates under a separate franchise agreement with BKC. These franchise agreements generally provide for an initial term of twenty years and currently have an initial franchise fee of $50. Any franchise agreement, including renewals, can be extended at the Company's discretion for an additional 20 year term, with BKC's approval, provided that, among other things, the restaurant meets the current Burger King image standard and the Company is not in default under terms of the franchise agreement. In addition to the initial franchise fee, the Company generally pays BKC a monthly royalty at a rate of 4.5% of sales. Royalty expense was $27.7 million, $22.7 million, and $14.0 million for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.
	The Company is also generally required to contribute 4% of restaurant sales from the Company's restaurants to an advertising fund utilized by BKC for its advertising, promotional programs and public relations activities, and amounts for additional local advertising in markets that approve such advertising. Advertising expense associated with these expenditures was $28.9 million, $21.3 million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.
	As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, the Company leased 295 and 297 of its restaurant locations from BKC, respectively. As of December 29, 2013, for 196 of the restaurants, the terms and conditions of the lease with BKC are identical to those between BKC and the third-party lessor. As of January 1, 2012, the Company leased 20 of its restaurant locations from BKC. Aggregate rent under these BKC leases for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $26.7 million, $16.6 million, and $1.8 million, respectively. The Company believes the related party lease terms have not been significantly affected by the fact that the Company and BKC are deemed to be related parties.
	As of December 29, 2013, the Company owed BKC $2.4 million associated with its purchase of the right of first refusal related to the 2012 acquisition and $3.5 million related to the payment of advertising, royalties and rent, which is remitted on a monthly basis.

Preferred_Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Preferred Stock [Text Block]	'
	Preferred Stock
	In connection with the 2012 acquisition of restaurants from BKC in fiscal 2012 discussed in Note 2, the Company issued to BKC 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to a certificate of designation.
	The Preferred Stock and the shares of Carrols Common Stock to be issued upon conversion are subject to a three-year restriction on transfer or sale by BKC from the date of the issuance and rank senior to Carrols Common Stock with respect to rights on liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of Carrols Restaurant Group. The Preferred Stock is perpetual, will receive any dividends and amounts upon a liquidation event on an as converted basis, does not pay interest and has no mandatory prepayment features.
	BKC also has certain approval and voting rights as set forth in the certificate of designation for the Preferred Stock so long as it owns greater than 10.0% of the outstanding shares of Carrols Common Stock (on an as-converted basis). The Preferred Stock will vote with the Company's common stock on an as converted basis and provides for the right of BKC to elect (a) two members to the Company's board of directors until the date on which the number of shares of common stock into which the outstanding shares of the Preferred Stock held by BKC are then convertible constitutes less than 14.5% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock and (b) one member to the Company's board of directors until BKC owns Preferred Stock (on an as converted basis to common stock) which equals less than 10.0% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	'
	Retirement Plans
	The Company offers its salaried employees the option to participate in the Carrols Corporation Retirement Savings Plan (the “Retirement Plan”). The Retirement Plan includes a savings option pursuant to section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code in addition to a post-tax savings option. Participating employees may contribute up to 50% of their salary annually to either of the savings options, subject to other limitations. The employees may allocate their contributions to various investment options available under a trust established by the Retirement Plan. The Company may elect to contribute to the Retirement Plan on an annual basis. The Company's contribution is equal to 50% of the employee's contribution subject to a maximum annual amount and begins to vest after one year of service and fully vests after five years of service. A year of service is defined as a plan year during which an employee completes at least 1,000 hours of service. Expense recognized for the Company's contributions to the Retirement Plan was $346, $327 and $292 for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.
	The Company also has an Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan which permits employees not eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan because they have been excluded as “highly compensated” employees (as so defined in the Retirement Plan) to voluntarily defer portions of their base salary and annual bonus. All amounts deferred by the participants earn interest at 8% per annum. There is no Company matching on any portion of the funds. At December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, a total of $353 and $282, respectively, was deferred under this plan, including accrued interest.

Postretirement_Benefits_Notes

Postretirement Benefits (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Postretirement Benefits
	The Company sponsors a postretirement medical and life insurance plan covering substantially all Burger King administrative and restaurant management personnel who retire or terminate after qualifying for such benefits.
	The following was the plan status and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012:
		December 29, 2013				30-Dec-12
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	2,622			$	2,055
	Service cost	89				60
	Interest cost	91				106
	Plan participants' contributions	77				72
	Actuarial loss (gain)	(285		)		581
	Benefits paid	(249		)		(269		)
	Medicare part D prescription drug subsidy	25				17
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	2,370			$	2,622
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—			$	—
	Employer contributions	147				180
	Plan participants' contributions	77				72
	Benefits paid	(249		)		(269		)
	Medicare part D prescription drug subsidy	25				17
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	—				—
	Funded status	$	(2,370	)		$	(2,622	)
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Discount rate used to determine benefit obligations	4.48		%		3.64		%
	Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost	3.64		%		4.4		%
	The discount rate is determined based on high-quality fixed income investments that match the duration of expected retiree medical and life insurance benefits. The Company has typically used the corporate AA/Aa bond rate for this assumption.
	Components of net periodic postretirement benefit income recognized in the consolidated statements of operations were:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13				30-Dec-12				1-Jan-12
	Service cost	$	89			$	60			$	7
	Interest cost	91				106				87
	Amortization of net gains and losses	135				134				84
	Amortization of prior service credit	(357		)		(359		)		(359		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(42	)		$	(59	)		$	(181	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit income, consisted of:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13				30-Dec-12
	Prior service credit	$	3,037			$	3,394
	Net loss	(1,891		)		(2,311		)
	Deferred income taxes	(444		)		(414		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	702			$	669
	The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement benefit income over the next fiscal year is $113. The amount of prior service credit for the postretirement benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic postretirement benefit income over the next fiscal year is $355.
	The following table reflects the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13				30-Dec-12
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(285	)		$	581
	Amortization of net loss	(135		)		(134		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	357				359
	Deferred income taxes	30				(322		)
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(33	)		$	484
	Assumed health care cost trend rates at year end were as follows:
		29-Dec-13			30-Dec-12			1-Jan-12
	Medical benefits cost trend rate assumed for the following year pre-65	7.5	%		8	%		8	%
	Medical benefits cost trend rate assumed for the following year post-65	5.88	%		6	%		6.5	%
	Prescription drug benefit cost trend rate assumed for the following year	6.75	%		7	%		7.5	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5	%		5	%		5	%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2021			2021			2017
	The assumed healthcare cost trend rate represents the Company's estimate of the annual rates of change in the costs of the healthcare benefits currently provided by the Company's postretirement plan. The healthcare cost trend rate implicitly considers estimates of healthcare inflation, changes in healthcare utilization and delivery patterns, technological advances and changes in the health status of the plan participants. Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in the health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
		1% Increase				1% Decrease
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	33			$	25
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	260				213
	During 2014, the Company expects to contribute approximately $154 to its postretirement benefit plan. The benefits, net of Medicare Part D subsidy receipts, expected to be paid in each year from 2014 through 2018 are $154, $162, $125, $150 and $177 respectively, and for the years 2019-2024 the aggregate amount is $907.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Net Income (Loss) per Share
	The Company applies the two-class method to calculate and present net loss per share. The Company's non-vested share awards and convertible Preferred Stock issued to BKC contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net loss per share pursuant to the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and the remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. However, as the Company has incurred net losses from continuing operations for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, and as those losses are not allocated to the participating securities under the two-class method, such method is not applicable for the aforementioned reporting periods.
	Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net loss per share reflects additional shares of common stock outstanding, where applicable, calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.
	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13			30-Dec-12			1-Jan-12
	Basic and diluted net loss per share:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(13,519	)	$	(18,816	)	$	(524	)
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	(72	)	$	11,742
	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	22,958,963			22,580,468			21,677,837
	Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations	$	(0.59	)	$	(0.83	)	$	(0.02	)
	Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.54
	Common shares excluded from diluted net loss per share computation (1)	10,077,503			10,349,208			1,551,372
	-1	Shares subject to Preferred Stock, stock options and non-vested shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been antidilutive.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_a

