Dine Brands Global (DIN) 10-Q 28 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 24, 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	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	18,954,883

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$132,859	$106,011
Receivables, net	91,292	144,137
Prepaid gift cards	41,125	49,223
Prepaid income taxes	0	4,708
Deferred income taxes	32,517	23,853
Other current assets	10,788	3,650
Total current assets	308,581	331,582
Long-term receivables, net	186,079	197,153
Property and equipment, net	252,673	274,295
Goodwill	697,470	697,470
Other intangible assets, net	785,078	794,057
Other assets, net	112,877	110,085
Total assets	2,342,758	2,404,642
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,720	4,720
Accounts payable	35,244	40,050
Gift card liability	100,688	171,955
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	17,282	24,956
Accrued interest payable	31,618	13,575
Income taxes payable	14,829	0
Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations	13,215	12,247
Other accrued expenses	34,669	16,770
Total current liabilities	252,265	284,273
Long-term debt, net (less current maturities)	1,202,759	1,203,517
Capital lease obligations (less current maturities)	101,832	111,707
Financing obligations (less current maturities)	42,565	48,843
Deferred income taxes	328,267	341,578
Other liabilities	97,695	99,545
Total liabilities	2,025,383	2,089,463
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares: 40,000,000 authorized; September 30, 2014 - 25,251,933 issued, 18,957,602 outstanding; December 31, 2013 - 25,299,315 issued, 19,040,890 outstanding	253	253
Additional paid-in-capital	278,213	274,202
Retained earnings	352,685	336,578
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-65	-164
Treasury stock, at cost; shares: September 30, 2014 - 6,294,331; December 31, 2013 - 6,258,425	-313,711	-295,690
Total stockholders’ equity	317,375	315,179
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,342,758	$2,404,642

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	25,251,933	25,299,315
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,957,602	19,040,890
Treasury stock, shares	6,294,331	6,258,425

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$129,334	$127,137	$387,573	$379,619
Rental revenues	30,761	30,990	92,223	92,724
Financing revenues	2,758	3,156	10,779	10,223
Total segment revenues	162,853	161,283	490,575	482,566
Segment Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant expenses	47,570	44,091	135,403	130,875
Rental expenses	23,654	24,149	71,173	72,953
Financing expenses	0	0	825	245
Total segment expenses	71,224	68,240	207,401	204,073
Gross segment profit	91,629	93,043	283,174	278,493
General and administrative expenses	33,835	35,331	102,836	105,004
Interest expense	24,984	24,979	74,895	75,230
Amortization of intangible assets	3,071	3,072	9,212	9,212
Closure and impairment charges, net	192	-392	1,029	770
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1	0	13	36
Debt modification costs	0	0	0	1,296
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	-205	-72	592	-326
Income before income tax provision	29,751	30,125	94,597	87,271
Income tax provision	-10,864	-11,395	-35,719	-33,365
Net income	18,887	18,730	58,878	53,906
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Adjustment to unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments	0	0	107	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-9	3	-8	-5
Total comprehensive income	18,878	18,733	58,977	53,901
Net income available to common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Net income	18,887	18,730	58,878	53,906
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	-279	-296	-927	-925
Net income available to common stockholders	$18,608	$18,434	$57,951	$52,981
Net income available to common stockholders per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (per share)	$0.99	$0.98	$3.09	$2.80
Diluted (per share)	$0.99	$0.97	$3.06	$2.76
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	18,703	18,831	18,757	18,898
Diluted (in shares)	18,890	19,085	18,964	19,166
Dividends declared per common share	$0.75	$0.75	$2.25	$2.25
Dividends paid per common share	$0.75	$0.75	$2.25	$2.25

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$58,878	$53,906
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	26,237	26,516
Non-cash interest expense	5,021	4,635
Deferred income taxes	-21,947	-16,007
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	7,432	7,081
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	4,008	3,001
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-4,635	-1,985
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	592	-326
Debt modification costs	0	1,296
Other	-1,155	697
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables, net	54,237	41,698
Current income tax receivables and payables	19,975	7,232
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,909	16,054
Accounts payable	-5,657	2,650
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	-7,674	-4,372
Gift card liability	-71,268	-68,493
Other accrued expenses	32,474	29,231
Cash flows provided by operating activities	102,427	102,814
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-5,530	-4,547
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	681	0
Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables	10,252	10,254
Other	1	282
Cash flows provided by investing activities	5,404	5,989
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-3,600	-2,400
Payment of debt modification costs	0	-1,296
Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations	-8,484	-7,515
Repurchase of DineEquity common stock	-30,006	-24,663
Dividends paid on common stock	-42,733	-43,170
Repurchase of restricted stock	-2,931	-3,209
Proceeds from stock options exercised	7,392	5,585
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,635	1,985
Change in restricted cash	-4,948	-3,122
Other	-308	0
Cash flows used in financing activities	-80,983	-77,805
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	26,848	30,998
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	106,011	64,537
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	132,859	95,535
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Interest paid in cash	62,369	58,751
Income taxes paid in cash	$34,372	$39,084

