Denny's (DENN) 10-Q 28 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014	Jul. 24, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DENNYS CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000852772	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	84,937,765
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	25-Jun-14	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,221	$2,943
Receivables	13,998	17,321
Inventories	2,772	2,881
Current deferred tax asset	22,385	23,264
Prepaid and other current assets	5,068	7,417
Total current assets	45,444	53,826
Property, net of accumulated depreciation of $252,475 and $255,966, respectively	108,280	105,620
Goodwill	31,451	31,451
Intangible assets, net	47,093	47,925
Deferred financing costs, net	1,855	2,097
Noncurrent deferred tax asset	24,071	28,290
Other noncurrent assets	26,000	26,568
Total assets	284,194	295,777
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,375	3,000
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	4,047	4,150
Accounts payable	14,332	14,237
Other current liabilities	45,179	52,698
Total current liabilities	66,933	74,085
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	157,875	150,000
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	14,556	15,923
Liability for insurance claims, less current portion	18,000	18,249
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	26,844	29,089
Total long-term liabilities	217,275	213,261
Total liabilities	284,208	287,346
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Common stock $0.01 par value; authorized - 135,000; June 25, 2014: 105,229 shares issued and 85,803 shares outstanding; December 25, 2013: 105,014 shares issued and 89,232 shares outstanding	1,053	1,050
Paid-in capital	568,939	567,505
Deficit	-456,242	-470,946
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-17,438	-16,842
Shareholders' equity before treasury stock	96,312	80,767
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,426 and 15,782 shares, respectively	-96,326	-72,336
Total shareholders' equity (deficit)	-14	8,431
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$284,194	$295,777

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	$252,475	$255,966
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	135,000	135,000
Common stock, shares issued	105,229	105,014
Common stock, shares outstanding	85,803	89,232
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	19,426	15,782

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Revenue:	'	'	'	'
Company restaurant sales	$81,138	$82,841	$160,442	$163,871
Franchise and license revenue	33,476	33,730	66,092	67,190
Total operating revenue	114,614	116,571	226,534	231,061
Costs of company restaurant sales:	'	'	'	'
Product costs	21,327	21,402	41,910	42,548
Payroll and benefits	31,978	33,220	65,077	64,766
Occupancy	4,899	5,513	10,027	10,741
Other operating expenses	11,443	11,316	22,808	22,516
Total costs of company restaurant sales	69,647	71,451	139,822	140,571
Costs of franchise and license revenue	10,633	11,585	21,330	22,987
General and administrative expenses	14,068	14,085	28,184	29,244
Depreciation and amortization	5,281	5,352	10,519	10,576
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	40	1,484	462	1,618
Total operating costs and expenses, net	99,669	103,957	200,317	204,996
Operating income	14,945	12,614	26,217	26,065
Interest expense, net	2,274	2,548	4,596	5,348
Other nonoperating (income) expense, net	-332	1,331	-432	1,332
Net income before income taxes	13,003	8,735	22,053	19,385
Provision for income taxes	4,730	2,537	7,349	6,106
Net income	$8,273	$6,198	$14,704	$13,279
Basic net income per share	$0.10	$0.07	$0.17	$0.14
Diluted net income per share	$0.09	$0.07	$0.16	$0.14
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	86,781	91,659	87,792	92,004
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	88,384	93,665	89,630	94,081

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$8,273	$6,198	$14,704	$13,279
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax expense of $91, $160, $181 and $325	140	247	281	501
Recognition of unrealized gain (loss) on hedged transactions, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(339), $1,522, $(563) and $1,522	-528	2,348	-877	2,348
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-388	2,595	-596	2,849
Total comprehensive income	$7,885	$8,793	$14,108	$16,128

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax expense	$91	$160	$181	$325
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedged transactions, tax expense (benefit)	($339)	$1,522	($563)	$1,522

