Dunkin Brands (DNKN) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Feb. 18, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	28-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001357204	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	106,423,121	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$4.55
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Trading Symbol	'DNKN	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$256,933	$252,618
Accounts receivable, net	47,162	32,407
Notes and other receivables, net	32,603	20,649
Assets held for sale	1,663	2,400
Deferred income taxes, net	46,461	47,263
Restricted assets of advertising funds	31,493	31,849
Prepaid income taxes	25,699	10,825
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,746	21,769
Total current assets	461,760	419,780
Property and equipment, net	182,858	181,172
Equity method investments	170,644	174,823
Goodwill	891,598	891,900
Other intangible assets, net	1,452,205	1,479,784
Restricted cash	305	367
Other assets	75,320	69,687
Total assets	3,234,690	3,217,513
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	5,000	26,680
Capital lease obligations	432	371
Accounts payable	12,445	16,256
Liabilities of advertising funds	49,077	45,594
Deferred income	28,426	24,683
Other current liabilities	248,918	239,931
Total current liabilities	344,298	353,515
Long-term debt, net	1,818,609	1,823,278
Capital lease obligations	6,996	7,251
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	16,834	19,061
Deferred income	11,135	15,720
Deferred income taxes, net	561,714	569,126
Other long-term liabilities	62,816	79,587
Total long-term liabilities	2,478,104	2,514,023
Commitments and contingencies (note 17)	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	4,930	0
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 106,876,919 shares issued and 106,646,219 shares outstanding at December 28, 2013; 106,146,984 shares issued and outstanding at December 29, 2012	107	106
Additional paid-in capital	1,196,426	1,251,498
Treasury stock, at cost	-10,773	0
Accumulated deficit	-779,741	-914,094
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,339	9,141
Total stockholders’ equity of Dunkin' Brands	407,358	346,651
Noncontrolling interests	0	3,324
Total stockholders' equity	407,358	349,975
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and stockholders' equity	$3,234,690	$3,217,513

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	475,000,000	475,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	106,876,919	106,146,984
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	106,646,219	106,146,984

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Franchise fees and royalty income	$453,976	$418,940	$398,474
Rental income	96,082	96,816	92,145
Sales of ice cream products	112,276	94,659	100,068
Sales at company-owned restaurants	24,976	22,922	12,154
Other revenues	26,530	24,844	25,357
Total revenues	713,840	658,181	628,198
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants	52,097	52,072	51,878
Cost of ice cream products	79,278	69,019	72,329
Company-owned restaurant expenses	24,480	23,133	12,854
General and administrative expenses, net	228,010	239,574	227,771
Depreciation	22,423	29,084	24,497
Amortization of other intangible assets	26,943	26,943	28,025
Long-lived asset impairment charges	563	1,278	2,060
Total operating costs and expenses	433,794	441,103	419,414
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income, excluding impairment	19,243	22,351	16,277
Impairment charge, net of tax	-873	0	-19,752
Total net income (loss) of equity method investments	18,370	22,351	-3,475
Other operating income, net	6,320	0	0
Operating income	304,736	239,429	205,309
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest income	404	543	623
Interest expense	-80,235	-74,031	-105,072
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	-5,018	-3,963	-34,222
Other gains (losses), net	-1,799	23	175
Total other expense	-86,648	-77,428	-138,496
Income before income taxes	218,088	162,001	66,813
Provision for income taxes	71,784	54,377	32,371
Net income including noncontrolling interests	146,304	107,624	34,442
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-599	-684	0
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	$146,903	$108,308	$34,442
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$1.38	$0.94	($1.41)
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.36	$0.93	($1.41)
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.60	$0
Common Class L [Member]	'	'	'
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Class L-basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$6.14

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$146,304	$107,624	$34,442
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:	'	'	'
Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $205, $(260), and $295 for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively	-14,909	-5,996	6,560
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $5,290 and $(1,154) for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively	7,740	-1,655	0
Unrealized loss on pension plan, net of deferred tax benefit of $200, $415, and $85 for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively	-612	-1,180	-233
Other	-21	-1,629	-353
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-7,802	-10,460	5,974
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	138,502	97,164	40,416
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-599	-684	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	$139,101	$97,848	$40,416

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation, deferred tax effect	($205)	$260	($295)
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, deferred tax effect	-5,290	1,154	0
Unrealized loss on pension plan, deferred tax effect	$200	$415	$85

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury stock, at cost	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive income	Noncontrolling interests	IPO [Member]	IPO [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified								Common stock	Additional paid-in capital
Balance at Dec. 25, 2010	($534,341)	$42	$195,212	($1,807)	($741,415)	$13,627	$0	'	'
Balance, shares at Dec. 25, 2010	'	41,853,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	34,442	'	'	'	34,442	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	5,974	'	'	'	'	5,974	'	'	'
Accretion of Class L preferred return	-45,102	'	'	'	-45,102	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class L shares into common stock, shares	'	55,653,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class L shares into common stock	887,841	55	887,786	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,250,000	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with initial public offering	389,961	'	'	'	'	'	'	22	389,939
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	129,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock	942	0	942	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	62,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	266	'	266	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense, shares)	'	105,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	4,632	'	4,632	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-173	'	'	-173	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)	'	-558,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock	0	'	-1,980	1,980	'	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	1,494	'	1,494	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	745,936	119	1,478,291	0	-752,075	19,601	0	'	'
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	119,494,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	107,624	'	'	'	108,308	'	-684	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-10,460	'	'	'	'	-10,460	'	'	'
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests	4,008	'	'	'	'	'	4,008	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	-70,069	'	-70,069	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	1,277,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	4,418	2	4,416	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense, shares)	'	372,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	6,920	'	6,920	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-450,369	'	'	-450,369	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)	'	-15,001,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock	0	-15	-180,027	450,369	-270,327	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	11,978	'	11,978	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	-11	'	-11	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	349,975	106	1,251,498	0	-914,094	9,141	3,324	'	'
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2012	106,146,984	106,142,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	146,664	'	'	'	146,903	'	-239	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-7,802	'	'	'	'	-7,802	'	'	'
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests	0	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	-81,008	'	-81,008	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	1,140,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	7,963	1	7,962	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense, shares)	'	12,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	7,323	'	7,323	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	-27,963	'	'	-27,963	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)	'	-417,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock	0	0	-4,688	17,190	-12,502	'	'	'	'
Reclassification to noncontrolling interests	-3,085	'	'	'	'	0	-3,085	'	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	15,366	'	15,366	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	-75	'	-27	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	-360	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification to noncontrolling interests	3,085	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,205	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	4,930	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$407,358	$107	$1,196,426	($10,773)	($779,741)	$1,339	$0	'	'
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2013	106,646,219	106,877,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$146,304	$107,624	$34,442
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	49,366	56,027	52,522
Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount	4,706	5,727	6,278
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	5,018	3,963	34,222
Impact of unfavorable operating leases acquired	-2,177	-2,352	-3,230
Deferred income taxes	-13,191	-6,946	-11,363
Long-lived asset impairment charges	563	1,278	2,060
Provision for (recovery of) bad debt	3,484	-542	2,019
Share-based compensation expense	7,323	6,920	4,632
Net loss (income) of equity method investments	-18,370	-22,351	3,475
Dividends received from equity method investments	7,226	6,497	7,362
Gain on sale of joint venture	-6,320	0	0
Other, net	-2,268	-845	-2,633
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net	-27,444	6,321	19,123
Other current assets	1,879	-1,480	4,406
Accounts payable	46	2,804	85
Other current liabilities	8,163	38,767	17,904
Liabilities of advertising funds, net	4,795	-5,688	-3,572
Income taxes payable, net	-27,847	-38,928	473
Deferred income	-842	-1,491	-5,658
Other, net	1,385	-885	156
Net cash provided by operating activities	141,799	154,420	162,703
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-31,099	-22,398	-18,596
Proceeds from sale of joint venture	6,682	0	0
Other, net	1,511	-549	-1,211
Net cash used in investing activities	-22,906	-22,947	-19,807
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	396,000	250,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-24,157	-15,441	-654,608
Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs	-6,157	-5,978	-20,087
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering costs	0	0	389,961
Repurchases of common stock	-27,963	-450,369	-286
Dividends paid on common stock	-81,008	-70,069	0
Exercise of stock options	7,963	4,418	266
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	15,366	11,978	1,494
Other, net	1,782	3,859	3,186
Net cash used in financing activities	-114,174	-125,602	-30,074
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-404	32	-207
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,315	5,903	112,615
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	252,618	246,715	134,100
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	256,933	252,618	246,715
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	98,483	90,225	43,143
Cash paid for interest	78,127	54,115	103,147
Noncash investing activities:	'	'	'
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,366	5,244	1,641
Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligations	$173	$2,818	$0

Description_of_Business_and_Or

Description of Business and Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Organization	'
	Description of business and organization
	Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (“DBGI”), together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is one of the world’s largest franchisors of restaurants serving coffee and baked goods, as well as ice cream, within the quick service restaurant segment of the restaurant industry. We develop, franchise, and license a system of both traditional and nontraditional quick service restaurants and, in limited circumstances, own and operate individual locations. Through our Dunkin’ Donuts brand, we develop and franchise restaurants featuring coffee, donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and related products. Through our Baskin-Robbins brand, we develop and franchise restaurants featuring ice cream, frozen beverages, and related products. Additionally, we distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international markets.
	Throughout these consolidated financial statements, “Dunkin’ Brands,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “management” refer to DBGI and its consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of significant accounting policies
	(a) Fiscal year
	The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within fiscal years 2013 and 2012 reflect the results of operations for the 52-week periods ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, and fiscal year 2011 reflects the results of operations for the 53-week period ended December 31, 2011.
	(b) Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which we possess a variable interest include franchise entities, the advertising funds (see note 4), and our equity method investees. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities, except for our investments in various entities that are accounted for under the equity method or are otherwise consolidated. Additionally, we generally do not provide financial support to franchise entities in a typical franchise relationship. As our franchise and license arrangements provide our franchisee and licensee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. Based on the results of our analysis of potential VIEs, we have not consolidated any franchise entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential franchise VIEs is attributable to aged trade and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees (see note 17(b)), and future lease payments due from franchisees (see note 11).
	The Company holds a 51% interest in a limited partnership that owns and operates Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the Dallas, Texas area. The Company possesses control of this entity and, therefore, consolidates the results of the limited partnership. During fiscal year 2013, the Company amended the partnership agreement with the noncontrolling owners to provide the noncontrolling owners the option in early 2017 to sell their entire interest to the Company. As a result of the amendment, the partnership agreement now contains a redemption feature that is not currently redeemable, but it is probable to become redeemable in the future. As such, the Company reclassified the noncontrolling interests in fiscal year 2013 to temporary equity (between liabilities and stockholders’ equity) in the consolidated balance sheets. The net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, the consolidated balance sheets included $3.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $6.4 million of property and equipment, net for this partnership entity, which may be used only to settle obligations of the partnership.
	(c) Accounting estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. Significant estimates are made in the calculations and assessments of the following: (a) allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables, (b) impairment of tangible and intangible assets, (c) income taxes, (d) real estate reserves, (e) lease accounting estimates, (f) gift certificate breakage, and (g) contingencies. Estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities when they are not readily apparent from other sources. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Illiquid credit markets and volatile equity and foreign currency markets have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.
	(d) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
	The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, we maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
	Cash held related to the advertising funds and the Company’s gift card/certificate programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds; however, the Company intends to use these funds solely to support the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs rather than to fund operations. Total cash balances related to the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were $134.5 million and $125.4 million, respectively.
	(e) Fair value of financial instruments
	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, assets and liabilities related to the advertising funds, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For long-term receivables, we review the creditworthiness of the counterparty on a quarterly basis, and adjust the carrying value as necessary. We believe the carrying value of long-term receivables of $5.3 million and $5.8 million as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, approximates fair value.
	Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		28-Dec-13				29-Dec-12
		Quoted prices		Significant	Total	Quoted prices	Significant	Total
		in active		other		in active	other
		markets for		observable		markets for	observable
		identical assets		inputs		identical assets	inputs
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 1)	(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Mutual funds	$	1,012	—	1,012	2,505	—	2,505
	Interest rate swaps	—		10,221	10,221	—	—	—
	Total assets	$	1,012	10,221	11,233	2,505	—	2,505
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	7,181	7,181	—	7,379	7,379
	Interest rate swaps	—		—	—	—	2,809	2,809
	Total liabilities	$	—	7,181	7,181	—	10,188	10,188
	The deferred compensation liabilities relate primarily to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”), which allows for pre-tax salary deferrals for certain qualifying employees (see note 18). Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds mutual funds, as well as money market funds, to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plan as well as other benefit plans. The changes in the fair value of the mutual funds are derived using quoted prices in active markets for the specific funds. As such, the mutual funds are classified within Level 1, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
	The Company uses readily available market data to value its interest rate swaps, such as interest rate curves and discount factors. Additionally, the fair value of derivatives includes consideration of credit risk in the valuation. The Company uses a potential future exposure model to estimate this credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The inputs to the CVA are largely based on observable market data, with the exception of certain assumptions regarding credit worthiness which make the CVA a Level 3 input, as defined under U.S. GAAP. As the magnitude of the CVA is not a significant component of the fair value of the interest rate swaps as of December 28, 2013, it is not considered a significant input and the derivatives are classified as Level 2.
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Financial liabilities	Carrying		Estimated	Carrying	Estimated
		value		fair value	value	fair value
	Term loans	$	1,823,609	1,836,212	1,849,958	1,878,980
	The estimated fair value of our term loans is based on current bid prices for our term loans. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our term loans are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
	(f) Inventories
	Inventories consist primarily of ice cream products sold to certain international markets that are in-transit from our third-party manufacturer to our international licensees, during which time we hold title to such products. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, and cost is generally determined based on the actual cost of the specific inventory sold. Inventories are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	(g) Assets held for sale
	Assets held for sale primarily represent costs incurred by the Company for store equipment and leasehold improvements constructed for sale to franchisees, as well as restaurants formerly operated by franchisees waiting to be resold. The value of such restaurants and related assets is reduced to reflect net recoverable values, with such reductions recorded to general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, internal specialists estimate the amount to be recovered from the sale of such assets based on their knowledge of the (a) market in which the store is located, (b) results of the Company’s previous efforts to dispose of similar assets, and (c) current economic conditions. The actual cost of such assets held for sale is affected by specific factors such as the nature, age, location, and condition of the assets, as well as the economic environment and inflation.
	We classify restaurants and their related assets as held for sale and suspend depreciation and amortization when (a) we make a decision to refranchise or sell the property, (b) the stores are available for immediate sale, (c) we have begun an active program to locate a buyer, (d) significant changes to the plan of sale are not likely, and (e) the sale is probable within one year.
	(h) Property and equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term of the related asset. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment	3 – 10
	Routine maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major improvements, additions, or replacements that extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the safety or the efficiency of property are capitalized at cost and depreciated. Major improvements to leased property are capitalized as leasehold improvements and depreciated. Interest costs incurred during the acquisition period of capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset and depreciated.
	(i) Leases
	When determining lease terms, we begin with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the leased properties. We include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the Company in such an amount that the renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured, which generally includes option periods through the end of the related franchise agreement term. We also include any rent holidays in the determination of the lease term.
	We record rent expense and rent income for leases and subleases, respectively, that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined above. In certain cases, contingent rentals are based on sales levels of our franchisees, in excess of stipulated amounts. Contingent rentals are included in rent income and rent expense as they are earned or accrued, respectively.
	We occasionally provide to our sublessees, or receive from our landlords, tenant improvement dollars. Tenant improvement dollars paid to our sublessees are recorded as a deferred rent asset. For fixed asset and/or leasehold purchases for which we receive tenant improvement dollars from our landlords, we record the property and equipment and/or leasehold improvements gross and establish a deferred rent obligation. The deferred lease assets and obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the determined sublease and lease terms, respectively.
	Management regularly reviews sublease arrangements, where we are the lessor, for losses on sublease arrangements. We recognize a loss, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates, when costs expected to be incurred under an operating prime lease exceed the anticipated future revenue stream of the operating sublease. Furthermore, for properties where we do not currently have an operational franchise or other third-party sublessee and are under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates and net of estimated sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and charged to operations at the time we cease use of the property. The value of any equipment and leasehold improvements related to a closed store is assessed for potential impairment (see note 2(j)).
	(j) Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by internal specialists based on the present value of anticipated future cash flows or, if required, by independent third-party valuation specialists, depending on the nature of the assets or asset group.
	(k) Equity method investments
	The Company's equity method investments consist of interests in B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (“BR Japan”), BR-Korea Co., Ltd. (“BR Korea”), Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Spain JV”), and Palm Oasis Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), which are accounted for in accordance with the equity method. As a result of the acquisition of the Company by BCT (see note 19(a)) on March 1, 2006 (“BCT Acquisition”), the Company has recorded a step-up in the basis of our investment in BR Japan. The basis difference is comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill. The franchise rights and related tax liabilities are amortized in a manner that reflects the estimated benefits from the use of the intangible asset over a period of 14 years. The franchise rights were valued based on an estimate of future cash flows to be generated from the ongoing management of the contracts over their remaining useful lives.
	(l) Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Goodwill and trade names (“indefinite-lived intangibles”) have been assigned to our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, for purposes of impairment testing. All of our reporting units have indefinite-lived intangibles associated with them.
	We evaluate the remaining useful life of our trade names to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a trade name is impaired. In the event we were to determine that the carrying value of a trade name would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed. Quantitative testing consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. For goodwill, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit's carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. We have selected the first day of our fiscal third quarter as the date on which to perform our annual impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite-lived intangibles has been impaired.
	Other intangible assets consist primarily of franchise and international license rights (“franchise rights”), ice cream distribution and territorial franchise agreement license rights (“license rights”), and operating lease interests acquired related to our prime leases and subleases (“operating leases acquired”). Franchise rights, license rights, and operating leases acquired recorded in the consolidated balance sheets were valued using an appropriate valuation method during the period of acquisition. Amortization of franchise rights, license rights, and favorable operating leases acquired is recorded as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amortized over the respective franchise, license, and lease terms using the straight-line method.
Unfavorable operating leases acquired related to our prime and subleases are recorded in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rental expense and rental income, respectively, over the base lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method. The weighted average amortization period for all unfavorable operating leases acquired is 17 years.
Management makes adjustments to the carrying amount of such intangible assets and unfavorable operating leases acquired if they are deemed to be impaired using the methodology for long-lived assets (see note 2(j)), or when such license or lease agreements are reduced or terminated.
(m) Contingencies
The Company records reserves for legal and other contingencies when information available to the Company indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating the related costs and exposures involve substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates. Legal costs incurred in connection with legal and other contingencies are expensed as the costs are incurred.
(n) Foreign currency translation
We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes. Foreign currency translation adjustments primarily result from our equity method investments, as well as subsidiaries located in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Spain. Business transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
(o) Revenue recognition
Franchise fees and royalty income
Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. Our franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay an initial nonrefundable fee and continuing fees, or royalty income, based upon a percentage of sales. The franchisee will typically pay us a renewal fee if we approve a renewal of the franchise agreement. Such fees are paid by franchisees to obtain the rights associated with these franchise agreements or SDAs. Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the respective restaurant. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned, with deferred amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within one year classified as current deferred income in the consolidated balance sheets. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee becomes effective. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise agreement, SDA, or renewal agreement and, when appropriate, records the costs of such programs as reductions of revenue.
For our international business, we sell master territory and/or license agreements that typically allow the master licensee to either act as the franchisee or to sub-franchise to other operators. Master license and territory fees are generally recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the first restaurant or as stores are opened, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which generally occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee or licensee becomes effective.
Rental income
Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid (see note 2(i)). The difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases is recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such threshold is actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred income in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Sales of ice cream products
We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international locations. Revenue from the sale of ice cream products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which was generally upon shipment through November 2012. Beginning in December 2012, title and risk of loss generally transfers to the buyer upon delivery.
Sales at company-owned restaurants
Retail store revenues at company-owned restaurants are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes.
Other revenues
Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of our restaurants to new or existing franchisees. Licensing fees are recognized when earned, which is generally upon sale of the underlying products by the licensees. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity, and we are satisfied that the buyer can meet its financial obligations to us. If the criteria for gain recognition are not met, we defer the gain to the extent we have any remaining financial exposure in connection with the sale transaction. Deferred gains are recognized when the gain recognition criteria are met.
(p) Allowance for doubtful accounts
We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and licensees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees or licensees are unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Included in the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivables is a provision for uncollectible royalty, lease, and licensing fee receivables.
(q) Share-based payment
We measure compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognize compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award.
(r) Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effects of changes in tax rates and changes in apportionment of income between tax jurisdictions on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the year in which the law is enacted or change in apportionment occurs. Valuation allowances are provided when the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of identified tax assets.
A tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Estimates of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in the provision for income taxes.
(s) Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and unrealized pension gains and losses, and is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes, for all periods presented.
(t) Deferred financing costs
Deferred financing costs primarily represent capitalizable costs incurred related to the issuance and refinancing of the Company’s long-term debt (see note 8). As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, deferred financing costs of $19.2 million and $25.0 million, respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and are being amortized over the remaining maturities of the debt using the effective interest rate method.
(u) Derivative instruments and hedging activities
The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risks. These derivative contracts are entered into with financial institutions. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading purposes and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use.
We record all derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument for a cash flow hedge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations immediately. See note 9 for a discussion of our use of derivative instruments, management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments, and fair value information.
(v) Gift card/certificate breakage
The Company and our franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for product in our Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
There are no expiration dates on our gift cards, and we do not charge any service fees. While our franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, we may recognize income from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage income”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. Based on redemption data available, breakage income for gift cards was generally recognized five years from the last date of activity on the card through the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company determined that sufficient historical redemption patterns existed to revise breakage estimates related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. Based on historical redemption rates, breakage on Dunkin' Donuts gift cards is now estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions. The Company recognizes breakage as income only up to the amount of gift card program costs incurred. Any incremental breakage that exceeds gift card program costs has been committed to franchisees to fund future initiatives that will benefit the gift card program, and is recorded as gift card breakage liability within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 10).
For fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, total breakage income recognized on gift cards, as well as historical gift certificate programs, was $10.2 million, $7.9 million, and $2.5 million, respectively, and is recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net. Breakage income for fiscal year 2013 includes a $5.4 million recovery of historical Dunkin' Donuts gift card program costs incurred prior to fiscal year 2013. Breakage income for fiscal year 2012 includes $3.5 million related to historical Baskin-Robbins gift certificates as a result of shifting to gift cards, and represents the balance of gift certificates for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote based on historical redemption patterns.
(w) Concentration of credit risk
The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, and sales of ice cream products. In addition, we have note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of these franchisees and licensees is largely dependent upon the underlying business trends of our brands and market conditions within the quick service restaurant industry. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the large number of franchisees and licensees of each brand and the short-term nature of the franchise and license fee and lease receivables. At December 28, 2013, one master licensee and majority owned subsidiaries of the master licensee accounted for approximately 17% of total accounts and notes receivable, which was due primarily to the timing of orders and shipments of ice cream to the master licensee. At December 29, 2012, no individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total accounts and notes receivable. No individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012, or 2011.
(x) Recent accounting pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance which requires presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company has not adopted this guidance as of December 28, 2013, and does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued new guidance which requires disclosure of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and their corresponding effect on the respective line items of net income. This guidance was adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which enhanced existing disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset on the statement of financial position. In January 2013, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify that the guidance issued in December 2011 on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities was limited to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. It further clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and other receivables are not in the scope of the existing guidance. This guidance was adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
(y) Reclassifications
The Company has revised the presentation of certain captions for prior periods within the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The revisions had no impact on net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing, or financing activities.
(z) Subsequent events
Subsequent events have been evaluated up through the date that these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]	'
Franchise Fees and Royalty Income	'
	Franchise fees and royalty income
	Franchise fees and royalty income consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Royalty income	$	411,428		385,713		363,458
	Initial franchise fees and renewal income	42,548			33,227		35,016
	Total franchise fees and royalty income	$	453,976		418,940		398,474
	The changes in franchised and company-owned points of distribution were as follows:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Systemwide points of distribution:
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year	17,333		16,565		16,105
	Franchises opened	1,388		1,470		1,403
	Franchises closed	(600	)	(701	)	(944	)
	Net transfers from (to) company-owned points of distribution	1		(1	)	1
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year	18,122		17,333		16,565
	Company-owned points of distribution—end of year	36		35		31
	Total systemwide points of distribution—end of year	18,158		17,368		16,596
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company performed an internal review of international franchised points of distribution, and determined that certain franchises opened and closed had not been accurately reported in prior years. As such, the points of distribution information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 above have been adjusted to reflect the results of this internal review. The adjustments to the prior years were not material, and had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year were reduced by 198 and 57 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively. Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year were reduced by 91 and 198 for fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Advertising_Funds