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 second and third quarters of fiscal 2014 ended on June 29, 2014 and September 28, 2014, respectively. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 began December 31, 2012 and ended on March 31, 2013; the second and third quarters of fiscal 2013 ended on June 30, 2013 and September 29, 2013, respectively.
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. The Company will be required to apply the provisions of ASU 2014-09 beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2017, either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption; early adoption is not permitted.
	The guidance in ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all of the existing general revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP as well as most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance, including guidance with respect to revenue recognition by franchisors. The Company believes the recognition of the majority of its revenues, including franchise royalty revenues, sales of IHOP pancake and waffle dry mix and retail sales at company-operated restaurants will not be affected by ASU 2014-09. Additionally, lease rental revenues are not within the scope of ASU 2014-09 guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and related disclosures and which method of adoption will be used.
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following components:
		30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013
		(In millions)
	Senior Secured Credit Facility, due October 2017, at a variable interest rate of 3.75% as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	$	463.6		$	467.2
	Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%	760.8			760.8
	Discount	(16.9		)	(19.8		)
	Total long-term debt	1,207.50			1,208.20
	Less: current maturities	(4.7		)	(4.7		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,202.80		$	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 nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Subsequent Events
	See Note 13, Subsequent Events, as to events occurring after September 28, 2014 that impact the Company's long-term debt.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Dividends
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared and paid quarterly dividends as follows:
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	Declaration date	Payment date	Dividend per share		Total(1)
						(In millions)
	First quarter	25-Feb-14	28-Mar-14	$	0.75	$	14.3
	Second quarter	28-May-14	27-Jun-14	0.75		14.3
	Third quarter	4-Aug-14	26-Sep-14	0.75		14.2
	Total			$	2.25	$	42.8
	__________________________________
	(1) Includes dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units
	See Note 13, Subsequent Events, regarding declaration of a fourth quarter 2014 dividend.
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 367,256 shares of common stock at a cost of $30.0 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Company has repurchased a cumulative total of 779,278 shares of common stock under the current Board authorization at a total cost of $59.7 million. The Company may repurchase up to an additional $40.3 million of common stock under the current Board authorization.
	See Note 13, Subsequent Events, regarding modification of the stock repurchase authorization.
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company re-issued 331,350 treasury shares at a total FIFO cost of $12.0 million.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company's effective tax rate was 37.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to 38.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The effective tax rate in 2014 was slightly lower primarily due to favorable 2013 state tax return-to-provision adjustments.
	The total gross unrecognized tax benefit as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $3.1 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 $0.7 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 September 30, 2014, accrued interest was $3.7 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 $0.8 million in 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 through the end of 2014. The Company continues to believe that adequate reserves have been provided relating to all matters contained in the tax periods open to examination.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
		(In millions)
	Total stock-based compensation expense:
	Equity classified awards expense	$	1.9		$	1.2		$	7.5			$	7.1
	Liability classified awards expense (credit)	0.7			(0.8		)	1.2				(0.9		)
	Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	2.6			0.4			8.7				6.2
	Tax benefit	(1.0		)	(0.2		)	(3.3		)		(2.4		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	1.6		$	0.2		$	5.4			$	3.8
	As of September 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs of $10.2 million related to restricted stock and restricted stock units and $4.0 million related to stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.57 years for restricted stock and restricted stock units and 1.47 years for stock options.
	Equity Classified Awards - Stock Options
	The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 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	51.1	%
	Dividend yield	3.68	%
	Expected years until exercise	4.6
	Forfeitures	11	%
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$26.87
	Stock option balances as of September 30, 2014 and activity related to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
			Shares		Weighted			Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Average			Remaining		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Contractual Term		Value (in Millions)
					Price			(in Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		775,059		$	42.09
	Granted		120,932		81.53
	Exercised		(236,692	)	31.23
	Forfeited		(14,804	)	68.01
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		644,495		52.88			6.2		$18.20
	Vested at September 30, 2014 and Expected to Vest		618,897		51.88			6.1		$18.10
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014		454,011		$	43.92		5.1		$16.90
	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 third 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 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		94,658		81.52			13,879			81.65
	Released		(85,981	)	52.83			(19,487	)		70.82
	Forfeited		(29,397	)	66.52			—			—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		245,532		$	68.88		41,622			$	66.92
	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 nine months ended September 30, 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 recorded as liabilities based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as of each period end. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, an expense of $0.7 million and a credit of $0.8 million, respectively, were included in total stock-based compensation expense related to the LTIP awards. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, an expense of $1.2 million and a credit of $1.2 million, respectively, were included in total stock-based compensation expense related to the LTIP awards. At both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, liabilities of $2.8 million related to LTIP awards were included as accrued employee compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segments	'
	Segments
	The Company has four reporting segments: franchise operations, company restaurant operations, rental operations and financing operations.
	As of September 30, 2014, the franchise operations segment consisted of (i) 1,986 restaurants operated by Applebee’s franchisees in the United States, two U.S. territories and 14 countries outside the United States; and (ii) 1,634 restaurants operated by IHOP franchisees and area licensees in the United States, two U.S. territories and eight 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 September 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In millions)
	Revenues (all from external customers)
	Franchise operations	$	114.3		$	111.7		$	340.6		$	331.6
	Company restaurants	15			15.4			47			48.1
	Rental operations	30.8			31			92.2			92.7
	Financing operations	2.8			3.2			10.8			10.2
	Total	$	162.9		$	161.3		$	490.6		$	482.6
	Interest expense
	Company restaurants	$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.3		$	0.3
	Rental operations	3.6			3.8			11.2			12
	Corporate	25			25			74.9			75.2
	Total	$	28.7		$	28.9		$	86.4		$	87.5
	Depreciation and amortization
	Franchise operations	$	2.6		$	2.7		$	7.8		$	8.1
	Company restaurants	0.5			0.5			1.6			1.6
	Rental operations	3.3			3.3			9.9			10.1
	Corporate	2.3			2.4			6.9			6.7
	Total	$	8.7		$	8.9		$	26.2		$	26.5
	Income before income tax provision
	Franchise operations	$	82.1		$	83.3		$	252.3		$	248.8
	Company restaurants	(0.3		)	(0.3		)	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
	Rental operations	7.1			6.8			21.1			19.8
	Financing operations	2.8			3.2			10			10
	Corporate	(61.9		)	(62.9		)	(188.6		)	(191.2		)
	Total	$	29.8		$	30.1		$	94.6		$	87.3

Net_Income_per_Share

Net Income per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for basic and dilutive income per common share:
	Net income	$	18,887		$	18,730		$	58,878		$	53,906
	Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(279		)	(296		)	(927		)	(925		)
	Net income available to common stockholders - basic	18,608			18,434			57,951			52,981
	Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation	1			1			3			3
	Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$	18,609		$	18,435		$	57,954		$	52,984
	Denominator:
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic	18,703			18,831			18,757			18,898
	Dilutive effect of stock options	187			254			207			268
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted	18,890			19,085			18,964			19,166
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.99		$	0.98		$	3.09		$	2.8
	Diluted	$	0.99		$	0.97		$	3.06		$	2.76

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, determined based on Level 2 inputs, were as follows:
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
		(In millions)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,202.80	$	1,275.70	$	1,203.50	$	1,306.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $383.0 million as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2014.

