Dine Brands Global (DIN) 10-Q 1 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DineEquity, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000049754	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	19,148,067

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$133,218	$106,011
Receivables, net	91,493	144,137
Prepaid gift cards	39,559	49,223
Prepaid income taxes	0	4,708
Deferred income taxes	26,501	23,853
Other current assets	8,092	3,650
Total current assets	298,863	331,582
Long-term receivables	194,066	197,153
Property and equipment, net	264,855	274,295
Goodwill	697,470	697,470
Other intangible assets, net	791,033	794,057
Other assets, net	108,960	110,085
Total assets	2,355,247	2,404,642
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,720	4,720
Accounts payable	39,857	40,050
Gift card liability	111,020	171,955
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	10,099	24,956
Accrued interest payable	31,671	13,575
Income taxes payable	12,890	0
Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations	12,577	12,247
Other accrued expenses	22,940	16,770
Total current liabilities	245,774	284,273
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,203,247	1,203,517
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	108,533	111,707
Financing obligations, less current maturities	46,848	48,843
Deferred income taxes	334,195	341,578
Other liabilities	98,470	99,545
Total liabilities	2,037,067	2,089,463
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares: 40,000,000 authorized; March 31, 2014 - 25,284,475 issued, 19,155,078 outstanding; December 31, 2013 - 25,299,315 issued, 19,040,890 outstanding	253	253
Additional paid-in-capital	274,557	274,202
Retained earnings	343,095	336,578
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-170	-164
Treasury stock, at cost; shares: March 31, 2014 - 6,129,397; December 31, 2013 - 6,258,425	-299,555	-295,690
Total stockholders’ equity	318,180	315,179
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,355,247	$2,404,642

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,284,475	25,299,315
Common stock, shares outstanding	19,155,078	19,040,890
Treasury stock, shares	6,129,397	6,258,425

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Revenues:	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$131,795	$128,329
Rental revenues	30,753	31,003
Financing revenues	4,653	3,837
Total segment revenues	167,201	163,169
Segment Expenses:	'	'
Franchise and restaurant expenses	45,678	44,476
Rental expenses	23,866	24,269
Financing expenses	585	0
Total segment expenses	70,129	68,745
Gross segment profit	97,072	94,424
General and administrative expenses	34,185	34,032
Interest expense	24,969	25,295
Amortization of intangible assets	3,071	3,071
Closure and impairment charges	200	838
Loss on extinguishment of debt	6	20
Debt modification costs	0	1,296
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	927	-318
Income before income taxes	33,714	30,190
Income tax provision	-12,890	-11,951
Net income	20,824	18,239
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-6	-4
Total comprehensive income	20,818	18,235
Net income available to common stockholders:	'	'
Net income	20,824	18,239
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	-343	-329
Net income available to common stockholders	$20,481	$17,910
Net income available to common stockholders per share:	'	'
Basic (per share)	$1.09	$0.95
Diluted (per share)	$1.08	$0.93
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	18,794	18,911
Diluted (in shares)	19,054	19,193
Dividends declared per common share	$0.75	$0.75
Dividends paid per common share	$0.75	$0.75

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$20,824	$18,239
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	8,783	8,836
Non-cash interest expense	1,642	1,503
Deferred income taxes	-10,031	-8,253
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	3,143	3,189
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	3,524	2,228
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-4,455	-966
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	927	-318
Debt modification costs	0	1,282
Other	-196	1,806
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	52,887	47,216
Current income tax receivables and payables	18,020	16,528
Other current assets	8,913	16,678
Accounts payable	775	1,659
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	-14,857	-11,482
Gift card liability	-60,936	-54,332
Other accrued expenses	23,877	27,413
Cash flows provided by operating activities	52,840	71,226
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-2,039	-1,495
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	681	0
Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables	3,415	3,810
Other	-55	68
Cash flows provided by investing activities	2,002	2,383
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,200	-1,200
Payment of debt modification costs	0	-1,282
Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations	-2,695	-2,483
Repurchase of DineEquity common stock	-15,002	0
Dividends paid on common stock	-14,293	-14,512
Repurchase of restricted stock	-1,831	-2,590
Proceeds from stock options exercised	6,623	3,018
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,455	966
Change in restricted cash	-3,692	-2,681
Cash flows used in financing activities	-27,635	-20,764
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	27,207	52,845
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	106,011	64,537
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	133,218	117,382
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Interest paid in cash	8,901	9,030
Income taxes paid in cash	$2,294	$912