Selected Quarterly Financial and Earnings Data (Unaudited) (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	'
	20. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 29, 2013
		First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	Restaurant sales	$	156,139			$	173,518			$	168,312			$	165,514
	Operating income (loss) from operations	-5,784			-1	-472			-1	209			-1	972			-1
	Net loss	-5,199				-3,496				-2,762				-2,062
	Basic and diluted net loss per share	(0.23		)		(0.15		)		(0.12		)		(0.09		)
		Year Ended December 30, 2012
		First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	Restaurant sales	$	85,450			$	122,104			$	169,471			$	162,583
	Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,480				693				-4,260			-3	-9,589			(1)(3)
	Net loss from continuing operations	-2,903				-779			-2	-6,340				-8,794
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-624				668				-2				-114
	Net loss	-3,527				-111				-6,342				-8,908
	Basic and diluted net loss per share, continuing operations	(0.13		)		(0.03		)		(0.28		)		(0.39		)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, discontinued operations	(0.03		)		0.03				0				(0.01		)
	-1	The Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, $0.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, $2.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, $1.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 (See Note 6).
	-2	The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.
	-3	The Company recorded a gain of $0.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 related to property insurance recoveries from fires at two restaurants (See Note 11).

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	'
		Column B		Column C				Column D		Column E
	Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to other accounts		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
	Year Ended December 29, 2013
	Deferred income tax valuation allowance	$	2,063	$	624			$	—	$	2,687
	Year Ended December 30, 2012
	Deferred income tax valuation allowance	903		2,063		(903	)	—		2,063
	Year Ended January 1, 2012
	Deferred income tax valuation allowance	549		354		—		—		903