Consolidating_Financial_Inform

Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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.
	See Note 13, Subsequent Events, regarding refinancing of the Company's indebtedness.
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	September 30, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	80.2		$	52.3		$	0.3					$	132.9
	Receivables, net	4			115.1			0.2			(28.0		)	91.3
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	213.8			52.7			—			(214.6		)	51.9
	Deferred income taxes	(2.2		)	34.7			—			—			32.5
	Intercompany	(469.0		)	462.6			6.4						—
	Total current assets	(173.2		)	717.4			7			(242.6		)	308.6
	Long-term receivables	—			186.1			—			—			186.1
	Property and equipment, net	21.6			230			1			—			252.7
	Goodwill	—			697.5			—			—			697.5
	Other intangible assets, net	—			785.1			—			—			785.1
	Other assets, net	19.1			93.8			—			—			112.9
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,719.60			—			—			(1,719.6		)	—
	Total assets	$	1,587.00		$	2,709.90		$	8		$	(1,962.2	)	$	2,342.80
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	32.7		$	—		$	—		$	(28.0	)	$	4.7
	Accounts payable	3.5			31.8			—						35.2
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	11.4			5.9			—						17.3
	Gift card liability	—			100.7			—						100.7
	Other accrued expenses	16.9			292.2			(0.2		)	(214.6		)	94.3
	Total current liabilities	64.5			430.6			(0.2		)	(242.6		)	252.3
	Long-term debt	1,202.80			—			—						1,202.80
	Financing obligations	—			42.6			—						42.6
	Capital lease obligations	—			101.8			—			—			101.8
	Deferred income taxes	(3.9		)	332.5			(0.4		)				328.3
	Other liabilities	6.2			90.3			1.2						97.7
	Total liabilities	1,269.60			997.8			0.6			(242.6		)	2,025.40
	Total stockholders’ equity	317.5			1,712.10			7.4			(1,719.6		)	317.4
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,587.00		$	2,709.90		$	8		$	(1,962.2	)	$	2,342.80
	(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 September 30, 2014
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	128.1		$	0.5		$	—		$	129.3
Rental revenues	—			30.8			—			—			30.8
Financing revenues	—			2.8			—			—			2.8
Total revenue	0.7			161.6			0.5			—			162.9
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.7			46.9			—			—			47.6
Rental expenses	—			23.7			—			—			23.7
Financing expenses	—			—			—			—			—
General and administrative expenses	10.3			23.5			0.1			—			33.8
Interest expense	24.7			0.3			—			—			25
Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.1			0.1			—			0.2
Gain on disposition of assets	—			(0.2		)	—			—			(0.2		)
Intercompany dividend	(44.6		)	—			—			44.6			—
Income before income taxes	9.7			64.3			0.4			(44.6		)	29.8
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	9.2			(20.1		)	—			—			(10.9		)
Net income	$	18.9		$	44.2		$	0.4		$	(44.6	)	$	18.9
Total comprehensive income	$	18.9		$	44.2		$	0.4		$	(44.6	)	$	18.9
(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 September 30, 2013
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	126.1		$	0.4		$	—		$	127.1
Rental revenues	—			31			—			—			31
Financing revenues	—			3.2			—			—			3.2
Total revenue	0.7			160.2			0.4			—			161.3
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.6			43.5			—			—			44.1
Rental expenses	—			24.1			0			—			24.2
Financing expenses	—			—			—			—			—
General and administrative expenses	9			26			0.3			—			35.3
Interest expense	24.6			0.3			—			—			25
Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
Closure and impairment charges, net	—			(0.5		)	0.1			—			(0.4		)
Loss on disposition of assets	—			0.1			(0.2		)	—			(0.1		)
Intercompany dividend	(39.2		)	—			—			39.2			—
Income before income taxes	5.6			63.5			0.2			(39.2		)	30.1
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	13.1			(24.5		)	—			—			(11.4		)
Net income	$	18.7		$	39		$	0.2		$	(39.2	)	$	18.7
Total comprehensive income	$	18.7		$	39		$	0.2		$	(39.2	)	$	18.7
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	2.1		$	384.3		$	1.1		$	—		$	387.6
Rental revenues	—			92.2			—			—			92.2
Financing revenues	—			10.8			—			—			10.8
Total revenue	2.1			487.3			1.1			—			490.6
Franchise and restaurant expenses	2			133.4			—			—			135.4
Rental expenses	—			71.1			—			—			71.1
Financing expenses	—			0.8			—			—			0.8
General and administrative expenses	29.3			73.3			0.2			—			102.8
Interest expense	73.9			1			—			—			74.9
Amortization of intangible assets	—			9.2			—			—			9.2
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.3			0.7			—			1
Loss on disposition of assets	—			0.6			—			—			0.6
Intercompany dividend	(136.9		)	—			—			136.9			—
Income before income taxes	33.7			197.6			0.1			(136.9		)	94.6
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	25.2			(60.9		)	—			—			(35.7		)
Net income	$	58.9		$	136.7		$	0.1		$	(136.9	)	$	58.9
Total comprehensive income	$	58.9		$	136.8		$	0.1		$	(136.9	)	$	59
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	2.1		$	376.5		$	1		$	—		$	379.6
Rental revenues	—			92.7			—			—			92.7
Financing revenues	—			10.2			—			—			10.2
Total revenue	2.1			479.4			1			—			482.6
Franchise and restaurant expenses	2.1			128.8			—			—			130.9
Rental expenses	—			72.9			—			—			72.9
Financing expenses	—			0.2			—			—			0.2
General and administrative expenses	27.7			76.3			0.9			—			105
Interest expense	74.2			1			—			—			75.2
Amortization of intangible assets	—			9.2			—			—			9.2
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.5			0.2			—			0.8
Gain on disposition of assets	—			0.4			(0.7		)	—			(0.3		)
Debt modification costs	1.3			—			—			—			1.3
Intercompany dividend	(116.6		)	—			—			116.6			—
Income before income taxes	13.4			190			0.5			(116.6		)	87.3
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	40.5			(73.9		)	—			—			(33.4		)
Net income	$	53.9		$	116.1		$	0.5		$	(116.6	)	$	53.9
Total comprehensive income	$	53.9		$	116.1		$	0.5		$	(116.6	)	$	53.9
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(78.1	)	$	180.6		$	(0.1	)	$	—		$	102.4
Investing cash flows:
Additions to property and equipment	(3.4		)	(2.1		)	—			—			(5.5		)
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			10.3			—			—			10.3
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			0.7			—			—			0.7
Other	—			—			—			—			—
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(3.4		)	8.8			—			—			5.4
Financing cash flows:
Payment of debt	(3.6		)	(8.5		)	—			—			(12.1		)
Repurchase of common stock	(30.0		)	—			—			—			(30.0		)
Dividends paid on common stock	(42.7		)	—			—			—			(42.7		)
Restricted cash	—			(4.9		)	—			—			(4.9		)
Other	8.6			0.2			—			—			8.8
Intercompany transfers	179.2			(178.6		)	(0.6		)	—			—
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	111.5			(191.8		)	(0.6		)	—			(81.0		)
Net change	29.9			(2.4		)	(0.7		)	—			26.8
Beginning cash and equivalents	50.3			54.7			1			—			106
Ending cash and equivalents	$	80.2		$	52.3		$	0.3					$	132.9
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(66.3	)	$	169.4		$	(0.3	)	$	—		$	102.8
Investing cash flows:
Additions to property and equipment	(3.8		)	(0.7		)	—			—			(4.5		)
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			10.3			—			—			10.3
Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			—			—			—
Other	—			0.3			—			—			0.3
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(3.8		)	9.8			—			—			6
Financing cash flows:
Payment of debt	(2.4		)	(7.5		)	—			—			(9.9		)
Payment of debt modification costs	(1.3		)	—			—			—			(1.3		)
Purchase of common stock	(24.7		)	—			—			—			(24.7		)
Dividends paid on common stock	(43.2		)	—			—			—			(43.2		)
Restricted cash	—			(3.1		)	—			—			(3.1		)
Other	4.2			0.1			—			—			4.4
Intercompany transfers	179.7			(180.1		)	0.4			—			—
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	112.4			(190.6		)	0.4			—			(77.8		)
Net change	42.3			(11.4		)	0.1			—			31
Beginning cash and equivalents	9.9			54			0.6			—			64.5
Ending cash and equivalents	$	52.2		$	42.5		$	0.8		$	—		$	95.5
(1) Supplemental condensed statements presented in millions may not foot/crossfoot due to rounding from Consolidated Statements presented in thousands.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On September 30, 2014, subsequent to the last day of the Company's fiscal third quarter, the Company issued and sold in a privately placed securitization transaction $1.3 billion of Series 2014-1, Class A-2 Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued by two indirect, special purpose subsidiaries of the Company (the “Co-Issuers”). The Notes will bear interest at a rate of 4.277% per annum, payable quarterly, and will have an expected term of seven years. The Co-Issuers and their subsidiaries will own substantially all of the Applebee’s and IHOP domestic franchising, rental and financing assets and will use cash flows generated from these assets to make interest and principal payments on the Notes. The Co-Issuers also entered into a purchase agreement for the issuance of up to $100 million Series 2014-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes, Class A-1 (the “VFN”), which will allow the Co-Issuers to borrow amounts from time to time on a revolving basis and issue letters of credit.
	The Company used the proceeds from the sale of the Notes to repay the entire outstanding balance of $463.6 million of the Senior Secured Credit Facility. Approximately $833 million was placed in escrow to repay the $760.8 million principal amount of 9.5% Senior Notes outstanding, approximately $36 million of accrued interest and a make-whole premium required for early repayment of the Senior Notes of $36 million. The Senior Notes will not be removed from the Company's balance sheet until they are repaid on or about October 30, 2014. The remaining proceeds will be used for transaction costs associated with the refinancing and general corporate purposes.
	As the extinguished debt was repaid by incurring another long-term obligation, the extinguished debt was not classified as current pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 210-10-45-12.
	On October 27, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of a cash dividend of $0.875 per share of our common stock, payable at the close of business on January 9, 2015 to the stockholders of record as of the close of business December 3, 2014.
	On October 27, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors also approved increasing our share repurchase authorization back to the previous level of $100 million. In February 2013 the Board of Directors had approved a $100 million share repurchase authorization pursuant to which we had repurchased $59.7 million of our common stock prior to the approval of the new authorization.