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
General	'
	General
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of DineEquity, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2014.
	The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
	These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s fiscal quarters end on the Sunday closest to the last day of each quarter. For convenience, the fiscal quarters of each year are referred to as ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The first quarter of fiscal 2014 began December 30, 2013 and ended on March 30, 2014; the first quarter of fiscal 2013 began December 31, 2012 and ended on March 31, 2013.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries that are consolidated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to provisions for doubtful accounts, legal contingencies, income taxes, long-lived assets, and the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies	'
	Accounting Policies
	Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Fiscal Year
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (“ASU 2013-04”). The amendments in ASU 2013-04 require an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements as the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of the arrangement among its co-obligors plus the amount an entity expects to pay on behalf of co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature, amount and other information about each obligation or group of similar obligations. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 as of January 1, 2014 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 as of January 1, 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). The amendments in ASU 2014-08 change the criteria for the reporting of discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals resulting in a strategic shift that will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 also removes the requirement under current U.S. GAAP that an entity not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after disposal to qualify for reporting of the disposal as a discontinued operation. The Company will be required to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-08 prospectively to all disposals of components beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2015. Early adoption is permitted for any disposal transaction not previously reported.
	The Company reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements as a result of future adoption.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following components:
		31-Mar-14			December 31, 2013
		(In millions)
	Senior Secured Credit Facility, due October 2017, at a variable interest rate of 3.75% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	$	466		$	467.2
	Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%	760.8			760.8
	Discount	(18.9		)	(19.8		)
	Total long-term debt	1,207.90			1,208.20
	Less: current maturities	(4.7		)	(4.7		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,203.20		$	1,203.50
	For a description of the respective instruments, refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Debt Modification Costs
	In February 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 (“Amendment No. 2”) to the Credit Agreement under the Senior Secured Credit Facility (the “Credit Agreement”). For a description of Amendment No. 2, refer to Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Fees of $1.3 million paid to third parties in connection with Amendment No. 2 were included as “Debt modification costs” in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	Compliance with Covenants and Restrictions
	The Credit Agreement contains provisions considered customary for similar types of facilities that limit certain permitted restricted payments, including those related to dividends on and repurchases of the Company's common stock. The limitation on restricted payments under the Credit Agreement is calculated quarterly. Such restricted payments are limited to a cumulative amount comprised of (i) a general restricted payments allowance of $35.0 million, plus (ii) 50% of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for each fiscal quarter in which the consolidated leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 5.75:1; (iii) 75% of Excess Cash Flow for each fiscal quarter in which the consolidated leverage ratio is less than 5.75:1 and greater than or equal to 5.25:1; (iv) 100% of Excess Cash Flow for each fiscal quarter in which the consolidated leverage ratio is less than 5.25:1; and (v) proceeds from the exercise of stock options, less any amounts paid as dividends or to repurchase the Company's common stock. As of March 31, 2014, our permitted amount of future restricted payments under the Credit Agreement was approximately $120 million.
	The Indenture under which the Senior Notes due October 2018 (the “Senior Notes”) were issued (the “Indenture”) also contains a limitation on restricted payments that is calculated on an annual basis. Such restricted payments are limited to a cumulative amount comprised of (i) 50% of consolidated net income (as defined in the Indenture), plus (ii) proceeds from exercise of stock options, less any amounts paid as dividends or to repurchase the Company's common stock. The permitted amount of future restricted payments under the Indenture, calculated as of December 31, 2013, was approximately $112 million.
	The Company was in compliance with all the covenants and restrictions related to its Senior Secured Credit Facility and Senior Notes as of March 31, 2014.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Dividends
	In February 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved payment of a first quarter 2014 cash dividend of $0.75 per share of common stock to the stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 14, 2014. The cash dividend totaling $14.3 million was paid on March 28, 2014. Payment of dividends is subject to limitations under both the Credit Agreement and the Indenture (see Note 4 - Long-Term Debt).
	Stock Repurchase Program
	In February 2013, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization of up to $100 million of DineEquity common stock. Under this program, the Company may repurchase shares on an opportunistic basis from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements, and other considerations. The repurchase program does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 178,528 shares of common stock at a cost of $15.0 million. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has repurchased under the current authorization a cumulative total of 590,550 shares of common stock at a total cost of $44.7 million. The Company may repurchase up to an additional $55.3 million of common stock under the outstanding Board authorization. Repurchases of common stock are subject to limitations under both the Credit Agreement and the Indenture (see Note 4 - Long-Term Debt).
	Treasury Stock
	Repurchases of DineEquity common stock are included in treasury stock at the cost of shares repurchased plus any transaction costs. Treasury stock may be re-issued when stock options are exercised, when restricted stock awards are granted and when restricted stock units settle in stock upon vesting. The cost of treasury stock re-issued is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company re-issued 307,556 treasury shares at a total FIFO cost of $11.1 million.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company's effective tax rate was 38.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to 39.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The effective tax rate in 2014 was lower compared to the same period of 2013 due to the tax provision in 2013 reflecting a higher amount of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of audits from taxing authorities.
	The total gross unrecognized tax benefit as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $2.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, excluding interest, penalties and related tax benefits. The Company estimates the unrecognized tax benefit may decrease over the upcoming 12 months by an amount up to $0.9 million related to settlements with taxing authorities and the lapse of statutes of limitations. For the remaining liability, due to the uncertainties related to these tax matters, the Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate when cash settlement with a taxing authority will occur.
	As of March 31, 2014, accrued interest was $3.1 million and accrued penalties were less than $0.1 million, excluding any related income tax benefits. As of December 31, 2013, accrued interest and penalties were $2.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively, excluding any related income tax benefits. The increase of $0.2 million of accrued interest is primarily related to an increase in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of recent audits by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as a component of its income tax provision recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	The Company files federal income tax returns and the Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state or non-United States tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008. In the second quarter of 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued a Revenue Agent’s Report (“RAR”) related to its examination of the Company’s U.S federal income tax return for the tax years 2008 to 2010. The Company disagrees with a portion of the proposed assessments and has contested them through the IRS administrative appeals procedures. We anticipate the appeals process to continue into 2014. The Company believes that adequate reserves have been provided relating to all matters contained in the tax periods open to examination.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	From time to time, the Company has granted nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, cash-settled and stock-settled restricted stock units and performance units to officers, other employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Currently, the Company is authorized to grant nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, cash-settled and stock-settled restricted stock units and performance units to officers, other employees and nonemployee directors under the DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan was approved by stockholders on May 17, 2011 and permits the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The 2011 Plan will expire in May 2021.
	The nonqualified stock options generally vest ratably over a three-year period in one-third increments and have a term of ten years from the grant date. Option exercise prices equal the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are issued at no cost to the holder and vest over terms determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, generally three years from the grant date.
	The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014				2013
		(In millions)
	Total stock-based compensation expense:
	Equity classified awards expense		$	3.2			$	3.2
	Liability classified awards (credit) expense		(0.2		)		0.5
	Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense		3				3.7
	Tax benefit		(1.1		)		(1.4		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	1.9			$	2.3
	As of March 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs of $13.4 million related to restricted stock and restricted stock units and $5.8 million related to stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years for restricted stock and restricted stock units and 1.7 years for stock options.
	Equity Classified Awards - Stock Options
	The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.57	%
	Weighted average historical volatility	51.4	%
	Dividend yield	3.68	%
	Expected years until exercise	4.6
	Forfeitures	11	%
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$27.02
	Stock option balances as of March 31, 2014 and activity related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
			Shares			Weighted				Weighted Average	Aggregate
						Average				Remaining	Intrinsic
						Exercise				Contractual Term	Value
						Price				(in Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		775,059			$	42.09
	Granted		117,424			81.57
	Exercised		(221,725	)		29.87
	Forfeited		(1,889	)		72.28
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		668,869			52.99				6.7	$	17,200,000
	Vested at March 31, 2014 and Expected to Vest		634,658			51.77				6.6	$	17,000,000
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014		451,812			$	44.17			5.6	$	15,300,000
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2014 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock and the number of in-the-money options.
	Equity Classified Awards - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
	Outstanding balances as of March 31, 2014 and activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
			Restricted			Weighted			Restricted		Weighted
			Stock			Average			Stock Units		Average
						Grant Date					Grant Date
						Fair Value					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		266,252			$	58.87		47,230		$	64.57
	Granted		85,831			81.69			12,483		81.57
	Released		(54,267	)		56.35			(14,784	)	72.28
	Forfeited		(6,923	)		65.11			—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		290,893			$	65.92		44,929		$	66.61
	Liability Classified Awards - Restricted Stock Units
	The Company previously had issued shares of cash-settled restricted stock units to members of the Board of Directors. Originally these instruments were expected to be settled in cash and were recorded as liabilities based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of each period end. In February 2013, it was determined that, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, these restricted stock units would be settled in shares of common stock and all outstanding restricted stock units were converted to equity classified awards. Prior to the conversion, for the three months ended March 31, 2013, $0.3 million was included in pre-tax stock-based compensation expense for the cash-settled restricted stock units.
	Liability Classified Awards - Long-Term Incentive Awards
	The Company has granted cash long-term incentive awards (“LTIP awards”) to certain employees. Annual LTIP awards vest over a three-year period and are determined using a multiplier from 0% to 200% of the target award based on the total shareholder return of DineEquity, Inc. common stock compared to the total shareholder returns of a peer group of companies. Although LTIP awards are both denominated and paid only in cash, because the multiplier is based on the price of the Company's common stock, the awards are considered stock-based compensation in accordance with U.S. GAAP and are liability classified awards. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, a credit of $0.2 million and an expense of $0.2 million, respectively, were included in total stock-based compensation expense related to the LTIP awards. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, liabilities of $1.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, related to LTIP awards were included as accrued employee compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segments	'
	Segments
	The Company has four reporting segments: franchise operations, company restaurant operations, rental operations and financing operations.
	As of March 31, 2014, the franchise operations segment consisted of (i) 1,988 restaurants operated by Applebee’s franchisees in the United States, one U.S. territory and 14 countries outside the United States; and (ii) 1,617 restaurants operated by IHOP franchisees and area licensees in the United States, two U.S. territories and nine countries outside the United States. Franchise operations revenue consists primarily of franchise royalty revenues, sales of proprietary products to franchisees (primarily pancake and waffle dry mixes for the IHOP restaurants), IHOP franchise advertising fees and the portion of the franchise fees allocated to IHOP and Applebee's intellectual property.  Franchise operations expenses include IHOP advertising expenses, the cost of IHOP proprietary products, IHOP and Applebee's pre-opening training expenses and other franchise-related costs.
	At March 31, 2014, the company restaurant operations segment consisted of 23 Applebee’s company-operated restaurants and 10 IHOP company-operated restaurants, all of which are located in the United States. Company restaurant sales are retail sales at company-operated restaurants. Company restaurant expenses are operating expenses at company-operated restaurants and include food, labor, utilities, rent and other restaurant operating costs.
	Rental operations revenue includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Rental operations expenses are costs of operating leases and interest expense from capital leases on franchisee-operated restaurants.
	Financing operations revenue primarily consists of interest income from the financing of franchise fees and equipment leases and sales of equipment associated with refranchised IHOP restaurants. Financing expenses are primarily the cost of restaurant equipment associated with refranchised IHOP restaurants.
	Information on segments and a reconciliation to net income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		(In millions)
	Revenues (all from external customers)
	Franchise operations		$	115.5		$	111.9
	Company restaurants		16.3			16.5
	Rental operations		30.7			31
	Financing operations		4.7			3.8
	Total		$	167.2		$	163.2
	Interest expense
	Company restaurants		$	0.1		$	0.1
	Rental operations		3.9			4.1
	Corporate		25			25.3
	Total		$	29		$	29.5
	Depreciation and amortization
	Franchise operations		$	2.6		$	2.8
	Company restaurants		0.5			0.5
	Rental operations		3.4			3.4
	Corporate		2.3			2.1
	Total		$	8.8		$	8.8
	Income before income taxes
	Franchise operations		$	86.1		$	83.7
	Company restaurants		(0.0		)	0.2
	Rental operations		6.9			6.7
	Financing operations		4.1			3.8
	Corporate		(63.4		)	(64.2		)
	Total		$	33.7		$	30.2

