Dunkin Brands (DNKN) 10-K 19 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Feb. 16, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	27-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Entity Registrant Name	DUNKIN' BRANDS GROUP, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1357204
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-15
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		97,603,602
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Public Float			$4.89
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Trading Symbol	DNKN

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$208,080	$256,933
Accounts receivable, net	55,908	47,162
Notes and other receivables, net	49,152	32,603
Deferred income taxes, net	49,216	46,461
Restricted assets of advertising funds	34,300	31,493
Prepaid income taxes	24,861	25,699
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	21,101	21,409
Total current assets	442,618	461,760
Property and equipment, net	182,061	182,858
Equity method investments	164,493	170,644
Goodwill	891,370	891,598
Other intangible assets, net	1,425,797	1,452,205
Other assets	71,044	75,625
Total assets	3,177,383	3,234,690
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	3,852	5,000
Capital lease obligations	506	432
Accounts payable	13,814	12,445
Liabilities of advertising funds	48,081	49,077
Deferred income	30,374	28,426
Other current liabilities	258,892	248,918
Total current liabilities	355,519	344,298
Long-term debt, net	1,807,081	1,818,609
Capital lease obligations	7,575	6,996
Unfavorable operating leases acquired	14,795	16,834
Deferred income	14,935	11,135
Deferred income taxes, net	540,339	561,714
Other long-term liabilities	62,189	62,816
Total long-term liabilities	2,446,914	2,478,104
Commitments and contingencies (note 17)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,991	4,930
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 104,630,978 shares issued and outstanding at December 27, 2014; 106,876,919 shares issued and 106,646,219 shares outstanding at December 28, 2013	104	107
Additional paid-in capital	1,093,363	1,196,426
Treasury stock, at cost	0	-10,773
Accumulated deficit	-711,531	-779,741
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-13,977	1,339
Total stockholders’ equity	367,959	407,358
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and stockholders’ equity	$3,177,383	$3,234,690

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
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)	104,630,978	106,876,919
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	104,630,978	106,646,219

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Revenues:
Franchise fees and royalty income	$482,329	$453,976	$418,940
Rental income	97,663	96,082	96,816
Sales of ice cream products	116,320	112,276	94,659
Sales at company-owned restaurants	22,206	24,976	22,922
Other revenues	30,191	26,530	24,844
Total revenues	748,709	713,840	658,181
Operating costs and expenses:
Occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants	53,395	52,097	52,072
Cost of ice cream products	81,896	79,278	69,019
Company-owned restaurant expenses	22,687	24,480	23,133
General and administrative expenses, net	227,534	230,847	241,883
Depreciation	19,779	22,423	29,084
Amortization of other intangible assets	25,760	26,943	26,943
Long-lived asset impairment charges	1,484	563	1,278
Total operating costs and expenses	432,535	436,631	443,412
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income, excluding impairment	14,846	19,243	22,351
Impairment charge, net of tax	0	-873	0
Net income of equity method investments	14,846	18,370	22,351
Other operating income, net	7,838	9,157	2,309
Operating income	338,858	304,736	239,429
Other income (expense):
Interest income	274	404	543
Interest expense	-68,098	-80,235	-74,031
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	-13,735	-5,018	-3,963
Other gains (losses), net	-1,566	-1,799	23
Total other expense	-83,125	-86,648	-77,428
Income before income taxes	255,733	218,088	162,001
Provision for income taxes	80,170	71,784	54,377
Net income including noncontrolling interests	175,563	146,304	107,624
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-794	-599	-684
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	$176,357	$146,903	$108,308
Earnings per share:
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$1.67	$1.38	$0.94
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.65	$1.36	$0.93
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.92	$0.76	$0.60

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$175,563	$146,304	$107,624
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $(358), $205, and $(260) for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively	-13,743	-14,909	-5,996
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $(1,608), $5,290 and $(1,154) for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively	-2,369	7,740	-1,655
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $80, $(200), and $(415) for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively	224	-612	-1,180
Other	572	-21	-1,629
Total other comprehensive loss	-15,316	-7,802	-10,460
Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests	160,247	138,502	97,164
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-794	-599	-684
Comprehensive income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	$161,041	$139,101	$97,848

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation, deferred tax effect	$358	($205)	$260
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, deferred tax effect	1,608	-5,290	1,154
Unrealized loss on pension plan, deferred tax effect	$80	($200)	($415)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Treasury stock, at cost	Accumulated deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Noncontrolling interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$745,936	$119	$1,478,291	$0	($752,075)	$19,601	$0
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		119,494,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	107,624				108,308		-684
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-10,460					-10,460
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests	4,008						4,008
Dividends paid on common stock	-70,069		-70,069
Exercise of stock options, shares		1,277,000
Exercise of stock options	4,418	2	4,416
Share-based compensation expense, shares)		372,000
Share-based compensation expense	6,920		6,920
Repurchases of common stock	-450,369			-450,369
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		-15,001,000
Retirement of treasury stock	0	-15	-180,027	450,369	-270,327
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	11,978		11,978
Other	-11		-11
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	349,975	106	1,251,498	0	-914,094	9,141	3,324
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2012		106,142,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	146,664				146,903		-239
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-7,802					-7,802
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests	0						0
Dividends paid on common stock	-81,008		-81,008
Exercise of stock options, shares		1,140,000
Exercise of stock options	7,963	1	7,962
Share-based compensation expense, shares)		12,000
Share-based compensation expense	7,323		7,323
Repurchases of common stock	-27,963			-27,963
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		-417,000
Retirement of treasury stock	0	0	-4,688	17,190	-12,502
Reclassification to noncontrolling interests	-3,085						-3,085
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	15,366		15,366
Other	-75		-27		-48
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	-360
Reclassification to noncontrolling interests	3,085
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,205
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	4,930
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	407,358	107	1,196,426	-10,773	-779,741	1,339	0
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2013	106,646,219	106,877,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	176,357				176,357		0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-15,316					-15,316
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests	0						0
Dividends paid on common stock	-96,775		-96,775
Exercise of stock options, shares		693,000
Exercise of stock options	5,120	1	5,119
Share-based compensation expense, shares)		26,000
Share-based compensation expense	11,287		11,287
Repurchases of common stock	-130,171			-130,171
Retirement of treasury stock (shares)		-3,142,000
Retirement of treasury stock	0	-3	-33,170	140,944	-107,771
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	10,758		10,758
Other	-659	-1	-282		-376
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	-794
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	2,855
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	6,991
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	$367,959	$104	$1,093,363	$0	($711,531)	($13,977)	$0
Balance, shares at Dec. 27, 2014	104,630,978	104,454,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$175,563	$146,304	$107,624
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	45,539	49,366	56,027
Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount	3,968	4,706	5,727
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	13,735	5,018	3,963
Deferred income taxes	-24,639	-13,191	-6,946
Provision for (recovery of) bad debt	2,821	3,484	-542
Share-based compensation expense	11,287	7,323	6,920
Net income of equity method investments	-14,846	-18,370	-22,351
Dividends received from equity method investments	7,427	7,226	6,497
Gain on sale of joint venture	0	-6,320	0
Gain on sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants	-7,458	-2,591	-1,085
Other, net	570	-1,291	-834
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net	-27,224	-27,444	6,321
Other current assets	552	1,879	-1,480
Accounts payable	397	46	2,804
Other current liabilities	11,876	8,163	38,767
Liabilities of advertising funds, net	-2,785	4,795	-5,688
Income taxes payable, net	-4,300	-27,847	-38,928
Deferred income	5,770	-842	-1,491
Other, net	1,070	1,385	-885
Net cash provided by operating activities	199,323	141,799	154,420
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-23,638	-31,099	-22,398
Proceeds from sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants	14,361	5,387	2,416
Proceeds from sale of joint venture, net	0	6,682	0
Other, net	-4,827	-3,876	-2,965
Net cash used in investing activities	-14,104	-22,906	-22,947
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			396,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-15,000	-24,157	-15,441
Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs	-9,213	-6,157	-5,978
Repurchases of common stock	-130,171	-27,963	-450,369
Dividends paid on common stock	-96,775	-81,008	-70,069
Exercise of stock options	5,120	7,963	4,418
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	10,758	15,366	11,978
Other, net	1,924	1,782	3,859
Net cash used in financing activities	-233,357	-114,174	-125,602
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-715	-404	32
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-48,853	4,315	5,903
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	256,933	252,618	246,715
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	208,080	256,933	252,618
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes	99,410	98,483	90,225
Cash paid for interest	64,485	78,127	54,115
Noncash investing activities:
Property and equipment included in accounts payable and other current liabilities	2,383	1,366	5,244
Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligations	$1,094	$173	$2,818

Description_of_Business_and_Or

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

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of significant accounting policies
	(a) Fiscal year
	The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 reflect the results of operations for the 52-week periods ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively.
	(b) Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which we possess a variable interest include franchise entities, the advertising funds (see note 4), and our equity method investees. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities, except for our investments in various entities that are accounted for under the equity method or are otherwise consolidated. Additionally, we generally do not provide financial support to franchise entities in a typical franchise relationship. As our franchise and license arrangements provide our franchisee and licensee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. Based on the results of our analysis of potential VIEs, we have not consolidated any franchise entities, with the exception of those noted below. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential franchise VIEs is attributable to aged trade and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees (see note 17(b)), and future lease payments due from franchisees (see note 11).
	During fiscal year 2014, the Company entered into a temporary management agreement (“TMA”), under which the Company manages the operations of ten restaurants owned by a franchisee for a period up to two years. Based on the terms of the TMA, the Company has determined that the related franchisee is a VIE in which the Company is the primary beneficiary, and therefore, has consolidated the results of this franchisee. As of December 27, 2014, the consolidated balance sheet included $663 thousand of property and equipment, net, $1.1 million of goodwill, $1.4 million of long-term debt, and $355 thousand of other net liabilities for the franchise entity.
	The Company holds a 51% interest in a limited partnership that owns and operates Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the Dallas, Texas area. The Company possesses control of this entity and, therefore, consolidates the results of the limited partnership. During fiscal year 2013, the Company amended the partnership agreement with the noncontrolling owners to provide the noncontrolling owners the option in early 2017 to sell their entire interest to the Company. As a result of the amendment, the partnership agreement now contains a redemption feature that is not currently redeemable, but it is probable to become redeemable in the future. As such, the Company reclassified the noncontrolling interests in fiscal year 2013 to temporary equity (between liabilities and stockholders’ equity) in the consolidated balance sheets. The net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, respectively. As of December 27, 2014, the consolidated balance sheets included $2.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $10.9 million of property and equipment, net for this partnership entity, which may be used only to settle obligations of the partnership.
	(c) Accounting estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. Significant estimates are made in the calculations and assessments of the following: (a) allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables, (b) impairment of tangible and intangible assets, (c) income taxes, (d) share-based compensation, (e) lease accounting estimates, (f) gift certificate breakage, and (g) contingencies. Estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities when they are not readily apparent from other sources. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	(d) Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
	The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, we maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
	Cash held related to the advertising funds and the Company’s gift card/certificate programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds; however, the Company intends to use these funds solely to support the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs rather than to fund operations. Total cash balances related to the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $136.2 million and $134.5 million, respectively.
	(e) Fair value of financial instruments
	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, assets and liabilities related to the advertising funds, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For long-term receivables, we review the creditworthiness of the counterparty on a quarterly basis, and adjust the carrying value as necessary. We believe the carrying value of long-term receivables of $3.1 million and $5.3 million as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, approximates fair value.
	Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		27-Dec-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
	Company-owned life insurance	—		2,975	2,975	—	—	—
	Interest rate swaps	—		—	—	—	10,221	10,221
	Total assets	$	—	2,975	2,975	1,012	10,221	11,233
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	8,488	8,488	—	7,181	7,181
	Total liabilities	$	—	8,488	8,488	—	7,181	7,181
	The deferred compensation liabilities relate primarily to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”), which allows for pre-tax salary deferrals for certain qualifying employees (see note 18). Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds assets, which may include, company-owned life insurance policies and mutual funds, to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plan as well as other benefit plans. The changes in the fair value of any company-owned life insurance policies are derived using determinable cash surrender value. As such, the company-owned life insurance policies are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP. The changes in the fair value of any mutual funds were derived using quoted prices in active markets for the specific funds. As such, the mutual funds were classified within Level 1, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
	The Company used readily available market data to value its interest rate swaps, such as interest rate curves and discount factors. Additionally, the fair value of derivatives included consideration of credit risk in the valuation. The Company used a potential future exposure model to estimate this credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The inputs to the CVA were 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 was not a significant component of the fair value of the interest rate swaps as of December 28, 2013, it was not considered a significant input and the derivatives were classified as Level 2.
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Financial liabilities	Carrying		Estimated	Carrying	Estimated
		value		fair value	value	fair value
	Term loans	$	1,810,933	1,778,066	1,823,609	1,836,212
	The estimated fair value of our term loans is based on current bid prices for our term loans. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our term loans are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
	(f) Inventories
	Inventories consist primarily of ice cream products sold to certain international markets that are in-transit from our third-party manufacturer to our international licensees, during which time we hold title to such products. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, and cost is generally determined based on the actual cost of the specific inventory sold. Inventories are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	(g) Assets held for sale
	Assets held for sale primarily represent costs incurred by the Company for store equipment and leasehold improvements constructed for sale to franchisees, as well as restaurants formerly operated by franchisees waiting to be resold. The value of such restaurants and related assets is reduced to reflect net recoverable values, with such reductions recorded to general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, internal specialists estimate the amount to be recovered from the sale of such assets based on their knowledge of the (a) market in which the store is located, (b) results of the Company’s previous efforts to dispose of similar assets, and (c) current economic conditions. The actual cost of such assets held for sale is affected by specific factors such as the nature, age, location, and condition of the assets, as well as the economic environment and inflation.
	We classify restaurants and their related assets as held for sale and suspend depreciation and amortization when (a) we make a decision to refranchise or sell the property, (b) the stores are available for immediate sale, (c) we have begun an active program to locate a buyer, (d) significant changes to the plan of sale are not likely, and (e) the sale is probable within one year. Assets held for sale are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	(h) Property and equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term of the related asset. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	3 – 10
	Routine maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major improvements, additions, or replacements that extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the safety or the efficiency of property are capitalized at cost and depreciated. Major improvements to leased property are capitalized as leasehold improvements and depreciated. Interest costs incurred during the acquisition period of capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset and depreciated.
	(i) Leases
	When determining lease terms, we begin with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the leased properties. We include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the Company in such an amount that the renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured, which generally includes option periods through the end of the related franchise agreement term. We also include any rent holidays in the determination of the lease term.
	We record rent expense and rent income for leases and subleases, respectively, that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined above. In certain cases, contingent rentals are based on sales levels of our franchisees, in excess of stipulated amounts. Contingent rentals are included in rent income and rent expense as they are earned or accrued, respectively.
	We occasionally provide to our sublessees, or receive from our landlords, tenant improvement dollars. Tenant improvement dollars paid to our sublessees are recorded as a deferred rent asset. For fixed asset and/or leasehold purchases for which we receive tenant improvement dollars from our landlords, we record the property and equipment and/or leasehold improvements gross and establish a deferred rent obligation. The deferred lease assets and obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the determined sublease and lease terms, respectively.
	Management regularly reviews sublease arrangements, where we are the lessor, for losses on sublease arrangements. We recognize a loss, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates, when costs expected to be incurred under an operating prime lease exceed the anticipated future revenue stream of the operating sublease. Furthermore, for properties where we do not currently have an operational franchise or other third-party sublessee and are under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates and net of estimated sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and charged to operations at the time we cease use of the property. The value of any equipment and leasehold improvements related to a closed store is assessed for potential impairment (see note 2(j)).
	(j) Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by internal specialists based on the present value of anticipated future cash flows or, if required, by independent third-party valuation specialists, depending on the nature of the assets or asset group.
	(k) Equity method investments
	The Company's equity method investments consist of interests in B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (“BR Japan”), BR-Korea Co., Ltd. (“BR Korea”), Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Spain JV”), and Palm Oasis Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), which are accounted for in accordance with the equity method. As a result of the acquisition of the Company by three private equity firms on March 1, 2006 (“BCT Acquisition”), the Company has recorded a step-up in the basis of our investment in BR Japan. The basis difference is comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill. The franchise rights and related tax liabilities are amortized in a manner that reflects the estimated benefits from the use of the intangible asset over a period of 14 years. The franchise rights were valued based on an estimate of future cash flows to be generated from the ongoing management of the contracts over their remaining useful lives.
	(l) Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Goodwill and trade names (“indefinite-lived intangibles”) have been assigned to our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, for purposes of impairment testing. All of our reporting units have indefinite-lived intangibles associated with them.
	We evaluate the remaining useful life of our trade names to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a trade name is impaired. In the event we were to determine that the carrying value of a trade name would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed. Quantitative testing consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. For goodwill, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit's carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. We have selected the first day of our fiscal third quarter as the date on which to perform our annual impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite-lived intangibles has been impaired.
	Other intangible assets consist primarily of franchise and international license rights (“franchise rights”), ice cream distribution and territorial franchise agreement license rights (“license rights”), and operating lease interests acquired related to our prime leases and subleases (“operating leases acquired”). Franchise rights, license rights, and operating leases acquired recorded in the consolidated balance sheets were valued using an appropriate valuation method during the period of acquisition. Amortization of franchise rights, license rights, and favorable operating leases acquired is recorded as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amortized over the respective franchise, license, and lease terms using the straight-line method.
Unfavorable operating leases acquired related to our prime and subleases are recorded in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rental expense and rental income, respectively, over the base lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method. The weighted average amortization period for all unfavorable operating leases acquired is 17 years.
Management makes adjustments to the carrying amount of such intangible assets and unfavorable operating leases acquired if they are deemed to be impaired using the methodology for long-lived assets (see note 2(j)), or when such license or lease agreements are reduced or terminated.
(m) Contingencies
The Company records reserves for legal and other contingencies when information available to the Company indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating the related costs and exposures involve substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates. Legal costs incurred in connection with legal and other contingencies are expensed as the costs are incurred.
(n) Foreign currency translation
We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes. Foreign currency translation adjustments primarily result from our equity method investments, as well as subsidiaries located in Canada, the UK, Australia, Spain, China, and Brazil. Transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
(o) Revenue recognition
Franchise fees and royalty income
Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. Our franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay an initial nonrefundable fee and continuing fees, or royalty income, based upon a percentage of sales. The franchisee will typically pay us a renewal fee if we approve a renewal of the franchise agreement. Such fees are paid by franchisees to obtain the rights associated with these franchise agreements or SDAs. Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the respective restaurant. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned, with deferred amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within one year classified as current deferred income in the consolidated balance sheets. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee becomes effective. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise agreement, SDA, or renewal agreement and, when appropriate, records the costs of such programs as reductions of revenue.
For our international business, we sell master territory and/or license agreements that typically allow the master licensee to either act as the franchisee or to sub-franchise to other operators. Master license and territory fees are generally recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the first restaurant or as stores are opened, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which generally occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee or licensee becomes effective.
Rental income
Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid (see note 2(i)). The difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases is recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such threshold is actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred income in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
Sales of ice cream products
We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international locations. Revenue from the sale of ice cream products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which was generally upon shipment through November 2012. Beginning in December 2012, title and risk of loss generally transfers to the buyer upon delivery.
Sales at company-owned restaurants
Retail store revenues at company-owned restaurants are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes.
Other revenues
Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of our restaurants to new or existing franchisees. Licensing fees are recognized when earned, which is generally upon sale of the underlying products by the licensees. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity, and we are satisfied that the buyer can meet its financial obligations to us. If the criteria for gain recognition are not met, we defer the gain to the extent we have any remaining financial exposure in connection with the sale transaction. Deferred gains are recognized when the gain recognition criteria are met.
(p) Allowance for doubtful accounts
We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and licensees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees or licensees are unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Included in the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivables is a provision for uncollectible royalty, lease, and licensing fee receivables.
(q) Share-based payment
We measure compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognize compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award.
(r) Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effects of changes in tax rates and changes in apportionment of income between tax jurisdictions on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the year in which the law is enacted or change in apportionment occurs. Valuation allowances are provided when the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of identified tax assets.
A tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Estimates of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in the provision for income taxes.
(s) Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and unrealized pension gains and losses, and is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes, for all periods presented.
(t) Deferred financing costs
Deferred financing costs primarily represent capitalizable costs incurred related to the issuance and refinancing of the Company’s long-term debt (see note 8). As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, deferred financing costs of $11.5 million and $19.2 million, respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and are being amortized over the remaining maturities of the debt using the effective interest rate method.
(u) Derivative instruments and hedging activities
The Company used derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risks which were terminated on December 23, 2014. These derivative contracts were entered into with financial institutions. The Company did not use derivative instruments for trading purposes and we had procedures in place to monitor and control their use.
We recorded all derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. For derivative instruments that were designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments was reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affected earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument for a cash flow hedge was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations immediately. See note 9 for a discussion of our use of derivative instruments, management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments, and fair value information.
(v) Gift card/certificate breakage
The Company and our franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for product in our Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
There are no expiration dates on our gift cards, and we do not charge any service fees. While our franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, we may recognize income from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage income”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. Based on redemption data available, breakage income for gift cards was generally recognized five years from the last date of activity on the card through the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company determined that sufficient historical redemption patterns existed to revise breakage estimates related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. Based on historical redemption rates, breakage on Dunkin' Donuts gift cards is now estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions. The Company recognizes breakage as income only up to the amount of gift card program costs incurred. Any incremental breakage that exceeds gift card program costs has been committed to franchisees to fund future initiatives that will benefit the gift card program, and is recorded as gift card breakage liability within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 10). During fiscal year 2014, the Company revised the estimated breakage rates based on historical redemption patterns related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. This change in estimated breakage rates had no impact on breakage income recognized in fiscal year 2014, but resulted in a decrease in the gift card/certificate liability and a corresponding increase in the gift card breakage liability.
For fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, total breakage income recognized on gift cards, as well as historical gift certificate programs, was $8.5 million, $10.2 million, and $7.9 million, respectively, and is recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net. Breakage income for fiscal year 2013 includes a $5.4 million recovery of historical Dunkin' Donuts gift card program costs incurred prior to fiscal year 2013. Breakage income for fiscal year 2012 includes $3.5 million related to historical Baskin-Robbins gift certificates as a result of shifting to gift cards, and represents the balance of gift certificates for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote based on historical redemption patterns.
(w) Concentration of credit risk
The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, and sales of ice cream products. In addition, we have note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of these franchisees and licensees is largely dependent upon the underlying business trends of our brands and market conditions within the quick service restaurant industry. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the large number of franchisees and licensees of each brand and the short-term nature of the franchise and license fee and lease receivables. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 19% and 17%, respectively, of total accounts and notes receivable, which was due primarily to the timing of orders and shipments of ice cream to the master licensee. For fiscal year 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 fiscal years 2013 or 2012.
(x) Recent accounting pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 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, and has not yet selected a transition method.
(y) Reclassifications
The Company has revised the presentation of certain income generating transactions, including gains on the sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants, that historically were recorded within general and administrative expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Income from these transactions totaling $2.8 million and $2.3 million have been reclassified into other operating income, net, for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, 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 prior periods within the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The revisions had no impact on net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing, or financing activities.
(z) Subsequent events
Subsequent events have been evaluated up through the date that these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Royalty income	$	438,074		411,428		385,713
	Initial franchise fees and renewal income	44,255			42,548		33,227
	Total franchise fees and royalty income	$	482,329		453,976		418,940
	The changes in franchised and company-owned or company-operated points of distribution were as follows:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Systemwide points of distribution:
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year	18,122		17,333		16,565
	Franchised points of distribution - opened	1,442		1,388		1,470
	Franchised points of distribution - closed	(744	)	(600	)	(701	)
	Net transfers from (to) company-owned or company-operated points of distribution	1		1		(1	)
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year	18,821		18,122		17,333
	Company-owned or company-operated points of distribution—end of year	41		36		35
	Total systemwide points of distribution—end of year	18,862		18,158		17,368