Basis_Of_Presentation_Accounti

Basis Of Presentation Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation [Policy Text Block]	'
	Basis of Consolidation. Carrols Restaurant Group is a holding company and conducts all of its operations through Carrols Corporation (“Carrols”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Carrols Restaurant Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary Carrols. Any reference to “Carrols LLC” refers to Carrols’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Carrols LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
	Unless the context otherwise requires, Carrols Restaurant Group, Carrols and the direct and indirect subsidiaries of Carrols are collectively referred to as the “Company.” All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Period [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fiscal Year. The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 30. The fiscal years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 each contained 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates include: accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, evaluation for impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and franchise rights, lease accounting matters, and valuation of deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Inventory [Policy Text Block]	'
	Inventories. Inventories, primarily consisting of food and paper, are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Property and Equipment [Policy Text Block]	'
	Property and Equipment. The Company capitalizes all direct costs incurred to construct and substantially improve its restaurants. These costs are depreciated and charged to expense based upon their property classification when placed in service. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Owned buildings	9	to	30 years
	Equipment	3	to	7 years
	Computer hardware and software	3	to	7 years
	Assets subject to capital leases	Shorter of useful life or lease term
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term. In circumstances where an economic penalty would be presumed by the non-exercise of one or more renewal options under the lease, the Company includes those renewal option periods when determining the lease term. For significant leasehold improvements made during the latter part of the lease term, the Company amortizes those improvements over the shorter of their useful life or the expected lease term. The expected lease term would consider the exercise of renewal options if the value of the improvements would imply that an economic penalty would be incurred without the renewal of the option. Building costs incurred for new restaurants on leased land are depreciated over the lease term, which is generally a period of twenty years.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Franchise Rights [Policy Text Block]	'
	Favorable and Unfavorable Leases. Favorable and unfavorable lease valuations resulted from the terms of acquired operating lease contracts being favorable or unfavorable relative to market terms of comparable leases on the acquisition date. Favorable and unfavorable lease valuations are amortized as a component of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lives of the leases. The weighted average amortization period of the favorable lease valuations is 14.7 years and unfavorable lease valuations is 14.4 years.
	Franchise Rights. For its restaurant acquisitions prior to 2002, the Company generally allocated to franchise rights, an intangible asset, the excess of purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. For acquisitions subsequent to 2002, the Company determined the fair value of franchise rights based upon the acquired restaurants' future earnings, discounting those earnings using an appropriate market discount rate and subtracting a contributory charge for net working capital, property and equipment and assembled workforce to determine the fair value attributable to these franchise rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.
	Franchise Agreements. Fees for initial franchises and renewals are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement, which is generally twenty years.
	Franchise Rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King restaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill [Policy Text Block]	'
	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually as of the fiscal year end.
	Goodwill. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the determined fair value of goodwill is less than the related carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of the last day of the fiscal year. In performing its goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the net book value of its reporting unit to its estimated fair value, the latter determined by employing a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company assesses the recoverability of property and equipment, franchise rights and other intangible assets by determining whether the carrying value of these assets can be recovered over their respective remaining lives through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Impairment is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable.
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset’s carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for the lease liabilities to be incurred, net of any estimated sublease recoveries.
Deferred Financing Costs [Policy Text Block]	'
	Deferred Financing Costs. Financing costs incurred in obtaining long-term debt and lease financing obligations are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related obligation as interest expense using the effective interest method.
Leases [Policy Text Block]	'
	Leases. All leases are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception. The majority of the Company’s leases are operating leases. Many of the lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any option periods included in the determination of the lease term. Contingent rentals are generally based upon a percentage of sales or a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts and are generally not considered minimum rent payments but are recognized as rent expense when incurred.
	The Company utilizes land and buildings in its operations under various lease agreements. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations. Initial lease terms are generally for twenty years and, in many cases, provide for renewal options and in most cases rent escalations. Certain leases require contingent rent, determined as a percentage of sales as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement. For most locations, the Company is obligated for occupancy related costs including payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.
Lease Financing Obligations [Policy Text Block]	'
	Lease Financing Obligations. Lease financing obligations pertain to real estate sale-leaseback transactions accounted for under the financing method. The assets (land and building) subject to these obligations remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at their historical costs and such assets (excluding land) continue to be depreciated over their remaining useful lives. The proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as lease financing obligations and the lease payments are applied as payments of principal and interest. The selection of the interest rate on lease financing obligations is evaluated at inception of the lease based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate adjusted to the rate required to prevent recognition of a non-cash loss or negative amortization of the obligation through the end of the primary lease term.
	The Company entered into sale-leaseback transactions in various years that did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting and as a result were classified as financing transactions. Under the financing method, the assets remain on the consolidated balance sheet and proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as a financing liability. Payments under these leases are applied as payments of imputed interest and deemed principal on the underlying financing obligations.
	These leases generally provide for an initial term of twenty years plus renewal options. The rent payable under such leases includes a minimum rent provision and in some cases, includes rent based on a percentage of sales. These leases also require payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.
Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]	'
	Revenue Recognition. Revenues from Company restaurants are recognized when payment is tendered at the time of sale, net of sales discounts and excluding sales tax collected.
Income Tax [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the tax rates that are anticipated to be in effect when those differences reverse. The deferred tax provision generally represents the net change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when it is necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount for which realization is likely. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Advertising Costs [Policy Text Block]	'
	Advertising Costs. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Cost of Sales [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cost of Sales. The Company includes the cost of food, beverage and paper, net of any discounts, in cost of sales.
Pre-opening Costs [Policy Text Block]	'
	Pre-opening Costs. The Company’s pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and generally include payroll costs associated with opening the new restaurant, rent and promotional costs.
Insurance [Policy Text Block]	'
	Insurance. The Company is insured for workers’ compensation, general liability and medical insurance claims under policies where it pays all claims, subject to stop-loss limitations both for individual claims and claims in the aggregate. Losses are accrued based upon the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liability for claims based on Company experience and certain actuarial methods used to measure such estimates. The Company does not discount any of its self-insurance obligations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions. Financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of the Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2018 is based on a recent trading value, which is considered Level 2, and at December 29, 2013 was approximately $170.6 million. See Note 6 for a discussion of the fair value measurement of non-financial assets.
	Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. As described in Note 6, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $2.8 million, $1.0 million and $1.3 million during the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.
Derivatives [Policy Text Block]	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company recognizes derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value, which are considered Level 1. The Company’s only derivative in the past three years was an interest rate swap that was settled in conjunction with the refinancing of debt during the year ended December 30, 2012 and it was designated as a cash flow hedge. Therefore, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item was recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement was immediately recognized in earnings. The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the statement of cash flows.
Stock-based Compensation [Policy Text Block]	'
	Stock-Based Compensation. For non-vested stock awards, the fair market value of the award, determined based upon the closing value of the Company’s stock price on the grant date, is recorded to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  The Company applies the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of stock options granted to employees, which is then amortized on a straight-line basis to compensation expense over the requisite service period. In connection with the Spin-off of Fiesta, on March 5, 2012 the Company converted all of its outstanding vested stock options to shares of the Company's common stock and all of its outstanding non-vested stock options to non-vested shares of the Company's common stock.
	The Company has adopted an incentive stock plan under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and non-vested shares may be granted to employees and non-employee directors.  On an annual basis, the Company has granted incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and/or non-vested shares under this plan. Non-vested shares granted to certain restaurant employees generally vest 100% after three years, non-vested shares granted to corporate employees generally vest 25% per year over four years and non-vested shares granted to non-employee directors generally vest at varying rates over two to five years. Also see Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
Gift Cards [Policy Text Block]	'
	Gift cards. The Company sells gift cards in its restaurants that are issued under BKC's gift card program. Proceeds from the sale of Burger King gift cards at the Company’s restaurants are remitted to BKC. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards upon redemption by the customer.
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block]	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company maintains its day-to-day operating cash balances in non-interest-bearing transaction accounts, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250. Although the Company maintains balances that exceed the federally insured limit, it has not experienced any losses related to these balances and believes credit risk to be minimal.
Segment Information [Policy Text Block]	'
	Segment Information. Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker currently evaluates the Company's operations from a number of different operational perspectives. The Company derives all significant revenues from a single operating segment. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its Burger King restaurants as one reportable segment.
Subsequent Events [Policy Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events. The Company reviewed and evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_Franchise_Rights_Favo1

Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill [Policy Text Block]	'
	Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually as of the fiscal year end.
	Goodwill. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently, when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the determined fair value of goodwill is less than the related carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of the last day of the fiscal year. In performing its goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the net book value of its reporting unit to its estimated fair value, the latter determined by employing a combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market-based approach.
Franchise Rights [Policy Text Block]	'
	Favorable and Unfavorable Leases. Favorable and unfavorable lease valuations resulted from the terms of acquired operating lease contracts being favorable or unfavorable relative to market terms of comparable leases on the acquisition date. Favorable and unfavorable lease valuations are amortized as a component of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining lives of the leases. The weighted average amortization period of the favorable lease valuations is 14.7 years and unfavorable lease valuations is 14.4 years.
	Franchise Rights. For its restaurant acquisitions prior to 2002, the Company generally allocated to franchise rights, an intangible asset, the excess of purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. For acquisitions subsequent to 2002, the Company determined the fair value of franchise rights based upon the acquired restaurants' future earnings, discounting those earnings using an appropriate market discount rate and subtracting a contributory charge for net working capital, property and equipment and assembled workforce to determine the fair value attributable to these franchise rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.
	Franchise Agreements. Fees for initial franchises and renewals are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the agreement, which is generally twenty years.
	Franchise Rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King restaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.
Favorable and Unfavorable Leases [Policy Text Block]	'
	Amounts allocated to favorable and unfavorable leases related to the 2012 acquisition are being amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements as a net reduction of restaurant rent expense.

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets1

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company assesses the recoverability of property and equipment, franchise rights and other intangible assets by determining whether the carrying value of these assets can be recovered over their respective remaining lives through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Impairment is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable.
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset’s carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for the lease liabilities to be incurred, net of any estimated sublease recoveries.

Leases_Policies

Leases (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases [Policy Text Block]	'
	Leases. All leases are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception. The majority of the Company’s leases are operating leases. Many of the lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. Rent expense for leases that contain scheduled rent increases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including any option periods included in the determination of the lease term. Contingent rentals are generally based upon a percentage of sales or a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts and are generally not considered minimum rent payments but are recognized as rent expense when incurred.
	The Company utilizes land and buildings in its operations under various lease agreements. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations. Initial lease terms are generally for twenty years and, in many cases, provide for renewal options and in most cases rent escalations. Certain leases require contingent rent, determined as a percentage of sales as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement. For most locations, the Company is obligated for occupancy related costs including payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.

