Dunkin Brands (DNKN) 10-Q 5 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	27-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'DNKN	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001357204	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-27	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	104,583,479

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$155,665	$256,933
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,995 and $2,599 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	49,845	47,162
Notes and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,542 and $659 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	12,301	32,603
Deferred income taxes, net	46,052	46,461
Restricted assets of advertising funds	36,201	31,493
Prepaid income taxes	10,285	25,699
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,513	21,409
Total current assets	331,862	461,760
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $102,001 and $105,834 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	179,073	182,858
Equity method investments	174,129	170,644
Goodwill	890,337	891,598
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $215,341 and $200,248 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	1,432,699	1,452,205
Other assets	67,021	75,625
Total assets	3,075,121	3,234,690
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	625	5,000
Capital lease obligations	492	432
Accounts payable	12,112	12,445
Liabilities of advertising funds	46,696	49,077
Deferred income	30,563	28,426
Other current liabilities	178,346	248,918
Total current liabilities	268,834	344,298
Long-term debt, net	1,808,491	1,818,609
Capital lease obligations	7,052	6,996
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	15,258	16,834
Deferred income	13,344	11,135
Deferred income taxes, net	547,606	561,714
Other long-term liabilities	59,992	62,816
Total long-term liabilities	2,451,743	2,478,104
Commitments and contingencies (note 11)	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	7,164	4,930
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 106,701,892 issued and 104,562,892 outstanding at September 27, 2014; 106,876,919 shares issued and 106,646,219 shares outstanding at December 28, 2013	107	107
Additional paid-in capital	1,134,459	1,196,426
Treasury stock, at cost	-93,712	-10,773
Accumulated deficit	-692,676	-779,741
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-798	1,339
Total stockholders’ equity	347,380	407,358
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and stockholders’ equity	$3,075,121	$3,234,690

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,995	$2,599
Notes and other receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	1,542	659
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	102,001	105,834
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$215,341	$200,248
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)	106,701,892	106,876,919
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	104,562,892	106,646,219

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Franchise fees and royalty income	$126,759	$117,486	$355,738	$334,045
Rental income	25,570	25,437	73,650	72,924
Sales of ice cream products	27,357	30,429	88,072	86,818
Sales at company-owned restaurants	5,267	6,250	16,319	18,261
Other revenues	7,687	6,715	21,717	18,615
Total revenues	192,640	186,317	555,496	530,663
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Occupancy expenses-franchised restaurants	13,258	13,445	39,830	39,041
Cost of ice cream products	19,530	20,899	62,273	61,187
Company-owned restaurant expenses	5,505	6,222	16,772	17,817
General and administrative expenses, net	56,311	58,454	172,406	177,009
Depreciation	4,960	5,591	14,803	16,961
Amortization of other intangible assets	6,333	6,938	19,122	20,085
Impairment charges	633	92	1,279	447
Total operating costs and expenses	106,530	111,641	326,485	332,547
Net income of equity method investments:	'	'	'	'
Net income, excluding impairment	5,366	8,201	12,514	16,070
Impairment charge	0	-873	0	-873
Total net income of equity method investments	5,366	7,328	12,514	15,197
Other operating income, net	1,004	233	7,609	9,188
Operating income	92,480	82,237	249,134	222,501
Other income (expense), net:	'	'	'	'
Interest income	63	105	201	310
Interest expense	-16,680	-19,805	-51,444	-60,523
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	0	0	-13,735	-5,018
Other gains (losses), net	-584	12	-670	-1,191
Total other expense, net	-17,201	-19,688	-65,648	-66,422
Income before income taxes	75,279	62,549	183,486	156,079
Provision for income taxes	20,855	22,505	60,263	51,664
Net income including noncontrolling interests	54,424	40,044	123,223	104,415
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-273	-177	-621	-416
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	$54,697	$40,221	$123,844	$104,831
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Common-basic	$0.52	$0.38	$1.17	$0.99
Common-diluted	$0.52	$0.37	$1.16	$0.97
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.23	$0.19	$0.69	$0.57

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$54,424	$40,044	$123,223	$104,415
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:	'	'	'	'
Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $74 and $(75) for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and $251 and $299 for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively	-5,074	5,358	-1,552	-11,345
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $1,358 and $(1,412) for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and $(709) and $4,887 for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively	2,026	-2,071	-1,032	7,145
Other, net	-74	-296	447	-177
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net	-3,122	2,991	-2,137	-4,377
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	51,302	43,035	121,086	100,038
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-273	-177	-621	-416
Comprehensive income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	$51,575	$43,212	$121,707	$100,454

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax effect, foreign currency translation	$74	($75)	$251	$299
Deferred tax effect, unrealized gains on interest rate swaps	$1,358	($1,412)	($709)	$4,887

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$123,223	$104,415
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	33,925	37,046
Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount	2,987	3,586
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	13,735	5,018
Deferred income taxes	-13,638	-10,893
Provision for bad debt	2,093	3,008
Share-based compensation expense	8,070	5,750
Net income of equity method investments	-12,514	-15,197
Dividends received from equity method investments	7,427	7,226
Gain on sale of joint venture	0	-6,466
Gain on sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants	-7,446	-1,519
Other, net	205	-920
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net	16,239	-3,162
Other current assets	519	1
Accounts payable	-497	-517
Other current liabilities	-69,113	-62,137
Liabilities of advertising funds, net	-6,320	4,847
Income taxes payable, net	8,218	-5,010
Deferred income	4,349	-814
Other, net	4,389	1,053
Net cash provided by operating activities	115,851	65,315
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-18,324	-20,930
Proceeds from sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants	14,354	2,776
Proceeds from sale of joint venture	0	7,200
Other, net	-1,734	-2,021
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,704	-12,975
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-15,000	-19,157
Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs	-8,977	-6,157
Dividends paid on common stock	-72,756	-60,707
Repurchases of common stock	-130,171	-17,190
Exercise of stock options	4,847	6,287
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	8,938	0
Other, net	1,923	1,906
Net cash used in financing activities	-211,196	-95,018
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-219	-140
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-101,268	-42,818
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	256,933	252,618
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	155,665	209,800
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for income taxes	57,507	68,504
Cash paid for interest	47,971	58,997
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,241	1,095
Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligations	$434	$173