Advertising Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Advertising Funds [Abstract]	'
Advertising Funds	'
	Advertising funds
	On behalf of certain Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins advertising funds, the Company collects a percentage, which is generally 5%, of gross retail sales from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees to be used for various forms of advertising for each brand. In most of our international markets, franchisees manage their own advertising expenditures, which are not included in the advertising fund results.
	The Company administers and directs the development of all advertising and promotion programs in the advertising funds for which it collects advertising fees, in accordance with the provisions of our franchise agreements. The Company acts as, in substance, an agent with regard to these advertising contributions. We consolidate and report all assets and liabilities held by these advertising funds as restricted assets of advertising funds and liabilities of advertising funds within current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. The assets and liabilities held by these advertising funds consist primarily of receivables, accrued expenses, other liabilities, and any cumulative surplus or deficit related specifically to the advertising funds. The revenues, expenses, and cash flows of the advertising funds are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows because the Company does not have complete discretion over the usage of the funds. Contributions to these advertising funds are restricted to advertising, product development, public relations, merchandising, and administrative expenses and programs to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of each of the brands.
	At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had a net payable of $17.6 million and $13.7 million, respectively, to the various advertising funds.
	To cover administrative expenses of the advertising funds, the Company charges each advertising fund a management fee for items such as rent, accounting services, information technology, data processing, product development, legal, administrative support services, and other operating expenses, which amounted to $5.5 million, $5.6 million, and $5.7 million for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Such management fees are included in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction in general and administrative expenses, net.
	The Company made discretionary contributions to certain advertising funds for the purpose of supplementing national and regional advertising in certain markets of $2.4 million, $863 thousand, and $2.0 million for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the Company made net contributions to the advertising funds based on retail sales as owner and operator of company-owned restaurants of $1.0 million, $808 thousand, and $289 thousand for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, which are included in company-owned restaurant expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal year 2013, the Company also made $5.9 million of contributions to fund future initiatives that will benefit the gift card program, which was contributed from the gift card breakage liability included within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 2(v) and note 10); no such contributions were made in fiscal years 2012 or 2011.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Land	$	34,052		31,080
	Buildings	47,946			45,447
	Leasehold improvements	154,491			158,797
	Store, production, and other equipment	43,124			50,046
	Construction in progress	9,079			5,549
	Property and equipment, gross	288,692			290,919
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(105,834		)	(109,747	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	182,858		181,172
	The Company recognized impairment charges on leasehold improvements, typically due to termination of the underlying lease agreement, and other corporately-held assets of $119 thousand, $319 thousand, and $1.4 million during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, which are included in long-lived asset impairment charges in the consolidated statements of operations.

Equity_method_investments

Equity method investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity method investments	'
	The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows:
		Ownership
	Entity	December 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	BR Japan	43.3	%	43.3	%
	BR Korea	33.3	%	33.3	%
	Spain JV	33.3	%	33.3	%
	Australia JV	20	%	n/a
	In June 2013, the Company sold 80% of the Baskin-Robbins Australia franchising business, resulting in a gain of $6.3 million, net of transaction costs, which is included in other operating income in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year 2013. The gain consisted of net proceeds of $6.5 million, offset by the carrying value of the business included in the sale, which totaled $216 thousand. As of December 28, 2013, unpaid transaction-related costs totaling $146 thousand are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company retained the remaining 20% ownership of the Australia JV, and therefore accounts for the Australia JV in accordance with the equity method.
	Summary financial information for the equity method investments on an aggregated basis was as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Current assets	$	261,546		248,371
	Current liabilities	106,280			102,787
	Working capital	155,266			145,584
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	139,378			144,570
	Other assets	173,491			163,511
	Long-term liabilities	52,389			62,351
	Equity of equity method investments	$	415,746		391,314
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,	December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	Revenues	$	673,537		687,676	659,319
	Net income	51,407			51,046	44,156
	The comparison between the carrying value of our investments in BR Japan and BR Korea and the underlying equity in net assets of those investments is presented in the table below (in thousands):
		BR Japan				BR Korea
		December 28,			December 29,	December 28,		December 29,
		2013			2012	2013		2012
	Carrying value of investment	$	79,472		95,776	91,121		77,749
	Underlying equity in net assets of investment	45,682			54,410	100,766		88,514
	Carrying value in excess of (less than) the underlying equity in net assets(a)	$	33,790		41,366	(9,645	)	(10,765	)
	(a)	The excess carrying values over the underlying equity in net assets of BR Japan is primarily comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill, all of which were established in the BCT Acquisition. The deficit of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of BR Korea is primarily comprised of an impairment of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal year 2011.
	The carrying value of our investments in the Spain JV and the Australia JV was not material for any period presented.
	The aggregate fair value of the Company's investment in BR Japan, based on its quoted market price on the last business day of the year, is approximately $163.9 million. No quoted market prices are available for the Company's other equity method investments.
	Net income (loss) of equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 includes $505 thousand, $689 thousand, and $868 thousand, respectively, of net expense related to the amortization of intangible franchise rights and related deferred tax liabilities noted above. As required under the equity method of accounting, such net expense is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations directly to net income (loss) of equity method investments and not shown as a component of amortization expense.
	Total estimated amortization expense, net of deferred tax benefits, to be included in net income of equity method investments for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	408
	2015	345
	2016	277
	2017	205
	2018	128
	During the third quarter of 2013, the Company fully reserved all outstanding notes and accounts receivable totaling $2.8 million, and fully impaired its equity investment in the Spain JV of $873 thousand. The reserves on accounts and notes receivable are included in general and administrative expenses, net, and the impairment of the equity investment is included in net income (loss) of equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations.
	During the fourth quarter of 2011, management concluded that indicators of potential impairment were present related to our investment in BR Korea based on continued declines in the operating performance and future projections of the Korea Dunkin’ Donuts business. Accordingly, the Company engaged an independent third-party valuation specialist to assist the Company in determining the fair value of our investment in BR Korea. The valuation was completed using a combination of discounted cash flow and income approaches to valuation. Based in part on the fair value determined by the independent third-party valuation specialist, the Company determined that the carrying value of the investment in BR Korea exceeded fair value by $19.8 million, and as such the Company recorded an impairment charge for that amount in the fourth quarter of 2011. The impairment charge was allocated to the underlying goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets of BR Korea, and therefore resulted in a reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, of $2.0 million, $3.6 million, and $1.0 million, in fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, which is recorded within net income (loss) of equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands):
		Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.										Dunkin’ Donuts International					Baskin-Robbins International				Total
		Goodwill				Accumulated impairment charges			Net Balance			Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges	Net Balance		Goodwill	Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance	Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance
	Balances at December 31, 2011	$	1,151,140			(270,441	)		880,699			10,293		—	10,293		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,185,470		(294,478	)	890,992
	Goodwill acquired	895				—			895			—		—	—		—	—		—	895		—		895
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			13		—	13		—	—		—	13		—		13
	Balances at December 29, 2012	1,152,035				(270,441	)		881,594			10,306		—	10,306		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,378		(294,478	)	891,900
	Goodwill disposed	(260		)		—			(260	)		—		—	—		—	—		—	(260	)	—		(260	)
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			(42	)	—	(42	)	—	—		—	(42	)	—		(42	)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	$	1,151,775			(270,441	)		881,334			10,264		—	10,264		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,076		(294,478	)	891,598
	The goodwill acquired and disposed during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 is related to the acquisition and sale of certain company-owned points of distribution.
	Other intangible assets at December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	383,465			(159,719	)		223,746
	Favorable operating leases acquired	16		71,788				(35,653	)		36,135
	License rights	10		6,230				(4,876	)		1,354
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,652,453			(200,248	)		1,452,205
	Other intangible assets at December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	384,065			(139,677	)		244,388
	Favorable operating leases acquired	15		77,653				(35,207	)		42,446
	License rights	10		6,230				(4,250	)		1,980
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,658,918			(179,134	)		1,479,784
	The changes in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets and weighted average amortization period from December 29, 2012 to December 28, 2013 are primarily due to the impairment of favorable operating leases acquired resulting from lease terminations and the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Impairment of favorable operating leases acquired, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $444 thousand, $959 thousand, and $624 thousand, for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, and is included within long-lived asset impairment charges in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Total estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	25,357
	2015	25,069
	2016	22,180
	2017	21,673
	2018	21,258

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Debt at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	Term loans	$	1,823,609	1,849,958
	Less current portion of long-term debt	5,000		26,680
	Total long-term debt	$	1,818,609	1,823,278
	Senior credit facility
	The Company’s senior credit facility consists of $1.90 billion aggregate principal amount term loans and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which were entered into by DBGI’s subsidiary, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. (“DBI”) in November 2010. The term loans and revolving credit facility mature in February 2020 and February 2018, respectively. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, $1.83 billion and $1.86 billion, respectively, of principal was outstanding on the term loans. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, $3.0 million and $11.5 million, respectively, of letters of credit were outstanding against the revolving credit facility. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit.
	Borrowings under the term loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (1) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the prime rate, (c) the LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, and (d) 2.0% or (2) a LIBOR rate provided that LIBOR shall not be lower than 1.0% (the “LIBOR floor”). The applicable margin under the term loan facility is 1.75% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.75% for loans based upon the LIBOR rate. The effective interest rate for term loans, including the amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, was 4.0% at December 28, 2013.
	Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (1) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the prime rate, and (c) the LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, or (2) a LIBOR rate. The applicable margin under the revolving credit facility is 1.5% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.5% for loans based upon the LIBOR rate. In addition, we are required to pay a 0.5% commitment fee per annum on the unused portion of the revolver and a fee for letter of credit amounts outstanding of 2.5%.
	Repayments are required to be made under the term loans equal to $19.0 million per calendar year, payable in quarterly installments through December 2019, with the remaining principal balance due in February 2020. Additionally, following the end of each fiscal year, the Company is required to prepay an amount equal to 25% of excess cash flow (as defined in the senior credit facility) for such fiscal year. If DBI’s leverage ratio, which is a measure of DBI’s outstanding debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain items (as specified in the senior credit facility), is less than 4.75x, no excess cash flow payments are required. If DBI’s leverage ratio is greater than 5.50x, the Company is required to prepay an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow. The excess cash flow payments may be applied to required principal payments. During fiscal year 2013, the Company made total principal payments of $24.2 million, including an excess cash flow payment in the first quarter of 2013 of $4.2 million based on 2012 excess cash flow and leverage ratio requirements. Based on all payments made, including the required excess cash flow payment in the first quarter of 2013, no additional principal payments would be required in the next twelve months as of December 28, 2013, though the Company may elect to make voluntary payments. The Company has reflected a $5.0 million voluntary payment, which was paid during the first week of fiscal year 2014, within the current portion of long-term debt as of December 28, 2013. Other events and transactions, such as certain asset sales and incurrence of debt, may trigger additional mandatory prepayments.
	The senior credit facility contains certain financial and nonfinancial covenants, which include restrictions on liens, investments, additional indebtedness, asset sales, certain dividend payments, and certain transactions with affiliates. At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the senior credit facility.
	Certain of the Company’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries guarantee the senior credit facility. All obligations under the senior credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all assets of DBI and the subsidiary guarantors.
	During 2011, the Company increased the size of the term loans from $1.25 billion to $1.50 billion. The incremental proceeds of the term loans were used to repay $250.0 million of the Company’s senior notes. Additionally, the Company completed two separate re-pricing transactions to reduce the stated interest rate on the senior credit facility. As a result of the additional term loan borrowings and the re-pricings of the term loans, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions of $8.2 million in fiscal year 2011, which includes debt extinguishment of $477 thousand related to the write-off of original issuance discount and deferred financing costs, and $7.7 million of costs paid to creditors and third parties.
	In August 2012, DBI amended its senior credit facility to provide for additional term loan borrowings of $400.0 million. The additional borrowings were issued with an original issue discount of $4.0 million, resulting in net cash proceeds of $396.0 million. The proceeds were used to fund a repurchase of common stock from certain shareholders (see note 13(c)). In addition, the amendment provides certain changes to the negative covenants contained in the senior credit facility and permits increases in future incremental facilities subject to the Company and DBI remaining in compliance with certain specified leverage ratios. In connection with the amendment, the Company recorded costs of $4.0 million, which consisted primarily of fees paid to third parties, within loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions in the consolidated statements of operations.
	In February 2013, the Company amended its senior credit facility, resulting in a reduction of the interest rates and an extension of the maturity dates for both the term loans and the revolving credit facility. In connection with the amendment, certain lenders, holding $214.3 million of term loans, exited the term loan lending syndicate. The principal of the exiting lenders was replaced with additional loans from both existing and new lenders. As a result, during the first quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions of $5.0 million, including $3.9 million related to the write-off of original issuance discount and deferred financing costs and $1.1 million of fees paid to third parties. The amended term loans were issued with an original issue discount of 0.25%, or $4.6 million, which was recorded as a reduction to long-term debt.
	Cumulative debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in relation to the senior credit facility were $35.0 million, including costs incurred and capitalized in connection with all refinancing transactions. The term loans, including additional term loan borrowings, were issued with an original issue discount of $14.9 million. Total amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to the senior credit facility was $4.7 million, $5.7 million, and $5.3 million for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	In February 2014, the Company amended its senior credit facility, which now consists of $1.38 billion in term loans due February 2021 (“2021 Term Loans”), $450 million in term loans due September 2017 (“2017 Term Loans”), and a $100 million revolving credit facility due February 2019. The interest rate on the 2021 Term Loans is LIBOR plus 2.50% with a LIBOR floor of 0.75%, while the interest rate on the 2017 Term Loans is LIBOR plus 2.50% with no LIBOR floor. The new interest rate for the revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus 2.25% with no LIBOR floor. The total principal as of the date of the amendment and all other material provisions, including covenants under the existing senior credit facility, remain unchanged.
	Senior notes
	DBI issued $625.0 million face amount senior notes in November 2010 with a maturity of December 2018 and interest payable semi-annually at a rate of 9.625% per annum.
	The senior notes were issued with an original issue discount of $9.4 million. Total debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in relation to the senior notes were $15.6 million. Total amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to the senior notes was $1.0 million for fiscal year 2011, which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	In conjunction with the additional term loan borrowings during 2011, the Company repaid $250.0 million of senior notes. Using funds raised by the Company’s initial public offering (see note 13(a)) in August 2011, the Company repaid the full remaining principal balance on the senior notes. In conjunction with the repayment of senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $26.0 million, which includes the write-off of original issuance discount and deferred financing costs totaling $22.8 million, as well as prepayment premiums and third-party costs of $3.2 million.
	Maturities of long-term debt
	The Company intends to make quarterly principal payments of $5.0 million. However, considering the February 2014 amendment to the senior credit facility and voluntary prepayments made, the aggregate contractual maturities of long-term debt for 2014 through 2018 are as follows (in thousands):
		2017 Term Loans		2021 Term Loans	Total
	2014	$	3,375	—	3,375
	2015	4,500		10,342	14,842
	2016	4,500		13,789	18,289
	2017	437,625		13,789	451,414
	2018	—		13,789	13,789

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions	'
	Derivative instruments and hedging transactions
	The Company is exposed to global market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates, and may use derivative instruments to mitigate the impact of these changes. The Company does not use derivatives with a level of complexity or with a risk higher than the exposures to be hedged and does not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. The Company's hedging instruments consist solely of interest rate swaps at December 28, 2013. The Company's risk management objective and strategy with respect to the interest rate swaps is to limit the Company's exposure to increased interest rates on its variable rate debt by reducing the potential variability in cash flow requirements relating to interest payments on a portion of its outstanding debt. The Company documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking hedging transactions, as well as all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items.
	In September 2012, the Company entered into variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements with three counterparties to hedge the risk of increases in cash flows (interest payments) attributable to increases in three-month LIBOR above 1.0%, the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged, through November 2017. The notional value of the swaps totals $900.0 million, and the Company is required to make quarterly payments on the notional amount at a fixed average interest rate of approximately 1.37%, resulting in a total interest rate of approximately 4.12% on the hedged amount when considering the applicable margin in effect at December 28, 2013. In exchange, the Company receives interest on the notional amount at a variable rate based on a three-month LIBOR spot rate, subject to a 1.0% floor. Interest is settled quarterly on a net basis with each counterparty. The swaps have been designated as hedging instruments and are classified as cash flow hedges. They are recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at fair value and classified based on the instruments' maturity dates. Changes in the fair value measurements of the derivative instruments are reflected as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss) and/or current earnings.
	The fair values of derivatives instruments consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,				December 29,			Consolidated balance sheet classification
		2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps - asset	$	10,221			—			Other assets
	Total fair values of derivative instruments - asset	$	10,221			—
		December 28,				December 29,			Consolidated balance sheet classification
		2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps - liability	$	—			2,809			Other long-term liabilities
	Total fair values of derivative instruments - liability	$	—			2,809
	The tables below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2013:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	9,648			(3,382	)		Interest expense	13,030
	Income tax effect		(3,909		)		1,381			Provision for income taxes	(5,290	)
	Net of income taxes		$	5,739			(2,001	)			7,740
	The tables below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2012:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3,673	)		(864	)		Interest expense	(2,809	)
	Income tax effect		1,509				355			Provision for income taxes	1,154
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,164	)		(509	)			(1,655	)
	There was no ineffectiveness of the interest rate swaps since inception, and therefore, ineffectiveness had no impact on the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, $836 thousand and $864 thousand, respectively, of interest expense related to interest rate swaps is accrued in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 28, 2013, the Company estimates that $3.4 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as an increase to interest expense during the next twelve months, based on current projections of LIBOR.
	The Company is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to its hedging instruments. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, the Company only enters into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors, and continually assesses the creditworthiness of its counterparties. At December 28, 2013, all of the counterparties to the interest rate swaps had investment grade ratings. To date, all counterparties have performed in accordance with their contractual obligations.
	The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision whereby if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. As of December 28, 2013, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements. The Company holds one derivative instrument with each of its derivative counterparties, each of which is settled net with the respective counterparties in accordance with the swap agreements. There is no offsetting of these financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 28, 2013, the termination value of derivatives is a net asset position of $9.6 million, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements.
	As a result of the February 2014 amendment to the senior credit facility, the Company amended the interest rate swap agreements to align the embedded floors with the amended term loans. As a result of the amendments to the interest rate swap agreements, the Company will be required to make quarterly payments on the notional amount at a fixed average interest rate of approximately 1.22%. In exchange, the Company will receive interest on the notional amount at a variable rate based on three-month LIBOR spot rate, subject to a 0.75% floor. There was no change to the notional amount of the term loan borrowings being hedged.