Advertising_Funds

Advertising Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Advertising Funds [Abstract]
Advertising Funds	Advertising funds
	On behalf of certain Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins advertising funds, the Company collects a percentage, which is generally 5%, of gross retail sales from Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees to be used for various forms of advertising for each brand. In most of our international markets, franchisees manage their own advertising expenditures, which are not included in the advertising fund results.
	The Company administers and directs the development of all advertising and promotion programs in the advertising funds for which it collects advertising fees, in accordance with the provisions of our franchise agreements. The Company acts as, in substance, an agent with regard to these advertising contributions. We consolidate and report all assets and liabilities held by these advertising funds as restricted assets of advertising funds and liabilities of advertising funds within current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheets. The assets and liabilities held by these advertising funds consist primarily of receivables, accrued expenses, other liabilities, and any cumulative surplus or deficit related specifically to the advertising funds. The revenues, expenses, and cash flows of the advertising funds are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows because the Company does not have complete discretion over the usage of the funds. Contributions to these advertising funds are restricted to advertising, product development, public relations, merchandising, and administrative expenses and programs to increase sales and further enhance the public reputation of each of the brands.
	At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had a net payable of $13.8 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 $7.6 million, $5.5 million, and $5.6 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Such management fees are included in the consolidated statements of operations as a reduction in general and administrative expenses, net.
	The Company made discretionary contributions to certain advertising funds for the purpose of supplementing national and regional advertising in certain markets of $2.1 million, $2.4 million, and $863 thousand for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Additionally, the Company made net contributions to the advertising funds based on retail sales as owner and operator of company-owned restaurants of $872 thousand, $1.0 million, and $808 thousand for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which are included in company-owned restaurant expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company also made $5.2 million and $5.9 million, respectively, of contributions to fund future initiatives that will benefit the gift card program, which was contributed from the gift card breakage liability included within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 2(v) and note 10); no such contributions were made in fiscal year 2012.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Land	$	33,927		34,052
	Buildings	49,499			47,946
	Leasehold improvements	147,996			154,491
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	49,318			43,124
	Construction in progress	5,736			9,079
	Property and equipment, gross	286,476			288,692
	Accumulated depreciation	(104,415		)	(105,834	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	182,061		182,858
	The Company recognized impairment charges on leasehold improvements, typically due to termination of the underlying lease agreement, and other corporate-held assets of $1.2 million, $119 thousand, and $319 thousand during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which are included in long-lived asset impairment charges in the consolidated statements of operations.

Equity_method_investments

Equity method investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity method investments	The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows:
	Entity		Ownership
	BR Japan		43.30%
	BR Korea		33.30%
	Spain JV		33.30%
	Australia JV		20.00%
	In June 2013, the Company sold 80% of the Baskin-Robbins Australia franchising business, resulting in a gain of $6.3 million, net of transaction costs, which is included in other operating income in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year 2013. The gain consisted of net proceeds of $6.5 million, offset by the carrying value of the business included in the sale, which totaled $216 thousand. The Company retained the remaining 20% ownership of the Australia JV, and therefore accounts for the Australia JV in accordance with the equity method.
	Summary financial information for the equity method investments on an aggregated basis was as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	265,227	$	261,546
	Current liabilities	102,920		106,280
	Working capital	162,307		155,266
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	138,325		139,378
	Other assets	142,955		173,491
	Long-term liabilities	45,684		52,389
	Equity of equity method investments	$	397,903	415,746
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013		2012
	Revenues	$	669,416	673,537		687,676
	Net income	39,835		51,407		51,046
	The comparison between the carrying value of our investments in BR Japan and BR Korea and the underlying equity in net assets of those investments is presented in the table below (in thousands):
		BR Japan				BR Korea
		December 27,		December 28,		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Carrying value of investment	$	66,820	79,472		97,458		91,121
	Underlying equity in net assets of investment	37,941		45,682		103,589		100,766
	Carrying value in excess of (less than) the underlying equity in net assets(a)	$	28,879	33,790		(6,131	)	(9,645	)
	(a)	The excess carrying values over the underlying equity in net assets of BR Japan is primarily comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill, all of which were established in the BCT Acquisition. The deficit of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of BR Korea is primarily comprised of an impairment of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal year 2011.
	The carrying values of our investments in the Spain JV and the Australia JV were not material for any period presented.
	The aggregate fair value of the Company's investment in BR Japan, based on its quoted market price on the last business day of the year, is approximately $144.3 million. No quoted market prices are available for the Company's other equity method investments.
	Net income of equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 includes $406 thousand, $505 thousand, and $689 thousand, respectively, of net expense related to the amortization of intangible franchise rights and related deferred tax liabilities of BR Japan noted above. As required under the equity method of accounting, such net expense is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations directly to net income of equity method investments and not shown as a component of amortization expense.
	During the third quarter of 2013, the Company fully reserved all outstanding notes and accounts receivable totaling $2.8 million, and fully impaired its equity investment in the Spain JV of $873 thousand. During fiscal year 2014, the Company reduced reserves on the notes receivable in the amount of $441 thousand based on expected and actual payments received. The reserves and recoveries 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.
	In fiscal year 2011, the Company recorded an impairment of its investment in BR Korea of $19.8 million. The impairment charge was allocated to the underlying goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets of BR Korea, and therefore resulted in a reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, of $1.1 million, $2.0 million, and $3.6 million, in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which is recorded within net income of equity method investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands):
		Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.										Dunkin’ Donuts International					Baskin-Robbins International				Total
		Goodwill				Accumulated impairment charges			Net Balance			Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges	Net Balance		Goodwill	Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance	Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance
	Balances at December 29, 2012	$	1,152,035			(270,441	)		881,594			10,306		—	10,306		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,378		(294,478	)	891,900
	Goodwill disposed	(260		)		—			(260	)		—		—	—		—	—		—	(260	)	—		(260	)
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			(42	)	—	(42	)	—	—		—	(42	)	—		(42	)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	1,151,775				(270,441	)		881,334			10,264		—	10,264		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,076		(294,478	)	891,598
	Goodwill acquired	1,072				—			1,072			—		—	—		—	—		—	1,072		—		1,072
	Goodwill disposed	(1,248		)		—			(1,248	)		—		—	—		—	—		—	(1,248	)	—		(1,248	)
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			(52	)	—	(52	)	—	—		—	(52	)	—		(52	)
	Balances at December 27, 2014	$	1,151,599			(270,441	)		881,158			10,212		—	10,212		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,185,848		(294,478	)	891,370
	The goodwill acquired and disposed during fiscal years 2014 and 2013 is related to the acquisition, consolidation, and sale of certain company-owned or operated points of distribution.
	Other intangible assets at December 27, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	382,520			(179,481	)		203,039
	Favorable operating leases acquired	17		67,119				(35,711	)		31,408
	License rights	10		6,230				(5,850	)		380
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,646,839			(221,042	)		1,425,797
	Other intangible assets at December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	383,465			(159,719	)		223,746
	Favorable operating leases acquired	16		71,788				(35,653	)		36,135
	License rights	10		6,230				(4,876	)		1,354
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,652,453			(200,248	)		1,452,205
	The changes in the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets and weighted average amortization period from December 28, 2013 to December 27, 2014 are primarily due to the impairment of favorable operating leases acquired resulting from lease terminations and the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Impairment of favorable operating leases acquired, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $323 thousand, $444 thousand, and $959 thousand, for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, and is included within long-lived asset impairment charges in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Total estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for fiscal years 2015 through 2019 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2015	$	24,943
	2016	22,108
	2017	21,353
	2018	21,209
	2019	20,774

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Debt at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Term loans	$	1,809,554	1,823,609
	VIE debt (see note 2(b))	1,379		—
	Total debt	1,810,933		1,823,609
	Less current portion of long-term debt	3,852		5,000
	Total long-term debt	$	1,807,081	1,818,609
	Senior credit facility
	In February 2014, Dunkin' Brands, Inc. (“DBI”), a subsidiary of DBGI, amended its senior credit facility, resulting in a reduction of interest rates. As a result of the amendment, the senior credit facility consisted 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 February 2019.
	As of December 27, 2014, $1.37 billion and $445.0 million of principal was outstanding on the 2021 Term Loans and the 2017 Term Loans, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, $1.83 billion of principal term loans were outstanding. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, $2.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of letters of credit were outstanding against the revolving credit facility. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit.
	The 2021 Term Loans bore 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) a prime rate, (c) LIBOR plus 1.0%, and (d) 1.75% or (2) LIBOR provided that LIBOR was not lower than 0.75%. The applicable margin under the term loan facility was 1.50% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.50% for loans based upon LIBOR.
	The 2017 Term Loans bore 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%, or (2) LIBOR. The applicable margin under the term loan facility was 1.50% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.50% for loans based upon LIBOR.
	The effective interest rate for 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 December 27, 2014.
	Subsequent to the amendment, borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore 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 was 1.25% for loans based upon the base rate and 2.25% for loans based upon LIBOR. In addition, we were 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%.
	Principal payments were 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 were 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 were due in September 2017 and February 2021, respectively. Additionally, following the end of each fiscal year, the Company was 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), was no greater than 4.75x, no excess cash flow payments were required. If DBI’s leverage ratio was greater than 5.50x, the Company was required to prepay an amount equal to 50% of excess cash flow. The excess cash flow payments were permitted to be applied to required principal payments. During fiscal year 2014, the Company made total principal payments of $15.0 million. Considering the voluntary prepayments made, principal payments of $3.6 million would be required in the next twelve months as of December 27, 2014, though the Company may elect to make voluntary payments. Other events and transactions, such as certain asset sales and incurrence of debt, could have triggered additional mandatory prepayments.
	The senior credit facility contained certain financial and nonfinancial covenants, which included restrictions on liens, investments, additional indebtedness, asset sales, certain dividend payments, and certain transactions with affiliates. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the senior credit facility.
	Certain of the Company’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries guaranteed the senior credit facility. All obligations under the senior credit facility, and the guarantees of those obligations, were secured, subject to certain exceptions, by substantially all assets of DBI and the subsidiary guarantors.
	In August 2012, DBI amended its senior credit facility to provide for additional term loan borrowings of $400.0 million. The additional borrowings were issued with an original issue discount of $4.0 million, resulting in net cash proceeds of $396.0 million. The proceeds were used to fund a repurchase of common stock from certain shareholders (see note 13(c)). In connection with the amendment, the Company recorded costs of $4.0 million, which consisted primarily of fees paid to third parties, within loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions in the consolidated statements of operations.
	In February 2013, the Company amended its senior credit facility, resulting in a reduction of the interest rates and an extension of the maturity dates for both the term loans and the revolving credit facility. In connection with the amendment, certain lenders, holding $214.3 million of term loans, exited the term loan lending syndicate. The principal of the exiting lenders was replaced with additional loans from both existing and new lenders. As a result, during the first quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions of $5.0 million, including $3.9 million related to the write-off of original issuance discount and deferred financing costs and $1.1 million of fees paid to third parties. The amended term loans were issued with an original issue discount of 0.25%, or $4.6 million, which was recorded as a reduction to long-term debt.
	In connection with the amendment in February 2014, 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.
	Cumulative debt issuance costs incurred and capitalized in relation to the senior credit facility were $36.2 million, including costs incurred and capitalized in connection with all refinancing transactions. The term loans, including additional term loan borrowings, were issued with an original issue discount of $19.5 million. Total amortization of original issue discount and debt issuance costs related to the senior credit facility was $4.0 million, $4.7 million, and $5.7 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	January 2015 Refinancing
	On January 26, 2015, DB Master Finance LLC (the “Master Issuer”), a limited-purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of DBGI, entered into a base indenture and a related supplemental indenture (collectively, the “Indenture”) under which the Master Issuer may issue multiple series of notes. On the same date, the Master Issuer issued Series 2015-1 3.262% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I (the “Class A-2-I Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $750.0 million and Series 2015-1 3.980% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II (the “Class A-2-II Notes” and, together with the Class A-2-I Notes, the “Class A-2 Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $1.75 billion. In addition, the Master Issuer also issued Series 2015-1 Variable Funding Senior Secured Notes, Class A-1 (the “Variable Funding Notes” and, together with the Class A-2 Notes, the “Notes”), which allows for the issuance of up to $100.0 million of Variable Funding Notes and certain other credit instruments, including letters of credit. The Notes were issued in a securitization transaction pursuant to which most of the Company’s domestic and certain of its foreign revenue-generating assets, consisting principally of franchise-related agreements, real estate assets, and intellectual property and license agreements for the use of intellectual property, are held by the Master Issuer and certain other limited-purpose, bankruptcy remote, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of the Company that act as guarantors of the Notes and that have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure the Notes.
	The legal final maturity date of the Class A-2 Notes is in February 2045, but it is anticipated that, unless earlier prepaid to the extent permitted under the Indenture, the Class A-2-I Notes will be repaid in February 2019 and the Class A-2-II Notes will be repaid in February 2022. It is anticipated that the principal and interest on the Variable Funding Notes will be repaid in full on or prior to February 2020, subject to two additional one-year extensions.
	A portion of the net proceeds of the Notes was used to repay the remaining $1.37 billion and $445.0 million of principal outstanding on the 2021 Term Loans and the 2017 Term Loans, respectively. The additional net proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including a return of capital to the Company’s shareholders.
	Maturities of long-term debt
	Considering the January 2015 refinancing, and assuming repayment by the anticipated repayment dates, the aggregate contractual principal payments of the Class A-2 Notes for 2015 through 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
		Class A-2-I Notes		Class A-2-II Notes	Total
	2015	$	5,625	13,125	18,750
	2016	7,500		17,500	25,000
	2017	7,500		17,500	25,000
	2018	7,500		17,500	25,000
	2019	721,875		17,500	739,375

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 have historically consisted solely of interest rate swaps. The Company's risk management objective and strategy with respect to the interest rate swaps was 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. The notional value of the swaps totaled $900.0 million, and the Company was required to make quarterly payments on the notional amount at a fixed average interest rate of approximately 1.37%, resulting in a total interest rate of approximately 4.12% on the hedged amount when considering the applicable margin in effect through the date of the February 2014 interest rate swap amendment (see below). In exchange, the Company received interest on the notional amount at a variable rate based on a three-month LIBOR spot rate, subject to a 1.0% floor. The swaps were designated as hedging instruments and were classified as cash flow hedges.
	The swaps are recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at fair value and classified based on the instruments' maturity dates. There is no offsetting of these financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value measurements of the derivative instruments are reflected as adjustments to other comprehensive income (loss) and/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 (see note 8), 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 was required to make quarterly payments on the notional amount at a fixed average interest rate of approximately 1.22%. In exchange, the Company received 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 as of the swaps termination date. 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. As of the date of the amendment, a pre-tax 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 of the swaps. During fiscal year 2014, amortization of $1.4 million was recorded as a reduction of interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Effective December 23, 2014, the Company terminated all interest rate swap agreements with its counterparties. The total fair value of the interest rate swaps at the termination date was $6.3 million, excluding accrued interest owed to the counterparties of $1.0 million. The Company received cash proceeds, net of accrued interest, of $3.6 million in fiscal year 2014 and the remaining $1.7 million was included in notes and other receivables, net as of December 27, 2014. Upon termination, cash flow hedge accounting was discontinued and an additional pre-tax gain of $1.8 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which will be amortized on a straight-line basis to interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations through the maturity date of the swaps.
	As of December 27, 2014, a pre-tax gain of $6.2 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), including the gain related to both the February 2014 amendment and December 2014 termination. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $2.1 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a reduction of interest expense.
	The fair values of derivative instruments consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27,				December 28,			Consolidated balance sheet classification
		2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps - asset	$	—			10,221			Other assets
	Total fair values of derivative instruments - asset	$	—			10,221
	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 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			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(8,085	)		(4,108	)		Interest expense	(3,977	)
	Income tax effect		3,269				1,661			Provision for income taxes	1,608
	Net of income taxes		$	(4,816	)		(2,447	)			(2,369	)
	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2013:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	9,648			(3,382	)		Interest expense	13,030
	Income tax effect		(3,909		)		1,381			Provision for income taxes	(5,290	)
	Net of income taxes		$	5,739			(2,001	)			7,740
	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2012:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3,673	)		(864	)		Interest expense	(2,809	)
	Income tax effect		1,509				355			Provision for income taxes	1,154
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,164	)		(509	)			(1,655	)
	There was not a material amount of ineffectiveness on the interest rate swaps since inception, and therefore, ineffectiveness did not have a material impact on the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012. Prior to the termination, interest was settled quarterly on a net basis with each counterparty. As of December 28, 2013, $836 thousand of interest expense related to interest rate swaps is accrued in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. There was no interest accrued as of December 27, 2014.