Description_of_Business_and_Or

Description of Business and Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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 leading 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 unaudited 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a) Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
	The consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2014, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, are unaudited.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and its consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been recorded. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	(b) 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 our three- and nine-month periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 reflect the results of operations for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended on those dates. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 27, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 27, 2014.
	(c) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14				28-Dec-13
		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
	Interest rate swaps	—		8,469	8,469	—	10,221	10,221
	Total assets	$	—	8,469	8,469	1,012	10,221	11,233
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	8,138	8,138	—	7,181	7,181
	Total liabilities	$	—	8,138	8,138	—	7,181	7,181
	The deferred compensation liabilities primarily relate to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”), which allows for pre-tax salary deferrals for certain qualifying individuals. 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 assets, which may include mutual funds, to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under certain benefit plans. The changes in the fair value of any mutual funds held 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 September 27, 2014, 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 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
		Carrying Value		Estimated fair value	Carrying Value	Estimated fair value
	Financial liabilities
	Term loans	$	1,809,116	1,777,291	1,823,609	1,836,212
	The estimated fair value of our term loans is estimated 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.
	(d) 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 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 instruments for a cash flow hedge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations immediately. Cash flows associated with the Company's interest rate swap agreements are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows which is consistent with the classification of cash flows of the underlying hedged item. See note 5 for a discussion of the Company's use of derivative instruments, management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments, and fair value information.
	(e) 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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 25% and 17%, respectively, of total accounts and notes receivable, which was primarily due to the timing of orders and shipments of ice cream to the master licensee. For the nine months ended September 27, 2014, one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 10% of total revenues. No individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for the three months ended September 27, 2014 or for the three or nine months ended September 28, 2013.
	(f) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not adopted this guidance as of September 27, 2014, and based on the Company's financial condition as of September 27, 2014, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition related to contracts with customers, except for contracts within the scope of other standards, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company’s accounting policies, consolidated financial statements, and related disclosures.
	In July 2013, the 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 was adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	(g) Reclassifications
	The Company has revised the presentation of certain income generating transactions that historically were recorded within general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Income from these transactions totaling $751 thousand and $2.7 million have been reclassified into other operating income, net, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact to total revenues, operating income, income before income taxes, or net income as a result of these reclassifications.
	The Company has also revised the presentation of certain asset captions within the consolidated balance sheets to conform to the current period presentation, including combining 'assets held for sale' with 'prepaid expenses and other current assets' and combining 'restricted cash' with 'other assets'. The revisions had no impact on total current assets or total assets.
	Additionally, the Company has revised the presentation of certain captions for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 within the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The revisions had no impact on net cash provided by operating, used in investing, or used in financing activities.
	(h) Subsequent Events
	Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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):
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Royalty income	$	113,614		106,327		324,945		305,803
	Initial franchise fees and renewal income	13,145			11,159		30,793		28,242
	Total franchise fees and royalty income	$	126,759		117,486		355,738		334,045
	The changes in franchised and company-owned points of distribution were as follows:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Systemwide Points of Distribution:
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of period	18,376		17,597		18,122		17,333
	Franchised points of distribution—opened	363		360		944		904
	Franchised points of distribution—closed	(169	)	(140	)	(506	)	(420	)
	Net transfers from company-owned points of distribution	1		—		11		—
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of period	18,571		17,817		18,571		17,817
	Company-owned points of distribution—end of period	31		32		31		32
	Total systemwide points of distribution—end of period	18,602		17,849		18,602		17,849
	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 the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 has 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 period and franchised points of distribution in operation—end of period were reduced by 91 for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	In February 2014, Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. (“DBI”), a subsidiary of DBGI, amended its senior credit facility, resulting in a reduction of interest rates. The senior credit facility now consists of $1.38 billion in term loans due February 2021 (“2021 Term Loans”), $450.0 million in term loans due September 2017 (“2017 Term Loans”), and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility that matures in February 2019.
	The 2021 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) LIBOR plus 1.0%, and (d) 1.75% or (2) LIBOR provided that LIBOR shall not be lower than 0.75%. The applicable margin under the term loan facility is 1.50% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.50% for loans based upon LIBOR.
	The 2017 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, and (c) LIBOR plus 1.0%, or (2) LIBOR. The applicable margin under the term loan facility is 1.50% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.50% for loans based upon LIBOR.
	The effective interest rate for the term loans, including the amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs, was 3.5% and 2.8% for the 2021 Term Loans and 2017 Term Loans, respectively, at September 27, 2014.
	Subsequent to the amendment, 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) LIBOR plus 1.0%, or (2) LIBOR. The applicable margin under the revolving credit facility is 1.25% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.25% for loans based upon LIBOR. 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 2.25%.
	In connection with the amendment, certain lenders holding $684.7 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 2014, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions of $13.7 million, including $10.5 million related to the write-off of original issuance discount and deferred financing costs and $3.2 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. Total debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in connection with this amendment were $1.2 million.
	In February 2013, the Company amended its senior credit facility, resulting in a reduction of interest rates and an extension of the maturity dates for both the term loans and the revolving credit facility. As a result of the amendment, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions of $5.0 million during the first quarter of 2013, 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.
	Principal payments are required to be made on the 2017 Term Loans equal to $4.5 million per calendar year, payable in quarterly installments beginning June 2014 through June 2017. Principal payments are required to be made on the 2021 Term Loans equal to approximately $13.8 million per calendar year, payable in quarterly installments beginning June 2015 through December 2020. The final scheduled principal payments on the outstanding borrowings under the 2017 Term Loans and 2021 Term Loans are due in September 2017 and February 2021, respectively. 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 no greater 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. Considering the voluntary prepayments made, principal payments of $625 thousand for the 2017 Term Loans are required in the next twelve months as of September 27, 2014, though the Company may elect to make additional voluntary prepayments. Other events and transactions, such as certain asset sales and incurrence of debt, may trigger additional mandatory prepayments.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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 September 27, 2014. 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 the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged, through November 2017. 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 other comprehensive income (loss), or current earnings if there is ineffectiveness of the derivative instruments during the period.
	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 floor of 0.75%, resulting in a total interest rate of approximately 3.72% on the hedged amount when considering the applicable margin in effect at September 27, 2014. There was no change to the term and the notional amount of the term loan borrowings being hedged of $900.0 million.
	As a result of the amendment to the interest rate swaps, the Company does not expect the hedging relationship to have a material amount of ineffectiveness. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, there was no ineffectiveness of the interest rate swaps, and therefore, ineffectiveness had no impact on the consolidated statements of operations. As of the date of the amendment, a cumulative unrealized gain of $5.8 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations through the maturity date.
	The fair values of derivatives instruments consisted of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,				December 28,			Consolidated Balance Sheet Classification
		2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps	$	8,469			10,221			Other assets
	Total fair values of derivative instruments	$	8,469			10,221
	The tables below summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013 (in thousands):
	Three months ended September 27, 2014
	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(1)			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	2,319			(1,065	)		Interest expense	$	3,384
	Income tax effect		(916		)		442			Provision for income taxes	(1,358		)
	Net of income taxes		$	1,403			(623	)			$	2,026
	Three months ended September 28, 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		$	(4,328	)		(845	)		Interest expense	$	(3,483	)
	Income tax effect		1,755				343			Provision for income taxes	1,412
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,573	)		(502	)			$	(2,071	)
	Nine months ended September 27, 2014
	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(1)			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(4,854	)		(3,113	)		Interest expense	$	(1,741	)
	Income tax effect		1,977				1,268			Provision for income taxes	709
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,877	)		(1,845	)			$	(1,032	)
	Nine months ended September 28, 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		$	9,495			(2,537	)		Interest expense	$	12,032
	Income tax effect		(3,847		)		1,040			Provision for income taxes	(4,887		)
	Net of income taxes		$	5,648			(1,497	)			$	7,145
	-1	The total net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations includes the straight-line amortization of $381 thousand and $971 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, of the unrealized gain that remained in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the date of the amendment.
	As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, $1.1 million and $836 thousand, respectively, of interest expense related to interest rate swaps is accrued in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $4.2 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as an increase to interest expense 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 September 27, 2014, 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 September 27, 2014, 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 September 27, 2014, the termination value of derivatives is a net asset position of $7.5 million, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements.