Net_Income_per_Share

Net Income per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income per Share	'
	Net Income per Share
	The computation of the Company's basic and diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for basic and dilutive income per common share:
	Net income		$	20,824		$	18,239
	Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock		(343		)	(329		)
	Net income available to common stockholders - basic		20,481			17,910
	Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation		2			1
	Net income available to common stockholders - diluted		$	20,483		$	17,911
	Denominator:
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic		18,794			18,911
	Dilutive effect of stock options		260			282
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted		19,054			19,193
	Net income per common share:
	Basic		$	1.09		$	0.95
	Diluted		$	1.08		$	0.93

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company does not have a material amount of financial assets or liabilities that are required under U.S. GAAP to be measured on a recurring basis at fair value. The Company is not a party to any derivative financial instruments. The Company does not have a material amount of non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are required under U.S. GAAP to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company has not elected to use the fair value measurement option, as permitted under U.S. GAAP, for any assets or liabilities for which fair value measurement is not presently required.
	The Company believes the fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and the current portion of long-term debt approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.
	The fair values of non-current financial liabilities at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, determined based on Level 2 inputs, were as follows:
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
		(In millions)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,203.20	$	1,294.40	$	1,203.50	$	1,306.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation, Claims and Disputes
	The Company is subject to various lawsuits, administrative proceedings, audits, and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these lawsuits purport to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages. The Company is required under U.S. GAAP to record an accrual for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of the Company's litigation are expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred. Management regularly assesses the Company's insurance coverage, analyzes litigation information with the Company's attorneys and evaluates the Company's loss experience in connection with pending legal proceedings. While the Company does not presently believe that any of the legal proceedings to which it is currently a party will ultimately have a material adverse impact on the Company, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in all the proceedings the Company is party to, or that the Company will not incur material losses from them.
	Lease Guarantees
	In connection with the sale of Applebee’s restaurants or previous brands to franchisees and other parties, the Company has, in certain cases, guaranteed or has potential continuing liability for lease payments totaling $405.1 million as of March 31, 2014. This amount represents the maximum potential liability for future payments under these leases. These leases have been assigned to the buyers and expire at the end of the respective lease terms, which range from 2014 through 2048. In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in the sale or assignment agreements govern the Company's ability to pursue and recover damages incurred.  No material liabilities have been recorded as of March 31, 2014.
	Contingencies
	In February 2013, an IHOP franchisee and its affiliated entities which owned and operated 19 restaurants located in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result of an order issued by the bankruptcy court, two of the 19 restaurants were returned to the Company in the third quarter of 2013. A non-cash charge of $0.5 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income against deferred rental revenue associated with the leases for those two restaurants. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company received favorable rulings from the bankruptcy court which, if upheld, would allow the Company to transfer the remaining 17 restaurants to another franchisee. These rulings have been appealed by the current franchisee and are presently subject to a stay, pursuant to which the current franchisee is operating these restaurants only on a day-to-day basis and is continuing to make payments to the Company pursuant to the terms of the original franchise agreements.