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other current liabilities
	Other current liabilities at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	Gift card/certificate liability	$	139,721	145,981
	Gift card breakage liability	14,093		—
	Accrued salary and benefits	26,713		31,136
	Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	26,633		27,305
	Accrued interest	9,999		13,564
	Accrued professional costs	2,938		2,996
	Other	28,821		18,949
	Total other current liabilities	$	248,918	239,931

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	Leases
	The Company is the lessee on certain land leases (the Company leases the land and erects a building) or improved leases (lessor owns the land and building) covering restaurants and other properties. In addition, the Company has leased and subleased land and buildings to others. Many of these leases and subleases provide for future rent escalation and renewal options. In addition, contingent rentals, determined as a percentage of annual sales by our franchisees, are stipulated in certain prime lease and sublease agreements. The Company is generally obligated for the cost of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance relating to these leases. Such costs are typically charged to the sublessee based on the terms of the sublease agreements. The Company also leases certain office equipment and a fleet of automobiles under noncancelable operating leases. Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to capital leases (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$	7,888		7,902
	Accumulated depreciation	(2,326		)	(2,003	)
	Net leased property under capital leases	$	5,562		5,899
	Capital lease obligations:
	Current	$	432		371
	Long-term	6,996			7,251
	Total capital lease obligations	$	7,428		7,622
	Capital lease obligations exclude that portion of the minimum lease payments attributable to land, which are classified separately as operating leases. Interest expense associated with the capital lease obligations is computed using the incremental borrowing rate at the time the lease is entered into and is based on the amount of the outstanding lease obligation. Depreciation on capital lease assets is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense related to capital leases for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $618 thousand, $600 thousand, and $481 thousand, respectively.
	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to assets leased to others under operating leases, where the Company is the lessor (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Land	$	29,701		27,210
	Buildings	41,721			39,242
	Leasehold improvements	135,177			141,264
	Store, production, and other equipment	146			149
	Construction in progress	1,363			1,384
	Assets leased to others, gross	208,108			209,249
	Accumulated depreciation	(71,535		)	(71,100	)
	Assets leased to others, net	$	136,573		138,149
	Future minimum rental commitments to be paid and received by the Company at December 28, 2013 for all noncancelable leases and subleases are as follows (in thousands):
		Payments						Receipts		Net
		Capital			Operating			Subleases		leases
		leases			leases
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	1,031		52,930			(61,929	)	(7,968	)
	2015	1,064			51,710			(61,043	)	(8,269	)
	2016	1,068			50,563			(61,026	)	(9,395	)
	2017	1,090			50,467			(60,525	)	(8,968	)
	2018	1,106			49,811			(59,305	)	(8,388	)
	Thereafter	6,655			384,354			(347,138	)	43,871
	Total minimum rental commitments	12,014			$	639,835		(650,966	)	883
	Less amount representing interest	4,586
	Present value of minimum capital lease obligations	$	7,428
	Rental expense under operating leases associated with franchised locations and company-owned locations is included in occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants and company-owned restaurant expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. Rental expense under operating leases for all other locations, including corporate facilities, is included in general and administrative expenses, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. Total rental expense for all operating leases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,		December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	Base rentals	$	53,462		52,821		52,214
	Contingent rentals	5,869			5,227		4,510
	Total rental expense	$	59,331		58,048		56,724
	Total rental income for all leases and subleases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,		December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	Base rentals	$	66,540		67,988		66,061
	Contingent rentals	29,542			28,828		26,084
	Total rental income	$	96,082		96,816		92,145
	The impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired resulted in an increase in rental income and a decrease in rental expense as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,		December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	Increase in rental income	$	973		1,065		1,392
	Decrease in rental expense	1,204			1,287		1,838
	Total increase in operating income	$	2,177		2,352		3,230
	Following is the estimated impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired for each of the next five years (in thousands):
		Decrease in			Increase in		Total increase
		rental expense			rental income		in operating
							income
	Fiscal year:
2014	$	1,051		847		1,898
2015	949			789		1,738
2016	893			719		1,612
2017	893			681		1,574
2018	859			632		1,491

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment information
	The Company is strategically aligned into two global brands, Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, which are further segregated between U.S. operations and international operations. As such, the Company has determined that it has four operating segments, which are its reportable segments: Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts International, Baskin-Robbins U.S., and Baskin-Robbins International. Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., Baskin-Robbins U.S., and Dunkin’ Donuts International primarily derive their revenues through royalty income, franchise fees, and rental income. Baskin-Robbins U.S. also derives revenue through license fees from a third-party license agreement. Baskin-Robbins International primarily derives its revenues from sales of ice cream products, as well as royalty income, franchise fees, and license fees. The operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed and evaluated separately by the Company’s senior management, which includes, but is not limited to, the chief executive officer. Senior management primarily evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions, other gains and losses, and unallocated corporate charges, referred to as segment profit. When senior management reviews a balance sheet, it is at a consolidated level. The accounting policies applicable to each segment are consistent with those used in the consolidated financial statements.
	Revenues for all operating segments include only transactions with unaffiliated customers and include no intersegment revenues. Revenues reported as “Other” include revenue earned through arrangements with third parties in which our brand names are used and revenue generated from online training programs for franchisees that are not allocated to a specific segment. Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands):
		Revenues
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	521,179		485,399		449,492
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	18,316			15,485		15,253
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	42,152			42,074		43,455
	Baskin-Robbins International	120,333			101,975		106,887
	Total reportable segments	701,980			644,933		615,087
	Other	11,860			13,248		13,111
	Total revenues	$	713,840		658,181		628,198
	Revenues for foreign countries are represented by the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments above. No individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for any fiscal year presented.
	Expenses included in “Corporate and other” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services, as well as the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2011 related to our investment in BR Korea (see note 6). Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Segment profit
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	379,751		355,274		334,308
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	7,479			9,670		11,528
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	27,081			26,274		21,593
	Baskin-Robbins International	54,321			42,004		42,844
	Total reportable segments	468,632			433,222		410,273
	Corporate and other	(113,967		)	(136,488	)	(150,382	)
	Interest expense, net	(79,831		)	(73,488	)	(104,449	)
	Depreciation and amortization	(49,366		)	(56,027	)	(52,522	)
	Long-lived asset impairment charges	(563		)	(1,278	)	(2,060	)
	Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	(5,018		)	(3,963	)	(34,222	)
	Other gains (losses), net	(1,799		)	23		175
	Income before income taxes	$	218,088		162,001		66,813
	Net income (loss) of equity method investments, including amortization on intangibles resulting from the BCT Acquisition, is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Expenses included in “Other” in the segment profit table below represent the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2011 related to our investment in BR Korea, and the related ongoing reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax (see note 6). Net income (loss) of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Net income (loss) of equity method investments
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	480		2,211		840
	Baskin-Robbins International	15,913			16,578		14,461
	Total reportable segments	16,393			18,789		15,301
	Other	1,977			3,562		(18,776	)
	Total net income (loss) of equity method investments	$	18,370		22,351		(3,475	)
	Depreciation and amortization is not included in segment profit for each reportable segment. However, depreciation and amortization is included in the financial results regularly provided to the Company’s senior management. Depreciation and amortization by reportable segments was as follows (in thousands):
		Depreciation and amortization
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	18,506		19,021		20,068
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	50			92		130
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	530			1,052		522
	Baskin-Robbins International	135			643		866
	Total reportable segments	19,221			20,808		21,586
	Corporate and other	30,145			35,219		30,936
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	49,366		56,027		52,522
	Property and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 is based on the physical locations within the indicated geographic regions and are as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	United States	$	182,544		180,525
	International	314			647
	Total property and equipment, net	$	182,858		181,172

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ equity
	(a) Public offerings
	On August 1, 2011, the Company completed an initial public offering in which the Company sold 22,250,000 shares of common stock at an initial public offering price of $19.00 per share, less underwriter discounts and commissions, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $390.0 million after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and expenses paid or payable by the Company. Additionally, the underwriters exercised, in full, their option to purchase 3,337,500 additional shares, which were sold by certain existing stockholders. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sales of shares by the existing stockholders. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds from the initial public offering to repay the remaining $375.0 million outstanding under the senior notes, with the remaining net proceeds being used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
	In the fourth quarter of 2011, certain existing stockholders sold a total of 23,937,986 shares of our common stock at a price of $25.62 per share, less underwriting discounts and commissions, in a secondary public offering. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sales of shares by the existing stockholders. The Company incurred approximately $984 thousand of expenses in connection with the offering, which were paid by the Company in accordance with a registration rights and coordination agreement with our Sponsors (see note 19(a)).
	In April 2012 and August 2012, certain existing stockholders sold 30,360,000 and 21,754,659 shares, respectively, of our common stock at prices of $29.50 and $30.00 per share, respectively, less underwriting discounts and commissions, in secondary public offerings. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sales of shares by the existing stockholders. The Company incurred approximately $1.7 million of expenses in connection with the offerings.
	(b) Common stock
	Prior to the initial public offering, our charter authorized the Company to issue two classes of common stock, Class L and common. The rights of the holders of Class L and common shares were identical, except with respect to priority in the event of a distribution, as defined. The Class L common stock was entitled to a preference with respect to all distributions by the Company until the holders of Class L common stock had received an amount equal to the Class L base amount of approximately $41.75 per share, plus an amount sufficient to generate an internal rate of return of 9% per annum on the Class L base amount, compounded quarterly. Thereafter, the Class L and common stock shared ratably in all distributions by the Company. Class L common stock was classified outside of permanent equity in the consolidated balance sheets at its preferential distribution amount, as the Class L stockholders controlled the timing and amount of distributions. The Class L preferred return of 9% per annum, compounded quarterly, was added to the Class L preferential distribution amount each period and recorded as an increase to accumulated deficit. Dividends paid on the Class L common stock reduced the Class L preferential distribution amount.
	Immediately prior to the initial public offering, each outstanding share of Class L common stock converted into approximately 0.2189 of a share of common stock plus 2.2149 shares of common stock, which was determined by dividing the Class L preference amount, $38.8274, by the initial public offering price net of the estimated underwriting discount and a pro rata portion, based upon the number of shares sold in the offering, of the estimated offering-related expenses. As such, the 22,866,379 shares of Class L common stock that were outstanding at the time of the offering converted into 55,652,782 shares of common stock.
	The changes in Class L common stock were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		31-Dec-11
		Shares			Amount
	Common stock, Class L, beginning of year	22,995			$	840,582
	Issuance of Class L common stock	65			2,270
	Repurchases of Class L common stock	—			(113		)
	Retirement of treasury stock	(194	)		—
	Accretion of Class L preferred return	—			45,102
	Conversion of Class L shares to common shares	(22,866	)		(887,841		)
	Common stock, Class L, end of year	—			$	—
	Common shares issued and outstanding included in the consolidated balance sheets include vested and unvested restricted shares. Common stock in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity excludes unvested restricted shares.
	(c) Treasury stock
	During fiscal year 2011, the Company repurchased a total of 23,624 shares of common stock and 3,266 shares of Class L shares that were originally sold and granted to former employees of the Company. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method, and as such recorded increases in common treasury stock of $173 thousand during fiscal year 2011, based on the fair market value of the shares on the respective dates of repurchase. During fiscal year 2011, the Company retired all of its treasury stock, resulting in a $2.0 million reduction in common treasury stock and additional paid-in-capital.
	In August 2012, the Company repurchased a total of 15,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $30.00 per share from certain existing stockholders, and incurred approximately $341 thousand of third-party costs in connection with the repurchase. The Company recorded an increase in common treasury stock of $450.4 million during fiscal year 2012, based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of repurchase and the direct costs incurred. During fiscal year 2012, the Company retired all outstanding treasury stock, resulting in decreases in common treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $15 thousand and $180.0 million, respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $270.3 million.
	During the fiscal year 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 648,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price per share of $43.14 from existing stockholders. The Company recorded an increase in common treasury stock of $28.0 million during fiscal year 2013, based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of repurchase and direct costs incurred. In October 2013, the Company retired 417,300 shares of treasury stock, resulting in decreases in common treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $17.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $12.5 million.
	(d) Accumulated other comprehensive income
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):
		Effect of				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps		Unrealized loss on pension adjustment		Other		Accumulated
		foreign										other
		currency										comprehensive
		translation										income
	Balances at December 29, 2012	$	14,914			(1,655	)	(2,486	)	(1,632	)	9,141
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,909		)		7,740		(612	)	(21	)	(7,802	)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	$	5			6,085		(3,098	)	(1,653	)	1,339
	(e) Dividends
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share				Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2013:
	First quarter	$	0.19			$	20,191		20-Feb-13
	Second quarter	0.19				20,259			6-Jun-13
	Third quarter	0.19				20,257			4-Sep-13
	Fourth quarter	0.19				20,301			November 26, 2013
	During fiscal year 2012, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share				Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2012:
	First quarter	$	0.15			$	18,046		28-Mar-12
	Second quarter	0.15				18,068			16-May-12
	Third quarter	0.15				18,075			24-Aug-12
	Fourth quarter	0.15				15,880			November 14, 2012
	On February 6, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase to the next quarterly dividend to $0.23 per share of common stock, payable March 19, 2014 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 10, 2014.

Equity_Incentive_Plans

Equity Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Equity Incentive Plans	'
	Equity incentive plans
	The Company’s 2006 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2006 Plan”) provides for the grant of stock-based and other incentive awards. A maximum of 12,191,145 shares of common stock may be delivered in satisfaction of awards under the 2006 Plan, of which a maximum of 5,012,966 shares may be awarded as nonvested (restricted) shares and a maximum of 7,178,179 may be delivered in satisfaction of stock options.
	The Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was adopted in July 2011, and is the only plan under which the Company currently grants awards. A maximum of 7,000,000 shares of common stock may be delivered in satisfaction of awards under the 2011 Plan.
	Total share-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013				December 29, 2012	December 31, 2011
	Restricted shares	$	3			132	2,739
	2006 Plan stock options—executive	977				4,245	1,626
	2006 Plan stock options—nonexecutive	162				181	202
	2011 Plan stock options	4,668				2,026	32
	Restricted stock units	1,513				336	33
	Total share-based compensation	$	7,323			6,920	4,632
	Total related tax benefit	$	2,958			2,768	1,852
	The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $15.9 million, $14.1 million, and $438 thousand respectively.
	Nonvested (restricted) shares
	The Company historically issued restricted shares of common stock to certain executive officers of the Company. The restricted shares generally vested in three separate tranches with different vesting conditions. In addition to the vesting conditions described below, all three tranches of the restricted shares provided for partial or full accelerated vesting upon change in control. Restricted shares that did not vest were forfeited to the Company.
	Tranche 1 shares generally vested in four or five equal annual installments based on a service condition. The weighted average requisite service period for the Tranche 1 shares was approximately 4.4 years, and compensation cost was recognized ratably over this requisite service period.
	The Tranche 2 shares generally vested in five annual installments beginning on the last day of the fiscal year of grant based on a service condition and performance conditions linked to annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization targets ("EBITDA targets"), which were not achieved for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Total compensation cost for the Tranche 2 shares was determined based on the most likely outcome of the performance conditions and the number of awards expected to vest based on those outcomes, and as such, no compensation cost was recognized in fiscal years 2012 or 2011 related to Tranche 2 shares. All remaining Tranche 2 shares outstanding were forfeited on the last day of fiscal year 2012 as the EBITDA targets were not achieved.
	Tranche 3 shares generally vested in four annual installments based on a service condition, a performance condition, and market conditions. The Tranche 3 shares did not become eligible to vest until achievement of the performance condition, which was defined as an initial public offering or change in control. These events were not considered probable of occurring until such events actually occurred. The market condition related to the achievement of a minimum investor rate of return on the Sponsor’s (see note 19(a)) shares ranging from 20% to 24% as of specified measurement dates, which occurred on the six month anniversary of an initial public offering and every three months thereafter, or on the date of a change in control. As the Tranche 3 shares required the satisfaction of multiple vesting conditions, the requisite service period was the longest of the explicit, implicit, and derived service periods of the service, performance, and market conditions. As the performance condition could not be deemed probable of occurring until an initial public offering or change of control event was completed, no compensation cost was recognized related to the Tranche 3 shares prior to fiscal year 2011. Upon completion of the initial public offering in fiscal year 2011, $2.6 million of expense was recorded related to approximately 0.8 million Tranche 3 restricted shares that were outstanding at the date of the initial public offering. The entire value of the outstanding Tranche 3 shares was recorded upon completion of the initial public offering as the requisite service period, which was equivalent to the implicit service period of the performance condition, had been delivered. With the sale of the Sponsors' remaining shares in August 2012, no further Tranche 3 vesting could occur, and all unvested Tranche 3 shares were accordingly forfeited.
	A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted shares during fiscal year 2013 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted
		shares			average
					grant-date
					fair value
	Nonvested restricted shares at December 29, 2012	1,049			$	5.44
	Granted	—			—
	Vested	(1,049	)		5.44
	Forfeited	—			—
	Nonvested restricted shares at December 28, 2013	—			—
	As of December 28, 2013, no unrecognized compensation cost remains related to restricted shares. The total grant-date fair value of shares vested during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $6 thousand, $1.2 million, and $484 thousand, respectively.
	2006 Plan stock options—executive
	During fiscal year 2011, the Company granted options to executives to purchase 828,040 shares of common stock under the 2006 Plan. The executive options vest in two separate tranches, 30% allocated as Tranche 4 and 70% allocated as Tranche 5, each with different vesting conditions. In addition to the vesting conditions described below, both tranches provide for partial accelerated vesting upon change in control. The maximum contractual term of the executive options is ten years.
	The Tranche 4 executive options generally vest in equal annual amounts over a 5-year period subsequent to the grant date, and as such are subject to a service condition. Certain options provide for accelerated vesting at the date of grant, with 20% of the Tranche 4 options vesting on each subsequent anniversary of the grant date over a 3- or 4-year period. The requisite service periods over which compensation cost is being recognized ranges from 3 to 5 years.
	The Tranche 5 executive options become eligible to vest based on continued service periods of 3 to 5 years that are aligned with the Tranche 4 executive options (“Eligibility Percentage”). Vesting does not actually occur until the achievement of a performance condition, which is the sale of shares by the Sponsors. Additionally, the options are subject to a market condition related to the achievement of specified investor returns to the Sponsors upon a sale of shares. Upon a sale of shares by the Sponsors and assuming the requisite service has been provided, Tranche 5 options vest in proportion to the percentage of the Sponsors’ shares sold by them (“Performance Percentage”), but only if the aggregate return on those shares sold is two times the Sponsors’ original purchase price. Actual vesting is determined by multiplying the Eligibility Percentage by the Performance Percentage. Additionally, 100% of the Tranche 5 options vest, assuming the requisite service has been provided, if the aggregate amount of cash received by the Sponsors through sales, distributions, or dividends is two times the original purchase price of all shares purchased by the Sponsors. As the Tranche 5 options require the satisfaction of multiple vesting conditions, the requisite service period is the longest of the explicit, implicit, and derived service periods of the service, performance, and market conditions. Based on dividends received in 2012 and 2011, and the sale of shares by the Sponsors in connection with public offerings completed in 2012 and 2011, the cumulative Performance Percentage as of December 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and December 31, 2011 was 100.0%, 100.0%, and 28.5%, respectively, resulting in compensation expense of $478 thousand, $3.6 million, and $1.1 million being recorded in fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The fair value of the Tranche 4 options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the Tranche 5 options was estimated on the date of grant using a combination of lattice models and Monte Carlo simulations. These models are impacted by the Company’s stock price and certain assumptions related to the Company’s stock and employees’ exercise behavior. Additionally, the value of the Tranche 5 options is impacted by the probability of achievement of the market condition. The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of executive options granted during fiscal years 2011:
		Fiscal year ended(1)
		December 31,
		2011
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$6.27
	Significant assumptions:
	Tranche 4 options:
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1%–2.7%
	Expected volatility	47.0%–72.0%
	Dividend yield	—
	Expected term (years)	6.5
	Tranche 5 options:
	Risk-free interest rate	2.3%–3.2%
	Expected volatility	47.0%–72.0%
	Dividend yield	—
	(1) The Company did not grant any Tranche 4 or Tranche 5 options during fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
	The expected term of the Tranche 4 options was estimated utilizing the simplified method. We utilized the simplified method because the Company did not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The simplified method was used for all Tranche 4 stock options, as they required only a service vesting condition. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on yields of U.S. Treasury securities in effect at the date of grant with terms similar to the expected term. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility of peer companies over a period equivalent to the expected term. Additionally, the Company did not anticipate paying dividends on the underlying common stock at the date of grant.
	As share-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures of generally 10% per year. Forfeitures are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical and forecasted turnover, and actual forfeitures have not had a material impact on share-based compensation expense.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s executive stock options as of December 28, 2013 and changes during fiscal year 2013 are presented below:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted	Aggregate
		shares			average		average	intrinsic
					exercise		remaining	value
					price		contractual	(in millions)
							term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 29, 2012	3,331,993			$	3.85	7.3
	Exercised	(932,519	)		3.68
	Forfeited or expired	(193,527	)		7.15
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,205,947			3.64		6.3	$	97.3
	Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	1,067,692			3.29		6.2	47.5
The total grant-date fair value of executive stock options vested during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $1.8 million, $2.8 million, and $862 thousand, respectively. The total intrinsic value of executive stock options exercised was $35.3 million, $33.8 million, and $489 thousand for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, there was $682 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to Tranche 4 and Tranche 5 options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years.
2006 Plan stock options—nonexecutive and 2011 Plan stock options
During fiscal year 2011, the Company granted options to nonexecutives to purchase 50,491 shares of common stock under the 2006 Plan. Additionally, during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company granted options to certain employees to purchase 1,177,999, 746,100, and 292,700 shares, respectively, of common stock under the 2011 Plan. The nonexecutive options and 2011 Plan options vest in equal annual amounts over either a 4- or 5-year period subsequent to the grant date, and as such are subject to a service condition, and also fully vest upon a change of control. The requisite service period over which compensation cost is being recognized is either four or five years. The maximum contractual term of the nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options is ten years.
The fair value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model is impacted by the Company’s stock price and certain assumptions related to the Company’s stock and employees’ exercise behavior. The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options granted during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011:
	Fiscal year ended
	December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	9.92		10.65		10.27
Weighted average assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate	1.20%		0.8%-1.4%		1.2%-2.7%
Expected volatility	33.00%		43.00%		43.0%-72.0%
Dividend yield	2.00%		1.8%-2.1%		—
Expected term (years)	6.25		6.25		6.25-6.5
The expected term was estimated utilizing the simplified method. We utilized the simplified method because the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on yields of U.S. Treasury securities in effect at the date of grant with terms similar to the expected term. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility of peer companies over a period equivalent to the expected term. Additionally, the dividend yield was estimated based on dividends currently being paid on the underlying common stock at the date of grant, if any.
As share-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for annualized estimated forfeitures of generally 10-13%. Forfeitures are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical and forecasted turnover, and actual forfeitures have not had a material impact on share-based compensation expense.
A summary of the status of the Company’s nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options as of December 28, 2013 and changes during fiscal year 2013 is presented below:
	Number of			Weighted		Weighted	Aggregate
	shares			average		average	intrinsic
				exercise		remaining	value
				price		contractual	(in millions)
						term (years)
Share options outstanding at December 29, 2012	1,295,356			$	24.34	8.8
Granted	1,177,999			37.26
Exercised	(207,679	)		21.93
Forfeited or expired	(246,526	)		29.92
Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,019,150			31.45		8.5	$	32.9
Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	279,932			20.08		7.3	7.7
The total grant-date fair value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan stock options vested during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $2.9 million, $1.0 million, and $176 thousand, respectively. The total intrinsic value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan stock options exercised was $4.1 million, $1.5 million, and $605 thousand for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, there was $13.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options. Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.8 years.
Restricted stock units
During fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company granted restricted stock units of 94,495, 22,204, and 5,618, respectively, to certain employees and members of our board of directors. Restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock units granted to our board of directors generally vest in one installment on the first anniversary of the grant date.
A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted stock units during fiscal year 2013 is presented below:
	Number of			Weighted average grant-date fair value
	shares
Nonvested restricted stock units at December 29, 2012	22,204			$	31.21
Granted	94,495			37.87
Vested	(12,655	)		35.44
Forfeited	(1,073	)		37.27
Nonvested restricted stock units at December 28, 2013	102,971			37.2
The fair value of each restricted stock unit is determined on the date of grant based on our closing stock price. As of December 28, 2013, there was $2.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years. The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 was $448 thousand and $118 thousand, respectively. No restricted stock units vested during fiscal year 2011.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,		December 29,	December 31,
		2013		2012	2011
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands—basic and diluted	$	146,903	108,308	34,442
	Allocation of net income (loss) to common stockholders(1):
	Class L—basic and diluted	n/a		n/a	140,212
	Common—basic(2)	$	146,903	108,176	(105,770		)
	Common—diluted(2)	146,903		108,197	(105,770		)
	Weighted average number of common shares—basic and diluted:
	Class L—basic and diluted(3)	n/a		n/a	22,845,378
	Common—basic	106,501,733		114,584,063	74,835,697
	Common—diluted(4)	108,217,011		116,573,344	74,835,697
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Class L—basic	n/a		n/a	$	6.14
	Common—basic	$	1.38	0.94	(1.41		)
	Common—diluted	1.36		0.93	(1.41		)
	(1) As the Company had both Class L and common stock outstanding during fiscal year 2011, and Class L had preference with respect to all distributions, earnings per share was calculated using the two-class method, which requires the allocation of earnings to each class of common stock. The numerator in calculating Class L basic and diluted earnings per share is the Class L preference amount accrued at 9% per annum during fiscal year 2011 plus, if positive, a pro rata share of an amount equal to consolidated net income less the Class L preference amount. The Class L preferential distribution amount accrued was $45.1 million during fiscal year 2011. The Class L shares converted into common stock immediately prior to the Company’s initial public offering that was completed on August 1, 2011. The numerator in calculating the Class L basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2011 includes an amount representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders upon conversion to common stock over the carrying amount of the Class L shares at the date of conversion, which occurred immediately prior to the Company’s initial public offering. As the carrying amount of the Class L shares was equal to the Class L preference amount, the excess fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders was equal to the fair value of the additional 0.2189 of a share of common stock into which each Class L share converted (“Class L base share”), which totaled $95.1 million, calculated as follows:
	Class L shares outstanding immediately prior to the initial public offering	22,866,379
	Number of common shares received for each Class L share	0.2189
	Common stock received by Class L shareholders, excluding preferential distribution	5,005,775
	Common stock fair value per share (initial public offering price per share)	$	19
	Fair value of Class L base shares (in thousands)	$	95,110
	(2) Net income allocated to common shareholders for the fiscal year 2012 excludes $132 thousand and $111 thousand for basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively, that is allocated to participating securities. Participating securities consist of unvested (restricted) shares that contain a nonforfeitable right to participate in dividends. No net income was allocated to participating securities for fiscal year 2013 as all restricted shares were fully vested as of December 28, 2013, and no net loss was allocated to participating securities for fiscal year 2011 as the participating securities do not participate in losses.
	(3) The weighted average number of Class L shares in the Class L earnings per share calculation in fiscal year 2011 represents the weighted average from the beginning of the period up through the date of conversion of the Class L shares into common shares. There were no Class L common stock equivalents outstanding during fiscal year 2011.
	(4) The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 includes the dilutive effect of 1,715,278 and 1,989,281, respectively, restricted shares and stock options, using the treasury stock method. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for all periods excludes all performance-based restricted stock awards and stock options outstanding for which the performance criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no common restricted stock awards that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria were not yet met. As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 636,752 common restricted stock awards and 2,422,628 options to purchase common stock that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria was not yet met. Additionally, the weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation excludes stock options of 1,100,275 and 805,015 for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, as they would be antidilutive. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for fiscal year 2011 excludes all restricted stock and stock options outstanding, as they would be antidilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income taxes
	Income (loss) before income taxes was attributed to domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Domestic operations	$	195,277			172,576			70,034
	Foreign operations	22,811				(10,575	)		(3,221	)
	Income before income taxes	$	218,088			162,001			66,813
	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	70,696			52,657			34,282
	State	11,758				6,065			5,733
	Foreign	2,521				2,601			3,719
	Current tax provision	$	84,975			61,323			43,734
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(11,915	)		(5,071	)		(11,567	)
	State	(984		)		4,373			892
	Foreign	(292		)		(6,248	)		(688	)
	Deferred tax benefit	(13,191		)		(6,946	)		(11,363	)
	Provision for income taxes	$	71,784			54,377			32,371
	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations differed from the expense computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Permanent differences:
	Impairment of investment in BR Korea	—			—			9.8
	Other permanent differences	0.2			0.7			0.9
	State income taxes	4.7			5.2			6.9
	Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(4.3	)		(2.9	)		(6.8	)
	Changes in enacted tax rates and apportionment	0.8			2.8			3
	Uncertain tax positions	(3.2	)		(6.3	)		1.9
	Other	(0.3	)		(0.9	)		(2.2	)
	Effective tax rate	32.9	%		33.6	%		48.5	%
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $8.4 million related to the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions for which settlement with the taxing authorities was reached, including interest and penalty, net of federal and state tax benefit as applicable, and recognized a deferred tax expense of $1.7 million due to estimated changes in apportionment and enacted changes in future state income tax rates. During fiscal year 2012, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $10.2 million primarily related to the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalty, net of federal and state tax benefit as applicable, for which settlement with the taxing authorities was reached, and recognized a deferred tax expense of $4.6 million due to estimated changes in apportionment and enacted changes in future state income tax rates. In addition, the Company recognized deferred tax expense of $1.9 million in fiscal year 2011 due to enacted changes in future state income tax rates. These changes in estimates and enacted tax rates affect the tax rate expected to be in effect in future periods when the deferred tax assets and liabilities reverse.
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013							December 29, 2012
		Deferred tax				Deferred tax			Deferred tax		Deferred tax
		assets				liabilities			assets		liabilities
	Current:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,055			—			969		—
	Deferred gift cards and certificates	20,371				—			22,561		—
	Rent	5,307				—			4,990		—
	Deferred income	4,672				—			3,926		—
	Other current liabilities	13,983				—			11,422		—
	Other	1,073				—			3,395		—
	Total current	46,461				—			47,263		—
	Noncurrent:
	Capital leases	2,830				—			2,924		—
	Rent	2,243				—			2,032		—
	Property and equipment	—				6,315			—		10,229
	Deferred compensation liabilities	7,747				—			6,478		—
	Deferred income	4,234				—			4,905		—
	Real estate reserves	1,287				—			1,398		—
	Franchise rights and other intangibles	—				576,567			—		584,642
	Unused foreign tax credits	6,756				—			8,034		—
	Other	1,103				4,322			—		26
		26,200				587,204			25,771		594,897
	Valuation allowance	(710		)		—			—		—
	Total noncurrent	25,490				587,204			25,771		594,897
	$	71,951			587,204			73,034		594,897
At December 28, 2013, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was $0.7 million. This valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards attributable to our wholly-owned subsidiary in Spain. At December 28, 2013, the Company had $6.8 million of unused foreign tax credits, which expire in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income, and projections for future taxable income over the periods for which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes, as of December 28, 2013, with the exception of net operating loss carryforwards attributable to our Spain subsidiary, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets.
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of $7.1 million for the undistributed earnings of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits, relating to our foreign joint ventures that arose in fiscal year 2013 and prior years because the Company currently does not expect those unremitted earnings to reverse and become taxable to the Company in the foreseeable future. A deferred tax liability will be recognized when the Company is no longer able to demonstrate that it plans to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the undistributed earnings of these joint ventures were approximately $129.7 million and $123.3 million, respectively.
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of $3.1 million for the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries since such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. As of December 28, 2013, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was approximately $7.5 million. If in the future we decide to repatriate such foreign earnings, we would incur incremental U.S. federal and state income tax. However, our intent is to keep these funds indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.
At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions was $8.2 million and $15.4 million, respectively. At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had approximately $4.2 million and $14.9 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company recorded net income tax benefits of $5.8 million and $0.2 million during fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, and net income tax expense of $3.1 million during fiscal year 2011 for potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were $6.3 million and $9.4 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the annual effective tax rate.
The Company’s major tax jurisdictions subject to income tax are the United States and Canada. For Canada, the Company has open tax years dating back to tax years ended August 2003 and is currently under audit for the tax periods 2009 through 2012. In the United States, the Company is currently under audits in certain state jurisdictions for tax periods after December 2006. The audits are in various stages as of December 28, 2013.
For U.S. federal taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) concluded its examination of fiscal year 2010 during fiscal year 2013 and agreed to a settlement regarding the recognition of revenue for gift cards and other matters. The Company made a cash payment for the additional federal tax due totaling $3.0 million. Based on this and previous settlements, additional state taxes and federal and state interest owed, net of federal and state benefits, are approximately $1.5 million, of which approximately $0.8 million was paid during fiscal year 2013. As the additional federal and state taxes owed for all periods represent temporary differences that will be deductible in future years, the potential tax expense is limited to federal and state interest, net of federal and state benefits, which we do not expect to be material.
A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year ended
	December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
	2013				2012			2011
Balance at beginning of year	$	15,428			41,379			17,549
Increases related to prior year tax positions	855				2,063			23,922
Increases related to current year tax positions	219				1,389			—
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(3,091		)		(19,675	)		—
Decreases related to settlements	(4,797		)		(9,792	)		—
Lapses of statutes of limitations	—				(27	)		(43	)
Effect of foreign currency adjustments	(401		)		91			(49	)
Balance at end of year	$	8,213			15,428			41,379