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other Current Liabilities
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Gift card/certificate liability	$	74,496	139,721
	Gift card breakage liability	28,420		14,093
	Accrued salary and benefits	19,088		26,713
	Accrued legal liabilities (see note 11(c))	25,483		26,633
	Accrued interest	9,789		9,999
	Accrued professional costs	3,486		2,938
	Other	17,584		28,821
	Total other current liabilities	$	178,346	248,918
	The decrease in the gift card/certificate liability is driven primarily by the seasonality of our gift card program. Additionally, a portion of the decrease in the gift card/certificate liability and the corresponding increase in the gift card breakage liability is due to a current period change in estimated breakage rates based on historical redemption patterns related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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. Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. also derives revenue through retail sales at company-owned restaurants. Baskin-Robbins U.S. also derives revenue through license fees from a third-party license agreement. Baskin-Robbins International primarily derives its revenues from the 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 operating income adjusted for amortization of intangible assets, long-lived asset impairment charges, and other infrequent or unusual charges, and does not reflect the allocation of any corporate charges. This profitability measure is 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.
	Prior to fiscal year 2014, the segment profit measure used by the Company to assess the performance of and allocate resources to each reportable segment was based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment charges, loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions, and other gains and losses, and did not reflect the allocation of any corporate charges. Accordingly, the primary change from the historical segment profit measure is the inclusion of depreciation expense. Beginning in fiscal year 2014, the segment profit measure was revised to the adjusted operating income measure described above to better align the segments with our consolidated performance measures and incentive targets. The segment profit amounts presented below for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013 have been adjusted to reflect this change to the measurement of segment profit to enable comparability with the three and nine month periods ended September 27, 2014.
	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
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	142,951		134,254		404,620		382,560
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	4,372			4,174		13,178		12,728
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	12,616			11,899		34,689		34,000
	Baskin-Robbins International	28,903			32,759		92,545		93,104
	Total reportable segment revenues	188,842			183,086		545,032		522,392
	Other	3,798			3,231		10,464		8,271
	Total revenues	$	192,640		186,317		555,496		530,663
	Expenses included in “Corporate” in the segment profit (loss) table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services. The “Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments” amounts for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 below include the $7.5 million charge related to the third-party product volume guarantee (see note 11(a)). Segment profit (loss) by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Segment profit (loss)
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	106,242		97,109		297,055		271,966
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	1,885			(1,059	)	7,757		3,074
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	8,828			8,215		23,011		21,664
	Baskin-Robbins International	12,485			16,775		33,708		45,484
	Total reportable segments	129,440			121,040		361,531		342,188
	Corporate	(29,994		)	(31,707	)	(92,296	)	(91,001	)
	Interest expense, net	(16,617		)	(19,700	)	(51,243	)	(60,213	)
	Amortization of other intangible assets	(6,333		)	(6,938	)	(19,122	)	(20,085	)
	Long-lived asset impairment charges	(633		)	(92	)	(1,279	)	(447	)
	Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	—			—		(13,735	)	(5,018	)
	Other gains (losses), net	(584		)	12		(670	)	(1,191	)
	Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments	—			(66	)	300		(8,154	)
	Income before income taxes	$	75,279		62,549		183,486		156,079
	Net income of equity method investments is included in segment profit (loss) for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Income included in “Other” in the table below represents the reduction of depreciation and amortization expense reported by BR Korea Co., Ltd. (“BR Korea”) as the Company recorded an impairment charge in fiscal year 2011 related to the underlying long-lived assets of BR Korea. Net income of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Net income (loss) of equity method investments
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	331		(431	)	1,307		(177	)
	Baskin-Robbins International	4,895			7,467		10,372		14,131
	Total reportable segments	5,226			7,036		11,679		13,954
	Other	140			292		835		1,243
	Total net income of equity method investments	$	5,366		7,328		12,514		15,197