Lease_Financing_Obligations_Po

Lease Financing Obligations (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Lease Financing Obligations [Abstract]	'
Lease Financing Obligations [Policy Text Block]	'
	Lease Financing Obligations. Lease financing obligations pertain to real estate sale-leaseback transactions accounted for under the financing method. The assets (land and building) subject to these obligations remain on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at their historical costs and such assets (excluding land) continue to be depreciated over their remaining useful lives. The proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as lease financing obligations and the lease payments are applied as payments of principal and interest. The selection of the interest rate on lease financing obligations is evaluated at inception of the lease based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate adjusted to the rate required to prevent recognition of a non-cash loss or negative amortization of the obligation through the end of the primary lease term.
	The Company entered into sale-leaseback transactions in various years that did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting and as a result were classified as financing transactions. Under the financing method, the assets remain on the consolidated balance sheet and proceeds received by the Company from these transactions are recorded as a financing liability. Payments under these leases are applied as payments of imputed interest and deemed principal on the underlying financing obligations.
	These leases generally provide for an initial term of twenty years plus renewal options. The rent payable under such leases includes a minimum rent provision and in some cases, includes rent based on a percentage of sales. These leases also require payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Earn

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per share narrative (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	The Company applies the two-class method to calculate and present net loss per share. The Company's non-vested share awards and convertible Preferred Stock issued to BKC contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net loss per share pursuant to the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and the remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. However, as the Company has incurred net losses from continuing operations for the years ended December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, and as those losses are not allocated to the participating securities under the two-class method, such method is not applicable for the aforementioned reporting periods.
	Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net loss per share reflects additional shares of common stock outstanding, where applicable, calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.

Basis_Of_Presentation_Basis_of

Basis Of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Property and equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company capitalizes all direct costs incurred to construct and substantially improve its restaurants. These costs are depreciated and charged to expense based upon their property classification when placed in service. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Owned buildings	9	to	30 years
	Equipment	3	to	7 years
	Computer hardware and software	3	to	7 years
	Assets subject to capital leases	Shorter of useful life or lease term
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term. In circumstances where an economic penalty would be presumed by the non-exercise of one or more renewal options under the lease, the Company includes those renewal option periods when determining the lease term. For significant leasehold improvements made during the latter part of the lease term, the Company amortizes those improvements over the shorter of their useful life or the expected lease term. The expected lease term would consider the exercise of renewal options if the value of the improvements would imply that an economic penalty would be incurred without the renewal of the option. Building costs incurred for new restaurants on leased land are depreciated over the lease term, which is generally a period of twenty years.
	Property and equipment at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
			December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012
	Land		$	4,879		$	3,639
	Owned buildings		7,545			6,997
	Leasehold improvements		149,268			125,551
	Equipment		162,854			154,678
	Assets subject to capital leases		16,121			16,085
			340,667			306,950
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(188,492		)	(171,024		)
			$	152,175		$	135,926

Acquisition_Tables

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Cash	$	417
	Inventory	3,336
	Leasehold improvements	7,640
	Restaurant equipment	20,955
	Restaurant equipment - subject to capital lease	10,751
	Franchise fees	8,597
	Franchise rights	30,700
	Favorable leases	3,470
	Deferred tax assets	2,465
	Goodwill	6,712
	Capital lease obligation for equipment	(10,779		)
	Other liabilities	(174		)
	Unfavorable leases	(9,553		)
	Net assets acquired	$	74,537
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma operating results (in thousands):
			Year Ended
			December 30, 2012			January 1, 2012
	Restaurant sales		$	665,032		$	642,398
	Net loss from continuing operations		$	(24,935	)	$	(14,509	)
	Net loss per share from continuing operations, basic and diluted		$	(1.10	)	$	(0.67	)

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table details amounts associated with the Spin-off which have been reported in discontinued operations:
		December 30, 2012			January 1, 2012
	Revenues	$	175,364		$	474,968
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	(625		)	17,591
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(72	)	$	11,742

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company capitalizes all direct costs incurred to construct and substantially improve its restaurants. These costs are depreciated and charged to expense based upon their property classification when placed in service. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Owned buildings	9	to	30 years
	Equipment	3	to	7 years
	Computer hardware and software	3	to	7 years
	Assets subject to capital leases	Shorter of useful life or lease term
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the underlying lease term. In circumstances where an economic penalty would be presumed by the non-exercise of one or more renewal options under the lease, the Company includes those renewal option periods when determining the lease term. For significant leasehold improvements made during the latter part of the lease term, the Company amortizes those improvements over the shorter of their useful life or the expected lease term. The expected lease term would consider the exercise of renewal options if the value of the improvements would imply that an economic penalty would be incurred without the renewal of the option. Building costs incurred for new restaurants on leased land are depreciated over the lease term, which is generally a period of twenty years.
	Property and equipment at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
			December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012
	Land		$	4,879		$	3,639
	Owned buildings		7,545			6,997
	Leasehold improvements		149,268			125,551
	Equipment		162,854			154,678
	Assets subject to capital leases		16,121			16,085
			340,667			306,950
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(188,492		)	(171,024		)
			$	152,175		$	135,926

Goodwill_Franchise_Rights_Favo2

Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Franchise Rights [Table Text Block]	'
	Following is a summary of the Company’s favorable and unfavorable leases as of the respective balance sheet dates, which are included as assets and liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:
		December 29, 2013				December 30, 2012
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated
								Amortization
	Favorable leases	$	3,470	$	496	$	3,470	$	183
	Unfavorable leases	$	9,553	$	1,378	$	9,553	$	508
	Following is a summary of the Company’s franchise rights as of the respective balance sheet dates:
		December 29, 2013				December 30, 2012
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated
				Amortization				Amortization
	Franchise rights	$	168,986	$	78,818	$	168,869	$	74,699

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets2

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Other Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Closed Restaurant Reserve [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the activity in the accrual for closed restaurant locations:
		December 29, 2013
	Balance, December 30, 2012	$	—
	Provisions for restaurant closures	1,616
	Payments, net	(242		)
	Other adjustments, including the effect of discounting future obligations	92
	Balance, December 29, 2013	$	1,466

Other_Liabilities_LongTerm_Oth

Other Liabilities, Long-Term Other Liabilities, Long-Term Table (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Other liabilities, long-term, at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
		December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012
	Accrued occupancy costs	$	7,793	$	5,591
	Accrued workers’ compensation and general liability claims	2,272		2,025
	Deferred compensation	353		282
	Long-term obligation to BKC for right of first refusal	1,672		2,393
	Other	2,780		2,282
		$	14,870	$	12,573