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities
	Other current liabilities at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Gift card/certificate liability	$	151,127	139,721
	Gift card breakage liability	25,893		14,093
	Accrued salary and benefits	21,632		26,713
	Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	24,648		26,633
	Accrued interest	8,351		9,999
	Accrued professional costs	9,381		2,938
	Other	17,860		28,821
	Total other current liabilities	$	258,892	248,918

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	The Company is the lessee on certain land leases (the Company leases the land and erects a building) or improved leases (lessor owns the land and building) covering restaurants and other properties. In addition, the Company has leased and subleased land and buildings to others. Many of these leases and subleases provide for future rent escalation and renewal options. In addition, contingent rentals, determined as a percentage of annual sales by our franchisees, are stipulated in certain prime lease and sublease agreements. The Company is generally obligated for the cost of property taxes, insurance, and maintenance relating to these leases. Such costs are typically charged to the sublessee based on the terms of the sublease agreements. The Company also leases certain office equipment and a fleet of automobiles under noncancelable operating leases. Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to capital leases (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$	8,982		7,888
	Accumulated depreciation	(2,872		)	(2,326	)
	Net leased property under capital leases	$	6,110		5,562
	Capital lease obligations:
	Current	$	506		432
	Long-term	7,575			6,996
	Total capital lease obligations	$	8,081		7,428
	Capital lease obligations exclude that portion of the minimum lease payments attributable to land, which are classified separately as operating leases. Interest expense associated with the capital lease obligations is computed using the incremental borrowing rate at the time the lease is entered into and is based on the amount of the outstanding lease obligation. Depreciation on capital lease assets is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Interest expense related to capital leases for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $673 thousand, $618 thousand, and $600 thousand, respectively.
	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to assets leased to others under operating leases, where the Company is the lessor (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	28,235		29,701
	Buildings	43,835			41,721
	Leasehold improvements	140,171			135,177
	Store, production, and other equipment	184			146
	Construction in progress	1,482			1,363
	Assets leased to others, gross	213,907			208,108
	Accumulated depreciation	(75,607		)	(71,535	)
	Assets leased to others, net	$	138,300		136,573
	Future minimum rental commitments to be paid and received by the Company at December 27, 2014 for all noncancelable leases and subleases are as follows (in thousands):
		Payments						Receipts		Net
		Capital			Operating			Subleases		leases
		leases			leases
	Fiscal year:
	2015	$	1,262		54,403			(65,327	)	(9,662	)
	2016	1,266			53,909			(65,423	)	(10,248	)
	2017	1,288			53,287			(65,261	)	(10,686	)
	2018	1,304			52,126			(64,105	)	(10,675	)
	2019	1,128			50,746			(61,233	)	(9,359	)
	Thereafter	8,880			401,707			(373,266	)	37,321
	Total minimum rental commitments	15,128			$	666,178		(694,615	)	(13,309	)
	Less amount representing interest	7,047
	Present value of minimum capital lease obligations	$	8,081
	Rental expense under operating leases associated with franchised locations and company-owned locations is included in occupancy expenses—franchised restaurants and company-owned restaurant expenses, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. Rental expense under operating leases for all other locations, including corporate facilities, is included in general and administrative expenses, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. Total rental expense for all operating leases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,		December 29,
		2014			2013		2012
	Base rentals	$	53,130		53,462		52,821
	Contingent rentals	6,071			5,869		5,227
	Total rental expense	$	59,201		59,331		58,048
	Total rental income for all leases and subleases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,		December 29,
		2014			2013		2012
	Base rentals	$	67,945		66,540		67,988
	Contingent rentals	29,718			29,542		28,828
	Total rental income	$	97,663		96,082		96,816
	The impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired resulted in an increase in rental income and a decrease in rental expense as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,		December 29,
		2014			2013		2012
	Increase in rental income	$	847		973		1,065
	Decrease in rental expense	1,188			1,204		1,287
	Total increase in operating income	$	2,035		2,177		2,352
	Following is the estimated impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired for each of the next five years (in thousands):
		Decrease in			Increase in		Total increase
		rental expense			rental income		in operating
							income
	Fiscal year:
	2015	$	940		789		1,729
2016	885			719		1,604
2017	885			681		1,566
2018	851			632		1,483
2019	731			583		1,314

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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. Baskin-Robbins U.S. also derives revenue through license fees from a third-party license agreement. Baskin-Robbins International primarily derives its revenues from sales of ice cream products, as well as royalty income, franchise fees, and license fees. The operating results of each segment are regularly reviewed and evaluated separately by the Company’s senior management, which includes, but is not limited to, the chief executive officer. Senior management primarily evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based on 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, 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 fiscal years 2013 and 2012 have been adjusted to reflect this change to the measurement of segment profit to enable comparability with fiscal year 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
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	548,697		521,179		485,399
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	19,867			18,316		15,485
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	43,158			42,152		42,074
	Baskin-Robbins International	122,456			120,333		101,975
	Total reportable segment revenues	734,178			701,980		644,933
	Other	14,531			11,860		13,248
	Total revenues	$	748,709		713,840		658,181
	Revenues for foreign countries are represented by the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments above. No individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for any fiscal year presented.
	Expenses included in “Corporate and other” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services. The “Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments” amounts for fiscal year 2013 below include the $7.5 million charge related to the third-party product volume guarantee (see note 17(b)), and amounts for fiscal year 2012 below include $20.7 million related to the Bertico litigation (see note 17(d)), $14.0 million related to the closure of the Peterborough Plant (see note 20), and $4.8 million of transaction costs and incremental share-based compensation related to secondary offerings (see notes 13(a) and 14). Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Segment profit
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	403,591		374,435		341,776
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	12,103			7,453		9,636
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	27,496			26,608		25,351
	Baskin-Robbins International	42,792			54,237		45,759
	Total reportable segments	485,982			462,733		422,522
	Corporate and other	(120,026		)	(122,337	)	(115,365	)
	Interest expense, net	(67,824		)	(79,831	)	(73,488	)
	Amortization of other intangible assets	(25,760		)	(26,943	)	(26,943	)
	Long-lived asset impairment charges	(1,484		)	(563	)	(1,278	)
	Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	(13,735		)	(5,018	)	(3,963	)
	Other gains (losses), net	(1,566		)	(1,799	)	23
	Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments	146			(8,154	)	(39,507	)
	Income before income taxes	$	255,733		218,088		162,001
	Net income of equity method investments, including amortization on intangibles resulting from the BCT Acquisition, is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Expenses included in “Other” in the segment profit table below represent the reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, reported by BR Korea (see note 6), as a result of the impairment charge recorded 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 of equity method investments
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	1,794		480		2,211
	Baskin-Robbins International	11,912			15,913		16,578
	Total reportable segments	13,706			16,393		18,789
	Other	1,140			1,977		3,562
	Total net income of equity method investments	$	14,846		18,370		22,351
	Depreciation is reflected in segment profit for each reportable segment. Depreciation by reportable segments was as follows (in thousands):
		Depreciation
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	12,207		12,816		13,498
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	11			26		34
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	288			473		923
	Baskin-Robbins International	62			84		562
	Total reportable segments	12,568			13,399		15,017
	Corporate and other	7,211			9,024		14,067
	Total depreciation	$	19,779		22,423		29,084
	Property and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 is based on the physical locations within the indicated geographic regions and are as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	United States	$	181,898		182,544
	International	163			314
	Total property and equipment, net	$	182,061		182,858

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ equity
	(a) Public offerings
	On August 1, 2011, the Company completed an initial public offering of our common stock. In April 2012 and August 2012, certain existing stockholders, including the Company's former private equity owners (the “Sponsors”), sold 30,360,000 and 21,754,659 shares, respectively, of our common stock at prices of $29.50 and $30.00 per share, respectively, less underwriting discounts and commissions, in secondary public offerings. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sales of shares by the existing stockholders. The Company incurred approximately $1.7 million of expenses in connection with the offerings.
	(b) Common stock
	Common shares issued and outstanding included in the consolidated balance sheets include vested and unvested restricted shares. Common stock in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity excludes unvested restricted shares.
	(c) Treasury stock
	In August 2012, the Company repurchased a total of 15,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $30.00 per share from certain existing stockholders, including the Sponsors, and incurred approximately $341 thousand of third-party costs in connection with the repurchase. The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method, and as such recorded an increase in common treasury stock of $450.4 million during fiscal year 2012, based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of repurchase and the direct costs incurred. During fiscal year 2012, the Company retired all outstanding treasury stock, resulting in decreases in common treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $450.4 million and $180.0 million, respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $270.3 million.
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 648,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average price per share of $43.14 from existing stockholders. The Company recorded an increase in common treasury stock of $28.0 million during fiscal year 2013, based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of repurchase and direct costs incurred. In October 2013, the Company retired 417,300 shares of treasury stock, resulting in decreases in common treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $17.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $12.5 million.
	During fiscal year 2014, the Company repurchased a total of 2,911,205 shares of common stock at a weighted average price per share of $44.71 from existing stockholders. The Company recorded an increase in common treasury stock of $130.2 million during fiscal year 2014, based on the fair market value of the shares on the date of repurchase and direct costs incurred. During fiscal year 2014, the Company retired all outstanding treasury stock, resulting in decreases in common treasury stock and additional paid-in capital of $140.9 million and $33.2 million, respectively, and an increase in accumulated deficit of $107.8 million.
	Subsequent to December 27, 2014, the Company entered into a $400.0 million accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) with a third party financial institution. Pursuant to the terms of the ASR Agreement, the Company paid the financial institution $400.0 million in cash and received approximately 6,950,000 of the Company’s common stock in February 2015. At settlement, the financial institution may be required to deliver additional shares of common stock to the Company, or, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to deliver shares of its common stock or may elect to make a cash payment to the financial institution. Final settlement of the ASR Agreement is expected to be completed in June 2015, although the settlement may be accelerated at the financial institution's option.
	(d) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands):
		Effect of			Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps		Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan		Other		Accumulated
		foreign									other
		currency									comprehensive
		translation									income (loss)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	$	5		6,085		(3,098	)	(1,653	)	1,339
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,743		)	(2,369	)	224		572		(15,316	)
	Balances at December 27, 2014	$	(13,738	)	3,716		(2,874	)	(1,081	)	(13,977	)
	(e) Dividends
	During fiscal year 2014, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share			Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2014:
	First quarter	$	0.23		$	24,520		19-Mar-14
	Second quarter	0.23			24,239			4-Jun-14
	Third quarter	0.23			23,997			3-Sep-14
	Fourth quarter	0.23			24,019			December 3, 2014
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share			Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2013:
	First quarter	$	0.19		$	20,191		20-Feb-13
	Second quarter	0.19			20,259			6-Jun-13
	Third quarter	0.19			20,257			4-Sep-13
	Fourth quarter	0.19			20,301			November 26, 2013
	On February 5, 2015, we announced that our board of directors approved an increase to the next quarterly dividend to $0.265 per share of common stock, payable March 18, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 9, 2015.

Equity_Incentive_Plans

Equity Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity Incentive Plans	Equity incentive plans
	The Company’s 2006 Executive Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2006 Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based and other incentive awards. A maximum of 12,191,145 shares of common stock may be delivered in satisfaction of awards under the 2006 Plan, of which a maximum of 5,012,966 shares may be awarded as nonvested (restricted) shares and a maximum of 7,178,179 may be delivered in satisfaction of stock options.
	The Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. 2011 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was adopted in July 2011, and is the only plan under which the Company currently grants awards. A maximum of 7,000,000 shares of common stock may be delivered in satisfaction of awards under the 2011 Plan.
	Total share-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014				December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	2006 Plan stock options—executive	$	434			977			4,245
	2006 Plan stock options—nonexecutive	131				162			181
	2011 Plan stock options	6,847				4,668			2,026
	2011 Plan restricted shares	1,456				—			—
	Restricted stock units	2,419				1,513			336
	Other	—				3			132
	Total share-based compensation	$	11,287			7,323			6,920
	Total related tax benefit	$	4,567			2,958			2,768
	The actual tax benefit realized from stock options exercised during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $11.5 million, $15.9 million, and $14.1 million respectively.
	2006 Plan stock options—executive
	The Company’s executive options under the 2006 Plan vest in two separate tranches, 30% allocated as Tranche 4 and 70% allocated as Tranche 5, each with different vesting conditions. In addition to the vesting conditions described below, both tranches provide for partial accelerated vesting upon change in control. The maximum contractual term of the executive options is ten years.
	The Tranche 4 executive options generally vest in equal annual amounts over a 5-year period subsequent to the grant date, and as such are subject to a service condition. Certain options provide for accelerated vesting at the date of grant, with 20% of the Tranche 4 options vesting on each subsequent anniversary of the grant date over a 3- or 4-year period. The requisite service periods over which compensation cost is being recognized ranges from 3 to 5 years.
	The Tranche 5 executive options become eligible to vest based on continued service periods of 3 to 5 years that are aligned with the Tranche 4 executive options (“Eligibility Percentage”). Vesting does not actually occur until the achievement of a performance condition, which is the sale of shares by the Sponsors. Additionally, the options are subject to a market condition related to the achievement of specified investor returns to the Sponsors upon a sale of shares. As the Tranche 5 options require the satisfaction of multiple vesting conditions, the requisite service period is the longest of the explicit, implicit, and derived service periods of the service, performance, and market conditions. Based on dividends received and the sale of shares by the Sponsors in connection with public offerings completed in 2012 and 2011, the market vesting condition was fully satisfied in fiscal year 2012 and continued vesting only remained subject to the ongoing service condition. As a result, compensation expense of $190 thousand, $478 thousand, and $3.6 million related to the Tranche 5 executive options was recorded in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company did not grant any Tranche 4 or Tranche 5 options during fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012. As share-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures of generally 10% per year. Forfeitures are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical and forecasted turnover, and actual forfeitures have not had a material impact on share-based compensation expense.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s executive stock options as of December 27, 2014 and changes during fiscal year 2014 are presented below:
		Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
		shares			average				average		intrinsic
					exercise				remaining		value
					price				contractual		(in millions)
									term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,205,947			$	3.64			6.3
	Exercised	(550,782	)		3.46
	Forfeited or expired	(7,007	)		7.31
	Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	1,648,158			3.68				5.3		$	63.8
	Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	1,338,605			3.33				5.2		52.3
	The total grant-date fair value of executive stock options vested during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1.5 million, $1.8 million, and $2.8 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of executive stock options exercised was $24.6 million, $35.3 million, and $33.8 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. As of December 27, 2014, there was $226 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to Tranche 4 and Tranche 5 options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.1 years.
	2006 Plan stock options—nonexecutive and 2011 Plan stock options
	During fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company granted options to certain employees to purchase 1,406,308, 1,177,999, and 746,100 shares, respectively, of common stock under the 2011 Plan. Additionally, the Company had granted options to nonexecutives to purchase shares of common stock under the 2006 Plan in prior years. The nonexecutive options and 2011 Plan options vest in equal annual amounts over either a 4- or 5-year period subsequent to the grant date, and as such are subject to a service condition, and also fully vest upon a change of control. The requisite service period over which compensation cost is being recognized is either four or five years. The maximum contractual term of the nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options is seven or ten years.
	The fair value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model is impacted by the Company’s stock price and certain assumptions related to the Company’s stock and employees’ exercise behavior. The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of 2011 Plan options granted during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014				December 28, 2013				December 29, 2012
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$	10.65			$	9.92			$	10.65
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5		%		1.2		%		0.8%-1.4%
	Expected volatility	26.3		%		33		%		43		%
	Dividend yield	1.8		%		2		%		1.8%-2.1%
	Expected term (years)	4.96				6.25				6.25
	The expected term was primarily estimated utilizing the simplified method. We utilized the simplified method because the Company does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term. The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on yields of U.S. Treasury securities in effect at the date of grant with terms similar to the expected term. Expected volatility was estimated based on historical volatility of peer companies over a period equivalent to the expected term, as well as considering the Company’s historical volatility since its initial public offering. Additionally, the dividend yield was estimated based on dividends currently being paid on the underlying common stock at the date of grant, if any.
	As share-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for annualized estimated forfeitures of generally 10-13%. Forfeitures are required to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical and forecasted turnover, and actual forfeitures have not had a material impact on share-based compensation expense.
	A summary of the status of the Company’s nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options as of December 27, 2014 and changes during fiscal year 2014 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
		shares			average				average		intrinsic
					exercise				remaining		value
					price				contractual		(in millions)
									term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,019,150			$	31.45			8.5
	Granted	1,406,308			51.67
	Exercised	(141,924	)		22.51
	Forfeited or expired	(266,765	)		35.76
	Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	3,016,769			40.91				6.9		$	17.1
	Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	607,765			28.42				7.1		8.5
	The total grant-date fair value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan stock options vested during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $4.6 million, $2.9 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan stock options exercised was $3.7 million, $4.1 million, and $1.5 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. As of December 27, 2014, there was $19.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options. Unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years.
	Restricted stock units
	The Company typically grants restricted stock units to certain employees and members of our board of directors. During fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company granted restricted stock units of 76,381, 94,495, and 22,204, respectively. Restricted stock units granted to employees generally vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. Restricted stock units granted to our board of directors generally vest in one installment on the first anniversary of the grant date.
	A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted stock units during fiscal year 2014 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted average grant-date fair value				Weighted		Aggregate
		shares							average		intrinsic
									remaining		value
		contractual	(in millions)
		term (years)
Nonvested restricted stock units at December 28, 2013	102,971			$	37.2			1.8
Granted	76,381			50.15
Vested	(45,837	)		38.74
Forfeited	(11,032	)		34.93
Nonvested restricted stock units at December 27, 2014	122,483			43.4				1.5		$	5.2
The fair value of each restricted stock unit is determined on the date of grant based on our closing stock price. As of December 27, 2014, there was $3.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years. The total grant-date fair value of restricted stock units vested during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.8 million, $448 thousand and $118 thousand, respectively.
2011 Plan nonvested (restricted) shares
During fiscal year 2014, the Company granted restricted shares of 27,096. The restricted shares vest in full on July 31, 2016, based on a service condition, and have a grant-date fair value of $51.67 per share which was determined on the date of grant based on our closing stock price. As of December 27, 2014, there was $920 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these restricted shares, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years.
In addition, during fiscal year 2014, the Company granted 150,000 performance-based restricted shares. The performance-based restricted shares are eligible to vest on December 31, 2018, subject to a service condition and 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. As of December 27, 2014, there was $4.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these performance-based restricted shares, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 4.0 years.
As of December 27, 2014, total 2011 Plan restricted shares of 177,096 remained unvested.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,		December 28,	December 29,
		2014		2013	2012
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands—basic and diluted	$	176,357	146,903	108,308
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common—basic	105,398,899		106,501,733	114,584,063
	Common—diluted	106,705,778		108,217,011	116,573,344
	Earnings per common share:
	Common—basic	$	1.67	1.38	0.94
	Common—diluted	1.65		1.36	0.93
	The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of 1,306,879, 1,715,278, and 1,989,281 equity awards for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 December 27, 2014, there were 150,000 restricted shares that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no 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 1,373,379, 1,100,275, and 805,015 equity awards for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, as they would be antidilutive.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income taxes
	Income (loss) before income taxes was attributed to domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Domestic operations	$	231,549			195,277			172,576
	Foreign operations	24,184				22,811			(10,575	)
	Income before income taxes	$	255,733			218,088			162,001
	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	82,925			70,696			52,657
	State	23,146				11,758			6,065
	Foreign	(1,262		)		2,521			2,601
	Current tax provision	$	104,809			84,975			61,323
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(22,644	)		(11,915	)		(5,071	)
	State	(1,861		)		(984	)		4,373
	Foreign	(134		)		(292	)		(6,248	)
	Deferred tax benefit	(24,639		)		(13,191	)		(6,946	)
	Provision for income taxes	$	80,170			71,784			54,377
	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations differed from the expense computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	5.7			4.7			5.2
	Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(3.5	)		(4.3	)		(2.9	)
	Conversion of foreign subsidiary	(3.3	)		—			—
	Other permanent differences	0.1			0.2			0.7
	Changes in enacted tax rates and apportionment	0.1			0.8			2.8
	Uncertain tax positions	(2.5	)		(3.2	)		(6.3	)
	Other, net	(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(0.9	)
	Effective tax rate	31.3	%		32.9	%		33.6	%
	During fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $7.0 million related to the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, net of federal and state tax benefit as applicable, for which settlement with the taxing authorities was reached or were otherwise deemed effectively settled. Additionally during fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $8.5 million related to the restructuring of our Canadian subsidiaries, which included a legal entity conversion of Dunkin’ Brands Canada, Ltd. (“DBCL”) to Dunkin’ Brands Canada ULC. The net tax benefit from the Canadian legal entity conversion resulted primarily from a worthless securities deduction for the tax basis of DBCL and the revaluation of DBCL’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at the applicable U.S. deferred tax rate, partially offset by income recognized for the tax basis of DBCL’s assets.
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $8.4 million related to the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, net of federal and state tax benefit as applicable, for which settlement with the taxing authorities was reached, and recognized a deferred tax expense of $1.7 million due to estimated changes in apportionment and enacted changes in future state income tax rates.
	During fiscal year 2012, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $10.2 million primarily related to the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties, net of federal and state tax benefit as applicable, for which settlement with the taxing authorities was reached, and recognized a deferred tax expense of $4.6 million due to estimated changes in apportionment and enacted changes in future state income tax rates.
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014							December 28, 2013
		Deferred tax				Deferred tax			Deferred tax		Deferred tax
		assets				liabilities			assets		liabilities
	Current:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,377			—			1,055		—
	Deferred gift cards and certificates	20,549				—			20,371		—
	Rent	5,480				—			5,307		—
	Deferred income	4,900				—			4,672		—
	Other current liabilities	13,033				—			13,983		—
	Capital loss	179				—			—		—
	Other	2,466				768			1,073		—
	Total current	49,984				768			46,461		—
	Noncurrent:
	Capital leases	3,066				—			2,830		—
	Rent	3,442				—			2,243		—
	Property and equipment	—				4,451			—		6,315
	Deferred compensation liabilities	10,645				—			7,747		—
	Deferred income	5,410				—			4,234		—
	Real estate reserves	1,223				—			1,287		—
	Franchise rights and other intangibles	—				567,751			—		576,567
	Unused foreign tax credits	8,122				—			6,756		—
	Other	637				—			1,103		4,322
		32,545				572,202			26,200		587,204
	Valuation allowance	(682		)		—			(710	)	—
Total noncurrent	31,863				572,202			25,490		587,204
Total current and noncurrent	$	81,847			572,970			71,951		587,204
At December 27, 2014, the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was $0.7 million. This valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards attributable to our wholly-owned subsidiary in Spain. At December 27, 2014, the Company had $6.9 million of unused foreign tax credits, which expire in fiscal years 2021 and 2024.
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income, and projections for future taxable income over the periods for which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes, as of December 27, 2014, with the exception of net operating loss carryforwards attributable to our Spain subsidiary, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of the deferred tax assets.
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of $8.8 million for the undistributed earnings of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits, relating to our foreign joint ventures that arose in fiscal year 2014 and prior years because the Company currently does not expect those unremitted earnings to reverse and become taxable to the Company in the foreseeable future. A deferred tax liability will be recognized when the Company is no longer able to demonstrate that it plans to permanently reinvest undistributed earnings. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the undistributed earnings of these joint ventures were approximately $136.7 million and $129.7 million, respectively.
The Company has not recognized a deferred tax liability of $5.9 million for the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries since such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was approximately $8.5 million and $7.5 million, respectively. If in the future we decide to repatriate such foreign earnings, we would incur incremental U.S. federal and state income tax. However, our intent is to keep these funds indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.
At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions was $3.7 million and $8.2 million, respectively. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had approximately $1.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company recorded net income tax benefits of $2.3 million and $5.8 million during fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively, and net income tax expense of $0.2 million during fiscal year 2012, for potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, there were $2.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the annual effective tax rate.
The Company’s major tax jurisdictions subject to income tax are the United States and Canada. For Canada, the Company has open tax years dating back to tax years ended August 2004 and finalized its audit for the tax periods 2009 through 2012 during fiscal year 2014. No cash payment was required. In the United States, the Company has been audited by the IRS through fiscal year 2010 and is currently under audit in one jurisdiction for the tax periods after December 2006.
A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year ended
	December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
	2014				2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year	$	8,213			15,428			41,379
Increases related to prior year tax positions	488				855			2,063
Increases related to current year tax positions	96				219			1,389
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(4,567		)		(3,091	)		(19,675	)
Decreases related to settlements	(296		)		(4,797	)		(9,792	)
Lapses of statutes of limitations	—				—			(27	)
Effect of foreign currency adjustments	(262		)		(401	)		91
Balance at end of year	$	3,672			8,213			15,428