Stockholders_Equity_and_Redeem

Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The changes in total stockholders' equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests were as follows (in thousands):
			Total stockholders’ equity				Redeemable noncontrolling interests
	Balance at December 28, 2013		$	407,358			4,930
	Net income (loss)		123,844				(621	)
	Other comprehensive loss		(2,137		)		—
	Dividends paid on common stock		(72,756		)		—
	Exercise of stock options		4,847				—
	Repurchases of common stock		(130,171		)		—
	Share-based compensation expense		8,070				—
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		8,938				—
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—				2,855
	Other, net		(613		)		—
	Balance at September 27, 2014		$	347,380			7,164
	(a) Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	As of September 27, 2014, the consolidated balance sheets included $3.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $10.7 million of property and equipment, net, for the partnership entity with the noncontrolling owners, which may be used only to settle obligations of the partnership.
	(b) Treasury Stock
	During the nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company repurchased a total of 2,911,205 shares of common stock at a weighted average cost per share of $44.71 from existing stockholders. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method, and as such recorded an increase in common treasury stock of $130.2 million during the nine months ended September 27, 2014, based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of repurchase and direct costs incurred. In May 2014, the Company retired 1,002,905 shares of treasury stock, resulting in decreases in treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $47.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $36.4 million.
	(c) Equity Incentive Plans
	During the nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company granted options to purchase 1,406,308 shares of common stock and 27,096 restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) to certain employees, and 74,299 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees and members of our board of directors. The stock options generally vest in equal annual amounts over an approximately four-year period subsequent to the grant date, and have a maximum contractual term of seven years. The stock options were granted with an exercise price of $51.67 per share and have a weighted average grant-date fair value of $10.65 per share. The RSUs granted to employees and members of our board of directors vest over a three-year period and a one-year period, respectively, subsequent to the grant date. The RSUs have a weighted average grant-date fair value of $47.72 per share. The RSAs vest in full on July 31, 2016, and have a grant-date fair value of $51.67 per share.
	In addition, the Company granted 150,000 performance-based RSAs during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. These performance-based RSAs are eligible to vest on December 31, 2018, subject to a market vesting condition linked to the level of total shareholder return received by the Company's shareholders during the performance period measured against the median total shareholder return of the companies in the S&P 500 Composite Index. The performance-based RSAs were valued based on a Monte Carlo simulation model to reflect the impact of the total shareholder return market condition, resulting in a grant-date fair value of $37.94 per share.
	Total compensation expense related to all share-based awards was $3.1 million and $2.1 million for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and $8.1 million and $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
	(d) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands):
		Effect of foreign				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps			Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan		Other		Accumulated
		currency											other
		translation											comprehensive
													income (loss)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	5			6,085			(3,098	)	(1,653	)	1,339
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,552		)		(1,032	)		53		394		(2,137	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	(1,547	)		5,053			(3,045	)	(1,259	)	(798	)
	(e) Dividends
	The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.23 per share of common stock on March 19, 2014, June 4, 2014, and September 3, 2014 totaling approximately $24.5 million, $24.2 million, and $24.0 million, respectively. On October 23, 2014, we announced that our board of directors approved the next quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share of common stock payable December 3, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 24, 2014.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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):
		Three months ended			Nine months ended
		September 27,		September 28,	September 27,	September 28,
		2014		2013	2014	2013
	Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands—basic and diluted	$	54,697	40,221	123,844	104,831
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common—basic	104,742,212		106,531,827	105,719,491	106,421,114
	Common—diluted	105,969,110		108,164,925	107,045,211	108,178,632
	Earnings per common share:
	Common—basic	$	0.52	0.38	1.17	0.99
	Common—diluted	0.52		0.37	1.16	0.97
	The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of 1,226,898 and 1,633,098 equity awards for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and includes the dilutive effect of 1,325,720 and 1,757,518 equity awards for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, 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 equity awards outstanding for which the performance criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of September 27, 2014, there were 150,000 restricted shares that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria were not yet met. As of September 28, 2013, there were no equity awards 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 1,377,831 and 1,181,338 equity awards for the three months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, and 1,439,725 and 1,441,640 equity awards for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, respectively, as they would be antidilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income tax expense and the effective tax rate were $20.9 million and 27.7%, respectively, for the three months ended September 27, 2014, and $22.5 million and 36.0%, respectively, for the three months ended September 28, 2013. Income tax expense and the effective tax rate were $60.3 million and 32.8%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 27, 2014, and $51.7 million and 33.1%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 28, 2013.
	The effective rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter for various reasons, including discrete items, such as the settlement, effective settlement, or resolution of specific federal and state tax issues. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $6.7 million primarily related to the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions that were effectively settled during the period. During the three months ended September 28, 2013, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $1.1 million primarily related to closing costs of our Canadian ice cream manufacturing plant. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company recorded a net tax benefit totaling $6.2 million primarily related to the reversal of reserves of $8.4 million for uncertain tax positions for which settlement with the taxing authorities was reached, as well as the benefit related to closing costs of our Canadian ice cream manufacturing plant, offset by tax expense of $2.9 million primarily due to an increase in our overall state tax rate resulting from a shift in estimated apportionment of income within state jurisdictions.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) 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 $2.6 million and $3.0 million at September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. At September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, there were no amounts under such guarantees that were due.
	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 as of December 28, 2013. The Company made the full required guarantee payment during the first quarter of 2014. No additional guarantee payments will be required under the agreement.
	The Company entered into a third-party guarantee with a distribution facility that guarantees 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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company was contingently liable for $4.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively, under this guarantee. Additionally, the Company has various supply chain contracts that generally 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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company was contingently liable under such supply chain agreements for approximately $44.5 million and $52.6 million, respectively. The Company assesses the risk of performing under each of these guarantees on a quarterly basis, and, based on various factors including internal forecasts, prior history, and ability to extend contract terms, we have not recorded any liabilities related to these commitments as of September 27, 2014.
	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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the potential amount of undiscounted payments the Company could be required to make in the event of nonpayment by the primary lessee was $6.7 million and $6.4 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.
	(b) Letters of Credit
	At September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had standby letters of credit outstanding for a total of $2.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit.
	(c) 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 (the “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. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company has recorded an estimated liability of $24.7 million and $25.1 million, respectively, which includes interest that continues to accrue on the judgment amount and the impact of foreign exchange. The Company strongly disagrees with the decision 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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, contingent liabilities, excluding the Bertico litigation, totaling $765 thousand and $1.5 million, were included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets to reflect the Company’s estimate of the probable 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.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions	'
	Related-Party Transactions
	(a) Advertising Funds
	At September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had a net payable of $10.5 million and $17.6 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 facilities, accounting services, information technology, data processing, product development, legal, administrative support services, and other operating expenses, as well as share-based compensation expense for employees that provide services directly to the advertising funds. Management fees totaled $1.9 million and $5.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and $1.5 million and $4.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, and are reflected 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 $1.6 million and $1.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and $62 thousand and $1.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively. Additionally, the Company made net contributions to the advertising funds based on retail sales as owner and operator of company-owned restaurants of $199 thousand and $650 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and $256 thousand and $749 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, which are included in company-owned restaurant expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also funded initiatives that benefit the gift card program of $644 thousand and $3.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and $357 thousand and $3.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, which were recorded as reductions to the gift card breakage liability included within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	(b) Equity Method Investments
	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investees as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended			Nine months ended
		September 27,		September 28,	September 27,	September 28,
		2014		2013	2014	2013
	B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd.	$	522	838	1,366	1,842
	BR Korea Co., Ltd.	1,280		1,036	3,505	3,065
	Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Coffee Alliance”)	22		—	39	130
		$	1,824	1,874	4,910	5,037
	At September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $1.4 million of royalties receivable from its equity method investees, which were recorded in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company made net payments to its joint ventures totaling approximately $674 thousand and $1.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and $929 thousand and $3.0 million during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, primarily for the purchase of ice cream products and incentive payments.
	During the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company made additional loans of $496 thousand and $2.1 million, respectively, to our Spain joint venture, Coffee Alliance. During the three months ended September 28, 2013, the Company fully reserved all outstanding notes and accounts receivable totaling $2.8 million, and fully impaired its equity investment in Coffee Alliance 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 of equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $2.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of notes receivable from Coffee Alliance, which were fully reserved as of the respective dates.
	The Company recognized sales of ice cream products of $1.0 million and $4.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, and $749 thousand and $3.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations from the sale of ice cream products to Palm Oasis Ventures Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), of which the Company owns a 20 percent equity interest. As of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $2.4 million and $733 thousand, respectively, of net receivables from the Australia JV, consisting of accounts receivable and notes and other receivables, net of other current liabilities.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Financial Statements	'
	Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
	The consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2014, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013, are unaudited.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and its consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been recorded. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2013, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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 our three- and nine-month periods ended September 27, 2014 and September 28, 2013 reflect the results of operations for the 13-week and 39-week periods ended on those dates. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 27, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 27, 2014.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14				28-Dec-13
		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
	Interest rate swaps	—		8,469	8,469	—	10,221	10,221
	Total assets	$	—	8,469	8,469	1,012	10,221	11,233
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	8,138	8,138	—	7,181	7,181
	Total liabilities	$	—	8,138	8,138	—	7,181	7,181
	The deferred compensation liabilities primarily relate to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”), which allows for pre-tax salary deferrals for certain qualifying individuals. 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 assets, which may include mutual funds, to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under certain benefit plans. The changes in the fair value of any mutual funds held 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 September 27, 2014, 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 as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
		Carrying Value		Estimated fair value	Carrying Value	Estimated fair value
	Financial liabilities
	Term loans	$	1,809,116	1,777,291	1,823,609	1,836,212
	The estimated fair value of our term loans is estimated 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.
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 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 instruments for a cash flow hedge is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations immediately. Cash flows associated with the Company's interest rate swap agreements are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows which is consistent with the classification of cash flows of the underlying hedged item. See note 5 for a discussion of the Company's use of derivative instruments, management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments, and fair value information.
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 September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 25% and 17%, respectively, of total accounts and notes receivable, which was primarily due to the timing of orders and shipments of ice cream to the master licensee. For the nine months ended September 27, 2014, one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 10% of total revenues. No individual franchisee or master licensee accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for the three months ended September 27, 2014 or for the three or nine months ended September 28, 2013.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company has not adopted this guidance as of September 27, 2014, and based on the Company's financial condition as of September 27, 2014, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition related to contracts with customers, except for contracts within the scope of other standards, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance provides a single framework in which revenue is required to be recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for the Company in fiscal year 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this new standard will have on the Company’s accounting policies, consolidated financial statements, and related disclosures.
	In July 2013, the 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 was adopted by the Company in fiscal year 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	The Company has revised the presentation of certain income generating transactions that historically were recorded within general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Income from these transactions totaling $751 thousand and $2.7 million have been reclassified into other operating income, net, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations to conform to the current year presentation. There was no impact to total revenues, operating income, income before income taxes, or net income as a result of these reclassifications.
	The Company has also revised the presentation of certain asset captions within the consolidated balance sheets to conform to the current period presentation, including combining 'assets held for sale' with 'prepaid expenses and other current assets' and combining 'restricted cash' with 'other assets'. The revisions had no impact on total current assets or total assets.
	Additionally, the Company has revised the presentation of certain captions for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 within the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The revisions had no impact on net cash provided by operating, used in investing, or used in financing activities.
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14				28-Dec-13
		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
	Interest rate swaps	—		8,469	8,469	—	10,221	10,221
	Total assets	$	—	8,469	8,469	1,012	10,221	11,233
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	8,138	8,138	—	7,181	7,181
	Total liabilities	$	—	8,138	8,138	—	7,181	7,181
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments	'
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of September 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		27-Sep-14			28-Dec-13
		Carrying Value		Estimated fair value	Carrying Value	Estimated fair value
	Financial liabilities
	Term loans	$	1,809,116	1,777,291	1,823,609	1,836,212

