Subsequent Events (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2021
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent EventsOn August 10, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors approved an extension of the Company's Repurchase Program, which was set to expire on August 2, 2021 with approximately $11.0 million of its original $25 million in capacity remaining. The authorization will expire on August 2, 2023, unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors. Purchases under the Repurchase Program may be made from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions (including, without limitation, the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans) in compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase stock under the Repurchase Program, and the timing, actual number and value of shares purchased will depend on the Company's stock price, trading volume, general market and economic conditions, and other factors.Effective August 12, 2021, the Board declared a $25.0 million special cash dividend amounting to $0.41 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of common stock, including common stock issuable on the conversion of our Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The special cash dividend will be paid on October 5, 2021 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 25, 2021. The Company's preliminarily assessment is that the special cash dividend will be treated as a tax-free return of capital causing a reduction in a holder’s adjusted tax basis in Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. common stock. If a holder’s basis is reduced to zero, any remaining portion of the special cash dividend would be taxed as capital gains. Final determination of the tax treatment will be based on Form 1099s that will be sent to holders in 2022. Holders should consult with their tax advisors to determine tax treatment of the special cash dividend.