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	(Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 25, 2013	$8,431	$1,050	($72,336)	$567,505	($470,946)	($16,842)
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Dec. 25, 2013	-15,782	'	-15,782	'	'	'
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Dec. 25, 2013	105,014	105,014	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	14,704	'	'	'	14,704	'
Other comprehensive loss	-596	'	'	'	'	-596
Share-based compensation on equity classified awards	1,186	'	'	1,186	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-23,990	'	-23,990	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	-3,644	'	-3,644	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation	0	2	'	-2	'	'
Issuance of common stock for share-based compensation (in shares)	'	151	'	'	'	'
Exercise of common stock options	205	1	'	204	'	'
Exercise of common stock options (in shares)	'	64	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	46	'	'	46	'	'
Balance at Jun. 25, 2014	($14)	$1,053	($96,326)	$568,939	($456,242)	($17,438)
Balance, treasury stock, at cost, shares at Jun. 25, 2014	-19,426	'	-19,426	'	'	'
Balance, common stock, shares issued at Jun. 25, 2014	105,229	105,229	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$14,704	$13,279
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	10,519	10,576
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	462	1,618
Amortization of deferred financing costs	242	256
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt	-1	1,687
(Gain) loss on change in the fair value of interest rate caps	11	-36
Deferred income tax expense	5,480	4,876
Share-based compensation	2,344	2,381
Decrease (increase) in assets:	'	'
Receivables	2,996	1,986
Inventories	109	52
Other current assets	2,349	3,718
Other assets	-1,383	-1,105
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	2,578	-2,734
Accrued salaries and vacations	-3,274	-4,783
Accrued taxes	58	360
Other accrued liabilities	-6,414	-3,930
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	-848	-3,879
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	29,932	24,322
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-13,526	-5,387
Acquisition of restaurant and real estate	0	-3,157
Proceeds from disposition of property	4	22
Collections on notes receivable	1,210	2,407
Issuance of notes receivable	-651	-757
Net cash flows used in investing activities	-12,963	-6,872
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net revolver borrowings under new credit agreement	9,750	97,500
Term loan borrowings under new credit agreement	0	60,000
Long-term debt payments	-3,549	-172,936
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	205	1,225
Tax withholding on share-based payments	-419	-464
Tax benefit (expense) for share-based compensation	46	-172
Debt transaction costs	0	366
Deferred financing costs	0	1,314
Purchase of treasury stock	-23,815	-10,751
Net bank overdrafts	-909	-1,726
Net cash flows used in financing activities	-18,691	-29,004
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-1,722	-11,554
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,943	13,565
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$1,221	$2,011

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres

Introduction and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Introduction and Basis of Presentation	'
	Introduction and Basis of Presentation
	Denny’s Corporation, or Denny’s, is one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains based on number of restaurants. The following table shows the unit activity for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2014 and June 26, 2013, respectively:
		Quarter Ended				Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
	Company restaurants, beginning of period	161		164		163		164
	Units opened	—		—		—		—
	Units acquired from franchisees	—		1		—		1
	Units closed	(1	)	—		(3	)	—
	End of period	160		165		160		165
	Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period	1,535		1,525		1,537		1,524
	Units opened	3		11		7		18
	Units acquired by Company	—		(1	)	—		(1	)
	Units closed	(5	)	(10	)	(11	)	(16	)
	End of period	1,533		1,525		1,533		1,525
	Total restaurants, end of period	1,693		1,690		1,693		1,690
	Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, certain information and notes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented have been included. Such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions; however, we believe that our estimates, including those for the above-described items, are reasonable.
	These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 25, 2013 and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2013. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2014.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Accounting Standards to be Adopted
	Discontinued Operations
	ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity"
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, 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 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 guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014 (our fiscal 2015), with early adoption permitted for any disposal transaction not previously reported. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Revenue Recognition
	ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The new guidance requires companies to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance allows for either a "full retrospective" adoption or a "modified retrospective" adoption, however early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	We reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Receivables

Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables
	Receivables were comprised of the following:
		June 25, 2014			December 25, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Current assets:
	Receivables:
	Trade accounts receivable from franchisees	$	9,563		$	10,072
	Notes receivable from franchisees	1,472			1,800
	Vendor receivables	1,155			2,516
	Credit card receivables	894			2,162
	Other	1,149			1,002
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(235		)	(231		)
	Total current receivables, net	$	13,998		$	17,321
	Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
	Notes receivable from franchisees	$	535		$	766

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill had a carrying amount of $31.5 million as of June 25, 2014 and December 25, 2013.
	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following:
		June 25, 2014				December 25, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
		(In thousands)
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trade names	$	44,056	$	—	$	44,055	$	—
	Liquor licenses	126		—		126		—
	Intangible assets with definite lives:
	Franchise and license agreements	22,613		21,027		31,248		29,007
	Reacquired franchise rights	1,857		532		1,857		354
	Intangible assets	$	68,652	$	21,559	$	77,286	$	29,361
	The $8.6 million decrease in franchise and license agreements primarily resulted from the removal of fully amortized agreements.