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Consolidating Financial Information	'
	Consolidating Financial Information
	Certain of the Company's subsidiaries have guaranteed the Company's obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. The following presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for: (i) the parent Company, the issuer of the guaranteed obligations; (ii) the guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis, as specified in the Credit Agreement; (iii) the non-guarantor subsidiaries, on a combined basis; (iv) consolidating eliminations and reclassifications; and (v) DineEquity, Inc. and Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
	Each guarantor subsidiary is 100% owned by the Company at the date of each balance sheet presented. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each guarantor subsidiary. Each entity in the consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	March 31, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	65.8		$	66.8		$	0.6		$	—		$	133.2
	Receivables, net	3.1			96.2			0.1			(8.0		)	91.5
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	197.6			49.7			—			(199.7		)	47.7
	Deferred income taxes	(3.7		)	30.2			—			—			26.5
	Intercompany	(425.8		)	419.6			6.2			—			—
	Total current assets	(163.0		)	662.6			6.9			(207.7		)	298.9
	Long-term receivables	—			194.1			—			—			194.1
	Property and equipment, net	22.7			241.1			1			—			264.9
	Goodwill	—			697.5			—			—			697.5
	Other intangible assets, net	—			791			—			—			791
	Other assets, net	15.5			93.5			—			—			109
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,697.60			—			—			(1,697.6		)	—
	Total assets	$	1,572.80		$	2,679.80		$	8		$	(1,905.2	)	$	2,355.20
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	12.7		$	—		$	—		$	(8.0	)	$	4.7
	Accounts payable	1.3			38.6			—			—			39.9
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	5.5			4.6			—			—			10.1
	Gift card liability	—			111			—			—			111
	Other accrued expenses	28.5			251.3			(0.1		)	(199.7		)	80.1
	Total current liabilities	47.9			405.6			—			(207.7		)	245.8
	Long-term debt	1,203.20			—			—			—			1,203.20
	Financing obligations	—			46.8			—			—			46.8
	Capital lease obligations	—			108.5			—			—			108.5
	Deferred income taxes	(2.9		)	337.3			(0.3		)	—			334.2
	Other liabilities	6.1			91.5			0.9			—			98.5
	Total liabilities	1,254.40			989.8			0.6			(207.7		)	2,037.10
	Total stockholders’ equity	318.4			1,690.00			7.4			(1,697.6		)	318.2
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,572.80		$	2,679.80		$	8		$	(1,905.2	)	$	2,355.20
	(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	50.3		$	54.7		$	1		$	—		$	106
	Receivables, net	2			150			0.1			(8.0		)	144.1
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	189.2			56.1			—			(187.7		)	57.6
	Deferred income taxes	(4.1		)	28			—			—			23.9
	Intercompany	(435.2		)	429.4			5.8			—			—
	Total current assets	(197.8		)	718.1			7			(195.7		)	331.6
	Long-term receivables	—			197.2			—			—			197.2
	Property and equipment, net	23.5			249.7			1			—			274.3
	Goodwill	—			697.5			—			—			697.5
	Other intangible assets, net	—			794.1			—			—			794.1
	Other assets, net	16.2			93.9			—			—			110.1
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,697.60			—			—			(1,697.6		)	—
	Total assets	$	1,539.50		$	2,750.40		$	8		$	(1,893.3	)	$	2,404.60
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	12.7		$	—		$	—		$	(8.0	)	$	4.7
Accounts payable	1.4			38.6			—			—			40.1
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	14.5			10.4			—			—			25
Gift card liability	—			172			—			—			172
Other accrued expenses	(13.7		)	244.1			—			(187.7		)	42.6
Total current liabilities	15			465			—			(195.7		)	284.3
Long-term debt	1,203.50			—			—			—			1,203.50
Financing obligations	—			48.8			—			—			48.8
Capital lease obligations	—			111.7			—			—			111.7
Deferred income taxes	(0.3		)	342.1			(0.3		)	—			341.6
Other liabilities	5.9			92.7			0.9			—			99.5
Total liabilities	1,224.20			1,060.40			0.6			(195.7		)	2,089.50
Total stockholders’ equity	315.3			1,690.00			7.4			(1,697.6		)	315.2
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,539.50		$	2,750.40		$	8		$	(1,893.3	)	$	2,404.60
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	130.8		$	0.3		$	—		$	131.8
Rental revenues	—			30.8			—			—			30.7
Financing revenues	—			4.7			—			—			4.7
Total revenue	0.7			166.3			0.3			—			167.2
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.7			45			—			—			45.7
Rental expenses	—			23.9			—			—			23.8
Financing expenses	—			0.6			—			—			0.6
General and administrative expenses	9.2			24.9			0.1			—			34.2
Interest expense	24.6			0.4			—			—			25
Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.1			0.1			—			0.2
Loss on disposition of assets	—			0.9			—			—			0.9
Intercompany dividend	(46.8		)	—			—			46.8			—
Income before income taxes	12.9			67.5			0.1			(46.8		)	33.7
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	7.9			(20.8		)	—			—			(12.9		)
Net income	$	20.8		$	46.8		$	0.1		$	(46.8	)	$	20.8
Total comprehensive income	$	20.8		$	46.8		$	0.1		$	(46.8	)	$	20.8
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	127.3		$	0.3		$	—		$	128.3
Rental revenues	—			31			—			—			31
Financing revenues	—			3.8			—			—			3.8
Total revenue	0.7			162.1			0.3			—			163.2
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.8			43.6			—			—			44.5
Rental expenses	—			24.3			—			—			24.3
General and administrative expenses	9.2			24.5			0.3			—			34
Interest expense	25			0.3			—			—			25.3
Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.7			0.1			—			0.8
Gain on disposition of assets	—			(0.1		)	(0.3		)	—			(0.3		)
Debt modification costs	1.3			—			—			—			1.3
Intercompany dividend	(39.8		)	—			—			39.8			—
Income before income taxes	4.2			65.7			0.1			(39.8		)	30.2
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	14.1			(26.0		)	—			—			(12.0		)
Net income	$	18.2		$	39.7		$	0.1		$	(39.8	)	$	18.2
Total comprehensive income	$	18.2		$	39.7		$	0.1		$	(39.8	)	$	18.2
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(22.8	)	$	75.6		$	—		$	—		$	52.8
Investing cash flows:
Additions to property and equipment	(1.3		)	(0.7		)	—			—			(2.0		)
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			3.4			—			—			3.4
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			0.7			—			—			0.7
Other	—			(0.1		)	—			—			(0.1		)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(1.3		)	3.3			—			—			2
Financing cash flows:
Payment of debt	(1.2		)	(2.7		)	—			—			(3.9		)
Repurchase of common stock	(15.0		)	—			—			—			(15.0		)
Dividends paid on common stock	(14.3		)	—			—			—			(14.3		)
Restricted cash	—			(3.7		)	—			—			(3.7		)
Other	9.2			0.1			—			—			9.2
Intercompany transfers	60.9			(60.5		)	(0.4		)	—			—
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	39.6			(66.9		)	(0.4		)	—			(27.6		)
Net change	15.5			12.1			(0.4		)	—			27.2
Beginning cash and equivalents	50.3			54.7			1			—			106
Ending cash and equivalents	$	65.8		$	66.8		$	0.6		$	—		$	133.2
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(14.5	)	$	85.5		$	0.2		$	—		$	71.2
Investing cash flows:
Additions to property and equipment	(0.9		)	(0.6		)	—			—			(1.5		)
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			3.8			—			—			3.8
Other	—			0.1			—			—			0.1
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(0.9		)	3.3			—			—			2.4
Financing cash flows:
Payment of debt	(1.2		)	(2.5		)	—			—			(3.7		)
Payment of debt modification costs	(1.3		)	—			—			—			(1.3		)
Dividends paid on common stock	(14.5		)	—			—			—			(14.5		)
Restricted cash	—			(2.7		)	—			—			(2.7		)
Other	1.3			0.1			—			—			1.4
Intercompany transfers	74			(74.0		)	—			—			—
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	58.2			(79.0		)	—			—			(20.8		)
Net change	42.9			9.7			0.2			—			52.8
Beginning cash and equivalents	9.9			54			0.6			—			64.5
Ending cash and equivalents	$	52.8		$	63.7		$	0.9		$	—		$	117.4
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.

