Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2011	Feb. 24, 2012	Jul. 10, 2011
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	O CHARLEYS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000864233
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 25, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 121.7
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,947,706