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc1

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Franchise Revenue Table	'
	Franchise fees and royalty income consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Royalty income	$	113,614		106,327		324,945		305,803
	Initial franchise fees and renewal income	13,145			11,159		30,793		28,242
	Total franchise fees and royalty income	$	126,759		117,486		355,738		334,045
Changes in Franchised and Company-Owned Points of Distribution	'
	The changes in franchised and company-owned points of distribution were as follows:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 27,		September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Systemwide Points of Distribution:
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of period	18,376		17,597		18,122		17,333
	Franchised points of distribution—opened	363		360		944		904
	Franchised points of distribution—closed	(169	)	(140	)	(506	)	(420	)
	Net transfers from company-owned points of distribution	1		—		11		—
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of period	18,571		17,817		18,571		17,817
	Company-owned points of distribution—end of period	31		32		31		32
	Total systemwide points of distribution—end of period	18,602		17,849		18,602		17,849

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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):
		September 27,				December 28,			Consolidated Balance Sheet Classification
		2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps	$	8,469			10,221			Other assets
	Total fair values of derivative instruments	$	8,469			10,221
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	'
	The tables below summarize the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, and September 28, 2013 (in thousands):
	Three months ended September 27, 2014
	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(1)			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	2,319			(1,065	)		Interest expense	$	3,384
	Income tax effect		(916		)		442			Provision for income taxes	(1,358		)
	Net of income taxes		$	1,403			(623	)			$	2,026
	Three months ended September 28, 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		$	(4,328	)		(845	)		Interest expense	$	(3,483	)
	Income tax effect		1,755				343			Provision for income taxes	1,412
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,573	)		(502	)			$	(2,071	)
	Nine months ended September 27, 2014
	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(1)			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(4,854	)		(3,113	)		Interest expense	$	(1,741	)
	Income tax effect		1,977				1,268			Provision for income taxes	709
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,877	)		(1,845	)			$	(1,032	)
	Nine months ended September 28, 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		$	9,495			(2,537	)		Interest expense	$	12,032
	Income tax effect		(3,847		)		1,040			Provision for income taxes	(4,887		)
	Net of income taxes		$	5,648			(1,497	)			$	7,145
	-1	The total net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations includes the straight-line amortization of $381 thousand and $971 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, of the unrealized gain that remained in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the date of the amendment.