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and contingencies
	(a) Lease commitments
	The Company is party to various leases for property, including land and buildings, leased automobiles, and office equipment under noncancelable operating and capital lease arrangements (see note 11).
	(b) Guarantees
	Financial Guarantees
	The Company has established agreements with certain financial institutions whereby the Company’s franchisees can obtain financing with terms of approximately 3 to 10 years for various business purposes. Substantially all loan proceeds are used by the franchisees to finance store improvements, new store development, new central production locations, equipment purchases, related business acquisition costs, working capital, and other costs. In limited instances, the Company guarantees a portion of the payments and commitments of the franchisees, which is collateralized by the store equipment owned by the franchisee. Under the terms of the agreements, in the event that all outstanding borrowings come due simultaneously, the Company would be contingently liable for $2.2 million and $3.0 million at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, there were no amounts under such guarantees that were due. The fair value of the guarantee liability and corresponding asset recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $144 thousand and $198 thousand, respectively, at December 27, 2014 and $277 thousand and $309 thousand, respectively, at December 28, 2013. The Company assesses the risk of performing under these guarantees for each franchisee relationship on a quarterly basis. As of December 27, 2014, the Company had recorded an immaterial amount of reserves for such guarantees. No reserves were recorded as of December 28, 2013.
	Supply Chain Guarantees
	In 2012, the Company entered into a third-party guarantee with a distribution facility of franchisee products that guarantees franchisees would sell a certain volume of cooler beverages each year over a 4-year period. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company determined that the franchisees would 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 and general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal year 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 has also entered into a third-party guarantee with this distribution facility of franchisee products that ensures franchisees will purchase a certain volume of product over a 10-year period. As product is purchased by the Company’s franchisees over the term of the agreement, the amount of the guarantee is reduced. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company was contingently liable for $4.3 million and $5.7 million, respectively, under this guarantee. Additionally, the Company has various supply chain contracts that provide for purchase commitments or exclusivity, the majority of which result in the Company being contingently liable upon early termination of the agreement or engaging with another supplier. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, we were contingently liable under such supply chain agreements for approximately $51.5 million and $52.6 million, respectively. The Company assesses the risk of performing under each of these guarantees on a quarterly basis, and, considering various factors including internal forecasts, prior history, and ability to extend contract terms, we have accrued $507 thousand and $906 thousand related to these commitments as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, which are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Lease Guarantees
	We are contingently liable on certain lease agreements typically resulting from assigning our interest in obligations under property leases as a condition of refranchising certain restaurants and the guarantee of certain other leases. These leases have varying terms, the latest of which expires in 2024. As of December 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 $6.3 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.
	(c) Letters of credit
	At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had standby letters of credit outstanding for a total of $2.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively. There were no amounts drawn down on these letters of credit.
	(d) Legal matters
	In May 2003, a group of Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees from Quebec, Canada filed a lawsuit against the Company on a variety of claims, based on events which primarily occurred 10 to 15 years ago, including but not limited to, alleging that the Company breached its franchise agreements and provided inadequate management and support to Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees in Quebec (“Bertico litigation”). On June 22, 2012, the Quebec Superior Court found for the plaintiffs and issued a judgment against the Company in the amount of approximately C$16.4 million (approximately $15.9 million), plus costs and interest, representing loss in value of the franchises and lost profits. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company increased its estimated liability related to the Bertico litigation by $20.7 million to reflect the judgment amount and estimated plaintiff legal costs and interest. During fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company accrued additional interest on the judgment amount of $888 thousand, $952 thousand, and $493 thousand respectively, resulting in an estimated liability of $23.9 million, including the impact of foreign exchange, as of December 27, 2014. The Company strongly disagrees with the decision reached by the Court and believes the damages awarded were unwarranted. As such, the Company is vigorously appealing the decision.
	The Company is engaged in several matters of litigation arising in the ordinary course of its business as a franchisor. Such matters include disputes related to compliance with the terms of franchise and development agreements, including claims or threats of claims of breach of contract, negligence, and other alleged violations by the Company. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, contingent liabilities, excluding the Bertico litigation, totaling $765 thousand and $1.5 million, respectively, were included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets to reflect the Company’s estimate of the potential loss which may be incurred in connection with these matters. While the Company intends to vigorously defend its positions against all claims in these lawsuits and disputes, it is reasonably possible that the losses in connection with all matters could increase by up to an additional $12.0 million based on the outcome of ongoing litigation or negotiations.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Retirement plans
	401(k) Plan
	Employees of the Company, excluding employees of certain international subsidiaries and certain employees of company-owned stores, are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan, the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan (“401(k) Plan”), under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, employees may contribute up to 80% of their pre-tax eligible compensation, not to exceed the annual limits set by the IRS. The 401(k) Plan allows the Company to match participants’ contributions in an amount determined in the sole discretion of the Company. The Company matched participants’ contributions during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, up to a maximum of 4% of the employee’s salary. Employer contributions for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, amounted to $3.2 million, $3.1 million, and $2.9 million, respectively. The 401(k) Plan also provides for an additional discretionary contribution of up to 2% of eligible wages for eligible participants based on the achievement of specified performance targets. No such discretionary contributions were made during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	NQDC Plan
	The Company, excluding employees of certain international subsidiaries, also offers certain qualifying individuals, as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), the ability to participate in the NQDC Plan. The NQDC Plan allows for pre-tax contributions of up to 50% of a participant’s base annual salary and other forms of compensation, as defined. The Company credits the amounts deferred with earnings and holds investments in company-owned life insurance to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plan. The NQDC Plan liability, included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, was $8.5 million and $7.0 million at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, total investments held for the NQDC Plan were $3.0 million and $338 thousand, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Canadian Pension Plan
	The Company sponsors a contributory defined benefit pension plan in Canada, The Baskin-Robbins Employees’ Pension Plan (“Canadian Pension Plan”), which provides retirement benefits for the majority of its Canadian employees.
	During the second quarter of 2012, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to close our Peterborough, Ontario, Canada manufacturing plant, where the majority of the Canadian Pension Plan participants were employed (see note 20). As a result of the closure, the Company terminated the Canadian Pension Plan as of December 29, 2012, and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario approved the termination of the plan in the third quarter of 2014. In 2015, the Company expects to complete the final settlement of the plan by funding any plan deficit and using the plan assets to fund transfers to other retirement plans or for the purchase of annuities to fund future retirement payments to participants. Upon final settlement, the Company will recognize any unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The components of net pension expense were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—			—			262
	Interest cost	207				216			333
	Expected return on plan assets	(208		)		(263	)		(317	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	87				74			76
	Net pension expense	$	86			27			354
	The amortization of net actuarial loss included in net pension expense above represents the amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) during the respective fiscal year. The table below summarizes other balances for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,200			8,349			6,050
	Service cost	—				—			262
	Interest cost	207				216			333
	Employee contributions	—				—			88
	Benefits paid	(208		)		(230	)		(275	)
	Curtailment gain	—				—			(1,084	)
	Actuarial loss	81				395			2,854
	Foreign currency loss (gain), net	(681		)		(530	)		121
	Benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,599			8,200			8,349
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,790			5,809			4,945
	Expected return on plan assets	208				263			317
	Employer contributions	898				626			662
	Employee contributions	—				—			88
	Benefits paid	(208		)		(230	)		(275	)
	Actuarial loss	308				(371	)		(27	)
	Foreign currency gain (loss), net	(540		)		(307	)		99
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	6,456			5,790			5,809
	Reconciliation of funded status:
	Funded status	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	The investments of the Canadian Pension Plan consisted of a long-term bond fund and a short-term investment fund at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013. These funds are comprised of numerous underlying investments and are valued at the unit fair value supplied by the funds' administrators, which represent the funds' proportionate share of underlying net assets at market value determined using closing market prices. The funds are considered Level 2, as defined by U.S. GAAP, because the inputs used to calculate the fair value are derived principally from observable market data. The Canadian Pension Plan's investment strategy is to mitigate fluctuations in the wind-up deficit of the plan by holding assets whose fluctuation in fair value will approximate that of the benefit obligation. The Canadian Pension Plan assumes a concentration of risk as it is invested in a limited number of investments. The risk is mitigated as the funds consists of a diverse range of underlying investments. The allocation of the assets within the plan consisted of the following:
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Cash and short-term investments	34	%		35	%
	Debt securities	66			65
	The key actuarial assumption used in determining the present value of accrued pension benefits was a discount rate of 2.65% at both December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013. This discount rate reflects the estimate of the rate at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. No future salary increases are assumed as a result of the termination of the plan.
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the present value of our net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate	2.65	%		2.7	%		5.25	%
	Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	—			—			3.25
	Expected return on plan assets	3.5			4.5			6
	The expected return on plan assets was determined based on the Canadian Pension Plan’s target asset mix, expected long-term asset class returns based on a mean return over a 30-year period using a Monte Carlo simulation, the underlying long-term inflation rate, and expected investment expenses.
	The accumulated benefit obligation was $7.6 million and $8.2 million at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively. We recognize a net liability or asset and an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income to report the funded status of the Canadian Pension Plan. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the net liability for the funded status of the Canadian Pension Plan was included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Disclosure Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-party transactions
	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investees as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,		December 28,	December 29,
		2014		2013	2012
	BR Japan	$	1,790	2,097	2,549
	BR Korea	4,602		4,156	3,662
	Spain JV	123		130	—
		$	6,515	6,383	6,211
	At December 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, in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company made net payments to its equity method investees totaling approximately $2.6 million, $3.8 million, and $1.6 million, in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, primarily for the purchase of ice cream products and incentive payments.
	The Company made loans of $2.1 million and $666 thousand during fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively, to the Spain JV, which were subsequently reserved (see note 6). As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $2.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of notes receivable from the Spain JV, of which $2.3 million and $2.7 million were reserved, respectively. These notes receivable, net of the reserves, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized sales of ice cream products of $5.8 million and $4.8 million, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations from the sale of ice cream products to the Australia JV. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, the Company had $3.1 million and $733 thousand, respectively, of net receivables from the Australia JV, consisting of accounts and notes receivable, net of current liabilities.

Closure_of_Manufacturing_Plant

Closure of Manufacturing Plant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Disclosure Closure Of Manufacturing Plant Additional Information [Abstract]
Closure of Manufacturing Plant	Closure of manufacturing plant
	During fiscal year 2012, the Company closed its Peterborough, Ontario, Canada manufacturing plant, which supplied ice cream products to certain of Baskin-Robbins' international markets, and transitioned this manufacturing to existing third-party partner suppliers. The majority of the costs and activities related to the closure of the plant and transition to third-party suppliers occurred in fiscal year 2012, with the exception of the final settlement of our Canadian pension plan, which will likely occur in 2015.
	The Company recorded cumulative costs related to the plant closure of $12.6 million, of which $654 thousand and $11.9 million were recorded in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. Costs recorded in fiscal year 2012 included $4.2 million of accelerated depreciation on property, plant, and equipment, $2.7 million of incremental ice cream production costs, $2.0 million of ongoing termination benefits, $1.1 million of one-time termination benefits, and $1.9 million of other costs related to the closing and transition. The accelerated depreciation and the incremental ice cream production costs are included in depreciation and cost of ice cream products, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations, while all other costs are included in general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also expects to incur additional costs of approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million related to the final settlement of our Canadian Pension Plan (see note 18).

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows (in thousands):
		Accounts			Short-term notes and other		Long-term notes and other
		receivable			receivables		receivables
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,713		2,321		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	513			(1,055	)	—
	Write-offs and other	(743		)	(62	)	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	2,483			1,204		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,015			(339	)	2,808
	Write-offs and other	(899		)	(206	)	—
	Balance at December 28, 2013	2,599			659		2,808
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,796			(14	)	1,039
	Write-offs and other	(513		)	633		100
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	3,882		1,278		3,947

Quarterly_Financial_Data_unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
		Three months ended
		March 29,		June 28,	September 27,	December 27,
		2014		2014	2014	2014
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	171,948	190,908	192,640	193,213
	Operating income	69,097		87,557	92,480	89,724
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	22,956		46,191	54,697	52,513
	Earnings per share:
	Common – basic	0.22		0.44	0.52	0.5
	Common – diluted	0.21		0.43	0.52	0.5
		Three months ended
		March 30,		June 29,	September 28,	December 28,
		2013		2013	2013	2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	161,858	182,488	186,317	183,177
	Operating income	63,459		76,805	82,237	82,235
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	23,798		40,812	40,221	42,072
	Earnings per share:
	Common – basic	0.22		0.38	0.38	0.39
	Common – diluted	0.22		0.38	0.37	0.39