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of minimum rent commitments [Table Text Block]	'
	Minimum rent commitments under capital and non-cancelable operating leases at December 29, 2013 were as follows:
	Fiscal year ending:	Capital			Operating
	December 28, 2014	$	1,734		$	44,099
	January 3, 2016	1,733			42,450
	January 1, 2017	1,733			41,019
	December 31, 2017	1,733			38,136
	December 30, 2018	1,739			36,053
	Thereafter	2,982			298,768
	Total minimum lease payments	11,654			$	500,525
	Less amount representing interest	(2,318		)
	Total obligations under capital leases	9,336
	Less current portion	(1,147		)
	Long-term obligations under capital leases	$	8,189
Schedule of rent expense [Table Text Block]	'
	Total rent expense on operating leases, including contingent rent on both operating and capital leases, was as follows:
		Year ended
		December 29,			December 30,		January 1,
		2013			2012		2012
	Minimum rent on real property	$	43,650		$	34,758	$	20,765
	Contingent rent on real property	3,548			3,125		1,900
	Restaurant rent expense	47,198			37,883		22,665
	Administrative and equipment rent	225			174		114
		$	47,423		$	38,057	$	22,779

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ta

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	At December 29, 2013, principal payments required on long-term debt are as follows:
	2014	$	1,147
	2015	1,225
	2016	1,309
	2017	1,398
	2018	151,499
	Thereafter	2,758
		$	159,336
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	Long-term debt at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 consisted of the following:
		December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012
	Collateralized:
	Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes	$	150,000		$	150,000
	Capital leases (Note 8)	9,336			10,295
		159,336			160,295
	Less: current portion	(1,147		)	(1,062		)
		$	158,189		$	159,233

Lease_Financing_Obligations_Ta

Lease Financing Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Lease Financing Obligations [Abstract]	'
Payments Required on Lease Financing Obligations [Table Text Block]	'
	At December 29, 2013, payments required on lease financing obligations were as follows:
	2014	$	102
	2015	103
	2016	104
	2017	105
	2018	106
	Thereafter, through 2023	1,670
	Total minimum lease payments	2,190
	Less: Interest implicit in obligations	(990		)
	Total lease financing obligations	$	1,200

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
	The benefit for income taxes on income from continuing operations was comprised of the following:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13			December 30, 2012			January 1, 2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(4,325	)	$	(772	)	$	(6,606	)
	State	212			78			117
		(4,113		)	(694		)	(6,489		)
	Deferred (prepaid):
	Federal	(5,561		)	(10,055		)	4,875
	State	(1,347		)	(1,407		)	(47		)
		(6,908		)	(11,462		)	4,828
	Valuation allowance	624			2,063			—
	Benefit for income taxes	$	(10,397	)	$	(10,093	)	$	(1,661	)

Stockholders_Equity_StockBased

Stockholders' Equity Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of all non-vested shares activity for the year ended December 29, 2013 was as follows:
		Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Price
	Non-vested at December 30, 2012	934,628	$	7.84
	Granted	47,766	6.23
	Vested	-300,093	8.51
	Forfeited	-19,378	10.16
	Non-vested at December 29, 2013	662,923	7.35

Postretirement_Benefits_Tables

Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	'
	The following was the plan status and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012:
		December 29, 2013				30-Dec-12
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	2,622			$	2,055
	Service cost	89				60
	Interest cost	91				106
	Plan participants' contributions	77				72
	Actuarial loss (gain)	(285		)		581
	Benefits paid	(249		)		(269		)
	Medicare part D prescription drug subsidy	25				17
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	2,370			$	2,622
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—			$	—
	Employer contributions	147				180
	Plan participants' contributions	77				72
	Benefits paid	(249		)		(269		)
	Medicare part D prescription drug subsidy	25				17
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	—				—
	Funded status	$	(2,370	)		$	(2,622	)
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Discount rate used to determine benefit obligations	4.48		%		3.64		%
	Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost	3.64		%		4.4		%
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Components of net periodic postretirement benefit income recognized in the consolidated statements of operations were:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13				30-Dec-12				1-Jan-12
	Service cost	$	89			$	60			$	7
	Interest cost	91				106				87
	Amortization of net gains and losses	135				134				84
	Amortization of prior service credit	(357		)		(359		)		(359		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(42	)		$	(59	)		$	(181	)
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block]	'
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit income, consisted of:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13				30-Dec-12
	Prior service credit	$	3,037			$	3,394
	Net loss	(1,891		)		(2,311		)
	Deferred income taxes	(444		)		(414		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	702			$	669
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table reflects the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012:
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13				30-Dec-12
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	(285	)		$	581
	Amortization of net loss	(135		)		(134		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	357				359
	Deferred income taxes	30				(322		)
	Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(33	)		$	484
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	'
	Assumed health care cost trend rates at year end were as follows:
		29-Dec-13			30-Dec-12			1-Jan-12
	Medical benefits cost trend rate assumed for the following year pre-65	7.5	%		8	%		8	%
	Medical benefits cost trend rate assumed for the following year post-65	5.88	%		6	%		6.5	%
	Prescription drug benefit cost trend rate assumed for the following year	6.75	%		7	%		7.5	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5	%		5	%		5	%
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2021			2021			2017
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	'
	A one-percentage-point change in the health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
		1% Increase				1% Decrease
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	33			$	25
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	260				213

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Earn1

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings per Share Table (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
		Year ended
		29-Dec-13			30-Dec-12			1-Jan-12
	Basic and diluted net loss per share:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(13,519	)	$	(18,816	)	$	(524	)
	Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	—		$	(72	)	$	11,742
	Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	22,958,963			22,580,468			21,677,837
	Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations	$	(0.59	)	$	(0.83	)	$	(0.02	)
	Basic net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.54
	Common shares excluded from diluted net loss per share computation (1)	10,077,503			10,349,208			1,551,372

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_a1

Selected Quarterly Financial and Earnings Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Year Ended December 29, 2013
		First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	Restaurant sales	$	156,139			$	173,518			$	168,312			$	165,514
	Operating income (loss) from operations	-5,784			-1	-472			-1	209			-1	972			-1
	Net loss	-5,199				-3,496				-2,762				-2,062
	Basic and diluted net loss per share	(0.23		)		(0.15		)		(0.12		)		(0.09		)
		Year Ended December 30, 2012
		First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	Restaurant sales	$	85,450			$	122,104			$	169,471			$	162,583
	Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,480				693				-4,260			-3	-9,589			(1)(3)
	Net loss from continuing operations	-2,903				-779			-2	-6,340				-8,794
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-624				668				-2				-114
	Net loss	-3,527				-111				-6,342				-8,908
	Basic and diluted net loss per share, continuing operations	(0.13		)		(0.03		)		(0.28		)		(0.39		)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, discontinued operations	(0.03		)		0.03				0				(0.01		)
	-1	The Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, $0.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, $2.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, $1.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 (See Note 6).
	-2	The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012.
	-3	The Company recorded a gain of $0.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 and $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 related to property insurance recoveries from fires at two restaurants (See Note 11).