Accounting_Policies_Policies

Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Period	'
	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 second and third quarters of fiscal 2014 ended on June 29, 2014 and September 28, 2014, respectively. The first quarter of fiscal 2013 began December 31, 2012 and ended on March 31, 2013; the second and third quarters of fiscal 2013 ended on June 30, 2013 and September 29, 2013, respectively.
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following components:
		30-Sep-14			December 31, 2013
		(In millions)
	Senior Secured Credit Facility, due October 2017, at a variable interest rate of 3.75% as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	$	463.6		$	467.2
	Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%	760.8			760.8
	Discount	(16.9		)	(19.8		)
	Total long-term debt	1,207.50			1,208.20
	Less: current maturities	(4.7		)	(4.7		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,202.80		$	1,203.50

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Dividends Declared	'
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared and paid quarterly dividends as follows:
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	Declaration date	Payment date	Dividend per share		Total(1)
						(In millions)
	First quarter	25-Feb-14	28-Mar-14	$	0.75	$	14.3
	Second quarter	28-May-14	27-Jun-14	0.75		14.3
	Third quarter	4-Aug-14	26-Sep-14	0.75		14.2
	Total			$	2.25	$	42.8
	__________________________________
	(1) Includes dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
		(In millions)
	Total stock-based compensation expense:
	Equity classified awards expense	$	1.9		$	1.2		$	7.5			$	7.1
	Liability classified awards expense (credit)	0.7			(0.8		)	1.2				(0.9		)
	Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	2.6			0.4			8.7				6.2
	Tax benefit	(1.0		)	(0.2		)	(3.3		)		(2.4		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	1.6		$	0.2		$	5.4			$	3.8
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	51.1	%
	Dividend yield	3.68	%
	Expected years until exercise	4.6
	Forfeitures	11	%
	Weighted average fair value of options granted	$26.87
Schedule of stock option activity	'
	Stock option balances as of September 30, 2014 and activity related to stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
			Shares		Weighted			Weighted Average		Aggregate
					Average			Remaining		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Contractual Term		Value (in Millions)
					Price			(in Years)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		775,059		$	42.09
	Granted		120,932		81.53
	Exercised		(236,692	)	31.23
	Forfeited		(14,804	)	68.01
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		644,495		52.88			6.2		$18.20
	Vested at September 30, 2014 and Expected to Vest		618,897		51.88			6.1		$18.10
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014		454,011		$	43.92		5.1		$16.90
Schedule of restricted stock unit activity	'
	Outstanding balances as of September 30, 2014 and activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 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		94,658		81.52			13,879			81.65
	Released		(85,981	)	52.83			(19,487	)		70.82
	Forfeited		(29,397	)	66.52			—			—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014		245,532		$	68.88		41,622			$	66.92

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In millions)
	Revenues (all from external customers)
	Franchise operations	$	114.3		$	111.7		$	340.6		$	331.6
	Company restaurants	15			15.4			47			48.1
	Rental operations	30.8			31			92.2			92.7
	Financing operations	2.8			3.2			10.8			10.2
	Total	$	162.9		$	161.3		$	490.6		$	482.6
	Interest expense
	Company restaurants	$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.3		$	0.3
	Rental operations	3.6			3.8			11.2			12
	Corporate	25			25			74.9			75.2
	Total	$	28.7		$	28.9		$	86.4		$	87.5
	Depreciation and amortization
	Franchise operations	$	2.6		$	2.7		$	7.8		$	8.1
	Company restaurants	0.5			0.5			1.6			1.6
	Rental operations	3.3			3.3			9.9			10.1
	Corporate	2.3			2.4			6.9			6.7
	Total	$	8.7		$	8.9		$	26.2		$	26.5
	Income before income tax provision
	Franchise operations	$	82.1		$	83.3		$	252.3		$	248.8
	Company restaurants	(0.3		)	(0.3		)	(0.2		)	(0.1		)
	Rental operations	7.1			6.8			21.1			19.8
	Financing operations	2.8			3.2			10			10
	Corporate	(61.9		)	(62.9		)	(188.6		)	(191.2		)
	Total	$	29.8		$	30.1		$	94.6		$	87.3

Net_Income_per_Share_Tables

Net Income per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator for basic and dilutive income per common share:
	Net income	$	18,887		$	18,730		$	58,878		$	53,906
	Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(279		)	(296		)	(927		)	(925		)
	Net income available to common stockholders - basic	18,608			18,434			57,951			52,981
	Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation	1			1			3			3
	Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$	18,609		$	18,435		$	57,954		$	52,984
	Denominator:
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic	18,703			18,831			18,757			18,898
	Dilutive effect of stock options	187			254			207			268
	Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted	18,890			19,085			18,964			19,166
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.99		$	0.98		$	3.09		$	2.8
	Diluted	$	0.99		$	0.97		$	3.06		$	2.76