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Year	Fiscal year
	The Company operates and reports financial information on a 52- or 53-week year on a 13-week quarter basis with the fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December and fiscal quarters ending on the 13th Saturday of each quarter (or 14th Saturday when applicable with respect to the fourth fiscal quarter). The data periods contained within fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 reflect the results of operations for the 52-week periods ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013, and December 29, 2012, respectively.
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation	Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of DBGI and subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant transactions and balances between subsidiaries and affiliates have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. We also consider for consolidation an entity, in which we have certain interests, where the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that possesses the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are significant to it. The principal entities in which we possess a variable interest include franchise entities, the advertising funds (see note 4), and our equity method investees. We do not possess any ownership interests in franchise entities, except for our investments in various entities that are accounted for under the equity method or are otherwise consolidated. Additionally, we generally do not provide financial support to franchise entities in a typical franchise relationship. As our franchise and license arrangements provide our franchisee and licensee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we do not consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. Based on the results of our analysis of potential VIEs, we have not consolidated any franchise entities, with the exception of those noted below. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential franchise VIEs is attributable to aged trade and notes receivable balances, outstanding loan guarantees (see note 17(b)), and future lease payments due from franchisees (see note 11).
	During fiscal year 2014, the Company entered into a temporary management agreement (“TMA”), under which the Company manages the operations of ten restaurants owned by a franchisee for a period up to two years. Based on the terms of the TMA, the Company has determined that the related franchisee is a VIE in which the Company is the primary beneficiary, and therefore, has consolidated the results of this franchisee. As of December 27, 2014, the consolidated balance sheet included $663 thousand of property and equipment, net, $1.1 million of goodwill, $1.4 million of long-term debt, and $355 thousand of other net liabilities for the franchise entity.
	The Company holds a 51% interest in a limited partnership that owns and operates Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the Dallas, Texas area. The Company possesses control of this entity and, therefore, consolidates the results of the limited partnership. During fiscal year 2013, the Company amended the partnership agreement with the noncontrolling owners to provide the noncontrolling owners the option in early 2017 to sell their entire interest to the Company. As a result of the amendment, the partnership agreement now contains a redemption feature that is not currently redeemable, but it is probable to become redeemable in the future. As such, the Company reclassified the noncontrolling interests in fiscal year 2013 to temporary equity (between liabilities and stockholders’ equity) in the consolidated balance sheets. The net loss and comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest are presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, respectively. As of December 27, 2014, the consolidated balance sheets included $2.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $10.9 million of property and equipment, net for this partnership entity, which may be used only to settle obligations of the partnership.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and for the period then ended. Significant estimates are made in the calculations and assessments of the following: (a) allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables, (b) impairment of tangible and intangible assets, (c) income taxes, (d) share-based compensation, (e) lease accounting estimates, (f) gift certificate breakage, and (g) contingencies. Estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions, and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities when they are not readily apparent from other sources. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
	The Company continually monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions in which it maintains its deposits and investments. As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, we maintained balances in various cash accounts in excess of federally insured limits. All highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less are considered cash equivalents.
	Cash held related to the advertising funds and the Company’s gift card/certificate programs are classified as unrestricted cash as there are no legal restrictions on the use of these funds; however, the Company intends to use these funds solely to support the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs rather than to fund operations. Total cash balances related to the advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were $136.2 million and $134.5 million, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair value of financial instruments
	The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, notes and other receivables, assets and liabilities related to the advertising funds, accounts payable, and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For long-term receivables, we review the creditworthiness of the counterparty on a quarterly basis, and adjust the carrying value as necessary. We believe the carrying value of long-term receivables of $3.1 million and $5.3 million as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, respectively, approximates fair value.
	Financial assets and liabilities are categorized, based on the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to the quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and lowest priority to unobservable inputs. Observable market data, when available, is required to be used in making fair value measurements. When inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		27-Dec-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
	Company-owned life insurance	—		2,975	2,975	—	—	—
	Interest rate swaps	—		—	—	—	10,221	10,221
	Total assets	$	—	2,975	2,975	1,012	10,221	11,233
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—	8,488	8,488	—	7,181	7,181
	Total liabilities	$	—	8,488	8,488	—	7,181	7,181
	The deferred compensation liabilities relate primarily to the Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”), which allows for pre-tax salary deferrals for certain qualifying employees (see note 18). Changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation liabilities are derived using quoted prices in active markets of the asset selections made by the participants. The deferred compensation liabilities are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP, because their inputs are derived principally from observable market data by correlation to hypothetical investments. The Company holds assets, which may include, company-owned life insurance policies and mutual funds, to partially offset the Company’s liabilities under the NQDC Plan as well as other benefit plans. The changes in the fair value of any company-owned life insurance policies are derived using determinable cash surrender value. As such, the company-owned life insurance policies are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP. The changes in the fair value of any mutual funds were derived using quoted prices in active markets for the specific funds. As such, the mutual funds were classified within Level 1, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
	The Company used readily available market data to value its interest rate swaps, such as interest rate curves and discount factors. Additionally, the fair value of derivatives included consideration of credit risk in the valuation. The Company used a potential future exposure model to estimate this credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The inputs to the CVA were 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 was not a significant component of the fair value of the interest rate swaps as of December 28, 2013, it was not considered a significant input and the derivatives were classified as Level 2.
	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Financial liabilities	Carrying		Estimated	Carrying	Estimated
		value		fair value	value	fair value
	Term loans	$	1,810,933	1,778,066	1,823,609	1,836,212
	The estimated fair value of our term loans is based on current bid prices for our term loans. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our term loans are classified within Level 2, as defined under U.S. GAAP.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consist primarily of ice cream products sold to certain international markets that are in-transit from our third-party manufacturer to our international licensees, during which time we hold title to such products. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value, and cost is generally determined based on the actual cost of the specific inventory sold. Inventories are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Assets Held for Sale	Assets held for sale
	Assets held for sale primarily represent costs incurred by the Company for store equipment and leasehold improvements constructed for sale to franchisees, as well as restaurants formerly operated by franchisees waiting to be resold. The value of such restaurants and related assets is reduced to reflect net recoverable values, with such reductions recorded to general and administrative expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, internal specialists estimate the amount to be recovered from the sale of such assets based on their knowledge of the (a) market in which the store is located, (b) results of the Company’s previous efforts to dispose of similar assets, and (c) current economic conditions. The actual cost of such assets held for sale is affected by specific factors such as the nature, age, location, and condition of the assets, as well as the economic environment and inflation.
	We classify restaurants and their related assets as held for sale and suspend depreciation and amortization when (a) we make a decision to refranchise or sell the property, (b) the stores are available for immediate sale, (c) we have begun an active program to locate a buyer, (d) significant changes to the plan of sale are not likely, and (e) the sale is probable within one year. Assets held for sale are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the remaining lease term of the related asset. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	3 – 10
	Routine maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major improvements, additions, or replacements that extend the life, increase capacity, or improve the safety or the efficiency of property are capitalized at cost and depreciated. Major improvements to leased property are capitalized as leasehold improvements and depreciated. Interest costs incurred during the acquisition period of capital assets are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset and depreciated.
Leases	Leases
	When determining lease terms, we begin with the point at which the Company obtains control and possession of the leased properties. We include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a penalty on the Company in such an amount that the renewal appears, at the inception of the lease, to be reasonably assured, which generally includes option periods through the end of the related franchise agreement term. We also include any rent holidays in the determination of the lease term.
	We record rent expense and rent income for leases and subleases, respectively, that contain scheduled rent increases on a straight-line basis over the lease term as defined above. In certain cases, contingent rentals are based on sales levels of our franchisees, in excess of stipulated amounts. Contingent rentals are included in rent income and rent expense as they are earned or accrued, respectively.
	We occasionally provide to our sublessees, or receive from our landlords, tenant improvement dollars. Tenant improvement dollars paid to our sublessees are recorded as a deferred rent asset. For fixed asset and/or leasehold purchases for which we receive tenant improvement dollars from our landlords, we record the property and equipment and/or leasehold improvements gross and establish a deferred rent obligation. The deferred lease assets and obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis over the determined sublease and lease terms, respectively.
	Management regularly reviews sublease arrangements, where we are the lessor, for losses on sublease arrangements. We recognize a loss, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates, when costs expected to be incurred under an operating prime lease exceed the anticipated future revenue stream of the operating sublease. Furthermore, for properties where we do not currently have an operational franchise or other third-party sublessee and are under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using credit-adjusted risk-free rates and net of estimated sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and charged to operations at the time we cease use of the property. The value of any equipment and leasehold improvements related to a closed store is assessed for potential impairment (see note 2(j)).
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets that are used in operations are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed on assets grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level where identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated by internal specialists based on the present value of anticipated future cash flows or, if required, by independent third-party valuation specialists, depending on the nature of the assets or asset group.
Equity method investments	Equity method investments
	The Company's equity method investments consist of interests in B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (“BR Japan”), BR-Korea Co., Ltd. (“BR Korea”), Coffee Alliance, S.L. (“Spain JV”), and Palm Oasis Pty. Ltd. (“Australia JV”), which are accounted for in accordance with the equity method. As a result of the acquisition of the Company by three private equity firms on March 1, 2006 (“BCT Acquisition”), the Company has recorded a step-up in the basis of our investment in BR Japan. The basis difference is comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill. The franchise rights and related tax liabilities are amortized in a manner that reflects the estimated benefits from the use of the intangible asset over a period of 14 years. The franchise rights were valued based on an estimate of future cash flows to be generated from the ongoing management of the contracts over their remaining useful lives.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Goodwill and trade names (“indefinite-lived intangibles”) have been assigned to our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, for purposes of impairment testing. All of our reporting units have indefinite-lived intangibles associated with them.
	We evaluate the remaining useful life of our trade names to determine whether current events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. In addition, all of our indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that a trade name is impaired. In the event we were to determine that the carrying value of a trade name would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed. Quantitative testing consists of a comparison of the fair value of each trade name with its carrying value, with any excess of carrying value over fair value being recognized as an impairment loss. For goodwill, we first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not greater than the carrying amount. In the event we were to determine that a reporting unit's carrying value would more likely than not exceed its fair value, quantitative testing would be performed which consists of a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The fair value of a reporting unit is an estimate of the amount for which the unit as a whole could be sold in a current transaction between willing parties. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. We have selected the first day of our fiscal third quarter as the date on which to perform our annual impairment test for all indefinite-lived intangible assets. We also test for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of such indefinite-lived intangibles has been impaired.
	Other intangible assets consist primarily of franchise and international license rights (“franchise rights”), ice cream distribution and territorial franchise agreement license rights (“license rights”), and operating lease interests acquired related to our prime leases and subleases (“operating leases acquired”). Franchise rights, license rights, and operating leases acquired recorded in the consolidated balance sheets were valued using an appropriate valuation method during the period of acquisition. Amortization of franchise rights, license rights, and favorable operating leases acquired is recorded as amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations and amortized over the respective franchise, license, and lease terms using the straight-line method.
	Unfavorable operating leases acquired related to our prime and subleases are recorded in the liability section of the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized into rental expense and rental income, respectively, over the base lease term of the respective leases using the straight-line method. The weighted average amortization period for all unfavorable operating leases acquired is 17 years.
	Management makes adjustments to the carrying amount of such intangible assets and unfavorable operating leases acquired if they are deemed to be impaired using the methodology for long-lived assets (see note 2(j)), or when such license or lease agreements are reduced or terminated.
Contingencies	Contingencies
	The Company records reserves for legal and other contingencies when information available to the Company indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Predicting the outcomes of claims and litigation and estimating the related costs and exposures involve substantial uncertainties that could cause actual costs to vary materially from estimates. Legal costs incurred in connection with legal and other contingencies are expensed as the costs are incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign currency translation
	We translate assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income and stockholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes. Foreign currency translation adjustments primarily result from our equity method investments, as well as subsidiaries located in Canada, the UK, Australia, Spain, China, and Brazil. Transactions resulting in foreign exchange gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue recognition
	Franchise fees and royalty income
	Domestically, the Company sells individual franchises as well as territory agreements in the form of store development agreements (“SDAs”) that grant the right to develop restaurants in designated areas. Our franchise agreements and SDAs typically require the franchisee to pay an initial nonrefundable fee and continuing fees, or royalty income, based upon a percentage of sales. The franchisee will typically pay us a renewal fee if we approve a renewal of the franchise agreement. Such fees are paid by franchisees to obtain the rights associated with these franchise agreements or SDAs. Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the respective restaurant. Fees collected in advance are deferred until earned, with deferred amounts expected to be recognized as revenue within one year classified as current deferred income in the consolidated balance sheets. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee becomes effective. Occasionally, the Company offers incentive programs to franchisees in conjunction with a franchise agreement, SDA, or renewal agreement and, when appropriate, records the costs of such programs as reductions of revenue.
	For our international business, we sell master territory and/or license agreements that typically allow the master licensee to either act as the franchisee or to sub-franchise to other operators. Master license and territory fees are generally recognized upon substantial completion of the services required of the Company as stated in the franchise agreement, which is generally upon opening of the first restaurant or as stores are opened, depending on the specific terms of the agreement. Royalty income is based on a percentage of franchisee gross sales and is recognized when earned, which generally occurs at the franchisees’ point of sale. Renewal fees are recognized when a renewal agreement with a franchisee or licensee becomes effective.
	Rental income
	Rental income for base rentals is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the amortization of any tenant improvement dollars paid (see note 2(i)). The difference between the straight-line rent amounts and amounts receivable under the leases is recorded as deferred rent assets in current or long-term assets, as appropriate. Contingent rental income is recognized as earned, and any amounts received from lessees in advance of achieving stipulated thresholds are deferred until such threshold is actually achieved. Deferred contingent rentals are recorded as deferred income in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Sales of ice cream products
	We distribute Baskin-Robbins ice cream products to Baskin-Robbins franchisees and licensees in certain international locations. Revenue from the sale of ice cream products is recognized when title and risk of loss transfers to the buyer, which was generally upon shipment through November 2012. Beginning in December 2012, title and risk of loss generally transfers to the buyer upon delivery.
	Sales at company-owned restaurants
	Retail store revenues at company-owned restaurants are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax and other sales-related taxes.
	Other revenues
	Other revenues include fees generated by licensing our brand names and other intellectual property, as well as gains, net of losses and transactions costs, from the sales of our restaurants to new or existing franchisees. Licensing fees are recognized when earned, which is generally upon sale of the underlying products by the licensees. Gains on the refranchise or sale of a restaurant are recognized when the sale transaction closes, the franchisee has a minimum amount of the purchase price in at-risk equity, and we are satisfied that the buyer can meet its financial obligations to us. If the criteria for gain recognition are not met, we defer the gain to the extent we have any remaining financial exposure in connection with the sale transaction. Deferred gains are recognized when the gain recognition criteria are met.
Allowance for doubtful accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts
	We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and licensees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe that our franchisees or licensees are unable to make their required payments. While we use the best information available in making our determination, the ultimate recovery of recorded receivables is also dependent upon future economic events and other conditions that may be beyond our control. Included in the allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivables is a provision for uncollectible royalty, lease, and licensing fee receivables.
Share-Based Payment	Share-based payment
	We measure compensation cost at fair value on the date of grant for all share-based awards and recognize compensation expense over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for graded-vesting awards subject only to a service condition over the requisite service period of the entire award.
Income Taxes	Income taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply in years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effects of changes in tax rates and changes in apportionment of income between tax jurisdictions on deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the year in which the law is enacted or change in apportionment occurs. Valuation allowances are provided when the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will realize the benefit of identified tax assets.
	A tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return is recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Estimates of interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in the provision for income taxes.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive income
	Comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and unrealized pension gains and losses, and is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, net of taxes, for all periods presented.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred financing costs
	Deferred financing costs primarily represent capitalizable costs incurred related to the issuance and refinancing of the Company’s long-term debt (see note 8). As of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, deferred financing costs of $11.5 million and $19.2 million, respectively, are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, and are being amortized over the remaining maturities of the debt using the effective interest rate method
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative instruments and hedging activities
	The Company used derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risks which were terminated on December 23, 2014. These derivative contracts were entered into with financial institutions. The Company did not use derivative instruments for trading purposes and we had procedures in place to monitor and control their use.
	We recorded all derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. For derivative instruments that were designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments was reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affected earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument for a cash flow hedge was recorded in the consolidated statements of operations immediately. See note 9 for a discussion of our use of derivative instruments, management of credit risk inherent in derivative instruments, and fair value information.
Gift Card/Certificate Breakage	Gift card/certificate breakage
	The Company and our franchisees sell gift cards that are redeemable for product in our Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants. The Company manages the gift card program, and therefore collects all funds from the activation of gift cards and reimburses franchisees for the redemption of gift cards in their restaurants. A liability for unredeemed gift cards, as well as historical gift certificates sold, is included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
	There are no expiration dates on our gift cards, and we do not charge any service fees. While our franchisees continue to honor all gift cards presented for payment, we may determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, we may recognize income from unredeemed gift cards (“breakage income”) if they are not subject to unclaimed property laws. Based on redemption data available, breakage income for gift cards was generally recognized five years from the last date of activity on the card through the first quarter of fiscal year 2013. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company determined that sufficient historical redemption patterns existed to revise breakage estimates related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. Based on historical redemption rates, breakage on Dunkin' Donuts gift cards is now estimated and recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions. The Company recognizes breakage as income only up to the amount of gift card program costs incurred. Any incremental breakage that exceeds gift card program costs has been committed to franchisees to fund future initiatives that will benefit the gift card program, and is recorded as gift card breakage liability within other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets (see note 10). During fiscal year 2014, the Company revised the estimated breakage rates based on historical redemption patterns related to unredeemed Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. This change in estimated breakage rates had no impact on breakage income recognized in fiscal year 2014, but resulted in a decrease in the gift card/certificate liability and a corresponding increase in the gift card breakage liability.
	For fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, total breakage income recognized on gift cards, as well as historical gift certificate programs, was $8.5 million, $10.2 million, and $7.9 million, respectively, and is recorded as a reduction to general and administrative expenses, net. Breakage income for fiscal year 2013 includes a $5.4 million recovery of historical Dunkin' Donuts gift card program costs incurred prior to fiscal year 2013. Breakage income for fiscal year 2012 includes $3.5 million related to historical Baskin-Robbins gift certificates as a result of shifting to gift cards, and represents the balance of gift certificates for which the Company believes the likelihood of redemption by the customer is remote based on historical redemption patterns.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of credit risk
	The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from franchisees and licensees for franchise fees, royalty income, and sales of ice cream products. In addition, we have note and lease receivables from certain of our franchisees and licensees. The financial condition of these franchisees and licensees is largely dependent upon the underlying business trends of our brands and market conditions within the quick service restaurant industry. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the large number of franchisees and licensees of each brand and the short-term nature of the franchise and license fee and lease receivables. At December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013, one master licensee, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 19% and 17%, respectively, of total accounts and notes receivable, which was due primarily to the timing of orders and shipments of ice cream to the master licensee. For fiscal year 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 fiscal years 2013 or 2012.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 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, and has not yet selected a transition method.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	The Company has revised the presentation of certain income generating transactions, including gains on the sale of real estate and company-owned restaurants, that historically were recorded within general and administrative expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Income from these transactions totaling $2.8 million and $2.3 million have been reclassified into other operating income, net, for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, 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 prior periods within the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The revisions had no impact on net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing, or financing activities.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent events
	Subsequent events have been evaluated up through the date that these consolidated financial statements were filed.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
		27-Dec-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
	Company-owned life insurance	—			2,975		2,975	—	—	—
	Interest rate swaps	—			—		—	—	10,221	10,221
	Total assets	$	—		2,975		2,975	1,012	10,221	11,233
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation liabilities	$	—		8,488		8,488	—	7,181	7,181
	Total liabilities	$	—		8,488		8,488	—	7,181	7,181
Schedule of Carrying Values and Fair Values of Debt	The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014					December 28, 2013
	Financial liabilities	Carrying			Estimated		Carrying	Estimated
		value			fair value		value	fair value
	Term loans	$	1,810,933		1,778,066		1,823,609	1,836,212
Property and Equipment	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	3 – 10
	Property and equipment at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Land	$	33,927		34,052
	Buildings	49,499			47,946
	Leasehold improvements	147,996			154,491
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	49,318			43,124
	Construction in progress	5,736			9,079
	Property and equipment, gross	286,476			288,692
	Accumulated depreciation	(104,415		)	(105,834	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	182,061		182,858

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc1

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Royalty income	$	438,074		411,428		385,713
	Initial franchise fees and renewal income	44,255			42,548		33,227
	Total franchise fees and royalty income	$	482,329		453,976		418,940
Points of Distribution by Ownership Type	The changes in franchised and company-owned or company-operated points of distribution were as follows:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014		December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Systemwide points of distribution:
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—beginning of year	18,122		17,333		16,565
	Franchised points of distribution - opened	1,442		1,388		1,470
	Franchised points of distribution - closed	(744	)	(600	)	(701	)
	Net transfers from (to) company-owned or company-operated points of distribution	1		1		(1	)
	Franchised points of distribution in operation—end of year	18,821		18,122		17,333
	Company-owned or company-operated points of distribution—end of year	41		36		35
	Total systemwide points of distribution—end of year	18,862		18,158		17,368

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings	20 – 35
	Leasehold improvements	5 – 20
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	3 – 10
	Property and equipment at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	Land	$	33,927		34,052
	Buildings	49,499			47,946
	Leasehold improvements	147,996			154,491
	Store, production, and other equipment and software	49,318			43,124
	Construction in progress	5,736			9,079
	Property and equipment, gross	286,476			288,692
	Accumulated depreciation	(104,415		)	(105,834	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	182,061		182,858

Equity_method_investments_Tabl

Equity method investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	The Company’s ownership interests in its equity method investments as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 were as follows:
	Entity		Ownership
	BR Japan		43.30%
	BR Korea		33.30%
	Spain JV		33.30%
	Australia JV		20.00%
	The comparison between the carrying value of our investments in BR Japan and BR Korea and the underlying equity in net assets of those investments is presented in the table below (in thousands):
		BR Japan				BR Korea
		December 27,		December 28,		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Carrying value of investment	$	66,820	79,472		97,458		91,121
	Underlying equity in net assets of investment	37,941		45,682		103,589		100,766
	Carrying value in excess of (less than) the underlying equity in net assets(a)	$	28,879	33,790		(6,131	)	(9,645	)
	(a)	The excess carrying values over the underlying equity in net assets of BR Japan is primarily comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill, all of which were established in the BCT Acquisition. The deficit of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of BR Korea is primarily comprised of an impairment of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal year 2011.
Summary Financial Information For Joint Venture Operations	Summary financial information for the equity method investments on an aggregated basis was as follows (in thousands):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Current assets	$	265,227	$	261,546
	Current liabilities	102,920		106,280
	Working capital	162,307		155,266
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	138,325		139,378
	Other assets	142,955		173,491
	Long-term liabilities	45,684		52,389
	Equity of equity method investments	$	397,903	415,746
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,		December 28,		December 29,
		2014		2013		2012
	Revenues	$	669,416	673,537		687,676
	Net income	39,835		51,407		51,046

