Note 18 - Segment Information (Details) - Segment Information, Operating Profit (Loss) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2014
Sep. 28, 2014
Jun. 29, 2014
Mar. 30, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Sep. 29, 2013
Jun. 30, 2013
Mar. 31, 2013
Mar. 25, 2012
Dec. 28, 2014
Dec. 29, 2013
Dec. 30, 2012
Revenues:                        
Revenues $ 98,941 $ 73,795 $ 83,006 $ 90,354 $ 87,631 $ 68,651 $ 80,193 $ 85,879   $ 346,097 $ 322,354 $ 310,285
Segment profits:                        
Segment profits                   83,993 82,501 74,601
Unallocated operating income 11,912 3,962 9,834 13,954 9,094 5,062 10,010 12,787   39,662 36,954 27,511
Marketing and advertising expenses                   (10,076) (9,341) (9,158)
General and administrative costs                   (24,311) (27,808) (25,612)
Depreciation and amortization expenses                   (10,917) (10,229) (11,050)
Pre-opening costs                   (1,630) (691) (540)
Loss on impairments   (15,300)     (3,300)         0 0 (3,262)
Gain on settlements, net           2,200       0 1,719 683
Interest expense, net (278) (297) (298) (287) (295) (414) (415) (516)   (1,159) (1,640) (2,364)
Debt issuance costs written off                 (807) 0 0 (807)
Other income (expense) 12 5 12 9 (1) (101) (1) 25   37 (77) (293)
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 11,646 3,670 9,548 13,676 8,798 4,548 9,593 12,297   38,540 35,237 24,047
Capital expenditures:                        
Capital expenditures                   17,365 15,311 11,457
Operating Segments [Member] | Company-owned Steakhouse Restaurants [Member]                        
Revenues:                        
Revenues                   327,731 306,539 294,600
Segment profits:                        
Segment profits                   68,230 67,489 60,765
Capital expenditures:                        
Capital expenditures                   14,867 11,242 9,667
Operating Segments [Member] | Franchise Operations [Member]                        
Revenues:                        
Revenues                   15,763 15,012 13,836
Segment profits:                        
Segment profits                   15,763 15,012 13,836
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]                        
Revenues:                        
Revenues                   2,603 803 1,849
Segment profits:                        
Unallocated operating income                   2,603 803 1,849
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]                        
Capital expenditures:                        
Capital expenditures                   1,097 1,723 621
Mitchell's Restaurants [Member]                        
Segment profits:                        
Loss on impairments   (8,000)                    
Capital expenditures:                        
Capital expenditures                   $ 1,401 $ 2,346 $ 1,169