Operating_Gains_Losses_and_Oth

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Operating (Gains), Losses And Other Charges, Net [Abstract]	'
Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net	'
	Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net
	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:
		Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013			June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	(Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net	$	(33	)	$	(33	)	$	(41	)	$	(15	)
	Restructuring charges and exit costs	45			660			475			776
	Impairment charges	28			857			28			857
	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	$	40		$	1,484		$	462		$	1,618
	Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs
	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
		Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013			June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Exit costs	$	35		$	181		$	89		$	237
	Severance and other restructuring charges	10			479			386			539
	Total restructuring charges and exit costs	$	45		$	660		$	475		$	776
	The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance, December 25, 2013	$	3,149
	Exit costs (1)	89
	Payments, net of sublease receipts	(574		)
	Reclassification of certain lease assets and liabilities, net	(10		)
	Interest accretion	99
	Balance, June 25, 2014	2,753
	Less current portion included in other current liabilities	1,082
	Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	$	1,671
	-1	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.
	Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities are as follows:
		(In thousands)
	Remainder of 2014	$	873
	2015	583
	2016	295
	2017	296
	2018	299
	Thereafter	986
	Total	3,332
	Less imputed interest	579
	Present value of exit cost liabilities	$	2,753
	As of both June 25, 2014 and December 25, 2013, we had accrued severance and other restructuring charges of $0.1 million. The balance as of June 25, 2014 is expected to be paid during the next 12 months.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Valuation Technique
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(In thousands)
	Fair value measurements as of June 25, 2014:
	Deferred compensation plan investments (1)	$	8,883	$	8,883	$	—	$	—	market approach
	Interest rate swaps (2)	$	1,592	—		1,592		—		income approach
	Interest rate caps (2)	$	0	$	—	$	0	$	—	income approach
	Total	$	10,475	$	8,883	$	1,592	$	—
	Fair value measurements as of December 25, 2013:
	Deferred compensation plan investments (1)	$	8,168	$	8,168	$	—	$	—	market approach
	Interest rate swaps (2)	$	3,032	$	—	$	3,032	$	—	income approach
	Interest rate caps (2)	$	11	$	—	$	11	$	—	income approach
	Total	$	11,211	$	8,168	$	3,043	$	—
	-1	The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the participants’ elected investments.
	-2	The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 7 for details on the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps.
	Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:
		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Valuation Technique
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(In thousands)
	Fair value measurements as of December 25, 2013:
	Assets held and used (1)	$	1,198	$	—	$	—	$	1,198	income approach
	Total	$	1,198	$	—	$	—	$	1,198
	-1	As of December 25, 2013, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. Impairment charges of $4.8 million were recognized as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended December 25, 2013. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Denny's Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have a credit facility comprised of a senior secured term loan in an original principal amount of $60 million and a $190 million senior secured revolver (with a $30 million letter of credit sublimit). As of June 25, 2014, we had outstanding term loan borrowings under the credit facility of $56.3 million and outstanding letters of credit under the senior secured revolver of $23.7 million. There were $105.0 million of revolving loans outstanding at June 25, 2014. These balances resulted in availability of $61.3 million under the revolving facility. The weighted-average interest rate under the term loan and on outstanding revolver loans was 2.16% and 2.17% as of June 25, 2014 and December 25, 2013, respectively.
	The revolving credit facility includes an accordion feature that would allow us to increase the size of the revolver to $240 million. A commitment fee of 0.35% is paid on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the credit facility bear a tiered interest rate based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio and was initially set at LIBOR plus 200 basis points. The maturity date for the credit facility is April 24, 2018.
	The credit facility is guaranteed by the Company and its material subsidiaries and is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including the stock of the Company's subsidiaries. It includes negative covenants that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type. The credit facility also includes certain financial covenants with respect to a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio and maximum capital expenditures.
	The term loan under the credit facility requires amortization of the original term loan balance of 5% per year in the first two years (April 2013 through April 2015), 7.5% in the subsequent two years (April 2015 through April 2017) and 10% in the fifth year (April 2017 through April 2018) with the balance due at maturity. We are required to make certain mandatory prepayments under certain circumstances and have the option to make certain prepayments under the credit facility. The credit facility includes events of default (and related remedies, including acceleration and increased interest rates following an event of default) that are usual for facilities and transactions of this type.
	During the two quarters ended June 25, 2014, we paid $1.5 million on the term loan under the credit facility.
	Interest Rate Hedges
	We have entered into interest rate hedges that cap the LIBOR rate on borrowings under our credit facility. The 200 basis point LIBOR cap applied to $125 million of borrowings from April 14, 2013 through April 13, 2014 and applies to $150 million of borrowings from April 14, 2014 through March 31, 2015.
	We also have entered into interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the cash flows of our floating rate debt from March 31, 2015 through March 29, 2018. We designated the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of our exposure to variability in future cash flows attributable to payments of LIBOR due on a related $150 million notional debt obligation from March 31, 2015 through March 31, 2017 and a related $140 million notional debt obligation from April 1, 2017 through March 29, 2018. Under the terms of the swaps, we will pay an average fixed rate of 3.12% on the notional amounts and receive payments from a counterparty based on the 30-day LIBOR rate. As of June 25, 2014, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was $1.6 million, which is recorded as a component of other noncurrent assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13 for the amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the interest rate swaps.
	We believe that our estimated cash flows from operations for 2014, combined with our capacity for additional borrowings under our credit facility, will enable us to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next twelve months.