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of non-current financial liabilities	'
	The fair values of non-current financial liabilities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, determined based on Level 2 inputs, were as follows:
		September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
		Amount				Amount
		(In millions)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	1,202.80	$	1,275.70	$	1,203.50	$	1,306.20

Consolidating_Financial_Inform1

Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	September 30, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Assets
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	80.2		$	52.3		$	0.3					$	132.9
	Receivables, net	4			115.1			0.2			(28.0		)	91.3
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	213.8			52.7			—			(214.6		)	51.9
	Deferred income taxes	(2.2		)	34.7			—			—			32.5
	Intercompany	(469.0		)	462.6			6.4						—
	Total current assets	(173.2		)	717.4			7			(242.6		)	308.6
	Long-term receivables	—			186.1			—			—			186.1
	Property and equipment, net	21.6			230			1			—			252.7
	Goodwill	—			697.5			—			—			697.5
	Other intangible assets, net	—			785.1			—			—			785.1
	Other assets, net	19.1			93.8			—			—			112.9
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,719.60			—			—			(1,719.6		)	—
	Total assets	$	1,587.00		$	2,709.90		$	8		$	(1,962.2	)	$	2,342.80
	Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
	Current Liabilities:
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	32.7		$	—		$	—		$	(28.0	)	$	4.7
	Accounts payable	3.5			31.8			—						35.2
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	11.4			5.9			—						17.3
	Gift card liability	—			100.7			—						100.7
	Other accrued expenses	16.9			292.2			(0.2		)	(214.6		)	94.3
	Total current liabilities	64.5			430.6			(0.2		)	(242.6		)	252.3
	Long-term debt	1,202.80			—			—						1,202.80
	Financing obligations	—			42.6			—						42.6
	Capital lease obligations	—			101.8			—			—			101.8
	Deferred income taxes	(3.9		)	332.5			(0.4		)				328.3
	Other liabilities	6.2			90.3			1.2						97.7
	Total liabilities	1,269.60			997.8			0.6			(242.6		)	2,025.40
	Total stockholders’ equity	317.5			1,712.10			7.4			(1,719.6		)	317.4
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,587.00		$	2,709.90		$	8		$	(1,962.2	)	$	2,342.80
	(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 September 30, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	128.1		$	0.5		$	—		$	129.3
	Rental revenues	—			30.8			—			—			30.8
	Financing revenues	—			2.8			—			—			2.8
	Total revenue	0.7			161.6			0.5			—			162.9
	Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.7			46.9			—			—			47.6
	Rental expenses	—			23.7			—			—			23.7
	Financing expenses	—			—			—			—			—
	General and administrative expenses	10.3			23.5			0.1			—			33.8
	Interest expense	24.7			0.3			—			—			25
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
	Closure and impairment charges	—			0.1			0.1			—			0.2
	Gain on disposition of assets	—			(0.2		)	—			—			(0.2		)
	Intercompany dividend	(44.6		)	—			—			44.6			—
	Income before income taxes	9.7			64.3			0.4			(44.6		)	29.8
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	9.2			(20.1		)	—			—			(10.9		)
	Net income	$	18.9		$	44.2		$	0.4		$	(44.6	)	$	18.9
	Total comprehensive income	$	18.9		$	44.2		$	0.4		$	(44.6	)	$	18.9
	(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 September 30, 2013
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	0.7		$	126.1		$	0.4		$	—		$	127.1
	Rental revenues	—			31			—			—			31
	Financing revenues	—			3.2			—			—			3.2
	Total revenue	0.7			160.2			0.4			—			161.3
	Franchise and restaurant expenses	0.6			43.5			—			—			44.1
	Rental expenses	—			24.1			0			—			24.2
	Financing expenses	—			—			—			—			—
	General and administrative expenses	9			26			0.3			—			35.3
	Interest expense	24.6			0.3			—			—			25
	Amortization of intangible assets	—			3.1			—			—			3.1
	Closure and impairment charges, net	—			(0.5		)	0.1			—			(0.4		)
	Loss on disposition of assets	—			0.1			(0.2		)	—			(0.1		)
	Intercompany dividend	(39.2		)	—			—			39.2			—
	Income before income taxes	5.6			63.5			0.2			(39.2		)	30.1
	Benefit (provision) for income taxes	13.1			(24.5		)	—			—			(11.4		)
	Net income	$	18.7		$	39		$	0.2		$	(39.2	)	$	18.7
	Total comprehensive income	$	18.7		$	39		$	0.2		$	(39.2	)	$	18.7
	(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Revenues
	Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	2.1		$	384.3		$	1.1		$	—		$	387.6
	Rental revenues	—			92.2			—			—			92.2
	Financing revenues	—			10.8			—			—			10.8
	Total revenue	2.1			487.3			1.1			—			490.6
	Franchise and restaurant expenses	2			133.4			—			—			135.4
	Rental expenses	—			71.1			—			—			71.1
Financing expenses	—			0.8			—			—			0.8
General and administrative expenses	29.3			73.3			0.2			—			102.8
Interest expense	73.9			1			—			—			74.9
Amortization of intangible assets	—			9.2			—			—			9.2
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.3			0.7			—			1
Loss on disposition of assets	—			0.6			—			—			0.6
Intercompany dividend	(136.9		)	—			—			136.9			—
Income before income taxes	33.7			197.6			0.1			(136.9		)	94.6
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	25.2			(60.9		)	—			—			(35.7		)
Net income	$	58.9		$	136.7		$	0.1		$	(136.9	)	$	58.9
Total comprehensive income	$	58.9		$	136.8		$	0.1		$	(136.9	)	$	59
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(In millions(1))
	Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
				Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Revenues
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$	2.1		$	376.5		$	1		$	—		$	379.6
Rental revenues	—			92.7			—			—			92.7
Financing revenues	—			10.2			—			—			10.2
Total revenue	2.1			479.4			1			—			482.6
Franchise and restaurant expenses	2.1			128.8			—			—			130.9
Rental expenses	—			72.9			—			—			72.9
Financing expenses	—			0.2			—			—			0.2
General and administrative expenses	27.7			76.3			0.9			—			105
Interest expense	74.2			1			—			—			75.2
Amortization of intangible assets	—			9.2			—			—			9.2
Closure and impairment charges	—			0.5			0.2			—			0.8
Gain on disposition of assets	—			0.4			(0.7		)	—			(0.3		)
Debt modification costs	1.3			—			—			—			1.3
Intercompany dividend	(116.6		)	—			—			116.6			—
Income before income taxes	13.4			190			0.5			(116.6		)	87.3
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	40.5			(73.9		)	—			—			(33.4		)
Net income	$	53.9		$	116.1		$	0.5		$	(116.6	)	$	53.9
Total comprehensive income	$	53.9		$	116.1		$	0.5		$	(116.6	)	$	53.9
(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(78.1	)	$	180.6		$	(0.1	)	$	—		$	102.4
	Investing cash flows:
	Additions to property and equipment	(3.4		)	(2.1		)	—			—			(5.5		)
	Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			10.3			—			—			10.3
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			0.7			—			—			0.7
	Other	—			—			—			—			—
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(3.4		)	8.8			—			—			5.4
	Financing cash flows:
	Payment of debt	(3.6		)	(8.5		)	—			—			(12.1		)
	Repurchase of common stock	(30.0		)	—			—			—			(30.0		)
	Dividends paid on common stock	(42.7		)	—			—			—			(42.7		)
	Restricted cash	—			(4.9		)	—			—			(4.9		)
	Other	8.6			0.2			—			—			8.8
	Intercompany transfers	179.2			(178.6		)	(0.6		)	—			—
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	111.5			(191.8		)	(0.6		)	—			(81.0		)
	Net change	29.9			(2.4		)	(0.7		)	—			26.8
	Beginning cash and equivalents	50.3			54.7			1			—			106
	Ending cash and equivalents	$	80.2		$	52.3		$	0.3					$	132.9
	(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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(In millions(1))
		Parent			Combined			Combined			Eliminations  and			Consolidated
					Guarantor			Non-guarantor			Reclassification
					Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(66.3	)	$	169.4		$	(0.3	)	$	—		$	102.8
	Investing cash flows:
	Additions to property and equipment	(3.8		)	(0.7		)	—			—			(4.5		)
	Principal receipts from long-term receivables	—			10.3			—			—			10.3
	Proceeds from sale of assets	—			—			—			—			—
	Other	—			0.3			—			—			0.3
	Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	(3.8		)	9.8			—			—			6
	Financing cash flows:
	Payment of debt	(2.4		)	(7.5		)	—			—			(9.9		)
	Payment of debt modification costs	(1.3		)	—			—			—			(1.3		)
	Purchase of common stock	(24.7		)	—			—			—			(24.7		)
	Dividends paid on common stock	(43.2		)	—			—			—			(43.2		)
	Restricted cash	—			(3.1		)	—			—			(3.1		)
	Other	4.2			0.1			—			—			4.4
	Intercompany transfers	179.7			(180.1		)	0.4			—			—
	Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities	112.4			(190.6		)	0.4			—			(77.8		)
	Net change	42.3			(11.4		)	0.1			—			31
	Beginning cash and equivalents	9.9			54			0.6			—			64.5
	Ending cash and equivalents	$	52.2		$	42.5		$	0.8		$	—		$	95.5
	(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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Discount	($16,900,000)	'	($19,800,000)
Total Long-term Debt	1,207,479,000	'	1,208,237,000
Less current maturities	-4,720,000	'	-4,720,000
Long-term debt, net (less current maturities)	1,202,759,000	'	1,203,517,000
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	463,600,000	463,600,000	467,200,000
Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt interest rate (percent)	9.50%	9.50%	9.50%
Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%	$760,800,000	$760,800,000	$760,800,000