Accounting_Policies_Policies

Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Fiscal Year	'
	Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Fiscal Year
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (“ASU 2013-04”). The amendments in ASU 2013-04 require an entity to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements as the amount the entity agreed to pay on the basis of the arrangement among its co-obligors plus the amount an entity expects to pay on behalf of co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also requires an entity to disclose the nature, amount and other information about each obligation or group of similar obligations. The adoption of ASU 2013-04 as of January 1, 2014 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 provides guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 as of January 1, 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following components:
		31-Mar-14			December 31, 2013
		(In millions)
	Senior Secured Credit Facility, due October 2017, at a variable interest rate of 3.75% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	$	466		$	467.2
	Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%	760.8			760.8
	Discount	(18.9		)	(19.8		)
	Total long-term debt	1,207.90			1,208.20
	Less: current maturities	(4.7		)	(4.7		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,203.20		$	1,203.50

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Components of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014				2013
		(In millions)
	Total stock-based compensation expense:
	Equity classified awards expense		$	3.2			$	3.2
	Liability classified awards (credit) expense		(0.2		)		0.5
	Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense		3				3.7
	Tax benefit		(1.1		)		(1.4		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	1.9			$	2.3
Schedule of stock option valuation assumptions	'
	The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:
	Risk-free interest rate	1.57	%
	Weighted average historical volatility	51.4	%
	Dividend yield	3.68	%
	Expected years until exercise	4.6
	Forfeitures	11	%
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$27.02
Schedule of stock option activity	'
	Stock option balances as of March 31, 2014 and activity related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
			Shares			Weighted				Weighted Average	Aggregate
						Average				Remaining	Intrinsic
						Exercise				Contractual Term	Value
						Price				(in Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		775,059			$	42.09
	Granted		117,424			81.57
	Exercised		(221,725	)		29.87
	Forfeited		(1,889	)		72.28
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		668,869			52.99				6.7	$	17,200,000
	Vested at March 31, 2014 and Expected to Vest		634,658			51.77				6.6	$	17,000,000
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014		451,812			$	44.17			5.6	$	15,300,000
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity	'
	Outstanding balances as of March 31, 2014 and activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
			Restricted			Weighted			Restricted		Weighted
			Stock			Average			Stock Units		Average
						Grant Date					Grant Date
						Fair Value					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		266,252			$	58.87		47,230		$	64.57
	Granted		85,831			81.69			12,483		81.57
	Released		(54,267	)		56.35			(14,784	)	72.28
	Forfeited		(6,923	)		65.11			—		—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		290,893			$	65.92		44,929		$	66.61

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment reporting information by segment	'
	Information on segments and a reconciliation to net income before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		(In millions)
	Revenues (all from external customers)
	Franchise operations		$	115.5		$	111.9
	Company restaurants		16.3			16.5
	Rental operations		30.7			31
	Financing operations		4.7			3.8
	Total		$	167.2		$	163.2
	Interest expense
	Company restaurants		$	0.1		$	0.1
	Rental operations		3.9			4.1
	Corporate		25			25.3
	Total		$	29		$	29.5
	Depreciation and amortization
	Franchise operations		$	2.6		$	2.8
	Company restaurants		0.5			0.5
	Rental operations		3.4			3.4
	Corporate		2.3			2.1
	Total		$	8.8		$	8.8
	Income before income taxes
	Franchise operations		$	86.1		$	83.7
	Company restaurants		(0.0		)	0.2
	Rental operations		6.9			6.7
	Financing operations		4.1			3.8
	Corporate		(63.4		)	(64.2		)
	Total		$	33.7		$	30.2

Net_Income_per_Share_Tables

Net Income per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per share	'
	The computation of the Company's basic and diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for basic and dilutive income per common share:
	Net income		$	20,824		$	18,239
	Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock		(343		)	(329		)
	Net income available to common stockholders - basic		20,481			17,910
	Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation		2			1
	Net income available to common stockholders - diluted		$	20,483		$	17,911
	Denominator:
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic		18,794			18,911
	Dilutive effect of stock options		260			282
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted		19,054			19,193
	Net income per common share:
	Basic		$	1.09		$	0.95
	Diluted		$	1.08		$	0.93

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of non-current financial liabilities	'
	The fair values of non-current financial liabilities at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, determined based on Level 2 inputs, were as follows:
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
		(In millions)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,203.20	$	1,294.40	$	1,203.50	$	1,306.20