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		September 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Gift card/certificate liability	$	74,496	139,721
	Gift card breakage liability	28,420		14,093
	Accrued salary and benefits	19,088		26,713
	Accrued legal liabilities (see note 11(c))	25,483		26,633
	Accrued interest	9,789		9,999
	Accrued professional costs	3,486		2,938
	Other	17,584		28,821
	Total other current liabilities	$	178,346	248,918

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenues by Segment	'
	Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands):
		Revenues
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	142,951		134,254		404,620		382,560
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	4,372			4,174		13,178		12,728
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	12,616			11,899		34,689		34,000
	Baskin-Robbins International	28,903			32,759		92,545		93,104
	Total reportable segment revenues	188,842			183,086		545,032		522,392
	Other	3,798			3,231		10,464		8,271
	Total revenues	$	192,640		186,317		555,496		530,663
Segment Profit by Segment	'
	Expenses included in “Corporate” in the segment profit (loss) table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services. The “Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments” amounts for the nine months ended September 28, 2013 below include the $7.5 million charge related to the third-party product volume guarantee (see note 11(a)). Segment profit (loss) by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Segment profit (loss)
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	106,242		97,109		297,055		271,966
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	1,885			(1,059	)	7,757		3,074
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	8,828			8,215		23,011		21,664
	Baskin-Robbins International	12,485			16,775		33,708		45,484
	Total reportable segments	129,440			121,040		361,531		342,188
	Corporate	(29,994		)	(31,707	)	(92,296	)	(91,001	)
	Interest expense, net	(16,617		)	(19,700	)	(51,243	)	(60,213	)
	Amortization of other intangible assets	(6,333		)	(6,938	)	(19,122	)	(20,085	)
	Long-lived asset impairment charges	(633		)	(92	)	(1,279	)	(447	)
	Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	—			—		(13,735	)	(5,018	)
	Other gains (losses), net	(584		)	12		(670	)	(1,191	)
	Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments	—			(66	)	300		(8,154	)
	Income before income taxes	$	75,279		62,549		183,486		156,079
Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures Reportable Segment	'
	Net income of equity method investments by reportable segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Net income (loss) of equity method investments
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 27,			September 28,		September 27,		September 28,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	331		(431	)	1,307		(177	)
	Baskin-Robbins International	4,895			7,467		10,372		14,131
	Total reportable segments	5,226			7,036		11,679		13,954
	Other	140			292		835		1,243
	Total net income of equity method investments	$	5,366		7,328		12,514		15,197

Stockholders_Equity_and_Redeem1

Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Shareholders' Equity	'
	The changes in total stockholders' equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests were as follows (in thousands):
			Total stockholders’ equity				Redeemable noncontrolling interests
	Balance at December 28, 2013		$	407,358			4,930
	Net income (loss)		123,844				(621	)
	Other comprehensive loss		(2,137		)		—
	Dividends paid on common stock		(72,756		)		—
	Exercise of stock options		4,847				—
	Repurchases of common stock		(130,171		)		—
	Share-based compensation expense		8,070				—
	Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		8,938				—
	Contributions from noncontrolling interests		—				2,855
	Other, net		(613		)		—
	Balance at September 27, 2014		$	347,380			7,164
Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands):
		Effect of foreign				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps			Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan		Other		Accumulated
		currency											other
		translation											comprehensive
													income (loss)
	Balance at December 28, 2013	$	5			6,085			(3,098	)	(1,653	)	1,339
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,552		)		(1,032	)		53		394		(2,137	)
	Balance at September 27, 2014	$	(1,547	)		5,053			(3,045	)	(1,259	)	(798	)

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
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):
		Three months ended			Nine months ended
		September 27,		September 28,	September 27,	September 28,
		2014		2013	2014	2013
	Net income attributable to Dunkin’ Brands—basic and diluted	$	54,697	40,221	123,844	104,831
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common—basic	104,742,212		106,531,827	105,719,491	106,421,114
	Common—diluted	105,969,110		108,164,925	107,045,211	108,178,632
	Earnings per common share:
	Common—basic	$	0.52	0.38	1.17	0.99
	Common—diluted	0.52		0.37	1.16	0.97
	T

RelatedParty_Transactions_Tabl

Related-Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investees as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended			Nine months ended
		September 27,		September 28,	September 27,	September 28,
		2014		2013	2014	2013
	B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd.	$	522	838	1,366	1,842
	BR Korea Co., Ltd.	1,280		1,036	3,505	3,065
	Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Coffee Alliance”)	22		—	39	130
		$	1,824	1,874	4,910	5,037

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
	customer	customer			Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
							Sales [Member]	Sales [Member]	Sales [Member]	Sales [Member]
							customer	customer	customer	customer
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Narrative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Financial reporting and operating period, year	'	'	'	'	'364 days	'371 days	'	'	'	'
Financial reporting and operating period, quarter	'	'91 days	'91 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of customer that accounted for more than 10% of receivable	1	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of receivable from one master licensee account	25.00%	25.00%	'	17.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, number of customers	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	1	0
Income reclassified into operating income	$751	$2,700	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value Of Long Term Debt [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term loans, Carrying Value	1,809,116	1,809,116	'	1,823,609	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term loans, Estimated fair value	$1,777,291	$1,777,291	'	$1,836,212	'	'	'	'	'	'

Financial_Assets_and_Liabiliti

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$8,469	$11,233
Liabilities	8,138	7,181
Mutual funds	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	1,012
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	8,469	10,221
Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	8,138	7,181
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	1,012
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
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	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	8,469	10,221
Liabilities	8,138	7,181
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 Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	8,469	10,221
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Deferred compensation liabilities	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	$8,138	$7,181

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc2

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Royalty income	$113,614	$106,327	$324,945	$305,803
Initial franchise fees and renewal income	13,145	11,159	30,793	28,242
Total franchise fees and royalty income	$126,759	$117,486	$355,738	$334,045