Basis_Of_Presentation_Basis_of1

Basis Of Presentation Basis of Presentation Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Reportable Segments	1	'	'
Restaurants Acquired	'	'	278
Number of restaurants	'	564	'
Number of States in which Entity Operates	'	13	'
Franchise Term Renewal Period	'	'20 years	'
Franchise Agreement, Term	'	'20 years	'
Cash, FDIC Insured Amount	'	$250	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weeks In Fiscal Period	'	52	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weeks In Fiscal Period	'	53	'
Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'	'14 years 8 months	'
Above Market Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'	'14 years 5 months	'

Basis_Of_Presentation_Property

Basis Of Presentation Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Operating leases, term	'20 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'30 years
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'9 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'7 years
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'3 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'7 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'
Useful life	'3 years

Basis_Of_Presentation_Fair_Val

Basis Of Presentation Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$170.60	'	'
Underperforming Restaurants [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Asset Impairment Charges	$2.80	$1	$1.30

Basis_Of_Presentation_StockBas

Basis Of Presentation Stock-Based Compensation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
	Rate	Rate	Rate
Restaurant Employee [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Award Vesting Rate	'	'	100.00%
Stock Award Vesting Period	'	'	'3 years
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Award Vesting Rate	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Stock Award Vesting Period	'4 years	'4 years	'4 years
Director [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Award Vesting Rate	20.00%	20.00%	50.00%
Stock Award Vesting Period	'5 years	'5 years	'2 years

Acquisition_Details

Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	30-May-12
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Restaurants Acquired	278	'
Equity ownership	28.90%	'
Purchase price, cash on hand and inventory	3.8	'
Purchase price, franchise fees	9.4	'
Purchase price, ROFR	3.6	'
Number of States for ROFR	'	20
Loan, Payment Period	'	'5 years
Restaurants to be remodeled	'	455
Purchase price	74.5	'
Purchase price, equity	'57711	'
Purchase price, cash	16.8	'
Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Shares Issuable upon Conversion	'	9,414,580
Sale of Stock, Price Per Share	'	$6.13
Property Leases Owned in Fee by BKC [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Restaurants Acquired	81	'
Property Leases Identical to BKC's Lease with Third Party [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Restaurants Acquired	197	'

Acquisition_Business_Acquisiti

Acquisition Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	30-May-12
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$417
Inventory	'	'	3,336
Franchise fees	'	'	8,597
Franchise rights	'	'	30,700
Favorable leases	'	'	3,470
Deferred tax assets	'	'	2,465
Goodwill	8,162	8,162	6,712
Capital lease obligation for equipment	'	'	-10,779
Other liabilities	'	'	-174
Unfavorable leases	'	'	-9,553
Net assets acquired	'	'	74,537
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Leasehold improvements	'	'	7,640
Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restaurant equipment	'	'	20,955
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restaurant equipment - subject to capital lease	'	'	$10,751

Acquisition_Business_Acquisiti1

Acquisition Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revenue of acquired restaurants since acquisition	$174,300,000	'	'
Acquisition-related costs	'	1,200,000	400,000
Restaurant sales	'	665,032,000	642,398,000
Net loss from continuing operations	'	($24,935,000)	($14,509,000)
Net loss per share from continuing operations, basic and diluted	'	($1.10)	($0.67)

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
					Fiesta Restaurant Group [Member]	Carrols Restaurant Group [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock Dividends, Shares	'	'	'	'	1	1
Distribution of Fiesta's net assets	($900,000)	($9,900,000)	($688,000)	($10,791,000)	'	'
Administrative Costs, Fees for Services under Transition Services Agreement	'	'	3,400,000	3,800,000	'	'
Fiesta's assets, net	'	'	'	'	$0	'

Discontinued_Operations_Fiesta

Discontinued Operations Fiesta's Revenues and Income (Loss) From Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	$175,364	$474,968
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	-625	17,591
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	($114)	($2)	$668	($624)	$0	($72)	$11,742

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Land	$4,879	$3,639	'
Owned buildings	7,545	6,997	'
Leasehold improvements	149,268	125,551	'
Equipment	162,854	154,678	'
Assets subject to capital leases	16,121	16,085	'
Propert and equipment, gross	340,667	306,950	'
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-188,492	-171,024	'
Property and equipment, net	152,175	135,926	'
Capital leases, accumulated depreciation	7,346	6,102	'
Depreciation expense	33,594	26,321	16,058
Property and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property and equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$28,364	$21,632	$12,255

Goodwill_Franchise_Rights_Favo3

Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases Goodwill Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment loss	$0	$0	$0

Goodwill_Franchise_Rights_Favo4

Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases Franchise Rights Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Franchise Term Renewal Period	'20 years	'	'
Franchise Rights, Gross	$168,986	$168,869	'
Franchise Rights, Accumulated Amortization	78,818	74,699	'
Franchise rights impairment	0	0	0
Franchise Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	4,120	3,767	3,194
Expected Amortization, next fiscal year	4,149	'	'
Expected Amortization, year two	4,149	'	'
Expected Amortization, year three	4,142	'	'
Expected Amortization, year four	4,111	'	'
Expected Amortization, year five	$4,111	'	'

Goodwill_Franchise_Rights_Favo5

Goodwill, Franchise Rights, Favorable and Unfavorable Leases Favorable and Unfavorable Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Favorable and Unfavorable Leases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Favorable lease, gross	$3,470	$3,470	'
Favorable leases, accumulated amortization	496	183	'
Unfavorable leases, gross	9,553	9,553	'
Unfavorable leases, accumulated amortization	1,378	508	'
Amortization expense	'	'	557
Expected Amortization, next fiscal year	'	'	546
Expected Amortization, year two	'	'	528
Expected Amortization, year three	'	'	449
Expected Amortization, year four	'	'	430
Expected Amortization, year five	'	'	$410

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets3

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'
Level 3 assets measured at fair value	$0.70
Other lease charges	1.6
Other lease charges, number of restaurants	4
Asset impairment charges, number of restaurants	19
Initial Impairments [Member]	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'
Impairment charges	1.9
Previously Impaired [Member]	'
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]	'
Impairment charges	$0.90

Impairment_Of_LongLived_Assets4

Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets And Other Lease Charges Closed Restaurant Reserve Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Balance, beginning of year	$0
Provisions for restaurant closures	1,616
Payments, net	-242
Other adjustments	92
Balance, end of year	$1,466

Other_Liabilities_LongTerm_Oth1

Other Liabilities, Long-Term Other Liabilities, Long-Term (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued Occupancy Costs	$7,793	$5,591
Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims	2,272	2,025
Deferred compensation	353	282
Long-term obligation to BKC for right of first refusal	1,672	2,393
Other	2,780	2,282
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	$14,870	$12,573

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Sale leaseback transactions, number	'2	'1	'2
Sale leaseback transactions, net proceeds	$3,144	$1,177	$2,818
Operating leases, term	'20 years	'	'
Sale leaseback transaction, deferred gains	'	705	133
Amortization of deferred gains from sale leaseback transactions	$1,799	$1,776	$1,987