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and contingencies
	(a) Lease commitments
	The Company is party to various leases for property, including land and buildings, leased automobiles, and office equipment under noncancelable operating and capital lease arrangements (see note 11).
	(b) Guarantees
	Financial Guarantees
	The Company has established agreements with certain financial institutions whereby the Company’s franchisees can obtain financing with terms of approximately 3 to 10 years for various business purposes. Substantially all loan proceeds are used by the franchisees to finance store improvements, new store development, new central production locations, equipment purchases, related business acquisition costs, working capital, and other costs. In limited instances, the Company guarantees a portion of the payments and commitments of the franchisees, which is collateralized by the store equipment owned by the franchisee. Under the terms of the agreements, in the event that all outstanding borrowings come due simultaneously, the Company would be contingently liable for $3.0 million and $4.7 million at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no amounts under such guarantees that were due. The fair value of the guarantee liability and corresponding asset recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $277 thousand and $309 thousand, respectively, at December 28, 2013 and $601 thousand and $572 thousand, respectively, at December 29, 2012. The Company assesses the risk of performing under these guarantees for each franchisee relationship on a quarterly basis. As of December 29, 2012, the Company had recorded reserves for such guarantees of $389 thousand. No reserves were recorded as of December 28, 2013.
	Supply Chain Guarantees
	In 2012, the Company entered into a third-party guarantee with a distribution facility of franchisee products that guarantees franchisees would sell a certain volume of cooler beverages each year over a 4-year period. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company determined that the franchisees will not achieve the required sales volume, and therefore, the Company accrued the maximum guarantee under the agreement of $7.5 million, which is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company expects to make the required guarantee payment during the first quarter of 2014. No additional guarantee payments will be required under the agreement.
	The Company has also entered into a third-party guarantee with this distribution facility of franchisee products that ensures franchisees will purchase a certain volume of product over a 10-year period. As product is purchased by the Company’s franchisees over the term of the agreement, the amount of the guarantee is reduced. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company was contingently liable for $5.7 million and $6.8 million, respectively, under this guarantee. Additionally, the Company has various supply chain contracts that provide for purchase commitments or exclusivity, the majority of which result in the Company being contingently liable upon early termination of the agreement or engaging with another supplier. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, we were contingently liable under such supply chain agreements for approximately $52.6 million and $57.5 million, respectively. The Company assesses the risk of performing under each of these guarantees on a quarterly basis, and, considering various factors including internal forecasts, prior history, and ability to extend contract terms, we have accrued $906 thousand related to these commitments as of December 28, 2013, which is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. There were no amounts accrued as of December 29, 2012.
	Lease Guarantees
	As a result of assigning our interest in obligations under property leases as a condition of the refranchising of certain restaurants and the guarantee of certain other leases, we are contingently liable on certain lease agreements. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2024. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the potential amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the event of nonpayment by the primary lessee was $6.4 million and $5.6 million, respectively. Our franchisees are the primary lessees under the majority of these leases. The Company generally has cross-default provisions with these franchisees that would put them in default of their franchise agreement in the event of nonpayment under the lease. We believe these cross-default provisions significantly reduce the risk that we will be required to make payments under these leases. Accordingly, we do not believe it is probable that the Company will be required to make payments under such leases, and we have not recorded a liability for such contingent liabilities.
	(c) Letters of credit
	At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had standby letters of credit outstanding for a total of $3.0 million and $11.5 million, respectively. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit.
	(d) Legal matters
	In May 2003, a group of Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees from Quebec, Canada filed a lawsuit against the Company on a variety of claims, based on events which primarily occurred 10 to 15 years ago, including but not limited to, alleging that the Company breached its franchise agreements and provided inadequate management and support to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees in Quebec (“Bertico litigation”). On June 22, 2012, the Quebec Superior Court found for the plaintiffs and issued a judgment against the Company in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million (approximately $15.9 million), plus costs and interest, representing loss in value of the franchises and lost profits. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company increased its estimated liability related to the Bertico litigation by $20.7 million to reflect the judgment amount and estimated plaintiff legal costs and interest. During fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company accrued additional interest on the judgment amount of $952 thousand and $493 thousand, respectively, resulting in an estimated liability of $25.1 million, including the impact of foreign exchange, as of December 28, 2013. The Company strongly disagrees with the decision reached by the Court and believes the damages awarded were unwarranted. As such, the Company is vigorously appealing the decision.
	The Company is engaged in several matters of litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business as a franchisor. Such matters include disputes related to compliance with the terms of franchise and development agreements, including claims or threats of claims of breach of contract, negligence, and other alleged violations by the Company. At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, contingent liabilities, excluding the Bertico litigation, totaling $1.5 million were included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets to reflect the Company’s estimate of the potential loss which may be incurred in connection with these matters. While the Company intends to vigorously defend its positions against all claims in these lawsuits and disputes, it is reasonably possible that the losses in connection with all matters could increase by up to an additional $12.0 million based on the outcome of ongoing litigation or negotiations.
	(e) Line of Credit to Distribution Facility
	In May 2013, the Company provided a secured revolving line of credit to a distribution facility of franchisee products for an aggregate maximum principal amount of up to $8.0 million plus interest. The entire principal balance and accrued and unpaid interest is due June 1, 2014. The purpose of this line of credit is to provide funding for the purchase and storage of certain inventory, which was pledged as collateral under a security agreement entered into in connection with the line of credit agreement. Through December 28, 2013, no amounts have been drawn on this line of credit.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	Retirement plans
	401(k) Plan
	Employees of the Company, excluding employees of certain international subsidiaries, participate in a defined contribution retirement plan, the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan (“401(k) Plan”), under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees may contribute up to 80% of their pre-tax eligible compensation, not to exceed the annual limits set by the IRS. The 401(k) Plan allows the Company to match participants’ contributions in an amount determined in the sole discretion of the Company. The Company matched participants’ contributions during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, up to a maximum of 4% of the employee’s salary. Employer contributions for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, amounted to $3.1 million, $2.9 million, and $2.7 million, respectively. The 401(k) Plan also provides for an additional discretionary contribution of up to 2% of eligible wages for eligible participants based on the achievement of specified performance targets. No such discretionary contributions were made during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	NQDC Plan
	The Company, excluding employees of certain international subsidiaries, also offers to a limited group of management and highly compensated employees, as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), the ability to participate in the NQDC Plan. The NQDC Plan allows for pre-tax contributions of up to 50% of a participant’s base annual salary and other forms of compensation, as defined. The Company credits the amounts deferred with earnings based on the investment options selected by the participants and holds investments to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plan. The NQDC Plan liability, included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, was $7.0 million and $7.4 million at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, total investments held for the NQDC Plan were $338 thousand and $3.1 million, respectively, and have been recorded in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Canadian Pension Plan
	The Company sponsors a contributory defined benefit pension plan in Canada, The Baskin-Robbins Employees’ Pension Plan (“Canadian Pension Plan”), which provides retirement benefits for the majority of its Canadian employees.
	During the second quarter of 2012, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to close our Peterborough, Ontario, Canada manufacturing plant, where the majority of the Canadian Pension Plan participants were employed (see note 20). As a result of the closure, the Company terminated the Canadian Pension Plan as of December 29, 2012, and expects the Financial Services Commission of Ontario ("FSCO") to approve the termination of the plan in 2014. Upon approval of the termination, the Company will fund any deficit and the plan assets will be used to fund transfers to other retirement plans or for the purchase of annuities to fund future retirement payments to participants. Also upon approval, the Company will recognize any unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The components of net pension expense were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Service cost	$	—			262			222
	Interest cost	216				333			340
	Expected return on plan assets	(263		)		(317	)		(306	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	74				76			54
	Net pension expense	$	27			354			310
	The amortization of net actuarial loss included in net pension expense above represents the amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income during the respective fiscal year. The table below summarizes other balances for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,349			6,050			6,042
	Service cost	—				262			222
	Interest cost	216				333			340
	Employee contributions	—				88			81
	Benefits paid	(230		)		(275	)		(479	)
	Curtailment gain	—				(1,084	)		—
	Actuarial loss (gain)	395				2,854			(95	)
	Foreign currency loss (gain), net	(530		)		121			(61	)
	Benefit obligation, end of year	$	8,200			8,349			6,050
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,809			4,945			4,797
	Expected return on plan assets	263				317			306
	Employer contributions	626				662			798
	Employee contributions	—				88			81
	Benefits paid	(230		)		(275	)		(479	)
	Actuarial loss	(371		)		(27	)		(505	)
	Foreign currency gain (loss), net	(307		)		99			(53	)
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	5,790			5,809			4,945
	Reconciliation of funded status:
	Funded status	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	The investments of the Canadian Pension Plan consisted of a long-term bond fund and a short-term investment fund at December 28, 2013, and a pooled investment fund at December 29, 2012. These funds are comprised of numerous underlying investments and are valued at the unit fair value supplied by the funds' administrators, which represent the funds' proportionate share of underlying net assets at market value determined using closing market prices. The funds are considered Level 2, as defined by U.S. GAAP, because the inputs used to calculate the fair value are derived principally from observable market data. The Canadian Pension Plan's investment strategy is to mitigate fluctuations in the wind-up deficit of the plan by holding assets whose fluctuation in fair value will approximate that of the benefit obligation. The Canadian Pension Plan assumes a concentration of risk as it is invested in a limited number of investments. The risk is mitigated as the funds consists of a diverse range of underlying investments. The allocation of the assets within the plan consisted of the following:
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Cash and short-term investments	35	%		—	%
	Equity securities	—			60
	Debt securities	65			39
	Other	—			1
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the present value of accrued pension benefits at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows:
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Discount rate	2.65	%		2.7	%
	Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	—			—
	The discount rate used in determining the present value of accrued pension benefits at December 28, 2013 reflects the estimate of the rate at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. No future salary increases are assumed as of December 28, 2013 or December 29, 2012 as a result of the termination of the plan.
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the present value of our net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		December 28,			December 29,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	2.7	%		5.25	%		5.5	%
Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	—			3.25			3.25
Expected return on plan assets	4.5			6			6
The expected return on plan assets was determined based on the Canadian Pension Plan’s target asset mix, expected long-term asset class returns based on a mean return over a 30-year period using a Monte Carlo simulation, the underlying long-term inflation rate, and expected investment expenses.
The accumulated benefit obligation was $8.2 million and $8.3 million at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively. We recognize a net liability or asset and an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income to report the funded status of the Canadian Pension Plan. At December 28, 2013, the net liability for the funded status of the Canadian Pension Plan was included in other current liabilities in consolidated balance sheets. Upon approval of the plan termination by the FSCO, the Company intends on funding the plan deficit and purchasing annuities to provide accrued benefits to participants.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Disclosure Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions	'
	Related-party transactions
	(a) Sponsors
	Through the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, DBGI was majority-owned by investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital Partners, LLC, The Carlyle Group, and Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (collectively, the “Sponsors” or "BCT").
	In April 2012, certain existing stockholders, including the Sponsors, sold a total of 30,360,000 shares of our common stock (see note 13(a)). In August 2012, the Sponsors sold all of their remaining shares through a registered offering and related repurchase of shares by the Company (see notes 13(a) and 13(c)). One representative of each Sponsor continues to serve on the board of directors.
	Prior to the closing of the Company’s initial public offering on August 1, 2011, the Company was charged an annual management fee by the Sponsors of $1.0 million per Sponsor, payable in quarterly installments. In connection with the completion of the initial public offering in August 2011, the Company incurred an expense of approximately $14.7 million related to the termination of the Sponsor management agreement. Including this termination fee, the Company recognized $16.4 million of expense during fiscal year 2011 related to Sponsor management fees, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
	At December 29, 2012, certain affiliates of the Sponsors held $52.4 million, respectively of term loans, issued under the Company’s senior credit facility. The terms of these loans were identical to all other term loans issued to unrelated lenders in the senior credit facility. As of December 28, 2013, there were no term loans held by affiliates of the Sponsors.
	The Sponsors have historically held a substantial interest in our Company as well as several other entities. The existence of such common ownership and management control could result in differences within our operating results or financial position than if the entities were autonomous; however, we believe such transactions were negotiated at arm's length. The Company made payments to entities in which the Sponsors have ownership interests totaling approximately $2.1 million, $1.6 million, and $979 thousand during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, primarily for the purchase of consulting services, training services, and leasing of restaurant space. At December 29, 2012, the Company had a net payable of $150 thousand to these entities. At December 28, 2013, the Company had no net payable to these entities.
	(b) Equity method investments
	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investments as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,		December 29,	December 31,
		2013		2012	2011
	BR Japan	$	2,097	2,549	2,473
	BR Korea	4,156		3,662	3,371
	Spain JV	130		—	—
		$	6,383	6,211	5,844
	At December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of royalties receivable from its equity method investments which were recorded in accounts receivable, net, in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company made net payments to its equity method investments totaling approximately $3.8 million, $1.6 million, and $2.8 million, in fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, primarily for the purchase of ice cream products and incentive payments.
	The Company made loans of $2.1 million and $666 thousand during fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively to the Spain JV. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the Company had $2.7 million and $666 thousand, respectively, of notes receivable from the Spain JV, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company fully reserved all outstanding notes and accounts receivable from the Spain JV, and fully impaired its equity investment in the Spain JV (see note 6).
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company recognized sales of ice cream products of $4.8 million in the consolidated statements of operations from the sale of ice cream products to the Australia JV. As of December 28, 2013, the Company had $733 thousand of net receivables from the Australia JV, consisting of accounts receivable and notes and other receivables, net of other current liabilities.
	(c) Board of directors
	Certain family members of one of our directors, who retired in May 2013, hold an ownership interest in an entity that owns and operates Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and holds the right to develop additional restaurants under store development agreements. During fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company received $343 thousand, $961 thousand, and $713 thousand, respectively, in royalty and rental payments from this entity. During fiscal year 2013, the Company recognized $6 thousand of income related to initial franchise fees from this entity. All material terms of the franchise and store development agreements with this entity are consistent with other unrelated franchisees in the market.