Changes_in_Franchised_and_Comp

Changes in Franchised and Company-Owned Points of Distribution (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
	distributor	distributor	distributor	distributor
Number of Franchises [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of period	18,376	17,597	18,122	17,333
Franchised points of distribution—opened	363	360	944	904
Franchised points of distribution—closed	-169	-140	-506	-420
Net transfers from company-owned points of distribution	1	'	11	0
Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of period	18,571	17,817	18,571	17,817
Company-owned points of distribution—end of period	31	32	31	32
Total systemwide points of distribution—end of period	18,602	17,849	18,602	17,849

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc3

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013
Disclosure Changes In Franchised And Company Owned Points Of Distribution [Abstract]	'	'
Reduction in franchised points of distribution in operation	91	91

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

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

LIBOR [Member]

Federal Fund Rate [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

2017 Term Loans [Member]

2017 Term Loans [Member]

2021 Term Loans [Member]

2021 Term Loans [Member]

2021 Term Loans [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Senior Amended Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Amended Credit Facility [Member]

Lenders Exiting Term Loan Lending Syndicate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Minimum

Base Rate [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

$450,000,000

'

$1,380,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate components

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

0.50%

'

1.25%

2.25%

'

'

'

'

0.75%

1.50%

2.50%

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Interest Base Rate

1.75%

'

1.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.80%

'

3.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes reduction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

684,700,000

Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions

0

0

13,735,000

5,018,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

13,700,000

Write off of deferred debt issuance cost and discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,900,000

'

10,500,000

Other debt extinguishment and refinancing expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,200,000

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Percentage

0.25%

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

Debt issuance discount

4,600,000

'

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

'

'

Deferred Finance Costs, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

1,200,000

'

Repayment of credit facility per calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,500,000

'

13,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

25.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage Ratio Maximum, No Excess Cash Flow Payment

4.75

'

4.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

5.5

'

5.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of long-term debt within the next twelve months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$625,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recovered_Sheet1

Derivative instruments and Hedging Transactions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
					Swap [Member]	Other Current liabilities [Member]	Other Current liabilities [Member]
					counterparties
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Agreement, Number of Counterparties	'	'	'	'	3	'	'
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	'	'	'	'	'three-month LIBOR	'	'
Derivative variable interest rate spread, floor	'	'	'	'	0.75%	'	'
Notional value of swaps	'	'	'	'	$900,000,000	'	'
Swap quarterly fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	1.22%	'	'
Total swap interest rate	'	'	'	'	3.72%	'	'
Cumulative unrealized gain	'	'	'	'	5,800,000	'	'
Ineffectiveness of interest rate swap	0	0	0	0	'	'	'
Interest payable	'	'	'	'	'	1,100,000	836,000
Estimated reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income	'	'	'	'	4,200,000	'	'
Derivative termination value	$7,500,000	'	$7,500,000	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Insturments_and_Hed

Derivative Insturments and Hedging Transactions (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total fair values of derivative instruments	$8,469	$10,221
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate swaps	$8,469	$10,221

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transaction - Derivative Effects (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Interest rate swaps, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	$3,384	($3,483)	($1,741)		$12,032
Income tax effect, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,358	1,412	709		-4,887
Net of income taxes, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	1,403	-2,573	-2,877		5,648
Net of income taxes, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	-623	-502	-1,845	[1]	-1,497	[1]
Net of income taxes, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	2,026	-2,071	-1,032		7,145
Straight-line amortization	381	'	971		'
Interest Expense [Member]	'	'	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Interest rate swaps, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	2,319	-4,328	-4,854		9,495
Interest rate swaps, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	-1,065	-845	-3,113	[1]	-2,537	[1]
Provision for Income Taxes [Member]	'	'	'		'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Income tax effect, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-916	1,755	1,977		-3,847
Income tax effect, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	$442	$343	$1,268	[1]	$1,040	[1]
[1]	The total net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations includes the straight-line amortization of $381 thousand and $971 thousand during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2014, respectively, of the unrealized gain that remained in accumulated other comprehensive income as of the date of the amendment.

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Gift card/certificate liability	$74,496	$139,721
Gift card breakage liability	28,420	14,093
Accrued salary and benefits	19,088	26,713
Accrued legal liabilities (see note 11(c))	25,483	26,633
Interest Payable, Current	9,789	9,999
Accrued professional costs	3,486	2,938
Other	17,584	28,821
Total other current liabilities	$178,346	$248,918

Revenues_by_Segment_Detail

Revenues by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$192,640	$186,317	$555,496	$530,663
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	3,798	3,231	10,464	8,271
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	188,842	183,086	545,032	522,392
Operating Segments | Dunkin' Donuts | United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	142,951	134,254	404,620	382,560
Operating Segments | Dunkin' Donuts | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	4,372	4,174	13,178	12,728
Operating Segments | Baskin-Robbins | United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	12,616	11,899	34,689	34,000
Operating Segments | Baskin-Robbins | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$28,903	$32,759	$92,545	$93,104

Segment_Profit_by_Segment_Deta

Segment Profit by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment profit	$54,424	$40,044	$123,223	$104,415
Corporate	-29,994	-31,707	-92,296	-91,001
Interest expense, net	-16,617	-19,700	-51,243	-60,213
Amortization of other intangible assets	-6,333	-6,938	-19,122	-20,085
Long-lived asset impairment charges	-633	-92	-1,279	-447
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	0	0	-13,735	-5,018
Other gains (losses), net	-584	12	-670	-1,191
Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments	0	-66	300	-8,154
Income before income taxes	75,279	62,549	183,486	156,079
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment profit	129,440	121,040	361,531	342,188
Operating Segments | Dunkin' Donuts | United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment profit	106,242	97,109	297,055	271,966
Operating Segments | Dunkin' Donuts | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment profit	1,885	-1,059	7,757	3,074
Operating Segments | Baskin-Robbins | United States	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment profit	8,828	8,215	23,011	21,664
Operating Segments | Baskin-Robbins | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment profit	$12,485	$16,775	$33,708	$45,484

Equity_in_Net_Income_of_Joint_

Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income of equity method investments, excluding impairment	$5,366	$7,328	$12,514	$15,197
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income of equity method investments, excluding impairment	140	292	835	1,243
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income of equity method investments, excluding impairment	5,226	7,036	11,679	13,954
Operating Segments | Dunkin' Donuts | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income of equity method investments, excluding impairment	331	-431	1,307	-177
Operating Segments | Baskin-Robbins | International	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income of equity method investments, excluding impairment	$4,895	$7,467	$10,372	$14,131