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes and carrying amounts of goodwill by reporting unit were as follows (in thousands):
		Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.										Dunkin’ Donuts International					Baskin-Robbins International				Total
		Goodwill				Accumulated impairment charges			Net Balance			Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges	Net Balance		Goodwill	Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance	Goodwill		Accumulated impairment charges		Net Balance
	Balances at December 29, 2012	$	1,152,035			(270,441	)		881,594			10,306		—	10,306		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,378		(294,478	)	891,900
	Goodwill disposed	(260		)		—			(260	)		—		—	—		—	—		—	(260	)	—		(260	)
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			(42	)	—	(42	)	—	—		—	(42	)	—		(42	)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	1,151,775				(270,441	)		881,334			10,264		—	10,264		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,186,076		(294,478	)	891,598
	Goodwill acquired	1,072				—			1,072			—		—	—		—	—		—	1,072		—		1,072
	Goodwill disposed	(1,248		)		—			(1,248	)		—		—	—		—	—		—	(1,248	)	—		(1,248	)
	Effects of foreign currency adjustments	—				—			—			(52	)	—	(52	)	—	—		—	(52	)	—		(52	)
	Balances at December 27, 2014	$	1,151,599			(270,441	)		881,158			10,212		—	10,212		24,037	(24,037	)	—	1,185,848		(294,478	)	891,370
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets at December 27, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	382,520			(179,481	)		203,039
	Favorable operating leases acquired	17		67,119				(35,711	)		31,408
	License rights	10		6,230				(5,850	)		380
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,646,839			(221,042	)		1,425,797
	Other intangible assets at December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Weighted		Gross				Accumulated			Net
		average		carrying				amortization			carrying
		amortization		amount							amount
		period
		(years)
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Franchise rights	20		$	383,465			(159,719	)		223,746
	Favorable operating leases acquired	16		71,788				(35,653	)		36,135
	License rights	10		6,230				(4,876	)		1,354
	Indefinite-lived intangible:
	Trade names	N/A		1,190,970				—			1,190,970
				$	1,652,453			(200,248	)		1,452,205
Total Estimated Amortization Expense	Total estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for fiscal years 2015 through 2019 is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:
	2015	$	24,943
	2016	22,108
	2017	21,353
	2018	21,209
	2019	20,774

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Debt at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Term loans	$	1,809,554	1,823,609
	VIE debt (see note 2(b))	1,379		—
	Total debt	1,810,933		1,823,609
	Less current portion of long-term debt	3,852		5,000
	Total long-term debt	$	1,807,081	1,818,609
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Considering the January 2015 refinancing, and assuming repayment by the anticipated repayment dates, the aggregate contractual principal payments of the Class A-2 Notes for 2015 through 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
		Class A-2-I Notes		Class A-2-II Notes	Total
	2015	$	5,625	13,125	18,750
	2016	7,500		17,500	25,000
	2017	7,500		17,500	25,000
	2018	7,500		17,500	25,000
	2019	721,875		17,500	739,375

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The fair values of derivative instruments consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27,				December 28,			Consolidated balance sheet classification
		2014				2013
	Interest rate swaps - asset	$	—			10,221			Other assets
	Total fair values of derivative instruments - asset	$	—			10,221
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 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			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(8,085	)		(4,108	)		Interest expense	(3,977	)
	Income tax effect		3,269				1,661			Provision for income taxes	1,608
	Net of income taxes		$	(4,816	)		(2,447	)			(2,369	)
	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2013:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	9,648			(3,382	)		Interest expense	13,030
	Income tax effect		(3,909		)		1,381			Provision for income taxes	(5,290	)
	Net of income taxes		$	5,739			(2,001	)			7,740
	The table below summarizes the effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for fiscal year 2012:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments		Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)				Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings			Consolidated statement of operations classification	Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)
	Interest rate swaps		$	(3,673	)		(864	)		Interest expense	(2,809	)
	Income tax effect		1,509				355			Provision for income taxes	1,154
	Net of income taxes		$	(2,164	)		(509	)			(1,655	)

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities	Other current liabilities at December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		December 27,		December 28,
		2014		2013
	Gift card/certificate liability	$	151,127	139,721
	Gift card breakage liability	25,893		14,093
	Accrued salary and benefits	21,632		26,713
	Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	24,648		26,633
	Accrued interest	8,351		9,999
	Accrued professional costs	9,381		2,938
	Other	17,860		28,821
	Total other current liabilities	$	258,892	248,918

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to capital leases (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$	8,982		7,888
	Accumulated depreciation	(2,872		)	(2,326	)
	Net leased property under capital leases	$	6,110		5,562
	Capital lease obligations:
	Current	$	506		432
	Long-term	7,575			6,996
	Total capital lease obligations	$	8,081		7,428
Leases of Lessor in Balance Sheet	Included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets are the following amounts related to assets leased to others under operating leases, where the Company is the lessor (in thousands):
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	28,235		29,701
	Buildings	43,835			41,721
	Leasehold improvements	140,171			135,177
	Store, production, and other equipment	184			146
	Construction in progress	1,482			1,363
	Assets leased to others, gross	213,907			208,108
	Accumulated depreciation	(75,607		)	(71,535	)
	Assets leased to others, net	$	138,300		136,573
Schedule of Future Minimum Retal Payments and Receipts for Capital and Operating Leases	Future minimum rental commitments to be paid and received by the Company at December 27, 2014 for all noncancelable leases and subleases are as follows (in thousands):
		Payments						Receipts		Net
		Capital			Operating			Subleases		leases
		leases			leases
	Fiscal year:
	2015	$	1,262		54,403			(65,327	)	(9,662	)
	2016	1,266			53,909			(65,423	)	(10,248	)
	2017	1,288			53,287			(65,261	)	(10,686	)
	2018	1,304			52,126			(64,105	)	(10,675	)
	2019	1,128			50,746			(61,233	)	(9,359	)
	Thereafter	8,880			401,707			(373,266	)	37,321
	Total minimum rental commitments	15,128			$	666,178		(694,615	)	(13,309	)
	Less amount representing interest	7,047
	Present value of minimum capital lease obligations	$	8,081
Schedule of Rent Expense	Total rental expense for all operating leases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,		December 29,
		2014			2013		2012
	Base rentals	$	53,130		53,462		52,821
	Contingent rentals	6,071			5,869		5,227
	Total rental expense	$	59,201		59,331		58,048
Schedule of Rental Income	Total rental income for all leases and subleases consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,		December 29,
		2014			2013		2012
	Base rentals	$	67,945		66,540		67,988
	Contingent rentals	29,718			29,542		28,828
	Total rental income	$	97,663		96,082		96,816
Schedule of Unfavorable Operating Leases	The impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired resulted in an increase in rental income and a decrease in rental expense as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,		December 29,
		2014			2013		2012
	Increase in rental income	$	847		973		1,065
	Decrease in rental expense	1,188			1,204		1,287
	Total increase in operating income	$	2,035		2,177		2,352
Impact of Amortization of Unfavorable Operating Leases	Following is the estimated impact of the amortization of our unfavorable operating leases acquired for each of the next five years (in thousands):
		Decrease in			Increase in		Total increase
		rental expense			rental income		in operating
							income
	Fiscal year:
	2015	$	940		789		1,729
	2016	885			719		1,604
	2017	885			681		1,566
	2018	851			632		1,483
	2019	731			583		1,314

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information by Segment and Geographical Area	Revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands):
		Revenues
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	548,697		521,179		485,399
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	19,867			18,316		15,485
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	43,158			42,152		42,074
	Baskin-Robbins International	122,456			120,333		101,975
	Total reportable segment revenues	734,178			701,980		644,933
	Other	14,531			11,860		13,248
	Total revenues	$	748,709		713,840		658,181
	Revenues for foreign countries are represented by the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International segments above. No individual foreign country accounted for more than 10% of total revenues for any fiscal year presented.
	Expenses included in “Corporate and other” in the segment profit table below include corporate overhead costs, such as payroll and related benefit costs and professional services. The “Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments” amounts for fiscal year 2013 below include the $7.5 million charge related to the third-party product volume guarantee (see note 17(b)), and amounts for fiscal year 2012 below include $20.7 million related to the Bertico litigation (see note 17(d)), $14.0 million related to the closure of the Peterborough Plant (see note 20), and $4.8 million of transaction costs and incremental share-based compensation related to secondary offerings (see notes 13(a) and 14). Segment profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):
		Segment profit
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	403,591		374,435		341,776
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	12,103			7,453		9,636
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	27,496			26,608		25,351
	Baskin-Robbins International	42,792			54,237		45,759
	Total reportable segments	485,982			462,733		422,522
	Corporate and other	(120,026		)	(122,337	)	(115,365	)
	Interest expense, net	(67,824		)	(79,831	)	(73,488	)
	Amortization of other intangible assets	(25,760		)	(26,943	)	(26,943	)
	Long-lived asset impairment charges	(1,484		)	(563	)	(1,278	)
	Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	(13,735		)	(5,018	)	(3,963	)
	Other gains (losses), net	(1,566		)	(1,799	)	23
	Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments	146			(8,154	)	(39,507	)
	Income before income taxes	$	255,733		218,088		162,001
	Net income of equity method investments, including amortization on intangibles resulting from the BCT Acquisition, is included in segment profit for the Dunkin’ Donuts International and Baskin-Robbins International reportable segments. Expenses included in “Other” in the segment profit table below represent the reduction in depreciation and amortization, net of tax, reported by BR Korea (see note 6), as a result of the impairment charge recorded 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 of equity method investments
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	$	1,794		480		2,211
	Baskin-Robbins International	11,912			15,913		16,578
	Total reportable segments	13,706			16,393		18,789
	Other	1,140			1,977		3,562
	Total net income of equity method investments	$	14,846		18,370		22,351
	Depreciation is reflected in segment profit for each reportable segment. Depreciation by reportable segments was as follows (in thousands):
		Depreciation
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013		December 29, 2012
	Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.	$	12,207		12,816		13,498
	Dunkin’ Donuts International	11			26		34
	Baskin-Robbins U.S.	288			473		923
	Baskin-Robbins International	62			84		562
	Total reportable segments	12,568			13,399		15,017
	Corporate and other	7,211			9,024		14,067
	Total depreciation	$	19,779		22,423		29,084
	Property and equipment, net by geographic region as of December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 is based on the physical locations within the indicated geographic regions and are as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014			December 28, 2013
	United States	$	181,898		182,544
	International	163			314
	Total property and equipment, net	$	182,061		182,858

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands):
		Effect of			Gain (loss) on interest rate swaps		Unrealized gain (loss) on pension plan		Other		Accumulated
		foreign									other
		currency									comprehensive
		translation									income (loss)
	Balances at December 28, 2013	$	5		6,085		(3,098	)	(1,653	)	1,339
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,743		)	(2,369	)	224		572		(15,316	)
	Balances at December 27, 2014	$	(13,738	)	3,716		(2,874	)	(1,081	)	(13,977	)
Schedule of Dividends Paid	During fiscal year 2014, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share			Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2014:
	First quarter	$	0.23		$	24,520		19-Mar-14
	Second quarter	0.23			24,239			4-Jun-14
	Third quarter	0.23			23,997			3-Sep-14
	Fourth quarter	0.23			24,019			December 3, 2014
	During fiscal year 2013, the Company paid dividends on common stock as follows:
		Dividend per share			Total amount (in thousands)			Payment date
	Fiscal year 2013:
	First quarter	$	0.19		$	20,191		20-Feb-13
	Second quarter	0.19			20,259			6-Jun-13
	Third quarter	0.19			20,257			4-Sep-13
	Fourth quarter	0.19			20,301			November 26, 2013

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Tables

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share based compensation expense	Total share-based compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, net, consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014				December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	2006 Plan stock options—executive	$	434			977			4,245
	2006 Plan stock options—nonexecutive	131				162			181
	2011 Plan stock options	6,847				4,668			2,026
	2011 Plan restricted shares	1,456				—			—
	Restricted stock units	2,419				1,513			336
	Other	—				3			132
	Total share-based compensation	$	11,287			7,323			6,920
	Total related tax benefit	$	4,567			2,958			2,768
Summary of valuation assumptions	The Company did not grant any Tranche 4 or Tranche 5 options during fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	The following weighted average assumptions were utilized in determining the fair value of 2011 Plan options granted during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27, 2014				December 28, 2013				December 29, 2012
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$	10.65			$	9.92			$	10.65
	Weighted average assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.5		%		1.2		%		0.8%-1.4%
	Expected volatility	26.3		%		33		%		43		%
	Dividend yield	1.8		%		2		%		1.8%-2.1%
	Expected term (years)	4.96				6.25				6.25
Summary of status of nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options	A summary of the status of the Company’s executive stock options as of December 27, 2014 and changes during fiscal year 2014 are presented below:
		Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
		shares			average				average		intrinsic
					exercise				remaining		value
					price				contractual		(in millions)
									term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,205,947			$	3.64			6.3
	Exercised	(550,782	)		3.46
	Forfeited or expired	(7,007	)		7.31
	Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	1,648,158			3.68				5.3		$	63.8
	Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	1,338,605			3.33				5.2		52.3
	A summary of the status of the Company’s nonexecutive and 2011 Plan options as of December 27, 2014 and changes during fiscal year 2014 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
		shares			average				average		intrinsic
					exercise				remaining		value
					price				contractual		(in millions)
									term (years)
	Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,019,150			$	31.45			8.5
	Granted	1,406,308			51.67
	Exercised	(141,924	)		22.51
	Forfeited or expired	(266,765	)		35.76
	Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	3,016,769			40.91				6.9		$	17.1
	Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	607,765			28.42				7.1		8.5
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Summary of changes in resticted shares	A summary of the changes in the Company’s restricted stock units during fiscal year 2014 is presented below:
		Number of			Weighted average grant-date fair value				Weighted		Aggregate
		shares							average		intrinsic
									remaining		value
									contractual		(in millions)
									term (years)
	Nonvested restricted stock units at December 28, 2013	102,971			$	37.2			1.8
	Granted	76,381			50.15
	Vested	(45,837	)		38.74
	Forfeited	(11,032	)		34.93
	Nonvested restricted stock units at December 27, 2014	122,483			43.4				1.5		$	5.2

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,		December 28,	December 29,
		2014		2013	2012
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands—basic and diluted	$	176,357	146,903	108,308
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common—basic	105,398,899		106,501,733	114,584,063
	Common—diluted	106,705,778		108,217,011	116,573,344
	Earnings per common share:
	Common—basic	$	1.67	1.38	0.94
	Common—diluted	1.65		1.36	0.93
	The weighted average number of common shares in the common diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive effect of 1,306,879, 1,715,278, and 1,989,281 equity awards for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 December 27, 2014, there were 150,000 restricted shares that were performance-based and for which the performance criteria were not yet met as of the fiscal period end. As of December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, there were no 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 1,373,379, 1,100,275, and 805,015 equity awards for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, as they would be antidilutive.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	Income (loss) before income taxes was attributed to domestic and foreign taxing jurisdictions as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Domestic operations	$	231,549			195,277			172,576
	Foreign operations	24,184				22,811			(10,575	)
	Income before income taxes	$	255,733			218,088			162,001
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	82,925			70,696			52,657
	State	23,146				11,758			6,065
	Foreign	(1,262		)		2,521			2,601
	Current tax provision	$	104,809			84,975			61,323
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(22,644	)		(11,915	)		(5,071	)
	State	(1,861		)		(984	)		4,373
	Foreign	(134		)		(292	)		(6,248	)
	Deferred tax benefit	(24,639		)		(13,191	)		(6,946	)
	Provision for income taxes	$	80,170			71,784			54,377
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations differed from the expense computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% due to the following:
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	5.7			4.7			5.2
	Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	(3.5	)		(4.3	)		(2.9	)
	Conversion of foreign subsidiary	(3.3	)		—			—
	Other permanent differences	0.1			0.2			0.7
	Changes in enacted tax rates and apportionment	0.1			0.8			2.8
	Uncertain tax positions	(2.5	)		(3.2	)		(6.3	)
	Other, net	(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(0.9	)
	Effective tax rate	31.3	%		32.9	%		33.6	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		December 27, 2014							December 28, 2013
		Deferred tax				Deferred tax			Deferred tax		Deferred tax
		assets				liabilities			assets		liabilities
	Current:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,377			—			1,055		—
	Deferred gift cards and certificates	20,549				—			20,371		—
	Rent	5,480				—			5,307		—
	Deferred income	4,900				—			4,672		—
	Other current liabilities	13,033				—			13,983		—
	Capital loss	179				—			—		—
	Other	2,466				768			1,073		—
	Total current	49,984				768			46,461		—
	Noncurrent:
	Capital leases	3,066				—			2,830		—
	Rent	3,442				—			2,243		—
	Property and equipment	—				4,451			—		6,315
	Deferred compensation liabilities	10,645				—			7,747		—
	Deferred income	5,410				—			4,234		—
	Real estate reserves	1,223				—			1,287		—
	Franchise rights and other intangibles	—				567,751			—		576,567
	Unused foreign tax credits	8,122				—			6,756		—
	Other	637				—			1,103		4,322
		32,545				572,202			26,200		587,204
	Valuation allowance	(682		)		—			(710	)	—
	Total noncurrent	31,863				572,202			25,490		587,204
	Total current and noncurrent	$	81,847			572,970			71,951		587,204
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	A summary of the changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	8,213			15,428			41,379
	Increases related to prior year tax positions	488				855			2,063
	Increases related to current year tax positions	96				219			1,389
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions	(4,567		)		(3,091	)		(19,675	)
	Decreases related to settlements	(296		)		(4,797	)		(9,792	)
	Lapses of statutes of limitations	—				—			(27	)
	Effect of foreign currency adjustments	(262		)		(401	)		91
	Balance at end of year	$	3,672			8,213			15,428

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Pension Expense	The components of net pension expense were as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Service cost	$	—			—			262
	Interest cost	207				216			333
	Expected return on plan assets	(208		)		(263	)		(317	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	87				74			76
	Net pension expense	$	86			27			354
Summary of Other Balances	The table below summarizes other balances for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,				December 28,			December 29,
		2014				2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	8,200			8,349			6,050
	Service cost	—				—			262
	Interest cost	207				216			333
	Employee contributions	—				—			88
	Benefits paid	(208		)		(230	)		(275	)
	Curtailment gain	—				—			(1,084	)
	Actuarial loss	81				395			2,854
	Foreign currency loss (gain), net	(681		)		(530	)		121
	Benefit obligation, end of year	$	7,599			8,200			8,349
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	5,790			5,809			4,945
	Expected return on plan assets	208				263			317
	Employer contributions	898				626			662
	Employee contributions	—				—			88
	Benefits paid	(208		)		(230	)		(275	)
	Actuarial loss	308				(371	)		(27	)
	Foreign currency gain (loss), net	(540		)		(307	)		99
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	6,456			5,790			5,809
	Reconciliation of funded status:
	Funded status	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
	Accrued benefit cost	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
	Net amount recognized at end of period	$	(1,143	)		(2,410	)		(2,540	)
Allocation of Assets Within the Pooled Fund	The allocation of the assets within the plan consisted of the following:
		December 27,			December 28,
		2014			2013
	Cash and short-term investments	34	%		35	%
	Debt securities	66			65
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The key actuarial assumption used in determining the present value of accrued pension benefits was a discount rate of 2.65% at both December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013.
	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the present value of our net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		December 27,			December 28,			December 29,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate	2.65	%		2.7	%		5.25	%
	Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	—			—			3.25
	Expected return on plan assets	3.5			4.5			6