Closure_of_Manufacturing_Plant

Closure of Manufacturing Plant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Disclosure Closure Of Manufacturing Plant Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Closure of Manufacturing Plant	'
	Closure of manufacturing plant
	During the second quarter of 2012, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to close our Peterborough, Ontario, Canada manufacturing plant, which supplied ice cream to certain of Baskin-Robbins' international markets. Manufacturing of ice cream products that had been produced in Peterborough began transitioning to existing third-party partner suppliers during the third quarter of 2012, and production ceased at the plant at the end of September 2012. The majority of the costs and activities related to the closure of the plant and transition to third-party suppliers occurred in fiscal year 2012, with the exception of the settlement of our Canadian pension plan, which is subject to government approval that may not be obtained until 2014.
	The Company recorded cumulative costs related to the plant closure of $12.6 million, of which, $654 thousand and $11.9 million were recorded in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. Costs recorded in fiscal year 2012 included $4.2 million of accelerated depreciation on property, plant, and equipment, $2.7 million of incremental ice cream production costs, $2.0 million of ongoing termination benefits, $1.1 million of one-time termination benefits, and $1.9 million of other costs related to the closing and transition. The accelerated depreciation and the incremental ice cream production costs are included in depreciation and cost of ice cream products, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations, while all other costs are included in general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also expects to incur additional costs of approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million primarily related to the settlement of our Canadian pension plan upon final government approval.
	As of December 29, 2012, the Company had recorded reserves for ongoing termination benefits and one-time termination benefits of $636 thousand and $55 thousand, respectively, substantially all of which were paid during fiscal year 2013.

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows (in thousands):
		Accounts			Short-term notes and other		Long-term notes and other
		receivable			receivables		receivables
	Balance at December 25, 2010	$	5,518		2,443		—
	Provision for doubtful accounts, net	745			1,274		—
	Write-offs and other	(3,550		)	(1,396	)	—
	Balance at December 31, 2011	2,713			2,321		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	513			(1,055	)	—
	Write-offs and other	(743		)	(62	)	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	2,483			1,204		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,015			(339	)	2,808
	Write-offs and other	(899		)	(206	)	—
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	2,599		659		2,808

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	'
	Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
		Three months ended
		March 30,		June 29,	September 28,	December 28,
		2013		2013	2013	2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	161,858	182,488	186,317	183,177
	Operating income	63,459		76,805	82,237	82,235
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	23,798		40,812	40,221	42,072
	Earnings per share:
	Common – basic	0.22		0.38	0.38	0.39
	Common – diluted	0.22		0.38	0.37	0.39
		Three months ended
		March 31,		June 30,	September 29,	December 29,
		2012		2012	2012	2012
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	152,372	172,387	171,719	161,703
	Operating income(1)	55,195		46,138	70,345	67,751
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands(1)	25,950		18,497	29,526	34,335
	Earnings per share(1):
	Common – basic	0.22		0.15	0.26	0.32
	Common – diluted	0.21		0.15	0.26	0.32
	-1	The second quarter of fiscal year 2012 includes a $20.7 million incremental legal reserve related to the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling in the Bertico litigation, in which the Court found for the Plaintiffs and issued a judgment against Dunkin’ Brands in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million (approximately $15.9 million), plus costs and interest (see note 17(d)).

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Year	'
	Fiscal year
	The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within fiscal years 2013 and 2012 reflect the results of operations for the 52-week periods ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, and fiscal year 2011 reflects the results of operations for the 53-week period ended December 31, 2011.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	'
	Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which we possess a variable interest include franchise entities, the advertising funds (see note 4), and our equity method investees. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities, except for our investments in various entities that are accounted for under the equity method or are otherwise consolidated. Additionally, we generally do not provide financial support to franchise entities in a typical franchise relationship. As our franchise and license arrangements provide our franchisee and licensee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. Based on the results of our analysis of potential VIEs, we have not consolidated any franchise entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential franchise VIEs is attributable to aged trade and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees (see note 17(b)), and future lease payments due from franchisees (see note 11).
	The Company holds a 51% interest in a limited partnership that owns and operates Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the Dallas, Texas area. The Company possesses control of this entity and, therefore, consolidates the results of the limited partnership. During fiscal year 2013, the Company amended the partnership agreement with the noncontrolling owners to provide the noncontrolling owners the option in early 2017 to sell their entire interest to the Company. As a result of the amendment, the partnership agreement now contains a redemption feature that is not currently redeemable, but it is probable to become redeemable in the future. As such, the Company reclassified the noncontrolling interests in fiscal year 2013 to temporary equity (between liabilities and stockholders’ equity) in the consolidated balance sheets. The net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, the consolidated balance sheets included $3.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $6.4 million of property and equipment, net for this partnership entity, which may be used only to settle obligations of the partnership.
Accounting Estimates	'
	Accounting estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. Significant estimates are made in the calculations and assessments of the following: (a) allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables, (b) impairment of tangible and intangible assets, (c) income taxes, (d) real estate reserves, (e) lease accounting estimates, (f) gift certificate breakage, and (g) contingencies. Estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities when they are not readily apparent from other sources. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Illiquid credit markets and volatile equity and foreign currency markets have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	'
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
	The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, we maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
	Cash held related to the advertising funds and the Company’s gift card/certificate programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds; however, the Company intends to use these funds solely to support the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs rather than to fund operations. Total cash balances related to the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were $134.5 million and $125.4 million, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair value of financial instruments
	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, assets and liabilities related to the advertising funds, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For long-term receivables, we review the creditworthiness of the counterparty on a quarterly basis, and adjust the carrying value as necessary. We believe the carrying value of long-term receivables of $5.3 million and $5.8 million as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively, approximates fair value.
	Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		28-Dec-13				29-Dec-12
		Quoted prices		Significant	Total	Quoted prices	Significant	Total
		in active		other		in active	other
		markets for		observable		markets for	observable
		identical assets		inputs		identical assets	inputs
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 1)	(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Mutual funds	$	1,012	—	1,012	2,505	—	2,505
	Interest rate swaps	—		10,221	10,221	—	—	—
	Total assets	$	1,012	10,221	11,233	2,505	—	2,505
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	7,181	7,181	—	7,379	7,379
	Interest rate swaps	—		—	—	—	2,809	2,809
	Total liabilities	$	—	7,181	7,181	—	10,188	10,188
	The deferred compensation liabilities relate primarily to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”), which allows for pre-tax salary deferrals for certain qualifying employees (see note 18). Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds mutual funds, as well as money market funds, to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plan as well as other benefit plans. The changes in the fair value of the mutual funds are derived using quoted prices in active markets for the specific funds. As such, the mutual funds are classified within Level 1, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
	The Company uses readily available market data to value its interest rate swaps, such as interest rate curves and discount factors. Additionally, the fair value of derivatives includes consideration of credit risk in the valuation. The Company uses a potential future exposure model to estimate this credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The inputs to the CVA are largely based on observable market data, with the exception of certain assumptions regarding credit worthiness which make the CVA a Level 3 input, as defined under U.S. GAAP. As the magnitude of the CVA is not a significant component of the fair value of the interest rate swaps as of December 28, 2013, it is not considered a significant input and the derivatives are classified as Level 2.
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Financial liabilities	Carrying		Estimated	Carrying	Estimated
		value		fair value	value	fair value
	Term loans	$	1,823,609	1,836,212	1,849,958	1,878,980
	The estimated fair value of our term loans is based on current bid prices for our term loans. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our term loans are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist primarily of ice cream products sold to certain international markets that are in-transit from our third-party manufacturer to our international licensees, during which time we hold title to such products. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, and cost is generally determined based on the actual cost of the specific inventory sold. Inventories are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets held for sale
	Assets held for sale primarily represent costs incurred by the Company for store equipment and leasehold improvements constructed for sale to franchisees, as well as restaurants formerly operated by franchisees waiting to be resold. The value of such restaurants and related assets is reduced to reflect net recoverable values, with such reductions recorded to general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, internal specialists estimate the amount to be recovered from the sale of such assets based on their knowledge of the (a) market in which the store is located, (b) results of the Company’s previous efforts to dispose of similar assets, and (c) current economic conditions. The actual cost of such assets held for sale is affected by specific factors such as the nature, age, location, and condition of the assets, as well as the economic environment and inflation.
	We classify restaurants and their related assets as held for sale and suspend depreciation and amortization when (a) we make a decision to refranchise or sell the property, (b) the stores are available for immediate sale, (c) we have begun an active program to locate a buyer, (d) significant changes to the plan of sale are not likely, and (e) the sale is probable within one year.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term of the related asset. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment	3 – 10
	Routine maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major improvements, additions, or replacements that extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the safety or the efficiency of property are capitalized at cost and depreciated. Major improvements to leased property are capitalized as leasehold improvements and depreciated. Interest costs incurred during the acquisition period of capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset and depreciated.
Leases	'
	Leases
	When determining lease terms, we begin with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the leased properties. We include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the Company in such an amount that the renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured, which generally includes option periods through the end of the related franchise agreement term. We also include any rent holidays in the determination of the lease term.
	We record rent expense and rent income for leases and subleases, respectively, that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined above. In certain cases, contingent rentals are based on sales levels of our franchisees, in excess of stipulated amounts. Contingent rentals are included in rent income and rent expense as they are earned or accrued, respectively.
	We occasionally provide to our sublessees, or receive from our landlords, tenant improvement dollars. Tenant improvement dollars paid to our sublessees are recorded as a deferred rent asset. For fixed asset and/or leasehold purchases for which we receive tenant improvement dollars from our landlords, we record the property and equipment and/or leasehold improvements gross and establish a deferred rent obligation. The deferred lease assets and obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the determined sublease and lease terms, respectively.
	Management regularly reviews sublease arrangements, where we are the lessor, for losses on sublease arrangements. We recognize a loss, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates, when costs expected to be incurred under an operating prime lease exceed the anticipated future revenue stream of the operating sublease. Furthermore, for properties where we do not currently have an operational franchise or other third-party sublessee and are under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates and net of estimated sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and charged to operations at the time we cease use of the property. The value of any equipment and leasehold improvements related to a closed store is assessed for potential impairment (see note 2(j)).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by internal specialists based on the present value of anticipated future cash flows or, if required, by independent third-party valuation specialists, depending on the nature of the assets or asset group.
Equity method investments	'
	Equity method investments
	The Company's equity method investments consist of interests in B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (“BR Japan”), BR-Korea Co., Ltd. (“BR Korea”), Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Spain JV”), and Palm Oasis Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), which are accounted for in accordance with the equity method. As a result of the acquisition of the Company by BCT (see note 19(a)) on March 1, 2006 (“BCT Acquisition”), the Company has recorded a step-up in the basis of our investment in BR Japan. The basis difference is comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill. The franchise rights and related tax liabilities are amortized in a manner that reflects the estimated benefits from the use of the intangible asset over a period of 14 years. The franchise rights were valued based on an estimate of future cash flows to be generated from the ongoing management of the contracts over their remaining useful lives.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Goodwill and trade names (“indefinite-lived intangibles”) have been assigned to our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, for purposes of impairment testing. All of our reporting units have indefinite-lived intangibles associated with them.
	We evaluate the remaining useful life of our trade names to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a trade name is impaired. In the event we were to determine that the carrying value of a trade name would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed. Quantitative testing consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. For goodwill, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit's carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. We have selected the first day of our fiscal third quarter as the date on which to perform our annual impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite-lived intangibles has been impaired.
	Other intangible assets consist primarily of franchise and international license rights (“franchise rights”), ice cream distribution and territorial franchise agreement license rights (“license rights”), and operating lease interests acquired related to our prime leases and subleases (“operating leases acquired”). Franchise rights, license rights, and operating leases acquired recorded in the consolidated balance sheets were valued using an appropriate valuation method during the period of acquisition. Amortization of franchise rights, license rights, and favorable operating leases acquired is recorded as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amortized over the respective franchise, license, and lease terms using the straight-line method.
	Unfavorable operating leases acquired related to our prime and subleases are recorded in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rental expense and rental income, respectively, over the base lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method. The weighted average amortization period for all unfavorable operating leases acquired is 17 years.
	Management makes adjustments to the carrying amount of such intangible assets and unfavorable operating leases acquired if they are deemed to be impaired using the methodology for long-lived assets (see note 2(j)), or when such license or lease agreements are reduced or terminated.
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	The Company records reserves for legal and other contingencies when information available to the Company indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating the related costs and exposures involve substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates. Legal costs incurred in connection with legal and other contingencies are expensed as the costs are incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign currency translation
	We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes. Foreign currency translation adjustments primarily result from our equity method investments, as well as subsidiaries located in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Spain. Business transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	Franchise fees and royalty income
	Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. Our franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay an initial nonrefundable fee and continuing fees, or royalty income, based upon a percentage of sales. The franchisee will typically pay us a renewal fee if we approve a renewal of the franchise agreement. Such fees are paid by franchisees to obtain the rights associated with these franchise agreements or SDAs. Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the respective restaurant. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned, with deferred amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within one year classified as current deferred income in the consolidated balance sheets. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee becomes effective. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise agreement, SDA, or renewal agreement and, when appropriate, records the costs of such programs as reductions of revenue.
	For our international business, we sell master territory and/or license agreements that typically allow the master licensee to either act as the franchisee or to sub-franchise to other operators. Master license and territory fees are generally recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the first restaurant or as stores are opened, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which generally occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee or licensee becomes effective.
	Rental income
	Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid (see note 2(i)). The difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases is recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such threshold is actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred income in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Sales of ice cream products
	We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international locations. Revenue from the sale of ice cream products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which was generally upon shipment through November 2012. Beginning in December 2012, title and risk of loss generally transfers to the buyer upon delivery.
	Sales at company-owned restaurants
	Retail store revenues at company-owned restaurants are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes.
	Other revenues
	Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of our restaurants to new or existing franchisees. Licensing fees are recognized when earned, which is generally upon sale of the underlying products by the licensees. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity, and we are satisfied that the buyer can meet its financial obligations to us. If the criteria for gain recognition are not met, we defer the gain to the extent we have any remaining financial exposure in connection with the sale transaction. Deferred gains are recognized when the gain recognition criteria are met.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'
	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and licensees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees or licensees are unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Included in the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivables is a provision for uncollectible royalty, lease, and licensing fee receivables.
Share-Based Payment	'
	Share-based payment
	We measure compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognize compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award.
Income Taxes	'
	Income taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effects of changes in tax rates and changes in apportionment of income between tax jurisdictions on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the year in which the law is enacted or change in apportionment occurs. Valuation allowances are provided when the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of identified tax assets.
	A tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Estimates of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in the provision for income taxes.
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive income
	Comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and unrealized pension gains and losses, and is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes, for all periods presented.
Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs primarily represent capitalizable costs incurred related to the issuance and refinancing of the Company’s long-term debt (see note 8). As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, deferred financing costs of $19.2 million and $25.0 million, respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and are being amortized over the remaining maturities of the debt using the effective interest rate method
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative instruments and hedging activities
	The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risks. These derivative contracts are entered into with financial institutions. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading purposes and we have procedures in place to monitor and control their use.
	We record all derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument for a cash flow hedge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations immediately. See note 9 for a discussion of our use of derivative instruments, management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments, and fair value information.
Gift Card/Certificate Breakage	'
	Gift card/certificate breakage
	The Company and our franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for product in our Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	There are no expiration dates on our gift cards, and we do not charge any service fees. While our franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, we may recognize income from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage income”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. Based on redemption data available, breakage income for gift cards was generally recognized five years from the last date of activity on the card through the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company determined that sufficient historical redemption patterns existed to revise breakage estimates related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. Based on historical redemption rates, breakage on Dunkin' Donuts gift cards is now estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions. The Company recognizes breakage as income only up to the amount of gift card program costs incurred. Any incremental breakage that exceeds gift card program costs has been committed to franchisees to fund future initiatives that will benefit the gift card program, and is recorded as gift card breakage liability within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 10).
	For fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011, total breakage income recognized on gift cards, as well as historical gift certificate programs, was $10.2 million, $7.9 million, and $2.5 million, respectively, and is recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net. Breakage income for fiscal year 2013 includes a $5.4 million recovery of historical Dunkin' Donuts gift card program costs incurred prior to fiscal year 2013. Breakage income for fiscal year 2012 includes $3.5 million related to historical Baskin-Robbins gift certificates as a result of shifting to gift cards, and represents the balance of gift certificates for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote based on historical redemption patterns.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of credit risk
	The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, and sales of ice cream products. In addition, we have note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of these franchisees and licensees is largely dependent upon the underlying business trends of our brands and market conditions within the quick service restaurant industry. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the large number of franchisees and licensees of each brand and the short-term nature of the franchise and license fee and lease receivables. At December 28, 2013, one master licensee and majority owned subsidiaries of the master licensee accounted for approximately 17% of total accounts and notes receivable, which was due primarily to the timing of orders and shipments of ice cream to the master licensee. At December 29, 2012, no individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total accounts and notes receivable. No individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for the fiscal years ended 2013, 2012, or 2011.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance which requires presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2014 with early adoption permitted. The Company has not adopted this guidance as of December 28, 2013, and does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued new guidance which requires disclosure of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and their corresponding effect on the respective line items of net income. This guidance was adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which enhanced existing disclosures about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the statement of financial position or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement, irrespective of whether they are offset on the statement of financial position. In January 2013, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify that the guidance issued in December 2011 on offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities was limited to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. It further clarifies that ordinary trade receivables and other receivables are not in the scope of the existing guidance. This guidance was adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2013. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	The Company has revised the presentation of certain captions for prior periods within the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The revisions had no impact on net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing, or financing activities.
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent events
	Subsequent events have been evaluated up through the date that these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		28-Dec-13						29-Dec-12
		Quoted prices			Significant		Total	Quoted prices	Significant	Total
		in active			other			in active	other
		markets for			observable			markets for	observable
		identical assets			inputs			identical assets	inputs
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 1)	(Level 2)
	Assets:
	Mutual funds	$	1,012		—		1,012	2,505	—	2,505
	Interest rate swaps	—			10,221		10,221	—	—	—
	Total assets	$	1,012		10,221		11,233	2,505	—	2,505
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—		7,181		7,181	—	7,379	7,379
	Interest rate swaps	—			—		—	—	2,809	2,809
	Total liabilities	$	—		7,181		7,181	—	10,188	10,188
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt	'
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013					December 29, 2012
	Financial liabilities	Carrying			Estimated		Carrying	Estimated
		value			fair value		value	fair value
	Term loans	$	1,823,609		1,836,212		1,849,958	1,878,980
Property and Equipment	'
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment	3 – 10
	Property and equipment at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Land	$	34,052		31,080
	Buildings	47,946			45,447
	Leasehold improvements	154,491			158,797
	Store, production, and other equipment	43,124			50,046
	Construction in progress	9,079			5,549
	Property and equipment, gross	288,692			290,919
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(105,834		)	(109,747	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	182,858		181,172

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc1

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Franchise Revenue Table	'
	Franchise fees and royalty income consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Royalty income	$	411,428		385,713		363,458
	Initial franchise fees and renewal income	42,548			33,227		35,016
	Total franchise fees and royalty income	$	453,976		418,940		398,474
Points of Distribution by Ownership Type	'
	The changes in franchised and company-owned points of distribution were as follows:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Systemwide points of distribution:
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year	17,333		16,565		16,105
	Franchises opened	1,388		1,470		1,403
	Franchises closed	(600	)	(701	)	(944	)
	Net transfers from (to) company-owned points of distribution	1		(1	)	1
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year	18,122		17,333		16,565
	Company-owned points of distribution—end of year	36		35		31
	Total systemwide points of distribution—end of year	18,158		17,368		16,596

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment	3 – 10
	Property and equipment at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Land	$	34,052		31,080
	Buildings	47,946			45,447
	Leasehold improvements	154,491			158,797
	Store, production, and other equipment	43,124			50,046
	Construction in progress	9,079			5,549
	Property and equipment, gross	288,692			290,919
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(105,834		)	(109,747	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	182,858		181,172

Equity_method_investments_Tabl

Equity method investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	'
	The comparison between the carrying value of our investments in BR Japan and BR Korea and the underlying equity in net assets of those investments is presented in the table below (in thousands):
		BR Japan				BR Korea
		December 28,			December 29,	December 28,		December 29,
		2013			2012	2013		2012
	Carrying value of investment	$	79,472		95,776	91,121		77,749
	Underlying equity in net assets of investment	45,682			54,410	100,766		88,514
	Carrying value in excess of (less than) the underlying equity in net assets(a)	$	33,790		41,366	(9,645	)	(10,765	)
	(a)	The excess carrying values over the underlying equity in net assets of BR Japan is primarily comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill, all of which were established in the BCT Acquisition. The deficit of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of BR Korea is primarily comprised of an impairment of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal year 2011.
	The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows:
		Ownership
	Entity	December 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	BR Japan	43.3	%	43.3	%
	BR Korea	33.3	%	33.3	%
	Spain JV	33.3	%	33.3	%
	Australia JV	20	%	n/a
Summary Financial Information For Joint Venture Operations	'
	Summary financial information for the equity method investments on an aggregated basis was as follows (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Current assets	$	261,546		248,371
	Current liabilities	106,280			102,787
	Working capital	155,266			145,584
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	139,378			144,570
	Other assets	173,491			163,511
	Long-term liabilities	52,389			62,351
	Equity of equity method investments	$	415,746		391,314
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,	December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	Revenues	$	673,537		687,676	659,319
	Net income	51,407			51,046	44,156
Estimated Amortization Expense Net of Deferred Tax Benefits, Equity Method Investments	'
	Total estimated amortization expense, net of deferred tax benefits, to be included in net income of equity method investments for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	408
	2015	345
	2016	277
	2017	205
	2018	128

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands):
		Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.										Dunkin’ Donuts International					Baskin-Robbins International				Total
		Goodwill				Accumulated impairment charges			Net Balance			Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges	Net Balance		Goodwill	Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance	Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance
	Balances at December 31, 2011	$	1,151,140			(270,441	)		880,699			10,293		—	10,293		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,185,470		(294,478	)	890,992
	Goodwill acquired	895				—			895			—		—	—		—	—		—	895		—		895
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			13		—	13		—	—		—	13		—		13
	Balances at December 29, 2012	1,152,035				(270,441	)		881,594			10,306		—	10,306		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,378		(294,478	)	891,900
	Goodwill disposed	(260		)		—			(260	)		—		—	—		—	—		—	(260	)	—		(260	)
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			(42	)	—	(42	)	—	—		—	(42	)	—		(42	)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	$	1,151,775			(270,441	)		881,334			10,264		—	10,264		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,076		(294,478	)	891,598
Other Intangible Assets	'
	Other intangible assets at December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	383,465			(159,719	)		223,746
	Favorable operating leases acquired	16		71,788				(35,653	)		36,135
	License rights	10		6,230				(4,876	)		1,354
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,652,453			(200,248	)		1,452,205
	Other intangible assets at December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	384,065			(139,677	)		244,388
	Favorable operating leases acquired	15		77,653				(35,207	)		42,446
	License rights	10		6,230				(4,250	)		1,980
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,658,918			(179,134	)		1,479,784
Total Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Total estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for fiscal years 2014 through 2018 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	25,357
	2015	25,069
	2016	22,180
	2017	21,673
	2018	21,258