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	$0	$1,296

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Treasury Stock Reissued (shares)	'	331,350
Treasury Stock Reissued	'	$12,000,000
February 2013 Share Repurchase Program	'	'
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	100,000,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	'	367,256
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	'	30,000,000
Cumulative Amount of Shares Repurchased	'	779,278
Cumulative payments for repurchase of common stock	'	59,700,000
Remaining authorized stock repurchases	'	$40,300,000

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 26, 2014

Aug. 04, 2014

Jun. 27, 2014

28-May-14

Mar. 28, 2014

Feb. 25, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared per common share

'

$0.75

'

$0.75

'

$0.75

$0.75

$0.75

$2.25

$2.25

Payments of dividends

$14.20

[1]

'

$14.30

[1]

'

$14.30

[1]

'

'

'

$42.80

[1]

'

[1]

Includes dividend equivalents paid on restricted stock units

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Effective income tax rate (percent)	37.80%	38.20%	'
Gross unrecognized tax benefit	$3.10	'	$2.70
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits	0.7	'	'
Accrued interest on income taxes	3.7	'	2.9
Accrued penalties on income taxes	0.1	'	0.1
Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$0.80	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

17-May-11

Stock Options

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

LTIP

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]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares authorized (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

Award vesting period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration period of options (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total compensation cost not yet recognized

'

'

'

'

'

$4,000,000

$10,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 5 months 19 days

'1 year 6 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense

2,600,000

400,000

8,700,000

6,200,000

'

'

'

700,000

-800,000

1,200,000

-1,200,000

'

'

300,000

'

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

$17,282,000

'

$17,282,000

'

$24,956,000

'

'

$2,800,000

'

$2,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

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		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation, equity classified awards	$1.90	$1.20	$7.50	$7.10
Stock-based compensation, liability classified awards	0.7	-0.8	1.2	-0.9
Pre-tax compensation expense	2.6	0.4	8.7	6.2
Tax provision	-1	-0.2	-3.3	-2.4
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$1.60	$0.20	$5.40	$3.80

StockBased_Compensation_Option

Stock-Based Compensation (Options Value Assumptions) (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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)	51.10%
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)	$26.87

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (Stock Options, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 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)	120,932
Options, exercised (in shares)	-236,692
Options, forfeited (in shares)	-14,804
Options, outstanding, end of period (in shares)	644,495
Options, vested and expected to vest (in shares)	618,897
Options, exercisable (in shares)	454,011
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)	$81.53
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (per share)	$31.23
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited (per share)	$68.01
Weighted average exercise price, end of period (per share)	$52.88
Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest (per share)	$51.88
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (per share)	$43.92
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'6 years 2 months 8 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest (in years)	'6 years 1 month 11 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable (in years)	'5 years 1 month 16 days
Options, outstanding, intrinsic value	$18.20
Options, vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value	18.1
Options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable	$16.90

StockBased_Compensation_Restri

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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)	94,658
Restricted stock, released (in shares)	-85,981
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares)	-29,397
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares)	245,532
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)	$81.52
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released (per share)	$52.83
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (per share)	$66.52
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (per share)	$68.88
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)	13,879
Restricted stock, released (in shares)	-19,487
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares)	0
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares)	41,622
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)	$81.65
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released (per share)	$70.82
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (per share)	$0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance (per share)	$66.92