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	March 31, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	65.8		$	66.8		$	0.6		$	—		$	133.2
	Receivables, net	3.1			96.2			0.1			(8.0		)	91.5
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	197.6			49.7			—			(199.7		)	47.7
	Deferred income taxes	(3.7		)	30.2			—			—			26.5
	Intercompany	(425.8		)	419.6			6.2			—			—
	Total current assets	(163.0		)	662.6			6.9			(207.7		)	298.9
	Long-term receivables	—			194.1			—			—			194.1
	Property and equipment, net	22.7			241.1			1			—			264.9
	Goodwill	—			697.5			—			—			697.5
	Other intangible assets, net	—			791			—			—			791
	Other assets, net	15.5			93.5			—			—			109
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,697.60			—			—			(1,697.6		)	—
	Total assets	$	1,572.80		$	2,679.80		$	8		$	(1,905.2	)	$	2,355.20
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	12.7		$	—		$	—		$	(8.0	)	$	4.7
	Accounts payable	1.3			38.6			—			—			39.9
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	5.5			4.6			—			—			10.1
	Gift card liability	—			111			—			—			111
	Other accrued expenses	28.5			251.3			(0.1		)	(199.7		)	80.1
	Total current liabilities	47.9			405.6			—			(207.7		)	245.8
	Long-term debt	1,203.20			—			—			—			1,203.20
	Financing obligations	—			46.8			—			—			46.8
	Capital lease obligations	—			108.5			—			—			108.5
	Deferred income taxes	(2.9		)	337.3			(0.3		)	—			334.2
	Other liabilities	6.1			91.5			0.9			—			98.5
	Total liabilities	1,254.40			989.8			0.6			(207.7		)	2,037.10
	Total stockholders’ equity	318.4			1,690.00			7.4			(1,697.6		)	318.2
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,572.80		$	2,679.80		$	8		$	(1,905.2	)	$	2,355.20
	(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	50.3		$	54.7		$	1		$	—		$	106
	Receivables, net	2			150			0.1			(8.0		)	144.1
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	189.2			56.1			—			(187.7		)	57.6
	Deferred income taxes	(4.1		)	28			—			—			23.9
	Intercompany	(435.2		)	429.4			5.8			—			—
	Total current assets	(197.8		)	718.1			7			(195.7		)	331.6
	Long-term receivables	—			197.2			—			—			197.2
	Property and equipment, net	23.5			249.7			1			—			274.3
	Goodwill	—			697.5			—			—			697.5
	Other intangible assets, net	—			794.1			—			—			794.1
	Other assets, net	16.2			93.9			—			—			110.1
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,697.60			—			—			(1,697.6		)	—
	Total assets	$	1,539.50		$	2,750.40		$	8		$	(1,893.3	)	$	2,404.60
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	12.7		$	—		$	—		$	(8.0	)	$	4.7
	Accounts payable	1.4			38.6			—			—			40.1
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	14.5			10.4			—			—			25
Gift card liability	—			172			—			—			172
Other accrued expenses	(13.7		)	244.1			—			(187.7		)	42.6
Total current liabilities	15			465			—			(195.7		)	284.3
Long-term debt	1,203.50			—			—			—			1,203.50
Financing obligations	—			48.8			—			—			48.8
Capital lease obligations	—			111.7			—			—			111.7
Deferred income taxes	(0.3		)	342.1			(0.3		)	—			341.6
Other liabilities	5.9			92.7			0.9			—			99.5
Total liabilities	1,224.20			1,060.40			0.6			(195.7		)	2,089.50
Total stockholders’ equity	315.3			1,690.00			7.4			(1,697.6		)	315.2
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,539.50		$	2,750.40		$	8		$	(1,893.3	)	$	2,404.60
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income	'
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	130.8		$	0.3		$	—		$	131.8
	Rental revenues	—			30.8			—			—			30.7
	Financing revenues	—			4.7			—			—			4.7
	Total revenue	0.7			166.3			0.3			—			167.2
	Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.7			45			—			—			45.7
	Rental expenses	—			23.9			—			—			23.8
	Financing expenses	—			0.6			—			—			0.6
	General and administrative expenses	9.2			24.9			0.1			—			34.2
	Interest expense	24.6			0.4			—			—			25
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
	Closure and impairment charges	—			0.1			0.1			—			0.2
	Loss on disposition of assets	—			0.9			—			—			0.9
	Intercompany dividend	(46.8		)	—			—			46.8			—
	Income before income taxes	12.9			67.5			0.1			(46.8		)	33.7
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	7.9			(20.8		)	—			—			(12.9		)
	Net income	$	20.8		$	46.8		$	0.1		$	(46.8	)	$	20.8
	Total comprehensive income	$	20.8		$	46.8		$	0.1		$	(46.8	)	$	20.8
	(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	127.3		$	0.3		$	—		$	128.3
	Rental revenues	—			31			—			—			31
	Financing revenues	—			3.8			—			—			3.8
	Total revenue	0.7			162.1			0.3			—			163.2
	Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.8			43.6			—			—			44.5
	Rental expenses	—			24.3			—			—			24.3
	General and administrative expenses	9.2			24.5			0.3			—			34
	Interest expense	25			0.3			—			—			25.3
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
	Closure and impairment charges	—			0.7			0.1			—			0.8
	Gain on disposition of assets	—			(0.1		)	(0.3		)	—			(0.3		)
	Debt modification costs	1.3			—			—			—			1.3
	Intercompany dividend	(39.8		)	—			—			39.8			—
	Income before income taxes	4.2			65.7			0.1			(39.8		)	30.2
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	14.1			(26.0		)	—			—			(12.0		)
	Net income	$	18.2		$	39.7		$	0.1		$	(39.8	)	$	18.2
	Total comprehensive income	$	18.2		$	39.7		$	0.1		$	(39.8	)	$	18.2
	(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(22.8	)	$	75.6		$	—		$	—		$	52.8
	Investing cash flows:
	Additions to property and equipment	(1.3		)	(0.7		)	—			—			(2.0		)
	Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			3.4			—			—			3.4
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			0.7			—			—			0.7
	Other	—			(0.1		)	—			—			(0.1		)
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(1.3		)	3.3			—			—			2
	Financing cash flows:
	Payment of debt	(1.2		)	(2.7		)	—			—			(3.9		)
	Repurchase of common stock	(15.0		)	—			—			—			(15.0		)
	Dividends paid on common stock	(14.3		)	—			—			—			(14.3		)
	Restricted cash	—			(3.7		)	—			—			(3.7		)
	Other	9.2			0.1			—			—			9.2
	Intercompany transfers	60.9			(60.5		)	(0.4		)	—			—
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	39.6			(66.9		)	(0.4		)	—			(27.6		)
	Net change	15.5			12.1			(0.4		)	—			27.2
	Beginning cash and equivalents	50.3			54.7			1			—			106
	Ending cash and equivalents	$	65.8		$	66.8		$	0.6		$	—		$	133.2
	(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(14.5	)	$	85.5		$	0.2		$	—		$	71.2
	Investing cash flows:
	Additions to property and equipment	(0.9		)	(0.6		)	—			—			(1.5		)
	Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			3.8			—			—			3.8
	Other	—			0.1			—			—			0.1
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(0.9		)	3.3			—			—			2.4
	Financing cash flows:
	Payment of debt	(1.2		)	(2.5		)	—			—			(3.7		)
	Payment of debt modification costs	(1.3		)	—			—			—			(1.3		)
	Dividends paid on common stock	(14.5		)	—			—			—			(14.5		)
	Restricted cash	—			(2.7		)	—			—			(2.7		)
	Other	1.3			0.1			—			—			1.4
	Intercompany transfers	74			(74.0		)	—			—			—
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	58.2			(79.0		)	—			—			(20.8		)
	Net change	42.9			9.7			0.2			—			52.8
	Beginning cash and equivalents	9.9			54			0.6			—			64.5
	Ending cash and equivalents	$	52.8		$	63.7		$	0.9		$	—		$	117.4
	(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Debt

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Discount	($18,783)	($19,713)
Total Long-term Debt	1,207,967	1,208,237
Less current maturities	-4,720	-4,720
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,203,247	1,203,517
Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75%	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt interest rate (percent)	3.75%	3.75%
Senior secured credit facility due	466,000	467,200
Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt interest rate (percent)	9.50%	9.50%
Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%	$760,750	$760,750

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			Revolving Credit Facility	Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%	Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%	Maximum	First Step Down [Member]	First Step Down [Member]	First Step Down [Member]	Second Step Down [Member]	Second Step Down [Member]
						Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility	Maximum	Minimum	Revolving Credit Facility	Minimum
								Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility		Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	$0	$1,282,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenant, General Restricted Payment Allowance	'	'	35,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of Excess Cash Flow Required For Mandatory Prepayment, Annual Mininum	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	75.00%	'	'	100.00%	'
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	'	'	'	'	'	5.75	'	5.75	5.25	'	5.25
Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Restricted Future Payments	'	'	$120,000,000	'	$112,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of Consolidated Net Income Used to Calculated Restricted Payments, Annual Mininum	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared per common share	$0.75	'	$0.75	$0.75
Payments of Dividends	'	'	$14,293,000	$14,512,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	100,000,000	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	'	'	178,528	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	'	'	15,000,000	'
Cumulative Amount of Shares Repurchased	'	'	590,550	'
Cumulative Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	'	'	44,700,000	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	'	'	55,300,000	'
Treasury Stock Reissued (shares)	'	'	307,556	'
Treasury Stock Reissued	'	'	$11,100,000	'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate (percent)	38.20%	39.60%	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefit	$2.80	'	$2.70
Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Estimated in the Next Twelve Months	0.9	'	'
Accrued interest on income taxes	3.1	'	2.9
Accrued penalties on income taxes	0.1	'	0.1
Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$0.20	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

17-May-11

Stock Options

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

LTIP

Board of Directors

2011 Plan

Minimum

Maximum

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation, number of shares authorized (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

Total compensation cost not yet recognized

'

'

'

$5,800,000

$13,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'1 year 8 months 6 days

'1 year 9 months 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense

3,000,000

3,700,000

'

'

'

-200,000

200,000

'

'

'

300,000

'

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

$10,099,000

'

$24,956,000

'

'

$1,400,000

'

$2,800,000

'

'

'

'

Award vesting period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Multiplier for target award based on total shareholder return on common stock (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