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	Debt at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	Term loans	$	1,823,609	1,849,958
	Less current portion of long-term debt	5,000		26,680
	Total long-term debt	$	1,818,609	1,823,278
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	However, considering the February 2014 amendment to the senior credit facility and voluntary prepayments made, the aggregate contractual maturities of long-term debt for 2014 through 2018 are as follows (in thousands):
		2017 Term Loans		2021 Term Loans	Total
	2014	$	3,375	—	3,375
	2015	4,500		10,342	14,842
	2016	4,500		13,789	18,289
	2017	437,625		13,789	451,414
	2018	—		13,789	13,789

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	'
	The fair values of derivatives instruments consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,				December 29,			Consolidated balance sheet classification
		2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps - asset	$	10,221			—			Other assets
	Total fair values of derivative instruments - asset	$	10,221			—
		December 28,				December 29,			Consolidated balance sheet classification
		2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps - liability	$	—			2,809			Other long-term liabilities
	Total fair values of derivative instruments - liability	$	—			2,809
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	The tables below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2013:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	9,648			(3,382	)		Interest expense	13,030
	Income tax effect		(3,909		)		1,381			Provision for income taxes	(5,290	)
	Net of income taxes		$	5,739			(2,001	)			7,740
	The tables below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2012:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3,673	)		(864	)		Interest expense	(2,809	)
	Income tax effect		1,509				355			Provision for income taxes	1,154
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,164	)		(509	)			(1,655	)

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other current liabilities at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 28,		December 29,
		2013		2012
	Gift card/certificate liability	$	139,721	145,981
	Gift card breakage liability	14,093		—
	Accrued salary and benefits	26,713		31,136
	Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	26,633		27,305
	Accrued interest	9,999		13,564
	Accrued professional costs	2,938		2,996
	Other	28,821		18,949
	Total other current liabilities	$	248,918	239,931

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	'
	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to capital leases (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$	7,888		7,902
	Accumulated depreciation	(2,326		)	(2,003	)
	Net leased property under capital leases	$	5,562		5,899
	Capital lease obligations:
	Current	$	432		371
	Long-term	6,996			7,251
	Total capital lease obligations	$	7,428		7,622
Leases of Lessor in Balance Sheet	'
	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to assets leased to others under operating leases, where the Company is the lessor (in thousands):
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Land	$	29,701		27,210
	Buildings	41,721			39,242
	Leasehold improvements	135,177			141,264
	Store, production, and other equipment	146			149
	Construction in progress	1,363			1,384
	Assets leased to others, gross	208,108			209,249
	Accumulated depreciation	(71,535		)	(71,100	)
	Assets leased to others, net	$	136,573		138,149
Schedule of Future Minimum Retal Payments and Receipts for Capital and Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum rental commitments to be paid and received by the Company at December 28, 2013 for all noncancelable leases and subleases are as follows (in thousands):
		Payments						Receipts		Net
		Capital			Operating			Subleases		leases
		leases			leases
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	1,031		52,930			(61,929	)	(7,968	)
	2015	1,064			51,710			(61,043	)	(8,269	)
	2016	1,068			50,563			(61,026	)	(9,395	)
	2017	1,090			50,467			(60,525	)	(8,968	)
	2018	1,106			49,811			(59,305	)	(8,388	)
	Thereafter	6,655			384,354			(347,138	)	43,871
	Total minimum rental commitments	12,014			$	639,835		(650,966	)	883
	Less amount representing interest	4,586
	Present value of minimum capital lease obligations	$	7,428
Schedule of Rent Expense	'
	Total rental expense for all operating leases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,		December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	Base rentals	$	53,462		52,821		52,214
	Contingent rentals	5,869			5,227		4,510
	Total rental expense	$	59,331		58,048		56,724
Schedule of Rental Income	'
	Total rental income for all leases and subleases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,		December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	Base rentals	$	66,540		67,988		66,061
	Contingent rentals	29,542			28,828		26,084
	Total rental income	$	96,082		96,816		92,145
Schedule of Unfavorable Operating Leases	'
	The impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired resulted in an increase in rental income and a decrease in rental expense as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,		December 31,
		2013			2012		2011
	Increase in rental income	$	973		1,065		1,392
	Decrease in rental expense	1,204			1,287		1,838
	Total increase in operating income	$	2,177		2,352		3,230
Impact of Amortization of Unfavorable Operating Leases	'
	Following is the estimated impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired for each of the next five years (in thousands):
		Decrease in			Increase in		Total increase
		rental expense			rental income		in operating
							income
	Fiscal year:
	2014	$	1,051		847		1,898
	2015	949			789		1,738
	2016	893			719		1,612
	2017	893			681		1,574
	2018	859			632		1,491

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information by Segment and Geographical Area	'
	Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands):
		Revenues
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	521,179		485,399		449,492
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	18,316			15,485		15,253
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	42,152			42,074		43,455
	Baskin-Robbins International	120,333			101,975		106,887
	Total reportable segments	701,980			644,933		615,087
	Other	11,860			13,248		13,111
	Total revenues	$	713,840		658,181		628,198
	Revenues for foreign countries are represented by the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments above. No individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for any fiscal year presented.
	Expenses included in “Corporate and other” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services, as well as the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2011 related to our investment in BR Korea (see note 6). Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Segment profit
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	379,751		355,274		334,308
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	7,479			9,670		11,528
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	27,081			26,274		21,593
	Baskin-Robbins International	54,321			42,004		42,844
	Total reportable segments	468,632			433,222		410,273
	Corporate and other	(113,967		)	(136,488	)	(150,382	)
	Interest expense, net	(79,831		)	(73,488	)	(104,449	)
	Depreciation and amortization	(49,366		)	(56,027	)	(52,522	)
	Long-lived asset impairment charges	(563		)	(1,278	)	(2,060	)
	Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	(5,018		)	(3,963	)	(34,222	)
	Other gains (losses), net	(1,799		)	23		175
	Income before income taxes	$	218,088		162,001		66,813
	Net income (loss) of equity method investments, including amortization on intangibles resulting from the BCT Acquisition, is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Expenses included in “Other” in the segment profit table below represent the impairment charge recorded in fiscal year 2011 related to our investment in BR Korea, and the related ongoing reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax (see note 6). Net income (loss) of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Net income (loss) of equity method investments
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	480		2,211		840
	Baskin-Robbins International	15,913			16,578		14,461
	Total reportable segments	16,393			18,789		15,301
	Other	1,977			3,562		(18,776	)
	Total net income (loss) of equity method investments	$	18,370		22,351		(3,475	)
	Depreciation and amortization is not included in segment profit for each reportable segment. However, depreciation and amortization is included in the financial results regularly provided to the Company’s senior management. Depreciation and amortization by reportable segments was as follows (in thousands):
		Depreciation and amortization
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	18,506		19,021		20,068
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	50			92		130
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	530			1,052		522
	Baskin-Robbins International	135			643		866
	Total reportable segments	19,221			20,808		21,586
	Corporate and other	30,145			35,219		30,936
	Total depreciation and amortization	$	49,366		56,027		52,522
	Property and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 is based on the physical locations within the indicated geographic regions and are as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	United States	$	182,544		180,525
	International	314			647
	Total property and equipment, net	$	182,858		181,172

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Class L Common Stock	'
	The changes in Class L common stock were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		31-Dec-11
		Shares			Amount
	Common stock, Class L, beginning of year	22,995			$	840,582
	Issuance of Class L common stock	65			2,270
	Repurchases of Class L common stock	—			(113		)
	Retirement of treasury stock	(194	)		—
	Accretion of Class L preferred return	—			45,102
	Conversion of Class L shares to common shares	(22,866	)		(887,841		)
	Common stock, Class L, end of year	—			$	—
Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):
		Effect of				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps		Unrealized loss on pension adjustment		Other		Accumulated
		foreign										other
		currency										comprehensive
		translation										income
	Balances at December 29, 2012	$	14,914			(1,655	)	(2,486	)	(1,632	)	9,141
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,909		)		7,740		(612	)	(21	)	(7,802	)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	$	5			6,085		(3,098	)	(1,653	)	1,339
Schedule of Dividends Paid	'
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share				Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2013:
	First quarter	$	0.19			$	20,191		20-Feb-13
	Second quarter	0.19				20,259			6-Jun-13
	Third quarter	0.19				20,257			4-Sep-13
	Fourth quarter	0.19				20,301			November 26, 2013
	During fiscal year 2012, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share				Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2012:
	First quarter	$	0.15			$	18,046		28-Mar-12
	Second quarter	0.15				18,068			16-May-12
	Third quarter	0.15				18,075			24-Aug-12
	Fourth quarter	0.15				15,880			November 14, 2012

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Tables

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Total share based compensation expense	'
	Total share-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013				December 29, 2012	December 31, 2011
	Restricted shares	$	3			132	2,739
	2006 Plan stock options—executive	977				4,245	1,626
	2006 Plan stock options—nonexecutive	162				181	202
	2011 Plan stock options	4,668				2,026	32
	Restricted stock units	1,513				336	33
	Total share-based compensation	$	7,323			6,920	4,632
	Total related tax benefit	$	2,958			2,768	1,852
Summary of valuation assumptions	'
	The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of executive options granted during fiscal years 2011:
		Fiscal year ended(1)
		December 31,
		2011
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$6.27
	Significant assumptions:
	Tranche 4 options:
	Risk-free interest rate	2.1%–2.7%
	Expected volatility	47.0%–72.0%
	Dividend yield	—
	Expected term (years)	6.5
	Tranche 5 options:
	Risk-free interest rate	2.3%–3.2%
	Expected volatility	47.0%–72.0%
	Dividend yield	—
	(1) The Company did not grant any Tranche 4 or Tranche 5 options during fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
	The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options granted during fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012		December 31, 2011
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	9.92		10.65		10.27
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.20%		0.8%-1.4%		1.2%-2.7%
	Expected volatility	33.00%		43.00%		43.0%-72.0%
	Dividend yield	2.00%		1.8%-2.1%		—
	Expected term (years)	6.25		6.25		6.25-6.5
Summary of status of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options	'
	A summary of the status of the Company’s executive stock options as of December 28, 2013 and changes during fiscal year 2013 are presented below:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted	Aggregate
		shares			average		average	intrinsic
					exercise		remaining	value
					price		contractual	(in millions)
							term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 29, 2012	3,331,993			$	3.85	7.3
	Exercised	(932,519	)		3.68
	Forfeited or expired	(193,527	)		7.15
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,205,947			3.64		6.3	$	97.3
	Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	1,067,692			3.29		6.2	47.5
	A summary of the status of the Company’s nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options as of December 28, 2013 and changes during fiscal year 2013 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted	Aggregate
		shares			average		average	intrinsic
					exercise		remaining	value
					price		contractual	(in millions)
							term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 29, 2012	1,295,356			$	24.34	8.8
	Granted	1,177,999			37.26
	Exercised	(207,679	)		21.93
	Forfeited or expired	(246,526	)		29.92
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,019,150			31.45		8.5	$	32.9
	Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	279,932			20.08		7.3	7.7
Summary of changes in resticted shares	'
	A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted shares during fiscal year 2013 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted
		shares			average
					grant-date
					fair value
	Nonvested restricted shares at December 29, 2012	1,049			$	5.44
	Granted	—			—
	Vested	(1,049	)		5.44
	Forfeited	—			—
	Nonvested restricted shares at December 28, 2013	—			—
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Summary of changes in resticted shares	'
	A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted stock units during fiscal year 2013 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted average grant-date fair value
		shares
	Nonvested restricted stock units at December 29, 2012	22,204			$	31.21
	Granted	94,495			37.87
	Vested	(12,655	)		35.44
	Forfeited	(1,073	)		37.27
	Nonvested restricted stock units at December 28, 2013	102,971			37.2

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,		December 29,	December 31,
		2013		2012	2011
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands—basic and diluted	$	146,903	108,308	34,442
	Allocation of net income (loss) to common stockholders(1):
	Class L—basic and diluted	n/a		n/a	140,212
	Common—basic(2)	$	146,903	108,176	(105,770		)
	Common—diluted(2)	146,903		108,197	(105,770		)
	Weighted average number of common shares—basic and diluted:
	Class L—basic and diluted(3)	n/a		n/a	22,845,378
	Common—basic	106,501,733		114,584,063	74,835,697
	Common—diluted(4)	108,217,011		116,573,344	74,835,697
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Class L—basic	n/a		n/a	$	6.14
	Common—basic	$	1.38	0.94	(1.41		)
	Common—diluted	1.36		0.93	(1.41		)
	(1) As the Company had both Class L and common stock outstanding during fiscal year 2011, and Class L had preference with respect to all distributions, earnings per share was calculated using the two-class method, which requires the allocation of earnings to each class of common stock. The numerator in calculating Class L basic and diluted earnings per share is the Class L preference amount accrued at 9% per annum during fiscal year 2011 plus, if positive, a pro rata share of an amount equal to consolidated net income less the Class L preference amount. The Class L preferential distribution amount accrued was $45.1 million during fiscal year 2011. The Class L shares converted into common stock immediately prior to the Company’s initial public offering that was completed on August 1, 2011. The numerator in calculating the Class L basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2011 includes an amount representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders upon conversion to common stock over the carrying amount of the Class L shares at the date of conversion, which occurred immediately prior to the Company’s initial public offering. As the carrying amount of the Class L shares was equal to the Class L preference amount, the excess fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders was equal to the fair value of the additional 0.2189 of a share of common stock into which each Class L share converted (“Class L base share”), which totaled $95.1 million, calculated as follows:
	Class L shares outstanding immediately prior to the initial public offering	22,866,379
	Number of common shares received for each Class L share	0.2189
	Common stock received by Class L shareholders, excluding preferential distribution	5,005,775
	Common stock fair value per share (initial public offering price per share)	$	19
	Fair value of Class L base shares (in thousands)	$	95,110
	(2) Net income allocated to common shareholders for the fiscal year 2012 excludes $132 thousand and $111 thousand for basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively, that is allocated to participating securities. Participating securities consist of unvested (restricted) shares that contain a nonforfeitable right to participate in dividends. No net income was allocated to participating securities for fiscal year 2013 as all restricted shares were fully vested as of December 28, 2013, and no net loss was allocated to participating securities for fiscal year 2011 as the participating securities do not participate in losses.
	(3) The weighted average number of Class L shares in the Class L earnings per share calculation in fiscal year 2011 represents the weighted average from the beginning of the period up through the date of conversion of the Class L shares into common shares. There were no Class L common stock equivalents outstanding during fiscal year 2011.
	(4) The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 includes the dilutive effect of 1,715,278 and 1,989,281, respectively, restricted shares and stock options, using the treasury stock method. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for all periods excludes all performance-based restricted stock awards and stock options outstanding for which the performance criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no common restricted stock awards that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria were not yet met. As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 636,752 common restricted stock awards and 2,422,628 options to purchase common stock that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria was not yet met. Additionally, the weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation excludes stock options of 1,100,275 and 805,015 for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, as they would be antidilutive. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for fiscal year 2011 excludes all restricted stock and stock options outstanding, as they would be antidilutive.
Calculation fo Fair Value of Shares	'
	As the carrying amount of the Class L shares was equal to the Class L preference amount, the excess fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders was equal to the fair value of the additional 0.2189 of a share of common stock into which each Class L share converted (“Class L base share”), which totaled $95.1 million, calculated as follows:
	Class L shares outstanding immediately prior to the initial public offering	22,866,379
	Number of common shares received for each Class L share	0.2189
	Common stock received by Class L shareholders, excluding preferential distribution	5,005,775
	Common stock fair value per share (initial public offering price per share)	$	19
	Fair value of Class L base shares (in thousands)	$	95,110

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	Income (loss) before income taxes was attributed to domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Domestic operations	$	195,277			172,576			70,034
	Foreign operations	22,811				(10,575	)		(3,221	)
	Income before income taxes	$	218,088			162,001			66,813
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	70,696			52,657			34,282
	State	11,758				6,065			5,733
	Foreign	2,521				2,601			3,719
	Current tax provision	$	84,975			61,323			43,734
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(11,915	)		(5,071	)		(11,567	)
	State	(984		)		4,373			892
	Foreign	(292		)		(6,248	)		(688	)
	Deferred tax benefit	(13,191		)		(6,946	)		(11,363	)
	Provision for income taxes	$	71,784			54,377			32,371
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations differed from the expense computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,			December 29,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Permanent differences:
	Impairment of investment in BR Korea	—			—			9.8
	Other permanent differences	0.2			0.7			0.9
	State income taxes	4.7			5.2			6.9
	Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(4.3	)		(2.9	)		(6.8	)
	Changes in enacted tax rates and apportionment	0.8			2.8			3
	Uncertain tax positions	(3.2	)		(6.3	)		1.9
	Other	(0.3	)		(0.9	)		(2.2	)
	Effective tax rate	32.9	%		33.6	%		48.5	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		December 28, 2013							December 29, 2012
		Deferred tax				Deferred tax			Deferred tax		Deferred tax
		assets				liabilities			assets		liabilities
	Current:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,055			—			969		—
	Deferred gift cards and certificates	20,371				—			22,561		—
	Rent	5,307				—			4,990		—
	Deferred income	4,672				—			3,926		—
	Other current liabilities	13,983				—			11,422		—
	Other	1,073				—			3,395		—
	Total current	46,461				—			47,263		—
	Noncurrent:
	Capital leases	2,830				—			2,924		—
	Rent	2,243				—			2,032		—
	Property and equipment	—				6,315			—		10,229
	Deferred compensation liabilities	7,747				—			6,478		—
	Deferred income	4,234				—			4,905		—
	Real estate reserves	1,287				—			1,398		—
	Franchise rights and other intangibles	—				576,567			—		584,642
	Unused foreign tax credits	6,756				—			8,034		—
	Other	1,103				4,322			—		26
		26,200				587,204			25,771		594,897
	Valuation allowance	(710		)		—			—		—
	Total noncurrent	25,490				587,204			25,771		594,897
		$	71,951			587,204			73,034		594,897
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	'
	A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	15,428			41,379			17,549
	Increases related to prior year tax positions	855				2,063			23,922
	Increases related to current year tax positions	219				1,389			—
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(3,091		)		(19,675	)		—
	Decreases related to settlements	(4,797		)		(9,792	)		—
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	—				(27	)		(43	)
	Effect of foreign currency adjustments	(401		)		91			(49	)
	Balance at end of year	$	8,213			15,428			41,379

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Pension Expense	'
	The components of net pension expense were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Service cost	$	—			262			222
	Interest cost	216				333			340
	Expected return on plan assets	(263		)		(317	)		(306	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	74				76			54
	Net pension expense	$	27			354			310
Summary of Other Balances	'
	The table below summarizes other balances for fiscal years 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,				December 29,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,349			6,050			6,042
	Service cost	—				262			222
	Interest cost	216				333			340
	Employee contributions	—				88			81
	Benefits paid	(230		)		(275	)		(479	)
	Curtailment gain	—				(1,084	)		—
	Actuarial loss (gain)	395				2,854			(95	)
	Foreign currency loss (gain), net	(530		)		121			(61	)
	Benefit obligation, end of year	$	8,200			8,349			6,050
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,809			4,945			4,797
	Expected return on plan assets	263				317			306
	Employer contributions	626				662			798
	Employee contributions	—				88			81
	Benefits paid	(230		)		(275	)		(479	)
	Actuarial loss	(371		)		(27	)		(505	)
	Foreign currency gain (loss), net	(307		)		99			(53	)
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	5,790			5,809			4,945
	Reconciliation of funded status:
	Funded status	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(2,410	)		(2,540	)		(1,105	)
Allocation of Assets Within the Pooled Fund	'
	The allocation of the assets within the plan consisted of the following:
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Cash and short-term investments	35	%		—	%
	Equity securities	—			60
	Debt securities	65			39
	Other	—			1
Schedule of Assumptions Used	'
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the present value of accrued pension benefits at December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012 were as follows:
		December 28,			December 29,
		2013			2012
	Discount rate	2.65	%		2.7	%
	Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	—			—
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the present value of our net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		December 28,			December 29,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Discount rate	2.7	%		5.25	%		5.5	%
	Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	—			3.25			3.25
	Expected return on plan assets	4.5			6			6

RelatedParty_Transactions_Tabl

Related-Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Disclosure Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investments as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 28,		December 29,	December 31,
		2013		2012	2011
	BR Japan	$	2,097	2,549	2,473
	BR Korea	4,156		3,662	3,371
	Spain JV	130		—	—
		$	6,383	6,211	5,844

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account1

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows (in thousands):
		Accounts			Short-term notes and other		Long-term notes and other
		receivable			receivables		receivables
	Balance at December 25, 2010	$	5,518		2,443		—
	Provision for doubtful accounts, net	745			1,274		—
	Write-offs and other	(3,550		)	(1,396	)	—
	Balance at December 31, 2011	2,713			2,321		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	513			(1,055	)	—
	Write-offs and other	(743		)	(62	)	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	2,483			1,204		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,015			(339	)	2,808
	Write-offs and other	(899		)	(206	)	—
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	2,599		659		2,808

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data	'
		Three months ended
		March 30,		June 29,	September 28,	December 28,
		2013		2013	2013	2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	161,858	182,488	186,317	183,177
	Operating income	63,459		76,805	82,237	82,235
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	23,798		40,812	40,221	42,072
	Earnings per share:
	Common – basic	0.22		0.38	0.38	0.39
	Common – diluted	0.22		0.38	0.37	0.39
		Three months ended
		March 31,		June 30,	September 29,	December 29,
		2012		2012	2012	2012
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	152,372	172,387	171,719	161,703
	Operating income(1)	55,195		46,138	70,345	67,751
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands(1)	25,950		18,497	29,526	34,335
	Earnings per share(1):
	Common – basic	0.22		0.15	0.26	0.32
	Common – diluted	0.21		0.15	0.26	0.32
	-1	The second quarter of fiscal year 2012 includes a $20.7 million incremental legal reserve related to the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling in the Bertico litigation, in which the Court found for the Plaintiffs and issued a judgment against Dunkin’ Brands in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million (approximately $15.9 million), plus costs and interest (see note 17(d)).