Segments_Narrative_Details

Segments - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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)	2
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)	8
Franchised Units | Applebee's	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Restaurants (restaurant)	1,986
Franchised Units | IHOP	'
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Restaurants (restaurant)	1,634
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	$30,761,000	$30,990,000	$92,223,000	$92,724,000
Financing revenues	2,758,000	3,156,000	10,779,000	10,223,000
Total segment revenues	162,853,000	161,283,000	490,575,000	482,566,000
Interest expense	24,984,000	24,979,000	74,895,000	75,230,000
Depreciation and amortization	8,700,000	8,900,000	26,237,000	26,516,000
Income before income taxes	29,751,000	30,125,000	94,597,000	87,271,000
Franchise Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Franchise revenues	114,300,000	111,700,000	340,600,000	331,600,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,600,000	2,700,000	7,800,000	8,100,000
Income before income taxes	82,100,000	83,300,000	252,300,000	248,800,000
Company Restaurants	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Company restaurant sale revenue	15,000,000	15,400,000	47,000,000	48,100,000
Interest expense	100,000	100,000	300,000	300,000
Depreciation and amortization	500,000	500,000	1,600,000	1,600,000
Income before income taxes	-300,000	-300,000	-200,000	-100,000
Rental Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	30,800,000	31,000,000	92,200,000	92,700,000
Interest expense	3,600,000	3,800,000	11,200,000	12,000,000
Depreciation and amortization	3,300,000	3,300,000	9,900,000	10,100,000
Income before income taxes	7,100,000	6,800,000	21,100,000	19,800,000
Financing Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Financing revenues	2,800,000	3,200,000	10,800,000	10,200,000
Income before income taxes	2,800,000	3,200,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Corporate	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	25,000,000	25,000,000	74,900,000	75,200,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,300,000	2,400,000	6,900,000	6,700,000
Income before income taxes	-61,900,000	-62,900,000	-188,600,000	-191,200,000
Corporate and Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$28,700,000	$28,900,000	$86,400,000	$87,500,000

Net_Income_per_Share_Computati

Net Income per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$18,887	$18,730	$58,878	$53,906
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	-279	-296	-927	-925
Net income available to common stockholders	18,608	18,434	57,951	52,981
Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation	1	1	3	3
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$18,609	$18,435	$57,954	$52,984
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic (in shares)	18,703	18,831	18,757	18,898
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	187	254	207	268
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted (in shares)	18,890	19,085	18,964	19,166
Net income per common share - basic (per share)	$0.99	$0.98	$3.09	$2.80
Net income per common share -diluted (per share)	$0.99	$0.97	$3.06	$2.76

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Non-Current Financial Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, net (less current maturities)	$1,202,759	$1,203,517
Fair Value | Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt, net (less current maturities)	$1,275,700	$1,306,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) (Applebee's, Property Lease Guarantee, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Applebee's | Property Lease Guarantee	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Potential liability for guaranteed leases	$383

Consolidating_Financial_Inform2

Consolidating Financial Information (Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest	100.00%	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$132,859	$106,011	$95,535	$64,537
Receivables, net	91,292	144,137	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	51,913	57,581	'	'
Deferred income taxes	32,517	23,853	'	'
Intercompany	0	0	'	'
Total current assets	308,581	331,582	'	'
Long-term receivables, net	186,079	197,153	'	'
Property and equipment, net	252,673	274,295	'	'
Goodwill	697,470	697,470	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	785,078	794,057	'	'
Other assets, net	112,877	110,085	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Total assets	2,342,758	2,404,642	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	4,720	4,720	'	'
Accounts payable	35,244	40,050	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	17,282	24,956	'	'
Gift card liability	100,688	171,955	'	'
Other accrued expenses	94,331	42,592	'	'
Total current liabilities	252,265	284,273	'	'
Long-term debt	1,202,759	1,203,517	'	'
Financing obligations	42,565	48,843	'	'
Capital lease obligations	101,832	111,707	'	'
Deferred income taxes	328,267	341,578	'	'
Other liabilities	97,695	99,545	'	'
Total liabilities	2,025,383	2,089,463	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	317,375	315,179	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,342,758	2,404,642	'	'
Parent	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	80,200	50,300	52,200	9,900
Receivables, net	4,000	2,000	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	213,800	189,200	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-2,200	-4,100	'	'
Intercompany	-469,000	-435,200	'	'
Total current assets	-173,200	-197,800	'	'
Long-term receivables, net	0	0	'	'
Property and equipment, net	21,600	23,500	'	'
Goodwill	0	0	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	0	0	'	'
Other assets, net	19,100	16,200	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	1,719,600	1,697,600	'	'
Total assets	1,587,000	1,539,500	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	32,700	12,700	'	'
Accounts payable	3,500	1,400	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	11,400	14,500	'	'
Gift card liability	0	0	'	'
Other accrued expenses	16,900	-13,700	'	'
Total current liabilities	64,500	15,000	'	'
Long-term debt	1,202,800	1,203,500	'	'
Financing obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-3,900	-300	'	'
Other liabilities	6,200	5,900	'	'
Total liabilities	1,269,600	1,224,200	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	317,500	315,300	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,587,000	1,539,500	'	'
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	52,300	54,700	42,500	54,000
Receivables, net	115,100	150,000	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	52,700	56,100	'	'
Deferred income taxes	34,700	28,000	'	'
Intercompany	462,600	429,400	'	'
Total current assets	717,400	718,100	'	'
Long-term receivables, net	186,100	197,200	'	'
Property and equipment, net	230,000	249,700	'	'
Goodwill	697,500	697,500	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	785,100	794,100	'	'
Other assets, net	93,800	93,900	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Total assets	2,709,900	2,750,400	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable	31,800	38,600	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	5,900	10,400	'	'
Gift card liability	100,700	172,000	'	'
Other accrued expenses	292,200	244,100	'	'
Total current liabilities	430,600	465,000	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Financing obligations	42,600	48,800	'	'
Capital lease obligations	101,800	111,700	'	'
Deferred income taxes	332,500	342,100	'	'
Other liabilities	90,300	92,700	'	'
Total liabilities	997,800	1,060,400	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	1,712,100	1,690,000	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,709,900	2,750,400	'	'
Combined Non-guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	300	1,000	800	600
Receivables, net	200	100	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany	6,400	5,800	'	'
Total current assets	7,000	7,000	'	'
Long-term receivables, net	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	-200	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	-200	0	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Financing obligations	0	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-400	-300	'	'
Other liabilities	1,200	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
Receivables, net	-28,000	-8,000	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-214,600	-187,700	'	'
Deferred income taxes	0	0	'	'
Intercompany	'	0	'	'
Total current assets	-242,600	-195,700	'	'
Long-term receivables, net	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	-1,719,600	-1,697,600	'	'
Total assets	-1,962,200	-1,893,300	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	-28,000	-8,000	'	'
Accounts payable	'	0	'	'
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	'	0	'	'
Gift card liability	'	0	'	'
Other accrued expenses	-214,600	-187,700	'	'
Total current liabilities	-242,600	-195,700	'	'
Long-term debt	'	0	'	'
Financing obligations	'	0	'	'
Capital lease obligations	0	0	'	'
Deferred income taxes	'	0	'	'
Other liabilities	'	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-242,600	-195,700	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	-1,719,600	-1,697,600	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($1,962,200)	($1,893,300)	'	'

