Maximum number of years remaining for existing operating leases.

No definition available.

Name:	rt_ExpirationOfOperatingLeases
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of restaurants that, during the period, the company agreed to sell.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_NumberOfCompanyOwnedRestaurantsAgreedDuringThePeriodToSell
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of company-owned restaurants closed and transferred to a third-party buyer during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_NumberOfCompanyOwnedRestaurantsClosedAndTransferredToThirdPartyBuyer
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of company-owned restaurants for which the Board of Director's approved management's plan to close.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_NumberOfCompanyownedRestaurantsPlannedToClose
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the number of restaurants operated by traditional franchisees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_NumberOfFranchiseRestaurants
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of states primarily outside the Company's existing core markets in which the entity operates as of the balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_NumberOfStatesPrimarilyOutsideCompanyExistingCoreMarketsInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

For a franchise operating agreement, the marketing and purchase fee maximum chargeable amount, expressed as a percentage of gross sales.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_OperatingAgreementsMarketingAndPurchaseFeeGrossSalesContributionMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For a franchise operating agreement, the support service fee maximum chargeable amount, expressed as a percentage of gross sales.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_OperatingAgreementsSupportServiceFeeGrossSalesContributionMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of restaurants located on leased land under an operating lease agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_PercentageOfRestaurantsLocatedOnLeasedLand
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of restaurants located on leased land and building under an operating lease agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_PercentageOfRestaurantsLocatedOnLeasedLandAndBuilding
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of restaurants located on leased properties under an operating lease agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_PercentageOfRestaurantsLocatedOnLeasedProperties
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage, for the use of the entity's name under the franchise operating agreements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rt_RoyaltyFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	rt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16265-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388964&loc=d3e16225-109274

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Expenditures for planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services. Costs of public relations and corporate promotions are typically considered to be marketing costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MarketingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of countries in which the entity operates as of balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfCountriesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the number of restaurants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents a liability associated with the acquisition of an off-market lease when the terms of the lease are unfavorable to the market terms for the lease at the date of acquisition.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OffMarketLeaseUnfavorable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of breakage recognized related to unredeemed gift cards. Breakage occurs when a customer pays in advance of vendor performance and does not demand full performance for various reasons.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 605
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 13.B.Q1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65893310&loc=d3e214044-122780

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68058157&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Breakage
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51574696

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionGiftCardsBreakage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of franchises sold during the period when there are significant changes in franchisor-owned outlets or franchised outlets during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 952
-SubTopic 605
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68064525&loc=d3e68639-108044

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SignificantChangesFranchisesSold
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The remaining balance of debt issuance expenses that were capitalized and are being amortized against income over the lives of the respective bond issues. This does not include the amounts capitalized as part of the cost of the utility plant or asset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=rt_PrepaidRentAndOtherExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=rt_CurrentMaturitiesOfLongTermDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=rt_SeniorNotesAndMortgageLoanObligationsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=rt_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeasesLessCurrentMaturitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=rt_ForeignCountriesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=rt_RubyTuesdayMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=rt_LimeFreshMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=rt_LimeFreshMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=rt_RestaurantEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=rt_ReacquiredFranchiseRightsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_LeaseAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_TrademarksMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 14, 2016	May 31, 2016 USD ($)	May 31, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 29, 2016	May 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 03, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 11, 2016	Dec. 03, 2013
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Number of Company-owned Restaurants Closed and Transferred to Third-party Buyer				1
Prepaid Rent and Other Expense [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		$ 700	$ 700		$ 700	$ 700
Other Assets [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		400	400		400	1,100
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt [Member] \| Senior Notes and Mortgage Loan Obligations [Member]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		700	700		700	800
Long-term Debt and Capital Leases, Less Current Maturities [Member] \| Senior Notes and Mortgage Loan Obligations [Member]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		$ 2,400	$ 2,400		$ 2,400	3,200
Foreign Countries [Member]
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates		14	14		14
Ruby Tuesday [Member]
Number of Restaurants		646	646		646
Royalty Fee Percentage					4.00%
Operating Agreements Support Service Fee Gross Sales Contribution Maximum					1.50%
Operating Agreements Marketing and Purchase Fee Gross Sales Contribution Maximum					3.00%
Lime Fresh [Member]
Number of Restaurants		2	2		2
Subsequent Event [Member]
Number of Company-owned Restaurants Closed and Transferred to Third-party Buyer	1
Number of Company-owned Restaurants Planned to Close								95
Lime Fresh [Member]
Number of Company-owned Restaurants Agreed During the Period to Sell		8	8		8
Significant Changes, Franchises Sold			8
Building and Building Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					3 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					35 years
Restaurant Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					3 years
Restaurant Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life					15 years
Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					8 years 146 days
Lease Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life					26 years 36 days
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life					10 years
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		$ 74	$ 74		$ 74	283
Number of Restaurants		646	646		646				49
Number of Franchise Restaurants		78	78		78
Number of States Primarily Outside Company Existing Core Markets in Which Entity Operates		12	12		12
Off-market Lease, Unfavorable		$ 600	$ 600		$ 600	800
Amortization of Intangible Assets					1,800	2,200	$ 2,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months		900	900		900
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two		700	700		700
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three		600	600		600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four		600	600		600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five		$ 300	$ 300		$ 300
Percentage of Restaurants Located on Leased Properties		53.00%	53.00%		53.00%
Percentage of Restaurants Located on Leased Land		73.00%	73.00%		73.00%
Percentage of Restaurants Located on Leased Land and Building		27.00%	27.00%		27.00%
Expiration of Operating Leases					20 years
Revenue Recognition, Gift Cards, Breakage					$ 2,100	2,000	600
Marketing Expense					$ 51,400	$ 49,400	$ 67,200