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
	customer	customer	customer
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial reporting and operating period, year	'364 days	'364 days	'	'
Financial reporting and operating period, quarter	'91 days	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership	51.00%	'	'	'
Cash Held, Related to Advertising Funds and Girft Card/Certificate Programs	$134,500,000	$125,400,000	'	'
Carrying value of long term receivables	5,300,000	5,800,000	'	'
Carrying value of long term debt	1,823,609,000	1,849,958,000	'	'
Fair value of long term debt	1,836,212,000	1,878,980,000	'	'
Amortization period of unfavorable operating leases	'17 years	'	'	'
Deferred financing costs	19,200,000	25,000,000	'	'
Income recognized on gift cards and gift ceritificate breakage	10,200,000	7,900,000	2,500,000	'
Number of customer that accounted for more than 10% of accounts and notes receivable	1	0	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	17.00%	'	'	'
Number of customer that accounted for more than 10% of revenue	0	0	0	'
Cash and cash equivalents	256,933,000	252,618,000	246,715,000	134,100,000
Property and equipment, net	182,858,000	181,172,000	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financial reporting and operating period, year	'	'	'371 days	'
Baskin Robbins [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income recognized on gift cards and gift ceritificate breakage	5,400,000	3,500,000	'	'
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Useful life of property plant and equipment	'20 years	'	'	'
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Useful life of property plant and equipment	'35 years	'	'	'
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Useful life of property plant and equipment	'5 years	'	'	'
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Useful life of property plant and equipment	'20 years	'	'	'
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Useful life of property plant and equipment	'3 years	'	'	'
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Useful life of property plant and equipment	'10 years	'	'	'
Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	'14 years	'	'	'
Partnership [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	3,000,000	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	$6,400,000	'	'	'

Financial_Assets_and_Liabiliti

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$11,233	$2,505
Liabilities	7,181	10,188
Mutual funds	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	1,012	2,505
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	10,221	0
Liabilities	0	2,809
Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	7,181	7,379
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	1,012	2,505
Liabilities	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Mutual funds	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	1,012	2,505
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	10,221	0
Liabilities	7,181	10,188
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Mutual funds	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate swaps	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	10,221	0
Liabilities	0	2,809
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	$7,181	$7,379

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc2

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Royalty income	$411,428	$385,713	$363,458
Initial franchise fees and renewal income	42,548	33,227	35,016
Total franchise fees and royalty income	$453,976	$418,940	$398,474

Changes_in_Franchised_and_Comp

Changes in Franchised and Company-Owned Points of Distribution (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	distributor	distributor	distributor
Number of Franchises [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Franchised points of distribution-beginning of period	17,333	16,565	16,105
Franchises opened	1,388	1,470	1,403
Franchises closed	-600	-701	-944
Net transfers (to) from company-owned points of distribution	1	-1	1
Franchised points of distribution in operation-end of period	18,122	17,333	16,565
Company-owned points of distribution-end of period	36	35	31
Total systemwide points of distribution-end of period	18,158	17,368	16,596

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc3

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income Narrative (Details)	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Reduction in franchised points of distribution in operation	91	198	57

Advertising_Funds_Details

Advertising Funds (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Advertising Funds [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of franchisees gross retail sales, collected for advertising unds	5.00%	'	'
Accrued Advertising	$17,600,000	$13,700,000	'
Advertising management fee	5,500,000	5,600,000	5,700,000
Advertising expense, national and regional advertising	2,400,000	863,000	2,000,000
Advertising expense, based on retail Sales as owner and operator of company-owned restaurants	1,000,000	808,000	289,000
Advertising fund contribution	$5,900,000	$0	$0

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$288,692	$290,919	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-105,834	-109,747	'
Property and equipment, net	182,858	181,172	'
Impairment charges on leasehold improvements	119	319	1,400
Land	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	34,052	31,080	'
Buildings	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	47,946	45,447	'
Leasehold improvements	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	154,491	158,797	'
Store, production, and other equipment	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	43,124	50,046	'
Construction in progress	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$9,079	$5,549	'

Equity_method_investments_Owne

Equity method investments Ownership Percentage (Details)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
BR Japan [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	43.30%	43.30%
BR Korea [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	33.30%	33.30%
Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	33.30%	33.30%
Palm Oasis Ventures Pty. Ltd. [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership interest	20.00%	'

Equity_method_investments_Summ

Equity method investments Summarized Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current assets	$261,546	$248,371	'
Current liabilities	106,280	102,787	'
Working capital	155,266	145,584	'
Property, plant, and equipment, net	139,378	144,570	'
Other assets	173,491	163,511	'
Long-term liabilities	52,389	62,351	'
Equity of equity method investments	415,746	391,314	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	673,537	687,676	659,319
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	$51,407	$51,046	$44,156

Equity_method_investments_Comp

Equity method investments Comparison of Carrying Value of Investmetn and Underlying Equity in Net Assets of Investment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013		Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investments	$170,644		$174,823
BR Japan [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investments	79,472		95,776
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	45,682		54,410
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	33,790	[1]	41,366	[1]
BR Korea [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Equity Method Investments	91,121		77,749
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	100,766		88,514
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	($9,645)	[1]	($10,765)	[1]
[1]	The excess carrying values over the underlying equity in net assets of BR Japan is primarily comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill, all of which were established in the BCT Acquisition. The deficit of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of BR Korea is primarily comprised of an impairment of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal year 2011.

Equity_method_investments_Expe

Equity method investments Expected Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
2014	$408
2015	345
2016	277
2017	205
2018	$128

Equity_method_investments_Text

Equity method investments Textuals (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 29, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 28, 2013

Australia Joint Venture [Member]

Australia Joint Venture [Member]

BR Japan [Member]

BR Japan [Member]

BR Korea [Member]

BR Korea [Member]

BR Korea [Member]

BR Korea [Member]

Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ownership sold

'

'

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain from sale of franchising business

'

'

'

$6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of franchising business

'

'

'

6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of franchise business sold

'

'

'

216,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unpaid transaction-related costs

'

'

'

'

146,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

20.00%

43.30%

43.30%

'

33.30%

33.30%

'

'

Aggregate value of investment

'

'

'

'

'

163,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expense from equity method investments

505,000

689,000

868,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivable, related party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,800,000

Impairment charge related to equity method investments

873,000

0

19,752,000

'

'

'

'

19,800,000

'

'

'

873,000

Reduction of depreciation and amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,000,000

$3,600,000

$1,000,000

'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$1,186,076	$1,186,378	$1,185,470
Accumulated impairment charges	-294,478	-294,478	-294,478
Goodwill acquired	-260	895	'
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	-42	13	'
Net Balance	891,598	891,900	890,992
Dunkin' Donuts U.S. [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill	1,151,775	1,152,035	1,151,140
Accumulated impairment charges	-270,441	-270,441	-270,441
Goodwill acquired	-260	895	'
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	0	0	'
Net Balance	881,334	881,594	880,699
Dunkin Donuts International [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill	10,264	10,306	10,293
Accumulated impairment charges	0	0	0
Goodwill acquired	0	0	'
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	-42	13	'
Net Balance	10,264	10,306	10,293
Baskin-Robbins International [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill	24,037	24,037	24,037
Accumulated impairment charges	-24,037	-24,037	-24,037
Goodwill acquired	0	0	'
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	0	0	'
Net Balance	$0	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	$1,652,453	$1,658,918	'
Accumulated amortization	-200,248	-179,134	'
Net carrying amount	1,452,205	1,479,784	'
Impairment of favorable operating leases acquired	444	959	624
Franchise Rights [Member] | Definite-lived intangibles:	'	'	'
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average amortization period (years)	'20 years	'20 years	'
Gross carrying amount	383,465	384,065	'
Accumulated amortization	-159,719	-139,677	'
Net carrying amount	223,746	244,388	'
Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] | Definite-lived intangibles:	'	'	'
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average amortization period (years)	'16 years	'15 years	'
Gross carrying amount	71,788	77,653	'
Accumulated amortization	-35,653	-35,207	'
Net carrying amount	36,135	42,446	'
Licensing Agreements [Member] | Definite-lived intangibles:	'	'	'
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average amortization period (years)	'10 years	'10 years	'
Gross carrying amount	6,230	6,230	'
Accumulated amortization	-4,876	-4,250	'
Net carrying amount	1,354	1,980	'
Trade Names [Member] | Indefinite-lived intangible:	'	'	'
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	1,190,970	1,190,970	'
Net carrying amount	$1,190,970	$1,190,970	'

Total_Estimated_Amortization_E

Total Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2013	$25,357
2014	25,069
2015	22,180
2016	21,673
2017	$21,258

Debt_Disclosure_Details

Debt Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Term loans	$1,823,609	$1,849,958
Less current portion of long-term debt	5,000	26,680
Total long-term debt	$1,818,609	$1,823,278

Debt_Senior_Credit_Facility_De

Debt Senior Credit Facility (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Jan. 03, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Nov. 30, 2010

Feb. 22, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 29, 2012

Feb. 01, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Dec. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Dec. 28, 2013

Feb. 01, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Feb. 22, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Q1 2013 [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Base Rate Loans

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Lenders Exiting Term Loan Lending Syndicate [Member]

If DBI’s leverage ratio is greater than 5.50x [Member]

Due February 2021 [Member]

Due February 2021 [Member]

Due September 2017 [Member]

Due September 2017 [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

LIBOR Rate Loans

Senior Notes 9.625% Due December 2018 [Member]

Senior Notes 9.625% Due December 2018 [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Federal Fund Rate [Member]

LIBOR Rate Loans

LIBOR Rate Loans

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Minimum [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,250,000,000

'

$1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

$1,900,000,000

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$1,380,000,000

'

$450,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

'

'

2.50%

'

2.50%

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,830,000,000

1,860,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Standby letters of credit

'

3,000,000

11,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters Of Credit Drawn

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Applicable margin under term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

2.00%

'

1.75%

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

'

'

'

0.50%

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes Reduction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

214,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of credit facility per calendar year

'

19,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent of excess cash flow required to be used to prepay term loan

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

Maximum leverage ratio for company not to make excess cash flow payments

'

4.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage Ratio Minimum Triggering Event, Fifty Percent Excess Cash Flow Payment Requirement

'

5.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional principal payment

'

24,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Excess cash flow payment required

'

'

'

'

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intended payment of debt per quarter

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Voluntary Payment

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early Repayment of Senior Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions

5,000,000

5,018,000

3,963,000

34,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost

3,900,000

'

477,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other debt extinguishment and refinancing expense

1,100,000

'

7,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Percentage

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Addidtional borrowing, senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance discount

'

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

'

'

396,000,000

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

396,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,300,000

$4,700,000

$5,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

0.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Senior_Notes_Details

Debt - Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2010
				Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]
				Senior Notes 9.625% Due December 2018 [Member]	Senior Notes 9.625% Due December 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'	'	$625,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	'	'	9.63%
Debt issuance discount	'	'	4,600,000	'	9,400,000
Debt issuance costs	'	'	'	'	15,600,000
Amortization of Financing Costs	'	'	'	1,000,000	'
Early Repayment of Senior Debt	'	'	'	250,000,000	'
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	'	'	'	-26,000,000	'
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	3,900,000	477,000	'	22,800,000	'
Other debt extinguishment and refinancing expense	$1,100,000	$7,700,000	'	$3,200,000	'

Debt_Future_Maturities_Details

Debt - Future Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Intended principal payments on quarterly basis	$5,000,000
2014	3,375,000
2015	14,842,000
2016	18,289,000
2017	451,414,000
2018	13,789,000
Twenty Seventeen Term Loans [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	3,375,000
2015	4,500,000
2016	4,500,000
2017	437,625,000
2018	0
Twenty Twenty One Term Loans [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	0
2015	10,342,000
2016	13,789,000
2017	13,789,000
2018	$13,789,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Derivative instruments and Hedging Transactions - Textuals (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
	counterparties			Swap [Member]	Swap [Member]	Other Current liabilities [Member]	Other Current liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of counterparties	3	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative variable interest rate spread, floor	'	'	'	1.00%	0.75%	'	'
Notional value of swaps	'	'	'	$900,000,000	'	'	'
Swap quarterly fixed interest rate	'	'	'	1.37%	'	'	'
Total swap interest rate	'	'	'	4.12%	'	'	'
Ineffectiveness of interest rate swap	'	0	0	'	'	'	'
Interest Payable	'	'	'	'	'	836,000	864,000
Estimated reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income	'	'	'	3,400,000	'	'	'
Fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	1.22%	'	'
Derivative termination value	'	$9,600,000	'	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Insturments_and_Hed

Derivative Insturments and Hedging Transactions (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair values of derivative instruments - asset	$10,221	$0
Total fair values of derivative instruments - liability	0	2,809
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swaps - asset	10,221	0
Other Long Term Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swaps - liability	$0	$2,809

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions - Derivative Effects (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$9,648	($3,673)	'
Interest rate swaps, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	-3,382	-864	'
Interest rate swaps, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	13,030	-2,809	'
Income Tax Effect, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,909	1,509	'
Income tax effect, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	1,381	355	'
Income tax effect, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,290	1,154	0
Net of income taxes, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	5,739	-2,164	'
Net of income taxes, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	-2,001	-509	'
Net of income taxes, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	$7,740	($1,655)	$0

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Gift card/certificate liability	$139,721	$145,981
Gift card breakage liability	14,093	0
Accrued salary and benefits	26,713	31,136
Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	26,633	27,305
Accrued Interest	9,999	13,564
Accrued professional costs	2,938	2,996
Other	28,821	18,949
Total other current liabilities	$248,918	$239,931

Leases_Capital_Leases_Included

Leases - Capital Leases Included in Company's Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$7,888	$7,902	'
Accumulated depreciation	-2,326	-2,003	'
Net leased property under capital leases	5,562	5,899	'
Current	432	371	'
Long-term	6,996	7,251	'
Total capital lease obligations	7,428	7,622	'
Income expense related to capital leases	$618	$600	$481

Leases_Operating_Leases_Includ

Leases - Operating Leases Included in Company's Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets leased to others, gross	$208,108	$209,249
Accumulated depreciation	-71,535	-71,100
Assets leased to others, net	136,573	138,149
Land	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets leased to others, gross	29,701	27,210
Buildings	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets leased to others, gross	41,721	39,242
Leasehold improvements	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets leased to others, gross	135,177	141,264
Store, production, and other equipment	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets leased to others, gross	146	149
Construction in progress	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets leased to others, gross	$1,363	$1,384

Leases_Future_Minimum_Rental_C

Leases - Future Minimum Rental Commitments to be Paid and Received (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2014	$1,031
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2015	1,064
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2016	1,068
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2017	1,090
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2018	1,106
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	6,655
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	12,014
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	4,586
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	7,428
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2014	52,930
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2015	51,710
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2016	50,563
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2017	50,467
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2018	49,811
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	384,354
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	639,835
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2014	-61,929
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2015	-61,043
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2016	-61,026
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2017	-60,525
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Due, 2018	-59,305
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	-347,138
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable	-650,966
Net Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due (Receivable), Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2014	-7,968
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2015	-8,269
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2016	-9,395
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2017	-8,968
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2018	-8,388
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, Thereafter	43,871
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases	$883

Leases_Rent_Expense_Operating_

Leases - Rent Expense, Operating (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Base rentals	$53,462	$52,821	$52,214
Contingent rentals	5,869	5,227	4,510
Total rental expense	$59,331	$58,048	$56,724

Leases_Rent_Income_Details

Leases - Rent Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Base rentals	$66,540	$67,988	$66,061
Contingent rentals	29,542	28,828	26,084
Total rental income	$96,082	$96,816	$92,145

Leases_Impact_of_Amortization_

Leases - Impact of Amortization of Unfavorable Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Increase in rental income	$973	$1,065	$1,392
Decrease in rental expense	1,204	1,287	1,838
Total increase in operating income	$2,177	$2,352	$3,230

Leases_Estimated_Impact_of_the

Leases - Estimated Impact of the Amortization of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2014	$1,051
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2014	847
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2014	1,898
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2015	949
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2015	789
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2015	1,738
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2016	893
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2016	719
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2016	1,612
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2017	893
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2017	681
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2017	1,574
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2018	859
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2018	632
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2018	$1,491

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013
	customer
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	4
Number of Customers Accounted for More than 10% of Total Revenues	0

Segment_Information_Revenues_b

Segment Information Revenues by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$11,860	$13,248	$13,111
Total revenues	183,177	186,317	182,488	161,858	161,703	171,719	172,387	152,372	713,840	658,181	628,198
Reportable Segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	701,980	644,933	615,087
Reportable Segment | Dunkin' Donuts | United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	521,179	485,399	449,492
Reportable Segment | Dunkin' Donuts | International	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,316	15,485	15,253
Reportable Segment | Baskin-Robbins | United States	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,152	42,074	43,455
Reportable Segment | Baskin-Robbins | International	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$120,333	$101,975	$106,887

Segment_Information_Segment_Pr

Segment Information Segment Profit by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total reportable segments	'	$146,304	$107,624	$34,442
Corporate and other	'	-113,967	-136,488	-150,382
Interest expense, net	'	-79,831	-73,488	-104,449
Depreciation and amortization	'	-49,366	-56,027	-52,522
Long-lived asset impairment charges	'	-563	-1,278	-2,060
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	-5,000	-5,018	-3,963	-34,222
Other gains, net	'	-1,799	23	175
Income before income taxes	'	218,088	162,001	66,813
Reportable Segment	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total reportable segments	'	468,632	433,222	410,273
Reportable Segment | Dunkin' Donuts | United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total reportable segments	'	379,751	355,274	334,308
Reportable Segment | Dunkin' Donuts | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total reportable segments	'	7,479	9,670	11,528
Reportable Segment | Baskin-Robbins | United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total reportable segments	'	27,081	26,274	21,593
Reportable Segment | Baskin-Robbins | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total reportable segments	'	$54,321	$42,004	$42,844

Segment_Information_Equity_in_

Segment Information Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	$18,370	$22,351	($3,475)
Other	1,977	3,562	-18,776
Reportable Segment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	16,393	18,789	15,301
Reportable Segment | Dunkin' Donuts | International	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	480	2,211	840
Reportable Segment | Baskin-Robbins | International	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	$15,913	$16,578	$14,461

Segment_Information_Depreciati

Segment Information Depreciation and Amortization by Segment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	$49,366	$56,027	$52,522
Reportable Segment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	19,221	20,808	21,586
Reportable Segment | Dunkin Donuts [Member] | United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	18,506	19,021	20,068
Reportable Segment | Dunkin Donuts [Member] | International	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	50	92	130
Reportable Segment | Baskin Robbins [Member] | United States	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	530	1,052	522
Reportable Segment | Baskin Robbins [Member] | International	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	135	643	866
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total depreciation and amortization	$30,145	$35,219	$30,936

Segment_Information_Property_a

Segment Information Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Property and equipment, net, United States	$182,544	$180,525
Property and equipment, net, International	314	647
Property and equipment, net	$182,858	$181,172

Stockholders_Equity_Class_L_Co

Stockholders' Equity Class L Common Stock Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 29, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
				Common Class L [Member]	Common Class L [Member]	Common Class L [Member]
Common Class L Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance, shares	106,146,984	'	'	0	22,866,379	22,995,000
Common stock, Class L, beginning of year	'	'	'	$840,582	'	'
Issuance of Class L common stock (shares)	'	'	'	65,000	'	'
Issuance of Class L common stock	'	'	942	2,270	'	'
Repurchases of Class L common stock (shares)	'	'	'	0	'	'
Repurchases of Class L common stock	'	'	'	-113	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)	'	'	'	-194,000	'	'
Retirement of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	'	'
Cash dividends paid (shares)	'	'	'	0	'	'
Accretion of Class L preferred return	'	'	-45,102	45,102	'	'
Conversion of Class L shares to common shares (shares)	'	'	'	-22,866,000	'	'
Conversion of Class L shares into common stock	'	'	'	-887,841	'	'
Balance, shares	106,646,219	106,146,984	'	0	22,866,379	22,995,000
Common stock, Class L, end of year	'	'	'	$0	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Share_Repu

Stockholders' Equity Share Repurchase (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchased stock	'	'	648,000	'	'
Average cost per share	'	'	$43.14	'	'
Increase in treasury stock	'	'	$27,963	$450,369	$173
Stock Repurchased During Period, Third Party Fees	'	341	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	417,300	15,000,000	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Price Per Share	'	$30	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	'	'	'	450,400	'
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	17,200	'	'	15	'
Additional paid-in capital	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	4,700	'	'	180,000	2,000
Accumulated deficit	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	12,500	'	'	$270,300	'
Common Class L [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchased stock	'	'	'	'	3,266
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchased stock	'	'	'	'	23,624

Stockholders_Equity_Changes_in

Stockholders' Equity Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	$9,141
Current period changes	-7,802
Balance at end of period	1,339
Effect of foreign currency translation	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	14,914
Current period changes	-14,909
Balance at end of period	5
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	-1,655
Current period changes	7,740
Balance at end of period	6,085
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Pension Adjustments	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	-2,486
Current period changes	-612
Balance at end of period	-3,098
Other	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	-1,632
Current period changes	-21
Balance at end of period	($1,653)

Stockholders_Equity_Dividends_

Stockholders' Equity Dividends (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend per share of common stock paid (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	$0.15	'	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	$20,301	$20,257	$20,259	$20,191	$15,880	$18,075	$18,068	$18,046	$81,008	$70,069	$0
Dividend declared, payment date	26-Nov-13	4-Sep-13	6-Jun-13	20-Feb-13	14-Nov-12	24-Aug-12	16-May-12	28-Mar-12	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 02, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Apr. 04, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 06, 2014

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 01, 2011

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 25, 2010

Aug. 01, 2011

Dividend Declared

IPO [Member]

Secondary Offering [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of Class L common stock (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,250,000

23,937,986

'

'

65,000

'

'

'

'

Number of shares of common stock sold by existing shareholders (in shares)

'

21,754,659

30,360,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock price (in dollars per share)

'

$30

$29.50

'

'

'

'

'

$19

$25.62

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock, IPO

'

'

'

'

'

'

$942

'

$390,000

'

'

'

$2,270

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Distribution Preference Per Share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$41.75

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Distribution Preference Per Share, Additional Internal Rate of Return Requirement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Stock split conversion ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.22

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of Class L shares into common stock, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,652,782

Class L preference amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$38.83

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

106,646,219

106,146,984

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

22,866,379

22,995,000

'

Common stock conversion per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.2149

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend per share of common stock declared (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$0.76

$0.60

$0

$0.23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares Sold By Existing Stockholders During Initial Public Offering

3,337,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of long-term debt

-375,000

'

'

'

-24,157

-15,441

-654,608

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expenses in Connection with stock offering

'

'

'

$1,700

'

'

'

'

'

$984

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Textual

Equity Incentive Plans - Textuals (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Restricted Shares [Member]

Restricted Shares [Member]

Restricted Shares [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Tranche One [Member]