Leases_Minimum_Rent_Disclosure

Leases Minimum Rent Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
Capital lease payments due in twelve months	$1,734	'
Operating lease payments due in next twelve months	44,099	'
Capital lease payments due in two years	1,733	'
Operating lease payments due in two years	42,450	'
Capital lease payments due in three years	1,733	'
Operating lease payments due in three years	41,019	'
Capital lease payments due in four years	1,733	'
Operating lease payments due in four years	38,136	'
Capital lease payments due in five years	1,739	'
Operating lease payments due in five years	36,053	'
Capital lease payments due thereafter	2,982	'
Operating lease payments due thereafter	298,768	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due	11,654	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments due	500,525	'
Less amount representing interest	-2,318	'
Total obligations under capital leases	9,336	10,295
Less current portion	-1,147	'
Long-term obligations under capital leases	$8,189	'

Leases_Rent_Expense_Disclosure

Leases Rent Expense Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Minimum rent on real property	$43,650	$34,758	$20,765
Contingent rent on real property	3,548	3,125	1,900
Restaurant rent expense	47,198	37,883	22,665
Rent expense on operating leases	47,423	38,057	22,779
General and Administrative Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rent expense on operating leases	$225	$174	$114

LongTerm_Debt_Long_Term_Debt_D

Long-Term Debt Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes	$150,000	$150,000
Capital leases	9,336	10,295
Long-term Debt	159,336	160,295
Less: current portion	-1,147	-1,062
Long-term Debt	$158,189	$159,233

LongTerm_Debt_Senior_Secured_S

Long-Term Debt Senior Secured Second Lien Notes (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes	$150,000,000	$150,000,000
Interest Rate	11.25%	'
Senior Notes, Redemption Price, Year One and Two	100.00%	'
Senior Notes, Redemption Price, Year Three	105.63%	'
Senior Notes, Redemption Price, Year Four	102.81%	'
Senior Notes, Redemption Price, Year Five	100.00%	'
Senior Notes, Amount Redeemable with Proceeds from Equity Offerings	35.00%	'
Collateral exclusion for material subsidiaries, percentage of Senior Notes	20.00%	'
Senior Notes, Cross Default Provision, Minimum Debt Principal Amount	$15,000,000	'

LongTerm_Debt_Senior_Credit_Fa

Long-Term Debt Senior Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
	Rate		Letter of Credit [Member]	Prior to Cash Collateral Release [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
				Rate		Following the Cash Collateral Release [Member]	Following the Cash Collateral Release [Member]
						Rate	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$20,000,000	'	$15,000,000	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	25,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	7,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Borrowing Capacity	12,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted cash	$20,000,000	$20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Senior Credit Facility, Cash Collateral Release, Adjusted Leverage Ratio	6	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Alternative Base Rate, Interest Rate Margin	'	'	'	0.75%	'	2.50%	3.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Libor Rate, Interest Rate Margin	'	'	'	1.75%	3.50%	'	4.25%

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Di

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
	Rate	Rate	Rate
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	11.25%	9.60%	6.00%
Interest Expense, Debt	$18,734	$12,657	$11,228

LongTerm_Debt_Future_Maturitie

Long-Term Debt Future Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Next Twelve Months	$1,147	'
Year Two	1,225	'
Year Three	1,309	'
Year Four	1,398	'
Year Five	151,499	'
Thereafter	2,758	'
Long-term Debt	$159,336	$160,295

Lease_Financing_Obligations_De

Lease Financing Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
	Rate
Lease Financing Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease Term	'20 years	'	'
Next twelve months	$102,000	'	'
Year two	103,000	'	'
Year three	104,000	'	'
Year four	105,000	'	'
Year five	106,000	'	'
Thereafter	1,670,000	'	'
Total minimum lease payments	2,190,000	'	'
Less: Interest implicit in obligations	-990,000	'	'
Total lease financing obligations	1,200,000	'	'
Interest Rate	11.25%	'	'
Interest Expense	18,841,000	12,764,000	7,353,000
Lease Financing Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Lease Financing Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest Rate	8.70%	'	'
Interest Expense	$107,000	$107,000	$107,000

Other_Income_Details

Other Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Component of Operating Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Other Income	'	'	($17,000)	$717,000	$720,000
Insurance Recoveries	500,000	200,000	'	700,000	300,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property	'	'	'	'	300,000
Gain on Business Interruption Insurance Recovery	'	'	'	'	$100,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes Schedule of Components of income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal	($4,325)	($772)	($6,606)
State	212	78	117
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-4,113	-694	-6,489
Federal	-5,561	-10,055	4,875
State	-1,347	-1,407	-47
Deferred	-6,908	-11,462	4,828
Valuation allowance	624	2,063	0
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	($10,397)	($10,093)	($1,661)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory and other reserves	($272)	($486)
Accrued vacation benefits	1,939	1,733
Accrued workers compensation	1,013	0
Accrued settlement costs	0	981
Other accruals	785	422
Current deferred income tax assets	3,465	2,650
Less: Valuation allowance	-269	-208
Total current deferred income tax assets	3,196	2,442
Deferred income on sale-leaseback of certain real estate	6,523	7,305
Lease financing obligations	212	198
Postretirement benefit expenses	1,363	1,452
Accumulated other comprehensive income-postretirement benefits	-444	-414
Stock-based compensation expense	290	329
Property and equipment depreciation	1,348	1,058
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	5,735	7,042
State net operating loss carryforwards	2,686	2,063
Amortization of other intangibles, net	2,748	2,856
Amortization of franchise rights	-23,868	-24,771
Occupancy costs	5,038	4,452
Tax credit carryforwards	5,721	984
Other	1,890	1,523
Long-term net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	9,242	4,077
Less: Valuation allowance	-2,418	-1,855
Total long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	6,824	2,222
Carrying value of net deferred income tax assets	$10,020	$4,664

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Federal Net Operating Loss Carryforwards	$5,735,000	$7,042,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	10,020,000	4,664,000	'	'
Change in valuation allowance	-624,000	-2,063,000	0	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	2,687,000	2,063,000	903,000	549,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	43.50%	34.90%	76.00%	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0	0	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	0	0	'	'
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$16,400,000	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Effective_Rate_Re

Income Taxes Effective Rate Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory federal income tax provision (benefit)	($8,371)	($10,118)	($765)
State income taxes (benefit), net of federal provision (benefit)	-656	-688	46
Stock-based compensation expense	0	-657	336
Change in valuation allowance	624	2,063	0
Non-deductible expenses	19	14	242
Employment tax credits	-2,298	-353	-1,148
Miscellaneous	285	-354	-372
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	($10,397)	($10,093)	($1,661)

Stockholders_Equity_StockBased1

Stockholders' Equity Stock-Based Compensation Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares Authorized Under Stock Incentive Plan	3,300,000	'	'
Additional Shares Authorized	'	1,000,000	'
Shares Available for Grant	2,139,570	'	'
Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	$500,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,205,000	925,000	1,037,000
Nonvested stock-based compensation expense	2,600,000	'	'
Remaining weighted average vesting period	'2 years 1 month	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Award Forfeiture Rates	0.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Award Forfeiture Rates	15.00%	'	'
Recognized in Period [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	'	$400,000	'
Director [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards Issued During Period	28,766	36,338	8,334
Stock Award Vesting Period	'5 years	'5 years	'2 years
Stock Award Vesting Rate	20.00%	20.00%	50.00%
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards Issued During Period	19,000	510,900	360,200
Stock Award Vesting Period	'4 years	'4 years	'4 years
Stock Award Vesting Rate	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity Summary of Non-Vested Stock Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Nonvested shares at beginning of period	934,628
Nonvested shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Price at beginning of period	$7.84
Grants in Period	47,766
Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Price	$6.23
Vested	-300,093
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Price	$8.51
Forfeited	-19,378
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Price	$10.16
Nonvested shares at end of period	662,923
Nonvested shares, Weighted Average Grant Date Price at end of period	$7.35

