Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Total Texas Roadhouse, Inc. and Subsidiaries	Common Stock	Paid in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Comprehensive Income
Balance at Dec. 28, 2010	$ 499,382	$ 496,616	$ 72	$ 250,874	$ 247,008	$ (1,338)	$ 2,766
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2010			72,222,991
Comprehensive income:
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax of $0.9 million	(1,469)	(1,469)				(1,469)		(1,469)
Net income	53,590	51,667			51,667		1,923	53,590
Total comprehensive income	52,121	50,198					1,923	52,121
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,756)						(1,756)
Minority interest contribution	963						963
Minority interest liquidation adjustments	(29)	(29)		(29)
Dividends paid ($0.16 per share)	(11,399)	(11,399)			(11,399)
Dividends declared ($0.08 per share)	(5,613)	(5,613)			(5,613)
Shares issued under stock option plan including tax effects	6,487	6,487	1	6,486
Shares issued under stock option plan including tax effects (in shares)			412,502
Repurchase of shares of common stock	(46,448)	(46,448)	(3)	(46,445)
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)	(3,003,400)		(3,003,400)
Settlement of restricted stock units, net of tax	(2,891)	(2,891)		(2,891)
Settlement of restricted stock units, net of tax (in shares)			380,292
Share-based compensation	8,151	8,151		8,151
Balance at Sep. 27, 2011	$ 498,968	$ 495,072	$ 70	$ 216,146	$ 281,663	$ (2,807)	$ 3,896
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2011			70,012,385