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments	4
Purchase Commitment | Transaction 01	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Payment of guarantees	7.5

Stockholders_Equity_and_Redeem2

Stockholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 03, 2014

Jun. 04, 2014

Mar. 19, 2014

30-May-14

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 28, 2013

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Oct. 23, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

30-May-14

30-May-14

30-May-14

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Subsequent Event [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Shares

2011 Plan

2011 Plan

2011 Plan

2011 Plan

Partnership [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Deficit [Member]

Employees [Member]

Board of Directors [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Employee Stock Option

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

2011 Plan

2011 Plan

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

$155,665,000

$209,800,000

$155,665,000

$209,800,000

$256,933,000

$252,618,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, net

'

'

'

'

179,073,000

'

179,073,000

'

182,858,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock acquired (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,911,205

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock acquired, weighted average price (in usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$44.71

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in treasury stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

130,171,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock, shares retired

'

'

'

1,002,905

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-47,200,000

-10,800,000

36,400,000

'

'

Options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,406,308

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock units granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,000

'

27,096

'

74,299

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensations, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'1 year

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$37.94

'

$51.67

'

$47.72

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options, maximum contractual term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Grant price (in usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$51.67

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options, grant date fair value (in usd per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense related to share-based awards

'

'

'

'

3,100,000

2,100,000

8,100,000

5,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend per share of common stock paid (in usd per share)

$0.23

$0.23

$0.23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid on common stock

$24,000,000

$24,200,000

$24,500,000

'

'

'

$72,756,000

$60,707,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

$0.23

$0.19

$0.69

$0.57

'

'

$0.23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes_in_Total_Shareholders_

Changes in Total Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 28, 2013	'	'	$407,358	'
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	54,697	40,221	123,844	104,831
Other comprehensive loss	-3,122	2,991	-2,137	-4,377
Dividends paid on common stock	'	'	-72,756	'
Exercise of stock options	'	'	4,847	'
Repurchases of common stock	'	'	-130,171	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	8,070	'
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	'	'	8,938	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	0	'
Other, net	'	'	-613	'
Balance at September 27, 2014	347,380	'	347,380	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 28, 2013	'	'	4,930	'
Net income	'	'	-621	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	'	'	2,855	'
Balance at September 27, 2014	$7,164	'	$7,164	'

Changes_in_Components_of_Accum

Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	$1,339
Current period changes	-2,137
Balance at end of period	-798
Effect of foreign currency translation	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	5
Current period changes	-1,552
Balance at end of period	-1,547
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	6,085
Current period changes	-1,032
Balance at end of period	5,053
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	-3,098
Current period changes	53
Balance at end of period	-3,045
Other	'
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'
Balance at beginning of period	-1,653
Current period changes	394
Balance at end of period	($1,259)

Earnings_Per_Shares_Additional

Earnings Per Shares - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive securities, effect on basic earnings per share, including options and restrictive units	1,226,898	1,633,098	1,325,720	1,757,518
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive security excluded from calculation, restricted stock awards (in shares)	'	'	150,000	0
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,377,831	1,181,338	1,439,725	1,441,640

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands-basic and diluted	$54,697	$40,221	$123,844	$104,831
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Common-basic (in shares)	104,742,212	106,531,827	105,719,491	106,421,114
Common-diluted (in shares)	105,969,110	108,164,925	107,045,211	108,178,632
Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$0.52	$0.38	$1.17	$0.99
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.52	$0.37	$1.16	$0.97

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$20,855,000	$22,505,000	$60,263,000	$51,664,000
Effective tax rate	27.70%	36.00%	32.80%	33.10%
Net tax benefit of reconciling items	6,700,000	1,100,000	-6,700,000	6,200,000
Reversal of uncertain tax positions - domestic	'	'	'	8,400,000
Tax expense from change in enacted rate	'	'	'	$2,900,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Jun. 22, 2012

Jun. 22, 2012

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

Sep. 27, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

Other Legal Matter [Member]

Other Legal Matter [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Financial Guarantee [Member]

Lease Agreements

Lease Agreements

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Supply Commitment

Supply Commitment

Transaction 01

Transaction 02

Transaction 02

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Purchase Commitment

Purchase Commitment

Purchase Commitment

Other Legal Matter [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Franchisees financing term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'10 years

'

Guarantee obligation, maximum exposure

'

'

'

'

$2,600,000

$3,000,000

$6,700,000

$6,400,000

'

'

'

'

$44,500,000

$52,600,000

'

$4,700,000

$5,700,000

'

'

'

Guarantee obligations period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

Payment of guarantees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Standby letters of credit

2,500,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts drawn on letters of credit

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Litigation judgment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,900,000

16,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent liabilities related to legal matters

'

'

765,000

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,700,000

25,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional loss exposure for all legal matters

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12,000,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 28, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net payable of advertising funds	$10,500,000	'	$10,500,000	'	$17,600,000
Fee for managing advertising funds	1,900,000	1,500,000	5,700,000	4,300,000	'
Supplemental advertising fund contribution	1,600,000	62,000	1,700,000	1,200,000	'
Advertising funds contribution, company-owned restaurant	199,000	256,000	650,000	749,000	'
Advertising funds contribution, prepaid future initiatives	644,000	357,000	3,600,000	3,600,000	'
Royalties receivable from joint ventures	1,400,000	'	1,400,000	'	1,400,000
Impairment charge	0	873,000	0	873,000	'
B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. ("BR Japan")	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	522,000	838,000	1,366,000	1,842,000	'
BR Korea Co., Ltd. ("BR Korea")	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	1,280,000	1,036,000	3,505,000	3,065,000	'
Coffee Alliance, S.L. (Coffee Alliance)	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Loans receivable	2,500,000	'	2,500,000	'	2,700,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	'	2,800,000	'	2,800,000	'
Impairment charge	'	873,000	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	22,000	0	39,000	130,000	'
Related Party	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Royalty received from joint venture	1,824,000	1,874,000	4,910,000	5,037,000	'
Joint Ventures	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Payments to joint ventures	674,000	929,000	1,900,000	3,000,000	'
Australia Joint Venture	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue from related parties	1,000,000	749,000	4,100,000	3,300,000	'
Ownership percentage	20.00%	'	20.00%	'	'
Due from joint ventures	2,400,000	'	2,400,000	'	733,000
SPAIN | Coffee Alliance, S.L. (Coffee Alliance)	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Loans receivable, additions	'	$496,000	'	$2,100,000	'