Consolidating_Financial_Inform3

Consolidating Financial Information (Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	$129,334	$127,137	$387,573	$379,619
Rental revenues	30,761	30,990	92,223	92,724
Financing revenues	2,758	3,156	10,779	10,223
Total segment revenues	162,853	161,283	490,575	482,566
Franchise and restaurant expenses	47,570	44,091	135,403	130,875
Rental expenses	23,654	24,149	71,173	72,953
Financing expenses	0	0	825	245
General and administrative expenses	33,835	35,331	102,836	105,004
Interest expense	24,984	24,979	74,895	75,230
Amortization of intangible assets	3,071	3,072	9,212	9,212
Closure and impairment charges	192	-392	1,029	770
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	-205	-72	592	-326
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1	0	13	36
Debt modification costs	0	0	0	1,296
Intercompany dividend	0	0	0	0
Income before income tax provision	29,751	30,125	94,597	87,271
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-10,864	-11,395	-35,719	-33,365
Net income	18,887	18,730	58,878	53,906
Total comprehensive income	18,878	18,733	58,977	53,901
Parent	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	700	700	2,100	2,100
Rental revenues	0	0	0	0
Financing revenues	0	0	0	0
Total segment revenues	700	700	2,100	2,100
Franchise and restaurant expenses	700	600	2,000	2,100
Rental expenses	0	0	0	0
Financing expenses	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	10,300	9,000	29,300	27,700
Interest expense	24,700	24,600	73,900	74,200
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0	0
Closure and impairment charges	0	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	0	0	0	0
Debt modification costs	'	'	'	1,300
Intercompany dividend	-44,600	-39,200	-136,900	-116,600
Income before income tax provision	9,700	5,600	33,700	13,400
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	9,200	13,100	25,200	40,500
Net income	18,900	18,700	58,900	53,900
Total comprehensive income	18,900	18,700	58,900	53,900
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	128,100	126,100	384,300	376,500
Rental revenues	30,800	31,000	92,200	92,700
Financing revenues	2,800	3,200	10,800	10,200
Total segment revenues	161,600	160,200	487,300	479,400
Franchise and restaurant expenses	46,900	43,500	133,400	128,800
Rental expenses	23,700	24,100	71,100	72,900
Financing expenses	0	0	800	200
General and administrative expenses	23,500	26,000	73,300	76,300
Interest expense	300	300	1,000	1,000
Amortization of intangible assets	3,100	3,100	9,200	9,200
Closure and impairment charges	100	-500	300	500
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	-200	100	600	400
Debt modification costs	'	'	'	0
Intercompany dividend	0	0	0	0
Income before income tax provision	64,300	63,500	197,600	190,000
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	-20,100	-24,500	-60,900	-73,900
Net income	44,200	39,000	136,700	116,100
Total comprehensive income	44,200	39,000	136,800	116,100
Combined Non-guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	500	400	1,100	1,000
Rental revenues	0	0	0	0
Financing revenues	0	0	0	0
Total segment revenues	500	400	1,100	1,000
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0	0	0	0
Rental expenses	0	0	0	0
Financing expenses	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	100	300	200	900
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0	0
Closure and impairment charges	100	100	700	200
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	0	-200	0	-700
Debt modification costs	'	'	'	0
Intercompany dividend	0	0	0	0
Income before income tax provision	400	200	100	500
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	400	200	100	500
Total comprehensive income	400	200	100	500
Eliminations and Reclassification	'	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Franchise and restaurant revenues	0	0	0	0
Rental revenues	0	0	0	0
Financing revenues	0	0	0	0
Total segment revenues	0	0	0	0
Franchise and restaurant expenses	0	0	0	0
Rental expenses	0	0	0	0
Financing expenses	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0	0
Closure and impairment charges	0	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets	0	0	0	0
Debt modification costs	'	'	'	0
Intercompany dividend	44,600	39,200	136,900	116,600
Income before income tax provision	-44,600	-39,200	-136,900	-116,600
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	-44,600	-39,200	-136,900	-116,600
Total comprehensive income	($44,600)	($39,200)	($136,900)	($116,600)

Consolidating_Financial_Inform4

Consolidating Financial Information (Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	$102,427	$102,814
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-5,530	-4,547
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	10,252	10,254
Proceeds from sale of assets	681	0
Other	1	282
Cash flows provided by investing activities	5,404	5,989
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	-12,084	-9,930
Payment of debt modification costs	0	-1,296
Repurchase of common stock	-30,006	-24,663
Dividends paid on common stock	-42,733	-43,170
Restricted cash	-4,948	-3,122
Other	8,788	4,376
Intercompany transfers	0	0
Cash flows used in financing activities	-80,983	-77,805
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	26,848	30,998
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	106,011	64,537
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	132,859	95,535
Parent	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-78,100	-66,300
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-3,400	-3,800
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0
Other	0	0
Cash flows provided by investing activities	-3,400	-3,800
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	-3,600	-2,400
Payment of debt modification costs	'	-1,300
Repurchase of common stock	-30,000	-24,700
Dividends paid on common stock	-42,700	-43,200
Restricted cash	0	0
Other	8,600	4,200
Intercompany transfers	179,200	179,700
Cash flows used in financing activities	111,500	112,400
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	29,900	42,300
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	50,300	9,900
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	80,200	52,200
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	180,600	169,400
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	-2,100	-700
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	10,300	10,300
Proceeds from sale of assets	700	0
Other	0	300
Cash flows provided by investing activities	8,800	9,800
Fnancing cash flows	'	'
Payment of debt	-8,500	-7,500
Payment of debt modification costs	'	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Restricted cash	-4,900	-3,100
Other	200	100
Intercompany transfers	-178,600	-180,100
Cash flows used in financing activities	-191,800	-190,600
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-2,400	-11,400
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	54,700	54,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	52,300	42,500
Combined Non-guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities	-100	-300
Investing cash flows	'	'
Additions to property and equipment	0	0
Principal receipts from long-term receivables	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	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	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Other	0	0
Intercompany transfers	-600	400
Cash flows used in financing activities	-600	400
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-700	100
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,000	600
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	300	800
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	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	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

Subsequent_Events_Narrative_De

Subsequent Events - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2014

Aug. 04, 2014

28-May-14

Feb. 25, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 27, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 27, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Subsequent Event

Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75%

Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75%

Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75%

Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%

Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%

Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5%

October 2014 Share Repurchase Program

February 2013 Share Repurchase Program

February 2013 Share Repurchase Program

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Subsequent Event

Class A-2 Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Fixed Rate 4.277%

Class A-1 Variable Rate Senior Notes

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Securitized debt outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,300,000,000

'

Debt interest rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.75%

'

3.75%

9.50%

9.50%

9.50%

'

'

'

4.28%

'

Debt maturity term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

Senior secured credit facility due

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

463,600,000

463,600,000

467,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of debt

833,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

760,800,000

760,800,000

760,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest payable

36,000,000

'

'

'

31,618,000

'

31,618,000

'

13,575,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of debt costs

36,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared per common share

'

$0.75

$0.75

$0.75

$0.75

$0.75

$2.25

$2.25

'

$0.88

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

100,000,000

'

'

'

Cumulative payments for repurchase of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$59,700,000

'

'