200.00%

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Compon

Stock-Based Compensation (Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation, equity classified awards	$3.20	$3.20
Stock-based compensation, liability classified awards	-0.2	0.5
Pre-tax compensation expense	3	3.7
Tax provision	-1.1	-1.4
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$1.90	$2.30

StockBased_Compensation_Option

Stock-Based Compensation (Options Value Assumptions) (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Risk-free interest rate (percent)	1.57%
Weighted average historical volatility (percent)	51.40%
Dividend yield (percent)	3.68%
Expected years until exercise (years)	'4 years 7 months 7 days
Forfeitures (percent)	11.00%
Weighted average fair value of options granted (per share)	$27.02

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'
Options, outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	775,059
Options, granted (in shares)	117,424
Options, exercised (in shares)	-221,725
Options, forfeited (in shares)	-1,889
Options, outstanding, end of period (in shares)	668,869
Options, vested and expected to vest (in shares)	634,658
Options, exercisable (in shares)	451,812
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'
Weighted average exercise price, beginning of period (per share)	$42.09
Weighted average exercise price, granted (per share)	$81.57
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (per share)	$29.87
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited (per share)	$72.28
Weighted average exercise price, end of period (per share)	$52.99
Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest (per share)	$51.77
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (per share)	$44.17
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'6 years 8 months 26 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest (in years)	'6 years 7 months 2 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable (in years)	'5 years 6 months 27 days
Options, outstanding, intrinsic value	$17,200
Options, vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value	17,000
Options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable	$15,300

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'
Restricted stock, beginning of period (in shares)	266,252
Restricted stock, granted (in shares)	85,831
Restricted stock, released (in shares)	-54,267
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares)	-6,923
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares)	290,893
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance (per share)	$58.87
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (per share)	$81.69
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released (per share)	$56.35
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (per share)	$65.11
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (per share)	$65.92
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'
Restricted stock, beginning of period (in shares)	47,230
Restricted stock, granted (in shares)	12,483
Restricted stock, released (in shares)	-14,784
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares)	0
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares)	44,929
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance (per share)	$64.57
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (per share)	$81.57
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released (per share)	$72.28
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (per share)	$0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (per share)	$66.61

Segments_Narrative_Details

Segments - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	segment
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of segments (segment)	4
Applebee's	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Territories in which entity operates (territory)	1
Number of Countries in which entity operates (country)	14
IHOP	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Territories in which entity operates (territory)	2
Number of Countries in which entity operates (country)	9
Franchised Units | Applebee's	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Restaurants (restaurant)	1,988
Franchised Units | IHOP	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Restaurants (restaurant)	1,617
Company Operated | Applebee's	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Restaurants (restaurant)	23
Company Operated | IHOP	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Restaurants (restaurant)	10

Segments_Schedule_of_Segment_R

Segments (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Rental revenues	$30,753,000	$31,003,000
Financing revenues	4,653,000	3,837,000
Total segment revenues	167,201,000	163,169,000
Interest expense	24,969,000	25,295,000
Depreciation and amortization	8,783,000	8,836,000
Income before income taxes	33,714,000	30,190,000
Corporate and Other	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Interest expense	29,000,000	29,500,000
Franchise Operations	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Franchise revenues	115,500,000	111,900,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,600,000	2,800,000
Income before income taxes	86,100,000	83,700,000
Company Restaurants	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Company restaurant sale revenue	16,300,000	16,500,000
Interest expense	100,000	100,000
Depreciation and amortization	500,000	500,000
Income before income taxes	0	200,000
Rental Operations	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Rental revenues	30,700,000	31,000,000
Interest expense	3,900,000	4,100,000
Depreciation and amortization	3,400,000	3,400,000
Income before income taxes	6,900,000	6,700,000
Financing Operations	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Financing revenues	4,700,000	3,800,000
Income before income taxes	4,100,000	3,800,000
Corporate	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Interest expense	25,000,000	25,300,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,300,000	2,100,000
Income before income taxes	($63,400,000)	($64,200,000)

Net_Income_per_Share_Computati

Net Income per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$20,824	$18,239
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	-343	-329
Net income available to common stockholders	20,481	17,910
Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation	2	1
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$20,483	$17,911
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic (in shares)	18,794	18,911
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	260	282
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted (in shares)	19,054	19,193
Net income per common share - basic (per share)	$1.09	$0.95
Net income per common share -diluted (per share)	$1.08	$0.93

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Non-Current Financial Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$1,203,247	$1,203,517
Fair Value | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$1,294,400	$1,306,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Restaurant	Restaurant
IHOP | Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of franchised restaurants, filed for bankruptcy protection (restraurant)	19	'	'
Number of restaurants filed for bankruptcy protection likely returned to the company (restraurant)	'	2	'
Noncash charge to deferred rental revenue	'	'	$0.50
Number of Franchised Restaurants Filed For Bankruptcy Protection Still Operated by Franchisee Under Franchise Agreement	17	'	'
Applebee's | Property Lease Guarantee	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Potential liability for guaranteed leases	'	405.1	'

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information (Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Guarantor subsidiary ownership interest (percent)	100.00%	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$133,218	$106,011	$117,382	$64,537
Receivables, net	91,493	144,137	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	47,651	57,581	'	'
Deferred income taxes	26,501	23,853	'	'
Intercompany	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	298,863	331,582	'	'
Long-term receivables	194,066	197,153	'	'
Property and equipment, net	264,855	274,295	'	'
Goodwill	697,470	697,470	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	791,033	794,057	'	'
Other assets, net	108,960	110,085	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Total assets	2,355,247	2,404,642	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,720	4,720	'	'
Accounts payable	39,857	40,050	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	10,099	24,956	'	'
Gift card liability	111,020	171,955	'	'
Other accrued expenses	80,078	42,592	'	'
Total current liabilities	245,774	284,273	'	'
Long-term debt	1,203,247	1,203,517	'	'
Financing obligations	46,848	48,843	'	'
Capital lease obligations	108,533	111,707	'	'
Deferred income taxes	334,195	341,578	'	'
Other liabilities	98,470	99,545	'	'
Total liabilities	2,037,067	2,089,463	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	318,180	315,179	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,355,247	2,404,642	'	'
Parent	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	65,800	50,300	52,800	9,900
Receivables, net	3,100	2,000	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	197,600	189,200	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-3,700	-4,100	'	'
Intercompany	-425,800	-435,200	'	'
Total current assets	-163,000	-197,800	'	'
Long-term receivables	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, net	22,700	23,500	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets, net	15,500	16,200	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	1,697,600	1,697,600	'	'
Total assets	1,572,800	1,539,500	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,700	12,700	'	'
Accounts payable	1,300	1,400	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	5,500	14,500	'	'
Gift card liability	0	0	'	'
Other accrued expenses	28,500	-13,700	'	'
Total current liabilities	47,900	15,000	'	'
Long-term debt	1,203,200	1,203,500	'	'
Financing obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-2,900	-300	'	'
Other liabilities	6,100	5,900	'	'
Total liabilities	1,254,400	1,224,200	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	318,400	315,300	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,572,800	1,539,500	'	'
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	66,800	54,700	63,700	54,000
Receivables, net	96,200	150,000	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,700	56,100	'	'
Deferred income taxes	30,200	28,000	'	'
Intercompany	419,600	429,400	'	'
Total current assets	662,600	718,100	'	'
Long-term receivables	194,100	197,200	'	'
Property and equipment, net	241,100	249,700	'	'
Goodwill	697,500	697,500	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	791,000	794,100	'	'
Other assets, net	93,500	93,900	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Total assets	2,679,800	2,750,400	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	38,600	38,600	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	4,600	10,400	'	'
Gift card liability	111,000	172,000	'	'
Other accrued expenses	251,300	244,100	'	'
Total current liabilities	405,600	465,000	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Financing obligations	46,800	48,800	'	'
Capital lease obligations	108,500	111,700	'	'
Deferred income taxes	337,300	342,100	'	'
Other liabilities	91,500	92,700	'	'
Total liabilities	989,800	1,060,400	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	1,690,000	1,690,000	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,679,800	2,750,400	'	'
Combined Non-guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	600	1,000	900	600
Receivables, net	100	100	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany	6,200	5,800	'	'
Total current assets	6,900	7,000	'	'
Long-term receivables	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, net	1,000	1,000	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Total assets	8,000	8,000	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	0	0	'	'
Gift card liability	0	0	'	'
Other accrued expenses	-100	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Financing obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-300	-300	'	'
Other liabilities	900	900	'	'
Total liabilities	600	600	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	7,400	7,400	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	8,000	8,000	'	'
Eliminations and Reclassification	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Receivables, net	-8,000	-8,000	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-199,700	-187,700	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	-207,700	-195,700	'	'
Long-term receivables	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-1,697,600	-1,697,600	'	'
Total assets	-1,905,200	-1,893,300	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	-8,000	-8,000	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	0	0	'	'
Gift card liability	0	0	'	'
Other accrued expenses	-199,700	-187,700	'	'
Total current liabilities	-207,700	-195,700	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Financing obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Other liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-207,700	-195,700	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	-1,697,600	-1,697,600	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($1,905,200)	($1,893,300)	'	'