RelatedParty_Transactions_Tabl

Related-Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Disclosure Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	The Company recognized royalty income from its equity method investees as follows (in thousands):
		Fiscal year ended
		December 27,		December 28,	December 29,
		2014		2013	2012
	BR Japan	$	1,790	2,097	2,549
	BR Korea	4,602		4,156	3,662
	Spain JV	123		130	—
		$	6,515	6,383	6,211

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account1

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows (in thousands):
		Accounts			Short-term notes and other		Long-term notes and other
		receivable			receivables		receivables
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,713		2,321		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	513			(1,055	)	—
	Write-offs and other	(743		)	(62	)	—
	Balance at December 29, 2012	2,483			1,204		—
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,015			(339	)	2,808
	Write-offs and other	(899		)	(206	)	—
	Balance at December 28, 2013	2,599			659		2,808
	Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,796			(14	)	1,039
	Write-offs and other	(513		)	633		100
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	3,882		1,278		3,947

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data
		Three months ended
		March 29,		June 28,	September 27,	December 27,
		2014		2014	2014	2014
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	171,948	190,908	192,640	193,213
	Operating income	69,097		87,557	92,480	89,724
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	22,956		46,191	54,697	52,513
	Earnings per share:
	Common – basic	0.22		0.44	0.52	0.5
	Common – diluted	0.21		0.43	0.52	0.5
		Three months ended
		March 30,		June 29,	September 28,	December 28,
		2013		2013	2013	2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Total revenues	$	161,858	182,488	186,317	183,177
	Operating income	63,459		76,805	82,237	82,235
	Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands	23,798		40,812	40,221	42,072
	Earnings per share:
	Common – basic	0.22		0.38	0.38	0.39
	Common – diluted	0.22		0.38	0.37	0.39

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Financial reporting and operating period, year	364 days	364 days	364 days
Financial reporting and operating period, quarter	91 days
Property and equipment, net	$182,061,000	$182,858,000
Goodwill	891,370,000	891,598,000	891,900,000
Carrying value of long term debt	1,810,933,000	1,823,609,000
Percentage of ownership	51.00%
Cash held, related to advertising funds and gift card/certificate programs	136,200,000	134,500,000
Carrying value of long term receivables	3,100,000	5,300,000
Fair value of long term debt	1,778,066,000	1,836,212,000
Amortization period of unfavorable operating leases	17 years
Deferred financing costs	11,500,000	19,200,000
Income recognized on gift cards and gift ceritificate breakage	8,500,000	10,200,000	7,900,000
Cash and cash equivalents	208,080,000	256,933,000	252,618,000	246,715,000
Income reclassified into operating income	2,800,000	2,300,000
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	19.00%	17.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of customers	1	0	0
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of customers	1	1
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Financial reporting and operating period, year	364 days
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Financial reporting and operating period, year	371 days
Dunkin' Donuts
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Income recognized on gift cards and gift ceritificate breakage		5,400,000
Baskin Robbins [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Income recognized on gift cards and gift ceritificate breakage			3,500,000
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	20 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	35 years
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	5 years
Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	20 years
Store, Production, Other Equipment and Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	3 years
Store, Production, Other Equipment and Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Useful life of property plant and equipment	10 years
Equity Method Investments [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	14 years
Partnership [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	10,900,000
Cash and cash equivalents	2,900,000
Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	663,000
Goodwill	1,100,000
Carrying value of long term debt	1,400,000
Other liabilities	$355,000

Financial_Assets_and_Liabiliti

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	$2,975	$11,233
Liabilities	8,488	7,181
Mutual funds
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	0	1,012
Company-owned Life Insurance [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	2,975	0
Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	0	10,221
Deferred compensation liabilities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Liabilities	8,488	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	0	1,012
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Company-owned Life Insurance [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
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	2,975	10,221
Liabilities	8,488	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) | Company-owned Life Insurance [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	2,975	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Assets	0	10,221
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Deferred compensation liabilities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Liabilities	$8,488	$7,181

Franchise_Fees_and_Royalty_Inc2

Franchise Fees and Royalty Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Disclosure Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract]
Royalty income	$438,074	$411,428	$385,713
Initial franchise fees and renewal income	44,255	42,548	33,227
Total franchise fees and royalty income	$482,329	$453,976	$418,940

Changes_in_Franchised_and_Comp

Changes in Franchised and Company-Owned Points of Distribution (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
	distributor	distributor	distributor
Number of Franchises [Roll Forward]
Franchised points of distribution-beginning of period	18,122	17,333	16,565
Franchises opened	1,442	1,388	1,470
Franchises closed	-744	-600	-701
Net transfers (to) from company-owned points of distribution	1	1	-1
Franchised points of distribution in operation-end of period	18,821	18,122	17,333
Company-owned points of distribution-end of period	41	36	35
Total systemwide points of distribution-end of period	18,862	18,158	17,368

Advertising_Funds_Details

Advertising Funds (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Advertising Funds [Abstract]
Percentage of franchisees gross retail sales, collected for advertising unds	5.00%
Accrued Advertising	$13,800,000	$17,600,000
Advertising management fee	7,600,000	5,500,000	5,600,000
Advertising expense, national and regional advertising	2,100,000	2,400,000	863,000
Advertising expense, based on retail Sales as owner and operator of company-owned restaurants	872,000	1,000,000	808,000
Advertising fund contribution	$5,200,000	$5,900,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$286,476	$288,692
Accumulated depreciation	-104,415	-105,834
Property and equipment, net	182,061	182,858
Impairment charges on leasehold improvements	1,200	119	319
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	33,927	34,052
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	49,499	47,946
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	147,996	154,491
Store, Production, Other Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	49,318	43,124
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$5,736	$9,079

Equity_method_investments_Owne

Equity method investments Ownership Percentage (Details)	Dec. 27, 2014
BR Japan [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	43.30%
BR Korea [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	33.30%
Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	33.30%
Palm Oasis Ventures Pty. Ltd. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	20.00%

Equity_method_investments_Summ

Equity method investments Summarized Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Current assets	$265,227	$261,546
Current liabilities	102,920	106,280
Working capital	162,307	155,266
Property, plant, and equipment, net	138,325	139,378
Other assets	142,955	173,491
Long-term liabilities	45,684	52,389
Equity of equity method investments	397,903	415,746
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	669,416	673,537	687,676
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	$39,835	$51,407	$51,046

Equity_method_investments_Comp

Equity method investments Comparison of Carrying Value of Investmetn and Underlying Equity in Net Assets of Investment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014		Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$164,493		$170,644
BR Japan [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	66,820		79,472
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	37,941		45,682
Difference between carrying amount and fair value	28,879	[1]	33,790	[1]
BR Korea [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	97,458		91,121
Equity Method Investment, Underlying Equity in Net Assets	103,589		100,766
Difference between carrying amount and fair value	($6,131)	[1]	($9,645)	[1]
[1]	The excess carrying values over the underlying equity in net assets of BR Japan is primarily comprised of amortizable franchise rights and related tax liabilities and nonamortizable goodwill, all of which were established in the BCT Acquisition. The deficit of cost relative to the underlying equity in net assets of BR Korea is primarily comprised of an impairment of long-lived assets, net of tax, recorded in fiscal year 2011.

Equity_method_investments_Text

Equity method investments Textuals (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Expense from equity method investments	$406,000	$505,000	$689,000
Impairment charge related to equity method investments	0	873,000	0
Australia Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership sold				80.00%
Gain from sale of franchising business				6,300,000
Proceeds from sale of franchising business				6,500,000
Carrying value of franchise business sold				216,000
Ownership percentage							20.00%
BR Japan [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	43.30%
Aggregate value of investment	144,300,000
BR Korea [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	33.30%
Impairment charge related to equity method investments					19,800,000
Reduction of depreciation and amortization	1,100,000	2,000,000	3,600,000
Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful notes and accounts receivable, related party							2,800,000
Impairment charge related to equity method investments						873,000
Reduction in impairment charge related to equity method investments	$441,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$1,185,848	$1,186,076	$1,186,378
Accumulated impairment charges	-294,478	-294,478	-294,478
Goodwill acquired	1,072
Goodwill disposed	-1,248	-260
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	-52	-42
Net Balance	891,370	891,598	891,900
Dunkin' Donuts U.S. [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	1,151,599	1,151,775	1,152,035
Accumulated impairment charges	-270,441	-270,441	-270,441
Goodwill acquired	1,072
Goodwill disposed	-1,248	-260
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	0	0
Net Balance	881,158	881,334	881,594
Dunkin Donuts International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	10,212	10,264	10,306
Accumulated impairment charges	0	0	0
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill disposed	0	0
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	-52	-42
Net Balance	10,212	10,264	10,306
Baskin-Robbins International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	24,037	24,037	24,037
Accumulated impairment charges	-24,037	-24,037	-24,037
Goodwill acquired	0
Goodwill disposed	0	0
Effects of foreign currency adjustments	0	0
Net Balance	$0	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$1,646,839	$1,652,453
Accumulated amortization	-221,042	-200,248
Net carrying amount	1,425,797	1,452,205
Impairment of favorable operating leases acquired	323	444	959
Franchise Rights [Member] | Definite-lived intangibles:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	20 years	20 years
Gross carrying amount	382,520	383,465
Accumulated amortization	-179,481	-159,719
Net carrying amount	203,039	223,746
Off-Market Favorable Lease [Member] | Definite-lived intangibles:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	17 years	16 years
Gross carrying amount	67,119	71,788
Accumulated amortization	-35,711	-35,653
Net carrying amount	31,408	36,135
Licensing Agreements [Member] | Definite-lived intangibles:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period (years)	10 years	10 years
Gross carrying amount	6,230	6,230
Accumulated amortization	-5,850	-4,876
Net carrying amount	380	1,354
Trade Names [Member] | Indefinite-lived intangible:
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,190,970	1,190,970
Net carrying amount	$1,190,970	$1,190,970

Total_Estimated_Amortization_E

Total Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$24,943
2016	22,108
2017	21,353
2018	21,209
2019	$20,774

Debt_Disclosure_Details

Debt Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$1,810,933	$1,823,609
Less current portion of long-term debt	-3,852	-5,000
Total long-term debt	1,807,081	1,818,609
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	1,809,554	1,823,609
Variable Interest Entity Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$1,379	$0

Debt_Senior_Credit_Facility_De

Debt Senior Credit Facility (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Jan. 26, 2015	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Standby letters of credit			$2,900,000	$3,000,000
Letters Of Credit Drawn			0	0
Repayment of credit facility per calendar year			15,000,000
Percent of excess cash flow required to be used to prepay term loan			25.00%
Annual principal payment for next twelve months			3,600,000
Maximum leverage ratio for company not to make excess cash flow payments			4.75
Leverage Ratio Minimum Triggering Event, Fifty Percent Excess Cash Flow Payment Requirement			5.5
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	13,700,000	5,000,000	13,735,000	5,018,000	3,963,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	10,500,000	3,900,000
Other debt extinguishment and refinancing expense	3,200,000	1,100,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Percentage	0.25%	0.25%
Debt issuance discount	4,600,000	4,600,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt					396,000,000
Debt issuance costs	1,200,000
Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin under term loan facility			2.25%
A-2-I [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						3.26%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						750,000,000
A-2-II [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage						3.98%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						1,750,000,000
Variable Funding Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						100,000,000
Debt Instrument, Number of Extensions						2
Debt Instrument, Extension Period						1 year
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding				1,830,000,000
Applicable margin under term loan facility			1.75%
Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin under term loan facility			1.50%
Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin under term loan facility			2.50%
2021 Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			1,370,000,000
2017 Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			445,000,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance discount			19,500,000
Debt issuance costs			36,200,000
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)			4,000,000	4,700,000	5,700,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.50%
Addidtional borrowing, senior notes							400,000,000
Debt issuance discount							4,000,000	4,000,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt								396,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin under term loan facility			1.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Federal Fund Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin under term loan facility			0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin under term loan facility			1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | LIBOR Rate Loans | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate			0.75%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2021 Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity			1,380,000,000
Effective interest rate			3.50%
Repayment of credit facility per calendar year			13,800,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2017 Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity			450,000,000
Effective interest rate			2.80%
Repayment of credit facility per calendar year			4,500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Borrowing Capacity			100,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage			2.25%
Lenders Exiting Term Loan Lending Syndicate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Reduction									$684,700,000	$214,300,000
If DBI’s leverage ratio is greater than 5.50x [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent of excess cash flow required to be used to prepay term loan			50.00%

Debt_Senior_Notes_Details

Debt - Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance discount	$4.60	$4.60
Debt issuance costs	1.2
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	10.5	3.9
Other debt extinguishment and refinancing expense	$3.20	$1.10

Debt_Future_Maturities_Details

Debt - Future Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	$18,750
2016	25,000
2017	25,000
2018	25,000
2019	739,375
A-2-I [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	5,625
2016	7,500
2017	7,500
2018	7,500
2019	721,875
A-2-II [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2015	13,125
2016	17,500
2017	17,500
2018	17,500
2019	$17,500

Recovered_Sheet1

Derivative instruments and Hedging Transactions - Textuals (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 23, 2014
	counterparties
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of counterparties	3
Straight-line amortization of deferred gain (loss) from AOCI to earnings		$1,400,000
Ineffectiveness of interest rate swap			0
Estimated reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income		2,100,000
Derivative, Gain on Derivative		6,200,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives arising during period, tax		-3,269,000	3,909,000	-1,509,000
Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative variable interest rate spread, floor	1.00%				0.75%
Notional value of swaps	900,000,000
Swap quarterly fixed interest rate	1.37%				1.22%
Total swap interest rate	4.12%				3.72%
Derivative, Fair Value, Net						6,300,000
Accrued Liabilities						1,000,000
Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities		3,600,000
Derivative, Gain on Derivative		1,800,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives arising during period, tax					5,800,000
Financing Receivable [Member] | Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Investing Activities		1,700,000
Other Current liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Payable		$0	$836,000

Derivative_Insturments_and_Hed

Derivative Insturments and Hedging Transactions (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total fair values of derivative instruments - asset	$0	$10,221
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps - asset	$0	$10,221

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Transactions - Derivative Effects (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	($8,085)	$9,648	($3,673)
Interest rate swaps, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	-4,108	-3,382	-864
Interest rate swaps, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,977	13,030	-2,809
Income Tax Effect, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,269	3,909	-1,509
Income tax effect, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	1,661	1,381	355
Income tax effect, Total effect on other comprehensive income (loss)	1,608	-5,290	1,154
Net of income taxes, Amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,816	5,739	-2,164
Net of income taxes, Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified into earnings	-2,447	-2,001	-509
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of deferred tax expense (benefit) of $(1,608), $5,290 and $(1,154) for the fiscal years ended December 27, 2014, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively	($2,369)	$7,740	($1,655)

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Gift card/certificate liability	$151,127	$139,721
Gift card breakage liability	25,893	14,093
Accrued salary and benefits	21,632	26,713
Accrued legal liabilities (see note 17(d))	24,648	26,633
Accrued Interest	8,351	9,999
Accrued professional costs	9,381	2,938
Other	17,860	28,821
Total other current liabilities	$258,892	$248,918

Leases_Capital_Leases_Included

Leases - Capital Leases Included in Company's Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Leased property under capital leases (included in property and equipment)	$8,982	$7,888
Accumulated depreciation	-2,872	-2,326
Net leased property under capital leases	6,110	5,562
Current	506	432
Long-term	7,575	6,996
Total capital lease obligations	8,081	7,428
Income expense related to capital leases	$673	$618	$600

Leases_Operating_Leases_Includ

Leases - Operating Leases Included in Company's Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	$213,907	$208,108
Accumulated depreciation	-75,607	-71,535
Assets leased to others, net	138,300	136,573
Land
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	28,235	29,701
Buildings
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	43,835	41,721
Leasehold improvements
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	140,171	135,177
Store, production, and other equipment
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	184	146
Construction in progress
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets leased to others, gross	$1,482	$1,363

Leases_Future_Minimum_Rental_C

Leases - Future Minimum Rental Commitments to be Paid and Received (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2014	$1,262
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2015	1,266
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2016	1,288
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2017	1,304
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2018	1,128
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	8,880
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	15,128
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	7,047
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments	8,081
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2014	54,403
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2015	53,909
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2016	53,287
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2017	52,126
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, 2018	50,746
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	401,707
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	666,178
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2014	-65,327
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2015	-65,423
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2016	-65,261
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, 2017	-64,105
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Due, 2018	-61,233
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	-373,266
Subleases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable	-694,615
Net Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due (Receivable), Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2014	-9,662
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2015	-10,248
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2016	-10,686
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2017	-10,675
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, 2018	-9,359
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases, Thereafter	37,321
Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Net of Subleases	($13,309)

Leases_Rent_Expense_Operating_

Leases - Rent Expense, Operating (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Base rentals	$53,130	$53,462	$52,821
Contingent rentals	6,071	5,869	5,227
Total rental expense	$59,201	$59,331	$58,048

Leases_Rent_Income_Details

Leases - Rent Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Base rentals	$67,945	$66,540	$67,988
Contingent rentals	29,718	29,542	28,828
Total rental income	$97,663	$96,082	$96,816

Leases_Impact_of_Amortization_

Leases - Impact of Amortization of Unfavorable Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
Increase in rental income	$847	$973	$1,065
Decrease in rental expense	1,188	1,204	1,287
Total increase in operating income	$2,035	$2,177	$2,352

Leases_Estimated_Impact_of_the

Leases - Estimated Impact of the Amortization of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2015	$940
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Increase in Rental Income, 2015	789
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2015	1,729
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2016	885
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2016	719
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2016	1,604
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2017	885
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2017	681
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2017	1,566
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2018	851
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Inrease in Rental Income, 2018	632
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2018	1,483
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Decrease in Rental Expense, 2019	731
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, Increase in Rental Income, 2019	583
Estimated Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired, 2019	$1,314

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
	customer
	segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	4
Number of Customers Accounted for More than 10% of Total Revenues	0
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Transaction One [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payment of Guarantees		$7.50
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Transaction One [Member] | Secondary Offering [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payment of Guarantees			4.8
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Transaction One [Member] | Bertico Litigation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payment of Guarantees			20.7
Purchase Commitment [Member] | Transaction One [Member] | Peterborough Plant [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Payment of Guarantees			$14

Segment_Information_Revenues_b

Segment Information Revenues by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues	$193,213	$192,640	$190,908	$171,948	$183,177	$186,317	$182,488	$161,858	$748,709	$713,840	$658,181
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									734,178	701,980	644,933
Dunkin' Donuts | Operating Segments [Member] | United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									548,697	521,179	485,399
Dunkin' Donuts | Operating Segments [Member] | International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									19,867	18,316	15,485
Baskin-Robbins | Operating Segments [Member] | United States
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									43,158	42,152	42,074
Baskin-Robbins | Operating Segments [Member] | International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									122,456	120,333	101,975
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total revenues									$14,531	$11,860	$13,248

Segment_Information_Segment_Pr

Segment Information Segment Profit by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments			$175,563	$146,304	$107,624
Corporate and other			-120,026	-122,337	-115,365
Interest expense, net			-67,824	-79,831	-73,488
Amortization of other intangible assets			25,760	26,943	26,943
Long-lived asset impairment charges			1,484	563	1,278
Loss on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions	-13,700	-5,000	-13,735	-5,018	-3,963
Other gains (losses), net			-1,566	-1,799	23
Operating income adjustments excluded from reportable segments			146	-8,154	-39,507
Income before income taxes			255,733	218,088	162,001
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments			485,982	462,733	422,522
Operating Segments [Member] | United States | Dunkin' Donuts
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments			403,591	374,435	341,776
Operating Segments [Member] | United States | Baskin-Robbins
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments			27,496	26,608	25,351
Operating Segments [Member] | International | Dunkin' Donuts
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments			12,103	7,453	9,636
Operating Segments [Member] | International | Baskin-Robbins
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total reportable segments			$42,792	$54,237	$45,759

Segment_Information_Equity_in_

Segment Information Equity in Net Income of Joint Ventures Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	$14,846	$18,370	$22,351
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	1,140	1,977	3,562
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	13,706	16,393	18,789
Operating Segments [Member] | International | Dunkin' Donuts
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	1,794	480	2,211
Operating Segments [Member] | International | Baskin-Robbins
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss) of equity method investments	$11,912	$15,913	$16,578

