Long-Term Debt Debt Balances (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrols Restaurant Group 11.25% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes	$ 150,000	$ 150,000
Capital leases	10,037	10,295
Long-term Debt	160,037	160,295
Less: current portion	(1,062)	(1,062)
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	$ 158,975	$ 159,233

Amount equal to the present value (the principal) at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term (excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor, together with any profit thereon) net of payments or other amounts applied to the principal through the balance sheet date.

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Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders.

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