Consolidating_Financial_Inform3

Consolidating Financial Information (Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$131,795	$128,329
Rental revenues	30,753	31,003
Financing revenues	4,653	3,837
Total segment revenues	167,201	163,169
Franchise and restaurant expenses	45,678	44,476
Rental expenses	23,866	24,269
Financing expenses	585	0
General and administrative expenses	34,185	34,032
Interest expense	24,969	25,295
Amortization of intangible assets	3,071	3,071
Closure and impairment charges	200	838
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	927	-318
Loss on extinguishment of debt	6	20
Debt modification costs	0	1,296
Intercompany dividend	0	0
Income before income taxes	33,714	30,190
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-12,890	-11,951
Net income	20,824	18,239
Total comprehensive income	20,818	18,235
Parent	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	700	700
Rental revenues	0	0
Financing revenues	0	0
Total segment revenues	700	700
Franchise and restaurant expenses	700	800
Rental expenses	0	0
Financing expenses	0	'
General and administrative expenses	9,200	9,200
Interest expense	24,600	25,000
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Closure and impairment charges	0	0
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	0	0
Debt modification costs	'	1,300
Intercompany dividend	-46,800	-39,800
Income before income taxes	12,900	4,200
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	7,900	-14,100
Net income	20,800	18,200
Total comprehensive income	20,800	18,200
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	130,800	127,300
Rental revenues	30,800	31,000
Financing revenues	4,700	3,800
Total segment revenues	166,300	162,100
Franchise and restaurant expenses	45,000	43,600
Rental expenses	23,900	24,300
Financing expenses	600	'
General and administrative expenses	24,900	24,500
Interest expense	400	300
Amortization of intangible assets	3,100	3,100
Closure and impairment charges	100	700
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	900	-100
Debt modification costs	'	0
Intercompany dividend	0	0
Income before income taxes	67,500	65,700
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-20,800	26,000
Net income	46,800	39,700
Total comprehensive income	46,800	39,700
Combined Non-guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	300	300
Rental revenues	0	0
Financing revenues	0	0
Total segment revenues	300	300
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0	0
Rental expenses	0	0
Financing expenses	0	'
General and administrative expenses	100	300
Interest expense	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Closure and impairment charges	100	100
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	0	-300
Debt modification costs	'	0
Intercompany dividend	0	0
Income before income taxes	100	100
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	0
Net income	100	100
Total comprehensive income	100	100
Eliminations and Reclassification	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	0	0
Rental revenues	0	0
Financing revenues	0	0
Total segment revenues	0	0
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0	0
Rental expenses	0	0
Financing expenses	0	'
General and administrative expenses	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Closure and impairment charges	0	0
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	0	0
Debt modification costs	'	0
Intercompany dividend	46,800	39,800
Income before income taxes	-46,800	-39,800
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	0
Net income	-46,800	-39,800
Total comprehensive income	($46,800)	($39,800)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform4

Consolidating Financial Information (Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$52,840	$71,226
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-2,039	-1,495
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	3,415	3,810
Proceeds from sale of assets	681	0
Other	-55	68
Cash flows provided by investing activities	2,002	2,383
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	-3,895	-3,683
Payment of debt modification costs	0	-1,282
Repurchase of common stock	-15,002	0
Dividends paid on common stock	-14,293	-14,512
Restricted cash	-3,692	-2,681
Other	9,247	1,394
Intercompany transfers	0	0
Cash flows used in financing activities	-27,635	-20,764
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	27,207	52,845
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	106,011	64,537
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	133,218	117,382
Parent	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-22,800	-14,500
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-1,300	-900
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	'
Other	0	0
Cash flows provided by investing activities	-1,300	-900
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	-1,200	-1,200
Payment of debt modification costs	'	-1,300
Repurchase of common stock	-15,000	'
Dividends paid on common stock	-14,300	-14,500
Restricted cash	0	0
Other	9,200	1,300
Intercompany transfers	60,900	74,000
Cash flows used in financing activities	39,600	58,200
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	15,500	42,900
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	50,300	9,900
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	65,800	52,800
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	75,600	85,500
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-700	-600
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	3,400	3,800
Proceeds from sale of assets	700	'
Other	-100	100
Cash flows provided by investing activities	3,300	3,300
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	-2,700	-2,500
Payment of debt modification costs	'	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	'
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Restricted cash	-3,700	-2,700
Other	100	100
Intercompany transfers	-60,500	-74,000
Cash flows used in financing activities	-66,900	-79,000
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	12,100	9,700
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54,700	54,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	66,800	63,700
Combined Non-guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	0	200
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	0	0
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	'
Other	0	0
Cash flows provided by investing activities	0	0
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	0	0
Payment of debt modification costs	'	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	'
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Other	0	0
Intercompany transfers	-400	0
Cash flows used in financing activities	-400	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-400	200
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,000	600
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	600	900
Eliminations and Reclassification	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	0	0
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	'
Other	0	0
Cash flows provided by investing activities	0	0
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	0	0
Payment of debt modification costs	'	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	'
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Other	0	0
Intercompany transfers	0	0
Cash flows used in financing activities	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$0	$0