Tranche Two [Member]

Tranche Three [Member]

Tranche Three [Member]

Tranche Three [Member]

Tranche Three [Member]

Tranche Three [Member]

Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Five [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Executive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Nonexecutive [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Restricted Shares [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

installment

installment

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]

Tranche Four [Member]

Tranche Four Accelerated Vesting [Member]

Tranche Four Accelerated Vesting [Member]

Tranche Four Accelerated Vesting [Member]

Tranche Five [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

installment

installment

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options

$15,900

$14,100

$438

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Annualized Estimated Forfeitures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

13.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value

1,800

2,800

862

'

'

6

1,200

484

448

118

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,900

1,000

176

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value

35,300

33,800

489

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,100

1,500

605

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

682

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 10 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 7 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 9 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares, Granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,491

'

'

'

'

1,177,999

746,100

292,700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

828,040

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,177,999

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross, Allocation Of Options Between Tranches

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

70.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Vesting Annual Installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

5

5

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minumum Investor Rate of Return

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

24.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'5 years

'4 years 4 months 24 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense

$7,323

$6,920

$4,632

'

'

$3

$132

$2,739

$1,513

$336

$33

'

'

'

'

'

$4,668

$2,026

$32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

$478

$3,600

$1,100

'

'

'

$977

$4,245

$1,626

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$162

$181

$202

'

'

Maximum shares of common stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of awards (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,191,145

5,012,966

7,178,179

'

7,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,205,947

3,331,993

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,019,150

1,295,356

Share-based compensation, vesting period

'

'

'

'4 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'

'

'3 years

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Cumulative Performance Targets Achieved

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

28.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting, Annual Vesting Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

94,495

22,204

5,618

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Compens

Equity Incentive Plans - Compensation Expense Schedule (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$7,323	$6,920	$4,632
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	2,958	2,768	1,852
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	3	132	2,739
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,513	336	33
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	4,668	2,026	32
Executive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	977	4,245	1,626
Nonexecutive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$162	$181	$202

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Restict

Equity Incentive Plans - Resticted Shares Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Number of shares at December 29, 2012	1,049	'	'
Granted	0	'	'
Vested	-1,049	'	'
Forfeited	0	'	'
umber of shares at December 28, 2013	0	'	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Number of shares at December 29, 2012 (usd per share)	$5.44	'	'
Granted (usd per share)	$0	'	'
Vested (usd per share)	$5.44	'	'
Forfeited (usd per share)	$0	'	'
Number of shares at December 28, 2013 (usd per share)	$0	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Number of shares at December 29, 2012	22,204	'	'
Granted	94,495	22,204	5,618
Vested	-12,655	'	'
Forfeited	-1,073	'	'
umber of shares at December 28, 2013	102,971	22,204	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Number of shares at December 29, 2012 (usd per share)	$31.21	'	'
Granted (usd per share)	$37.87	'	'
Vested (usd per share)	$35.44	'	'
Forfeited (usd per share)	$37.27	'	'
Number of shares at December 28, 2013 (usd per share)	$37.20	$31.21	'

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Assumpt

Equity Incentive Plans - Assumptions In Determining Fair Value of Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$9.92	$10.65		$10.27
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate	1.20%	'		'
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility	33.00%	43.00%		'
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	2.00%	'		0.00%
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months		'
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	'	'		$6.27	[1]
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Nonexecutive [Member]	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, minimum	'	0.80%	[1]	1.20%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, maximum	'	1.40%	[1]	2.70%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, minimum	'	'		43.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, maximum	'	'		72.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	'	'6 years 3 months	[1]	'
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Nonexecutive [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	'	1.80%	[1]	'
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	'	'		'6 years 3 months	[1]
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Nonexecutive [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	'	2.10%	[1]	'
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	'	'		'6 years 6 months	[1]
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Executive [Member] | Tranche Four [Member]	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, minimum	'	'		2.10%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, maximum	'	'		2.70%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, minimum	'	'		47.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, maximum	'	'		72.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	'	'		0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	'	'		'6 years 6 months	[1]
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Executive [Member] | Tranche Five [Member]	'	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'		'
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, minimum	'	'		2.30%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, maximum	'	'		3.20%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, minimum	'	'		47.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, maximum	'	'		72.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	'	'		0.00%	[1]
[1]	The Company did not grant any Tranche 4 or Tranche 5 options during fiscal years 2012 and 201

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Status_

Equity Incentive Plans - Status of Company Stock Options (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Nonexecutive [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,295,356	'
Number of shares, Granted	1,177,999	'
Number of Shares, Exercised	-207,679	'
Number of shares, Forfeited or expired	-246,526	'
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,019,150	1,295,356
Number of shares, Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	279,932	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 31, 2012	$24.34	'
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$37.26	'
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	$21.93	'
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited or expired	$29.92	'
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	$31.45	$24.34
Weighted average exercise price, Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	$20.08	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options outstanding	'8 years 6 months	'8 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options exercisable at December 29, 2012	'7 years 3 months 18 days	'
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	$32.90	'
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	7.7	'
Executive [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 31, 2012	3,331,993	'
Number of Shares, Exercised	-932,519	'
Number of shares, Forfeited or expired	-193,527	'
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,205,947	3,331,993
Number of shares, Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	1,067,692	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 31, 2012	$3.85	'
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	$3.68	'
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited or expired	$7.15	'
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	$3.64	$3.85
Weighted average exercise price, Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	$3.29	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options outstanding	'6 years 3 months 18 days	'7 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options exercisable at December 29, 2012	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	97.3	'
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	$47.50	'

Earnings_per_Share_Computation

Earnings per Share Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Sep. 29, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands-basic and diluted

$42,072

$40,221

$40,812

$23,798

$34,335

[1]

$29,526

[1]

$18,497

[1]

$25,950

[1]

$146,903

$108,308

$34,442

Allocation of net income (loss) to common stockholders:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common-basic

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,903

[2],[3]

108,176

[2],[3]

-105,770

[2],[3]

Common-diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

146,903

[2],[3]

108,197

[2],[3]

-105,770

[2],[3]

Weighted average number of common shares - basic and diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common-basic (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106,501,733

114,584,063

74,835,697

Common-diluted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108,217,011

[4]

116,573,344

[4]

74,835,697

[4]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common-basic (in dollars per share)

$0.39

$0.38

$0.38

$0.22

$0.32

[1]

$0.26

[1]

$0.15

[1]

$0.22

[1]

$1.38

$0.94

($1.41)

Common-diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.39

$0.37

$0.38

$0.22

$0.32

[1]

$0.26

[1]

$0.15

[1]

$0.21

[1]

$1.36

$0.93

($1.41)

Common Class L [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocation of net income (loss) to common stockholders:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class L-basic and diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$140,212

[2]

Weighted average number of common shares - basic and diluted:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class L-basic and diluted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,845,378

[5]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class L-basic and diluted (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6.14

[1]

The second quarter of fiscal year 2012 includes a $20.7 million incremental legal reserve related to the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling in the Bertico litigation, in which the Court found for the Plaintiffs and issued a judgment against Dunkin’ Brands in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million (approximately $15.9 million), plus costs and interest (see note 17(d)).

[2]

As the Company had both Class L and common stock outstanding during fiscal year 2011, and Class L had preference with respect to all distributions, earnings per share was calculated using the two-class method, which requires the allocation of earnings to each class of common stock. The numerator in calculating Class L basic and diluted earnings per share is the Class L preference amount accrued at 9% per annum during fiscal year 2011 plus, if positive, a pro rata share of an amount equal to consolidated net income less the Class L preference amount. The Class L preferential distribution amount accrued was $45.1 million during fiscal year 2011. The Class L shares converted into common stock immediately prior to the Company’s initial public offering that was completed on August 1, 2011. The numerator in calculating the Class L basic and diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2011 includes an amount representing the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders upon conversion to common stock over the carrying amount of the Class L shares at the date of conversion, which occurred immediately prior to the Company’s initial public offering. As the carrying amount of the Class L shares was equal to the Class L preference amount, the excess fair value of the consideration transferred to the Class L shareholders was equal to the fair value of the additional 0.2189 of a share of common stock into which each Class L share converted (“Class L base share”), which totaled $95.1 million, calculated as follows:Class L shares outstanding immediately prior to the initial public offering22,866,379Number of common shares received for each Class L share0.2189Common stock received by Class L shareholders, excluding preferential distribution5,005,775Common stock fair value per share (initial public offering price per share)$19.00Fair value of Class L base shares (in thousands)$95,110

[3]

Net income allocated to common shareholders for the fiscal year 2012 excludes $132 thousand and $111 thousand for basic and diluted earnings per share, respectively, that is allocated to participating securities. Participating securities consist of unvested (restricted) shares that contain a nonforfeitable right to participate in dividends. No net income was allocated to participating securities for fiscal year 2013 as all restricted shares were fully vested as of December 28, 2013, and no net loss was allocated to participating securities for fiscal year 2011 as the participating securities do not participate in losses.

[4]

The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 includes the dilutive effect of 1,715,278 and 1,989,281, respectively, restricted shares and stock options, using the treasury stock method. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for all periods excludes all performance-based restricted stock awards and stock options outstanding for which the performance criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no common restricted stock awards that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria were not yet met. As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 636,752 common restricted stock awards and 2,422,628 options to purchase common stock that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria was not yet met. Additionally, the weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation excludes stock options of 1,100,275 and 805,015 for fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, as they would be antidilutive. The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation for fiscal year 2011 excludes all restricted stock and stock options outstanding, as they would be antidilutive.

[5]

The weighted average number of Class L shares in the Class L earnings per share calculation in fiscal year 2011 represents the weighted average from the beginning of the period up through the date of conversion of the Class L shares into common shares. There were no Class L common stock equivalents outstanding during fiscal year 2011.

Earnings_Per_Shares_Additional

Earnings Per Shares - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

7 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Apr. 04, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 01, 2011

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2011

Dec. 25, 2010

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

Common Class L [Member]

IPO [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class L preference amount per annum

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferential distribution amounts accrued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$45,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Stock split conversion ratio

'

'

'

'

'

$0.22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value of Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95,110,000

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)

'

'

106,646,219

106,146,984

'

'

'

0

0

22,866,379

22,995,000

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period Shares Conversion Of Common Stock, Excluding Preferential Distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,005,775

'

'

'

'

Common stock price (in dollars per share)

$30

$29.50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19

'

'

Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Participating Securities Basic

'

'

0

132,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Participating Securities Diluted

'

'

$0

$111,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,845,378

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units

'

'

1,715,278

1,989,281

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anti-dilutive security excluded from calculation, restricted stock awards (in shares)

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

636,752

2,422,628

Out-of-the-money-stock-options excluded from calculation, common diluted earnings per share (in shares)

'

'

1,100,275

805,015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The weighted average number of Class L shares in the Class L earnings per share calculation in fiscal year 2011 represents the weighted average from the beginning of the period up through the date of conversion of the Class L shares into common shares. There were no Class L common stock equivalents outstanding during fiscal year 2011.

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Recorded net tax benefit	$8,400,000	$10,200,000	'	'
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	1,700,000	4,600,000	1,900,000	'
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	700,000	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability, undistributed earnings of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits	7,100,000	'	'	'
Undistributed earnings of joint ventures	129,700,000	123,300,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings	3,100,000	'	'	'
Cash Associated with Indefinitely Reinvested Foreign Earnings	7,500,000	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	8,213,000	15,428,000	41,379,000	17,549,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	4,200,000	14,900,000	'	'
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	-5,800,000	-200,000	3,100,000	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	6,300,000	9,400,000	'	'
Income Taxes Paid	98,483,000	90,225,000	43,143,000	'
Potential Federal Tax State Tax Interest Owed	1,500,000	'	'	'
Related to Additional Examination Amount [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes Paid	800,000	'	'	'
Federal Tax [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes Paid	$3,000,000	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Before_Tax

Income Taxes - Income Before Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic operations	$195,277	$172,576	$70,034
Foreign operations	22,811	-10,575	-3,221
Income before income taxes	$218,088	$162,001	$66,813

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes - Components of Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$70,696	$52,657	$34,282
State	11,758	6,065	5,733
Foreign	2,521	2,601	3,719
Current tax provision	84,975	61,323	43,734
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	-11,915	-5,071	-11,567
State	-984	4,373	892
Foreign	-292	-6,248	-688
Deferred tax benefit	-13,191	-6,946	-11,363
Provision for income taxes	$71,784	$54,377	$32,371

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Rate_R

Income Taxes - Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Impairment of investment in BR Korea	0.00%	0.00%	9.80%
Other permanent differences	0.20%	0.70%	0.90%
State income taxes	4.70%	5.20%	6.90%
Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	-4.30%	-2.90%	-6.80%
Changes in enacted tax rates and apportionment	0.80%	2.80%	3.00%
Uncertain tax positions	-3.20%	-6.30%	1.90%
Other	-0.30%	-0.90%	-2.20%
Effective tax rate	32.90%	33.60%	48.50%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred tax assets, Allowance for doubtful accounts, Current	$1,055	$969
Deferred tax assets, Deferred gift cards and certificates	20,371	22,561
Deferred tax assets, Rent, Current	5,307	4,990
Deferred tax assets, Deferred revenue, Current	4,672	3,926
Deferred tax assets, Other current liabilities	13,983	11,422
Deferred tax assets, Other, Current	1,073	3,395
Deferred tax liabilities, current	0	0
Deferred tax assets, Capital leases	2,830	2,924
Deferred tax assets, Rent, Noncurrent	2,243	2,032
Deferred tax liabilities, Property and equipment	6,315	10,229
Deferred tax assets, Deferred compensation and long-term incentive accrual	7,747	6,478
Deferred tax assets, Deferred revenue, Noncurrent	4,234	4,905
Deferred tax assets, Real estate rserves, Noncurrent	1,287	1,398
Deferred tax liabilities, Franchise rights and other intangibles	576,567	584,642
Deferred tax assets, Unused foreign tax credits	6,756	8,034
Deferred tax liabilities, Other, Noncurrent	4,322	26
Deferred tax assets, Other, Noncurrent	1,103	0
Deferred tax assets, Gross, Noncurrent	26,200	25,771
Deferred tax assets, Valuation allowance, Noncurrent	-710	0
Deferred tax assets, Total noncurrent	25,490	25,771
Deferred tax liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	587,204	594,897
Deferred tax assets, Net of valuation allowance total	71,951	73,034
Deferred tax liabilities, Total	$587,204	$594,897

Income_Taxes_Change_in_Unrecog

Income Taxes - Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$15,428	$41,379	$17,549
Increases related to prior year tax positions	855	2,063	23,922
Increases related to current year tax positions	219	1,389	0
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	-3,091	-19,675	0
Decreases related to settlements	-4,797	-9,792	0
Lapses of statutes of limitations	0	-27	-43
Effect of foreign currency adjustments	-401	91	-49
Balance at end of year	$8,213	$15,428	$41,379

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 29, 2012

Jun. 29, 2013

Jun. 22, 2012

Jun. 22, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

17-May-13

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Jun. 29, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

Lease Agreements

Lease Agreements

Purchase Commitment

Purchase Commitment

Purchase Commitment

Purchase Commitment

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Supply Commitment

Supply Commitment

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Commitments to Extend Credit [Member]

Performance Guarantee [Member]

Performance Guarantee [Member]

Bertico Litigation [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Transaction 01

Transaction 01

Transaction 02

Transaction 02

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Bertico litigation

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Franchisees financing term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

Guarantee obligation, maximum exposure

$3,000,000

$4,700,000

$6,400,000

$5,600,000

$5,700,000

$6,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$52,600,000

$57,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the guarantee liability

277,000

601,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the guarantee assets

309,000

572,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserve for guarantee liabilities

'

389,000

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

906,000

0

'

Guarantee to third party to ensure franchisees will purchase or sell certain volume of product, term

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Standby letters of credit

3,000,000

11,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts drawn on letters of credit

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Litigation judgment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,900,000

16,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Legal fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,700,000

Increase in estimated liability related to litigation

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

952,000

493,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent liabilities related to legal matters

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Age of Events Upon Which Claims are Based

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'15 years

'

'

'

'

Other Commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retirement_Plans_Textual_Detai

Retirement Plans - Textual (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum annual contribution percentage, 401(k)	'	80.00%	'	'
Employer contributions 401(k)	'	$3,100,000	$2,900,000	$2,700,000
Employer discretionary contribution amount	0	'	0	0
NQDC maximum pretax contribution percentage	'	50.00%	'	'
NQDC plan liability	'	7,000,000	7,400,000	'
NQDC investments held	'	338,000	3,100,000	'
Fair value assumption, Monte Carlo, time period	'	'30 years	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	'	$8,200,000	$8,300,000	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employer match percentage 401(k)	'	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Additional discrectionary conribution 401(k)	'	2.00%	'	'

Retirement_Plans_Pension_Expen

Retirement Plans - Pension Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$262	$222
Interest cost	216	333	340
Expected return on plan assets	-263	-317	-306
Amortization of net actuarial loss	74	76	54
Net pension expense	$27	$354	$310

Retirement_Plans_Change_in_Ben

Retirement Plans - Change in Benefit Obligation and Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$8,349	$6,050	$6,042
Service cost	0	262	222
Interest cost	216	333	340
Employee contributions	0	88	81
Benefits paid	-230	-275	-479
Curtailment gain	0	1,084	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	395	2,854	-95
Foreign currency loss (gain), net	-530	121	-61
Benefit obligation, end of year	8,200	8,349	6,050
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	5,809	4,945	4,797
Expected return on plan assets	263	317	306
Employer contributions	626	662	798
Employee contributions	0	88	81
Benefits paid	-230	-275	-479
Expected return on plan assets	-371	-27	-505
Actuarial loss	395	2,854	-95
Foreign currency gain (loss), net	-307	99	-53
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	5,790	5,809	4,945
Funded status	-2,410	-2,540	-1,105
Accrued benefit cost	($2,410)	($2,540)	($1,105)

Retirement_Plans_Allocation_of

Retirement Plans - Allocation of Pooled Plan (Details)	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash and Short-term Investments [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Allocation of assets within pooled fund	35.00%	0.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Allocation of assets within pooled fund	0.00%	60.00%
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Allocation of assets within pooled fund	65.00%	39.00%
Other Investments [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Allocation of assets within pooled fund	0.00%	1.00%

Retirement_Plans_Assumptions_U

Retirement Plans - Assumptions Used in Calculations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	2.65%	2.70%	'
Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	0.00%	0.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	2.70%	5.25%	5.50%
Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	0.00%	3.25%	3.25%
Expected return on plan assets	4.50%	6.00%	6.00%

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of common shares sold by existing shareholders (in shares)	'	30,360,000	'	'	'
Annual management fee	$1,000,000	'	'	'	'
Annual management fee payable to sponsors	14,700,000	'	'	'	'
Expense related to sponsor management fees	'	'	'	'	16,400,000
Long term loans held by certain affiliates of sponsors	'	'	0	52,400,000	'
Payments to sponsors and joint ventures	'	'	2,100,000	1,600,000	979,000
Amount payable to sponsors	'	'	0	150,000	'
Royalties receivable from joint ventures	'	'	1,400,000	1,200,000	'
B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (BR Japan)	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	'	'	2,097,000	2,549,000	2,473,000
BR Korea Co., Ltd. (BR Korea)	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	'	'	4,156,000	3,662,000	3,371,000
Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	'	'	130,000	0	0
Loans and leases receivable, related parties, additions	'	'	2,100,000	666,000	'
Loans and leases receivable, related parties	'	'	2,700,000	666,000	'
Related Party	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	'	'	6,383,000	6,211,000	5,844,000
Joint Ventures	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Payments to sponsors and joint ventures	'	'	3,800,000	1,600,000	2,800,000
Board of Directors	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty, rental and other payments received	'	'	343,000	961,000	713,000
Income related to a store development agreement	'	'	6,000	'	'
Australia Joint Venture [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from related parties	'	'	4,800,000	'	'
Due from joint ventures	'	'	$733,000	'	'

Closure_of_Manufacturing_Plant1

Closure of Manufacturing Plant - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Cost related to plant closure	$12,600,000	'
Other costs related to closing of plant	'	1,900,000
Costs incurred and charged to expense	654,000	11,900,000
Accelerated depreciation on property, plant and equipment related to closing of plant	'	4,200,000
Incremental ice cream production costs related to plant closing	'	2,700,000
Ongoing Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Termination benefits cost related to closing of plant	'	2,000,000
Restructuring reserve	'	636,000
One-time Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Termination benefits cost related to closing of plant	'	1,100,000
Restructuring reserve	'	55,000
Pension Plan Settlements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Expected reduction in operating income related to plant closing and transition	3,000,000	'
Pension Plan Settlements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Expected reduction in operating income related to plant closing and transition	$4,000,000	'

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account2

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Provision for doubtful accounts, net	$3,484	($542)	$2,019
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	2,483	2,713	5,518
Provision for doubtful accounts, net	1,015	513	745
Write-offs and other	-899	-743	-3,550
Ending balance	2,599	2,483	2,713
Short-term Notes and Other Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1,204	2,321	2,443
Provision for doubtful accounts, net	-339	-1,055	1,274
Write-offs and other	-206	-62	-1,396
Ending balance	659	1,204	2,321
Long-term Notes and Other Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	'	'
Provision for doubtful accounts, net	2,808	'	'
Write-offs and other	0	'	'
Ending balance	$2,808	'	'

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012		Sep. 29, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Total revenues	$183,177	$186,317	$182,488	$161,858	$161,703		$171,719		$172,387		$152,372		$713,840	$658,181	$628,198
Operating income	82,235	82,237	76,805	63,459	67,751	[1]	70,345	[1]	46,138	[1]	55,195	[1]	304,736	239,429	205,309
Net income	$42,072	$40,221	$40,812	$23,798	$34,335	[1]	$29,526	[1]	$18,497	[1]	$25,950	[1]	$146,903	$108,308	$34,442
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.38	$0.38	$0.22	$0.32	[1]	$0.26	[1]	$0.15	[1]	$0.22	[1]	$1.38	$0.94	($1.41)
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.37	$0.38	$0.22	$0.32	[1]	$0.26	[1]	$0.15	[1]	$0.21	[1]	$1.36	$0.93	($1.41)
[1]	The second quarter of fiscal year 2012 includes a $20.7 million incremental legal reserve related to the Quebec Superior Court’s ruling in the Bertico litigation, in which the Court found for the Plaintiffs and issued a judgment against Dunkin’ Brands in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million (approximately $15.9 million), plus costs and interest (see note 17(d)).

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Textu

Quarterly Financial Data - Textuals (Details) (Legal Claim One [Member])	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 22, 2012	Jun. 22, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013
	USD ($)	CAD	Bertico Litigation [Member]
			USD ($)
Quarty Financial Data [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase in estimated liability related to litigation	'	'	$20.70
Litigation judgment	$15.90	16.4	'