Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Contributions from franchisees to advertising and media funds	$ 0.8	$ 0.7

Contributions from franchisees to advertising and media funds.

No definition available.

Name:	cec_ContributionsFromFranchiseesToAdvertisingAndMediaFunds
Namespace Prefix:	cec_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration