Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (CAD) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Apr. 01, 2012		Dec. 30, 2012
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Tim Hortons Inc.	86,171		88,779		402,885
Weighted average shares outstanding for computation of basic earnings per common share attributable to Tim Hortons Inc. (in thousands)	153,091		156,993
Dilutive impact of RSUs	221	[1]	227	[1]
Dilutive impact of stock options with tandem SARs	236	[2]	270	[2]
Weighted average shares outstanding for computation of diluted earnings per common share attributable to Tim Hortons Inc. (in thousands)	153,548		157,490
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Tim Hortons Inc.	0.56		0.57
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Tim Hortons Inc.	0.56		0.56

[1] Restricted stock units ("RSUs").

[2] Stock appreciation rights ("SARs").