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies Lease Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Maximum potential undiscounted rental payments	$48.30
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Property Leases	35
Performance Guarantee [Member]	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Property Leases	5

Related_Parties_Details

Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	30-May-12
	Y
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	100	100	'	100
Convertible Preferred Stock, Common Shares Issuable upon Conversion	'	'	'	9,414,580
Franchise Term	20	'	'	'
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction	'	28.90%	'	'
Restaurant rent expense	$47,198,000	$37,883,000	$22,665,000	'
Related Party Transaction, Accounts Payable	14,687,000	20,075,000	'	'
Related Party, Burger King Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Initial Franchise Fees	50,000	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Royalty Fee Rate	4.50%	'	'	'
Royalty Expense	27,700,000	22,700,000	14,000,000	'
Related Party Transaction, Advertising Fee Rate	4.00%	'	'	'
Advertising Expense	28,900,000	21,300,000	14,000,000	'
Leases, Number of Leased Restaurant Properties	295	297	20	'
Restaurant rent expense	26,700,000	16,600,000	1,800,000	'
Related Party Transaction, Other Liabilities	2,400,000	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Accounts Payable	$3,500,000	'	'	'
Property Leases Identical to BKC's Lease with Third Party [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Leases, Number of Leased Restaurant Properties	196	'	'	'

Preferred_Stock_Details

Preferred Stock (Details)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	30-May-12	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
	Y			Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
				Rate	Rate
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	100	100	100	'	'
Stock Ownership, Restriction on Transfer	3	'	'	'	'
Common Stock Ownership	'	'	'	10.00%	14.50%
Board of directors, number of members	'	'	'	1	2

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
	Rate
Retirement Plans Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	50.00%	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Requisite Service Period, Hours of Service	1,000	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$346	$327	$292
Deferred Compensation Arrangements, Interest Rate	8.00%	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Employer Contribution	0	'	'
Deferred compensation	$353	$282	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Retirement Plans Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period of Company Contributions	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Retirement Plans Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Vesting Period of Company Contributions	'5 years	'	'

Postretirement_Benefits_Schedu

Postretirement Benefits Schedule of Net Funded Status and APBO (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
	Rate	Rate
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$2,622,000	$2,055,000	'
Service cost	89,000	60,000	7,000
Interest cost	91,000	106,000	87,000
Plan participants' contributions	77,000	72,000	'
Actuarial loss (gain)	-285,000	581,000	'
Benefits paid	-249,000	-269,000	'
Medicare part D prescription drug subsidy	25,000	17,000	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,370,000	2,622,000	2,055,000
Employer contributions	147,000	180,000	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status	($2,370,000)	($2,622,000)	'
Discount rate used to determine benefit obligations	4.48%	3.64%	'
Discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost	3.64%	4.40%	'

Postretirement_Benefits_Compon

Postretirement Benefits Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	$89	$60	$7
Interest cost	91	106	87
Amortization of net gains and losses	135	134	84
Amortization of prior service credit	-357	-359	-359
Net periodic postretirement benefit income	($42)	($59)	($181)

Postretirement_Benefits_Amount

Postretirement Benefits Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Prior service cost	$3,037	$3,394
Net gain	-1,891	-2,311
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income	-444	-414
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$702	$669

Postretirement_Benefits_Change

Postretirement Benefits Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	($285)	$581	'
Amortization of net loss	-135	-134	'
Amortization of prior service credit	357	359	'
Deferred income taxes	30	-322	'
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	($33)	$484	$382

Postretirement_Benefits_Assume

Postretirement Benefits Assumed Health Care Trend Rates (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
	Rate	Rate	Rate
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Medical benefits cost trend rate assumed for the following year pre-65	7.50%	8.00%	8.00%
Medical benefits cost trend rate assumed for the following year post-65	5.88%	6.00%	6.50%
Prescription drug benefit cost trend rate assumed for the following year	6.75%	7.00%	7.50%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2021	'2021	'2017

Postretirement_Benefits_Expect

Postretirement Benefits Expected Future Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$154
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	154
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	162
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	125
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	150
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Rolling Year Five	177
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$907

Postretirement_Benefits_Postre

Postretirement Benefits Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components	$33
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components	25
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensice Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year, Net Losses	113
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Amounts that Will be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year	-355
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	260
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	$213

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Share_Earn2

Net Income (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	($8,794)	($6,340)	($779)	($2,903)	($13,519)	($18,816)	($524)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	($114)	($2)	$668	($624)	$0	($72)	$11,742
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted	'	'	'	'	22,958,963	22,580,468	21,677,837
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share	'	'	'	'	($0.59)	($0.83)	($0.02)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share	'	'	'	'	$0	$0	$0.54
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	'	'	10,077,503	10,349,208	1,551,372

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_a2

Selected Quarterly Financial and Earnings Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Insurance Recoveries	$0.50	$0.20	$0.70	$0.30

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_a3

Selected Quarterly Financial and Earnings Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restaurant sales	$165,514,000	$168,312,000	$173,518,000	$156,139,000	$162,583,000	$169,471,000	$122,104,000	$85,450,000	$663,483,000	$539,608,000	$347,518,000
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations	972,000	209,000	-472,000	-5,784,000	-9,589,000	-4,260,000	693,000	-1,480,000	-5,075,000	-14,636,000	6,412,000
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	-8,794,000	-6,340,000	-779,000	-2,903,000	-13,519,000	-18,816,000	-524,000
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	'	'	'	-114,000	-2,000	668,000	-624,000	0	-72,000	11,742,000
Net income (loss)	-2,062,000	-2,762,000	-3,496,000	-5,199,000	-8,908,000	-6,342,000	-111,000	-3,527,000	-13,519,000	-18,888,000	11,218,000
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, continuing operations	($0.09)	($0.12)	($0.15)	($0.23)	($0.39)	($0.28)	($0.03)	($0.13)	'	'	'
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	($0.01)	$0	$0.03	($0.03)	'	'	'
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	0	-1,509,000	-1,244,000
Insurance Recoveries	'	'	'	'	500,000	200,000	'	'	'	700,000	300,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-925,000	-212,000	-63,000
Impairment and other lease charges	$600,000	$1,100,000	$2,200,000	$600,000	$700,000	'	'	'	$4,462,000	$977,000	$1,293,000

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Beginning of Year	$2,063	$903	$549
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	624	2,063	-354
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	'	-903	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, End of Year	$2,687	$2,063	$903