Segment_Information_Depreciati

Segment Information Depreciation and Amortization by Segment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	$19,779	$22,423	$29,084
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	7,211	9,024	14,067
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	12,568	13,399	15,017
Operating Segments [Member] | Dunkin' Donuts | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	12,207	12,816	13,498
Operating Segments [Member] | Dunkin' Donuts | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	11	26	34
Operating Segments [Member] | Baskin Robbins [Member] | United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	288	473	923
Operating Segments [Member] | Baskin Robbins [Member] | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total depreciation and amortization	$62	$84	$562

Segment_Information_Property_a

Segment Information Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$182,061	$182,858
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	181,898	182,544
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, net	$163	$314

Stockholders_Equity_Share_Repu

Stockholders' Equity Share Repurchase (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 18, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Repurchased stock	15,000,000		2,911,205	648,000
Average cost per share			$44.71	$43.14
Increase in treasury stock			$130,171,000	$27,963,000	$450,369,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Third Party Fees	341,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Price Per Share	$30
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value				28,000,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired		417,300
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Common stock share repurchase program amount						400,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased						6,950,000
Common Stock [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			140,900,000	17,200,000	450,400,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired			3,142,000	417,000	15,001,000
Additional paid-in capital
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			33,200,000	4,700,000	180,000,000
Accumulated deficit
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value			$107,800,000	$12,500,000	$270,300,000

Stockholders_Equity_Changes_in

Stockholders' Equity Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$1,339
Current period changes	-15,316
Balance at end of period	-13,977
Effect of foreign currency translation
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	5
Current period changes	-13,743
Balance at end of period	-13,738
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	6,085
Current period changes	-2,369
Balance at end of period	3,716
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Pension Adjustments
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	-3,098
Current period changes	224
Balance at end of period	-2,874
Other
Movement in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	-1,653
Current period changes	572
Balance at end of period	($1,081)

Stockholders_Equity_Dividends_

Stockholders' Equity Dividends (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Dividend per share of common stock paid (in dollars per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.23	$0.23	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19	$0.19
Dividends paid on common stock	$24,019	$23,997	$24,239	$24,520	$20,301	$20,257	$20,259	$20,191	$96,775	$81,008	$70,069
Dividend declared, payment date	3-Dec-14	3-Sep-14	4-Jun-14	19-Mar-14	26-Nov-13	4-Sep-13	6-Jun-13	20-Feb-13

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 04, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Feb. 05, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock sold by existing shareholders (in shares)	21,754,659	30,360,000
Common stock price (in dollars per share)	$30	$29.50
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)				104,630,978	106,646,219
Dividend per share of common stock declared (in dollars per share)				$0.92	$0.76	$0.60
Repayment of long-term debt				($15,000,000)	($24,157,000)	($15,441,000)
Expenses in Connection with stock offering			$1,700,000
Dividend Declared
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend per share of common stock declared (in dollars per share)							$0.27

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Textual

Equity Incentive Plans - Textuals (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options	$11,500,000	$15,900,000	$14,100,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	1,500,000	1,800,000	2,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	24,600,000	35,300,000	33,800,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	11,287,000	7,323,000	6,920,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	4 years
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	5 years
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	3,000	132,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	1,800,000	448,000	118,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	3,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2,419,000	1,513,000	336,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	76,381
Granted (usd per share)	$50.15
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	1 year 6 months	1 year 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	122,483	102,971
Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares of common stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of awards (in shares)	12,191,145
Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Restricted Shares [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares of common stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of awards (in shares)	5,012,966
Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares of common stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of awards (in shares)	7,178,179
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum shares of common stock that may be delivered in satisfaction of awards (in shares)	7,000,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	6,847,000	4,668,000	2,026,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	10 years
Number of shares, Granted	1,406,308	1,177,999	746,100
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period	4 years
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period	5 years
Equity 2011 Plan restricted shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	177,096
Equity 2011 Plan restricted shares [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,456,000	0	0
Equity 2011 Plan restricted shares [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	27,096
Granted (usd per share)	$51.67
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	920,000
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	1 year 7 months 6 days
Equity 2011 Plan restricted shares [Member] | Performance-based Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	150,000
Granted (usd per share)	$37.94
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	4,700,000
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	4 years 0 months 0 days
Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	226,000
Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 1 month 6 days
Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	3 years
Tranche Five [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	190,000	478,000	3,600,000
Executive [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,648,158	2,205,947
Executive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Annualized Estimated Forfeitures	10.00%
Executive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	434,000	977,000	4,245,000
Executive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	10 years
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	3 years
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four and Tranche Five [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	5 years
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross, Allocation Of Options Between Tranches	30.00%
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four Accelerated Vesting [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting, Annual Vesting Percentage	20.00%
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four Accelerated Vesting [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	3 years
Executive [Member] | Tranche Four Accelerated Vesting [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, vesting period	4 years
Executive [Member] | Tranche Five [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross, Allocation Of Options Between Tranches	70.00%
Nonexecutive [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	4,600,000	2,900,000	1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	3,700,000	4,100,000	1,500,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	19,000,000
Nonexecutive [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Annualized Estimated Forfeitures	10.00%
Nonexecutive [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Annualized Estimated Forfeitures	13.00%
Nonexecutive [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 7 months 6 days
Nonexecutive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$131,000	$162,000	$181,000
Nonexecutive [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares, Granted	1,406,308
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,016,769	2,019,150

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Compens

Equity Incentive Plans - Compensation Expense Schedule (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$11,287	$7,323	$6,920
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	4,567	2,958	2,768
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	3	132
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	2,419	1,513	336
Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	6,847	4,668	2,026
Equity 2011 Plan restricted shares [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,456	0	0
Executive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	434	977	4,245
Nonexecutive [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan 2006 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$131	$162	$181

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Restict

Equity Incentive Plans - Resticted Shares Rollforward (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of shares at December 28, 2013	102,971
Granted	76,381
Vested	-45,837
Forfeited	-11,032
Number of shares at December 27, 2014	122,483	102,971
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Number of shares at December 28, 2013 (usd per share)	$37.20
Granted (usd per share)	$50.15
Vested (usd per share)	$38.74
Forfeited (usd per share)	$34.93
Number of shares at December 27, 2014 (usd per share)	$43.40	$37.20
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)	1 year 6 months	1 year 9 months 18 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	$5.20

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Assumpt

Equity Incentive Plans - Assumptions In Determining Fair Value of Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant-date fair value of share options granted	$10.65	$9.92	$10.65
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate	1.50%	1.20%
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility	26.30%	33.00%	43.00%
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield	1.80%	2.00%
Weighted average assumptions: Expected term (years)	4 years 11 months 16 days	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Nonexecutive [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, minimum			0.80%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, maximum			1.40%	[1]
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Executive [Member] | Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, minimum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, maximum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, minimum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, maximum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield			0.00%	[1]
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Executive [Member] | Tranche Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, minimum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Risk-free interest rate, maximum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, minimum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Expected Volatility, maximum			0.00%	[1]
Weighted average assumptions: Dividend yield			0.00%	[1]
[1]	The Company did not grant any Tranche 4 or Tranche 5 options during fiscal years 2014, 201

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Status_

Equity Incentive Plans - Status of Company Stock Options (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Nonexecutive [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,019,150
Number of shares, Granted	1,406,308
Number of Shares, Exercised	-141,924
Number of shares, Forfeited or expired	-266,765
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	3,016,769	2,019,150
Number of shares, Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	607,765
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	$31.45
Weighted average exercise price, Granted	$51.67
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	$22.51
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited or expired	$35.76
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	$40.91	$31.45
Weighted average exercise price, Share options exercisable at December 28, 2014	$28.42
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options outstanding	6 years 10 months 25 days	8 years 6 months
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	7 years 1 month 6 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	$17.10
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	8.5
Executive [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	2,205,947
Number of Shares, Exercised	-550,782
Number of shares, Forfeited or expired	-7,007
Number of shares, Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	1,648,158	2,205,947
Number of shares, Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	1,338,605
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 28, 2013	$3.64
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised	$3.46
Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited or expired	$7.31
Weighted average exercise price, Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	$3.68	$3.64
Weighted average exercise price, Share options exercisable at December 28, 2014	$3.33
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options outstanding	5 years 3 months 19 days	6 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term (years), Share options exercisable at December 28, 2013	5 years 2 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options outstanding at December 27, 2014	63.8
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions), Share options exercisable at December 27, 2014	$52.30

Earnings_per_Share_Computation

Earnings per Share Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Dunkin' Brands-basic and diluted	$52,513	$54,697	$46,191	$22,956	$42,072	$40,221	$40,812	$23,798	$176,357	$146,903	$108,308
Weighted average number of common shares - basic and diluted:
Common-basic (in shares)									105,398,899	106,501,733	114,584,063
Common-diluted (in shares)									106,705,778	108,217,011	116,573,344
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.52	$0.44	$0.22	$0.39	$0.38	$0.38	$0.22	$1.67	$1.38	$0.94
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.52	$0.43	$0.21	$0.39	$0.37	$0.38	$0.22	$1.65	$1.36	$0.93

Earnings_Per_Shares_Additional

Earnings Per Shares - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 04, 2012	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)			104,630,978	106,646,219
Common stock price (in dollars per share)	$30	$29.50
Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Participating Securities Diluted			$0		$0
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units			1,306,879	1,715,278	1,989,281
Anti-dilutive security excluded from calculation, restricted stock awards (in shares)			150,000	0
Out-of-the-money-stock-options excluded from calculation, common diluted earnings per share (in shares)			1,373,379	1,100,275	805,015

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Recorded net tax benefit	$7,000,000	$8,400,000	$10,200,000
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		1,700,000	4,600,000
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	700,000
Deferred tax assets, Unused foreign tax credits	6,900,000
Undistributed earnings of joint ventures	136,700,000	129,700,000
Cash Associated with Indefinitely Reinvested Foreign Earnings	8,500,000	7,500,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	3,672,000	8,213,000	15,428,000	41,379,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,200,000	4,200,000
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	2,300,000	-5,800,000	-200,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	2,000,000	6,300,000
Income Taxes Paid	99,410,000	98,483,000	90,225,000
CANADA
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Foreign, Amount	8,500,000
International
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	5,900,000
Joint Ventures [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$8,800,000

Income_Taxes_Income_Before_Tax

Income Taxes - Income Before Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic operations	$231,549	$195,277	$172,576
Foreign operations	24,184	22,811	-10,575
Income before income taxes	$255,733	$218,088	$162,001

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes - Components of Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current:
Federal	$82,925	$70,696	$52,657
State	23,146	11,758	6,065
Foreign	-1,262	2,521	2,601
Current tax provision	104,809	84,975	61,323
Deferred:
Federal	-22,644	-11,915	-5,071
State	-1,861	-984	4,373
Foreign	-134	-292	-6,248
Deferred tax benefit	-24,639	-13,191	-6,946
Provision for income taxes	$80,170	$71,784	$54,377

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Rate_R

Income Taxes - Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed federal income tax expense, at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Other permanent differences	0.10%	0.20%	0.70%
State income taxes	5.70%	4.70%	5.20%
Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations	-3.50%	-4.30%	-2.90%
Conversion of foreign subsidiary	-3.30%	0.00%	0.00%
Changes in enacted tax rates and apportionment	0.10%	0.80%	2.80%
Uncertain tax positions	-2.50%	-3.20%	-6.30%
Other, net	-0.30%	-0.30%	-0.90%
Effective tax rate	31.30%	32.90%	33.60%

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, Allowance for doubtful accounts, Current	$3,377	$1,055
Deferred tax assets, Deferred gift cards and certificates	20,549	20,371
Deferred tax assets, Rent, Current	5,480	5,307
Deferred tax assets, Deferred revenue, Current	4,900	4,672
Deferred tax assets, Other current liabilities	13,033	13,983
Deferred tax assets, Capital Loss	179	0
Deferred tax assets, Other, Current	2,466	1,073
Deferred tax assets, current	49,984	46,461
Deferred tax liabilities, other	768	0
Deferred tax liabilities, current	768	0
Deferred income taxes, current	49,216	46,461
Deferred tax assets, Capital leases	3,066	2,830
Deferred tax assets, Rent, Noncurrent	3,442	2,243
Deferred tax liabilities, Property and equipment	4,451	6,315
Deferred tax assets, Deferred compensation and long-term incentive accrual	10,645	7,747
Deferred tax assets, Deferred revenue, Noncurrent	5,410	4,234
Deferred tax assets, Real estate rserves, Noncurrent	1,223	1,287
Deferred tax liabilities, Franchise rights and other intangibles	567,751	576,567
Deferred tax assets, Unused foreign tax credits	8,122	6,756
Deferred tax liabilities, Other, Noncurrent	0	4,322
Deferred tax assets, Other, Noncurrent	637	1,103
Deferred tax assets, Gross, Noncurrent	32,545	26,200
Deferred tax assets, Valuation allowance, Noncurrent	-682	-710
Deferred tax assets, Total noncurrent	31,863	25,490
Deferred tax liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	572,202	587,204
Deferred tax assets, Net of valuation allowance total	81,847	71,951
Deferred tax liabilities, Total	$572,970	$587,204

Income_Taxes_Change_in_Unrecog

Income Taxes - Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$8,213	$15,428	$41,379
Increases related to prior year tax positions	488	855	2,063
Increases related to current year tax positions	96	219	1,389
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	-4,567	-3,091	-19,675
Decreases related to settlements	-296	-4,797	-9,792
Lapses of statutes of limitations	0	0	-27
Effect of foreign currency adjustments	-262	-401	91
Balance at end of year	$3,672	$8,213	$15,428

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Jun. 29, 2013

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Jun. 22, 2012

Jun. 22, 2012

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 29, 2012

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 27, 2014

Dec. 28, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

Lease Agreements

Lease Agreements

Purchase Commitment [Member]

Purchase Commitment [Member]

Purchase Commitment [Member]

Purchase Commitment [Member]

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Bertico litigation

Supply Commitment

Supply Commitment

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Performance Guarantee [Member]

Performance Guarantee [Member]

Bertico Litigation [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Transaction One [Member]

Transaction One [Member]

Transaction 02

Transaction 02

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Bertico litigation

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]

Franchisees financing term

3 years

10 years

Guarantee obligation, maximum exposure

$2,200,000

$3,000,000

$6,300,000

$6,400,000

$4,300,000

$5,700,000

$51,500,000

$52,600,000

Fair value of the guarantee liability

144,000

277,000

Fair value of the guarantee assets

198,000

309,000

Reserve for guarantee liabilities

7,500,000

Accrued liabilities

507,000

906,000

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

4 years

10 years

Standby letters of credit

2,900,000

3,000,000

Amounts drawn on letters of credit

0

0

Litigation judgment

15,900,000

16,400,000

Legal fees

20,700,000

Increase in estimated liability related to litigation

12,000,000

888,000

952,000

493,000

Contingent liabilities related to legal matters

$765,000

$1,500,000

$23,900,000

Age of Events Upon Which Claims are Based

10 years

15 years

Retirement_Plans_Textual_Detai

Retirement Plans - Textual (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum annual contribution percentage, 401(k)	80.00%
Employer contributions 401(k)	$3,200,000	$3,100,000	$2,900,000
Employer discretionary contribution amount	0	0	0
NQDC maximum pretax contribution percentage	50.00%
NQDC plan liability	8,500,000	7,000,000
NQDC investments held	3,000,000	338,000
Fair value assumption, Monte Carlo, time period	30 years
Accumulated benefit obligation	$7,600,000	$8,200,000
Discount rate	2.65%	2.65%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employer match percentage 401(k)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Additional discrectionary conribution 401(k)	2.00%

Retirement_Plans_Pension_Expen

Retirement Plans - Pension Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$0	$0	$262
Interest cost	207	216	333
Expected return on plan assets	-208	-263	-317
Amortization of net actuarial loss	87	74	76
Net pension expense	$86	$27	$354

Retirement_Plans_Change_in_Ben

Retirement Plans - Change in Benefit Obligation and Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$8,200	$8,349	$6,050
Service cost	0	0	262
Interest cost	207	216	333
Employee contributions	0	0	88
Benefits paid	-208	-230	-275
Curtailment gain	0	0	-1,084
Actuarial loss	81	395	2,854
Foreign currency loss (gain), net	-681	-530	121
Benefit obligation, end of year	7,599	8,200	8,349
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	5,790	5,809	4,945
Expected return on plan assets	208	263	317
Employer contributions	898	626	662
Employee contributions	0	0	88
Benefits paid	-208	-230	-275
Expected return on plan assets	308	-371	-27
Actuarial loss	81	395	2,854
Foreign currency gain (loss), net	-540	-307	99
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	6,456	5,790	5,809
Funded status	-1,143	-2,410	-2,540
Accrued benefit cost	($1,143)	($2,410)	($2,540)

Retirement_Plans_Allocation_of

Retirement Plans - Allocation of Pooled Plan (Details)	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Cash and Short-term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of assets within pooled fund	34.00%	35.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Allocation of assets within pooled fund	66.00%	65.00%

Retirement_Plans_Assumptions_U

Retirement Plans - Assumptions Used in Calculations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.65%	2.65%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.65%	2.70%	5.25%
Average salary increase for pensionable earnings	0.00%	0.00%	3.25%
Expected return on plan assets	3.50%	4.50%	6.00%

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalties receivable from joint ventures	$1,400,000	$1,400,000
B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Ltd. (BR Japan)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	1,790,000	2,097,000	2,549,000
BR Korea Co., Ltd. (BR Korea)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	4,602,000	4,156,000	3,662,000
Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	123,000	130,000	0
Loans and leases receivable, related parties, additions		2,100,000	666,000
Loans and leases receivable, related parties	2,500,000	2,700,000
Related Party
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Royalty received from joint venture	6,515,000	6,383,000	6,211,000
Joint Ventures [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to sponsors and joint ventures	2,600,000	3,800,000	1,600,000
Australia Joint Venture [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from related parties	5,800,000	4,800,000
Due from joint ventures	3,100,000	733,000
Other Assets [Member] | Coffee Alliance, S.L. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans and leases receivable, related parties	$2,300,000	$2,700,000

Closure_of_Manufacturing_Plant1

Closure of Manufacturing Plant - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cost related to plant closure	$12,600,000
Other costs related to closing of plant		654,000	11,900,000
Accelerated depreciation on property, plant and equipment related to closing of plant			4,200,000
Incremental ice cream production costs related to plant closing			2,700,000
Ongoing Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination benefits cost related to closing of plant			2,000,000
One-time Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Termination benefits cost related to closing of plant			1,100,000
Facility Closing [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other costs related to closing of plant			1,900,000
Pension Plan Settlements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected reduction in operating income related to plant closing and transition	3,000,000
Pension Plan Settlements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected reduction in operating income related to plant closing and transition	$4,000,000

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Account2

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	$2,821	$3,484	($542)
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,599	2,483	2,713
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,796	1,015	513
Write-offs and other	-513	-899	-743
Ending balance	3,882	2,599	2,483
Short-term Notes and Other Receivables [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	659	1,204	2,321
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	-14	-339	-1,055
Write-offs and other	633	-206	-62
Ending balance	1,278	659	1,204
Long-term Notes and Other Receivables [Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	2,808	0	0
Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts, net	1,039	2,808	0
Write-offs and other	100	0	0
Ending balance	$3,947	$2,808	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Total revenues	$193,213	$192,640	$190,908	$171,948	$183,177	$186,317	$182,488	$161,858	$748,709	$713,840	$658,181
Operating income	89,724	92,480	87,557	69,097	82,235	82,237	76,805	63,459	338,858	304,736	239,429
Net income	$52,513	$54,697	$46,191	$22,956	$42,072	$40,221	$40,812	$23,798	$176,357	$146,903	$108,308
Common-basic (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.52	$0.44	$0.22	$0.39	$0.38	$0.38	$0.22	$1.67	$1.38	$0.94
Common-diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.52	$0.43	$0.21	$0.39	$0.37	$0.38	$0.22	$1.65	$1.36	$0.93

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Textu

Quarterly Financial Data - Textuals (Details) (Legal Claim One [Member])	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 22, 2012	Jun. 22, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
	USD ($)	CAD	Bertico Litigation [Member]
			USD ($)
Quarty Financial Data [Line Items]
Increase in estimated liability related to litigation			$20.70
Litigation judgment	$15.90	16.4