Defined_Benefit_Plans

Defined Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plans	'
	Defined Benefit Plans
	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013			June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension Plan:
	Service cost	$	95		$	100		$	190		$	200
	Interest cost	771			734			1,550			1,488
	Expected return on plan assets	(988		)	(1,120		)	(1,977		)	(2,244		)
	Amortization of net loss	231			408			462			827
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	109		$	122		$	225		$	271
	Other Defined Benefit Plans:
	Interest cost	$	31		$	28		$	62		$	56
	Amortization of net loss	16			18			31			36
	Settlement loss recognized	25			—			25			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	72		$	46		$	118		$	92
	We made contributions of $1.3 million and $2.8 million to our qualified pension plan during the two quarters ended June 25, 2014 and June 26, 2013, respectively. We made contributions of $0.2 million and $0.1 million to our other defined benefit plans during the two quarters ended June 25, 2014 and June 26, 2013, respectively. We expect to contribute an additional $1.3 million to our qualified pension plan and an additional $0.2 million to our other defined benefit plans over the remainder of fiscal 2014.
	Additional minimum pension liability of $18.4 million and $18.7 million is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity as of June 25, 2014 and December 25, 2013, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Total share-based compensation cost included as a component of net income was as follows:
		Quarter Ended				Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Stock options	$	—	$	133	$	52	$	297
	Performance share awards	984		811		1,912		1,642
	Restricted stock units	196		262		380		442
	Total share-based compensation	$	1,180	$	1,206	$	2,344	$	2,381
	Stock Options
	As of June 25, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding.
	Performance Share Awards
	In February 2014, we granted approximately 0.2 million performance shares and related performance-based target cash awards of $2.2 million to certain employees. In April 2014, we granted less than 0.1 million performance shares and related performance-based target cash awards of $0.3 million to additional employees under the same award plan. As these awards contain a market condition, a Monte Carlo valuation was used to determine the performance shares' grant date fair values of $7.65 per share (February 2014) and $6.80 per share (April 2014) and the payout probabilities of the target cash awards. The awards granted to our named executive officers also contain a performance condition based on certain operating measures for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. The performance period is the three year fiscal period beginning December 26, 2013 and ending December 28, 2016. The performance shares and cash awards will vest and be earned (from 0% to 200% of the target award for each such increment) at the end of the performance period based on the total shareholder return of our stock compared to the total shareholder returns of a group of peer companies.
	During the two quarters ended June 25, 2014, we made payments of $1.1 million in cash and issued 0.1 million shares of common stock related to performance share awards.
	As of June 25, 2014, we had approximately $5.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested performance share awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.9 years.
	Restricted Stock Units for Board Members
	During the two quarters ended June 25, 2014, we granted 0.1 million restricted stock units (which are equity classified) with a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.56 per unit to non-employee members of our Board of Directors. A director may elect to convert these awards into shares of common stock either on a specific date in the future (while still serving as a member of our Board of Directors) or upon termination as a member of our Board of Directors. During the two quarters ended June 25, 2014, less than 0.1 million restricted stock units were converted into shares of common stock. As of June 25, 2014, we had approximately $0.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 0.8 years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes was $7.3 million and $6.1 million for the two quarters ended June 25, 2014 and June 26, 2013, respectively. For the 2014 period, the difference in the overall effective rate from the U.S. Statutory rate was primarily due to two discrete tax items. State job tax credits of $0.5 million were claimed during the 2014 period resulting from the prior year's hiring activity. In addition, share-based compensation adjustments resulted in an out-of-period tax benefit of $0.5 million. We do not believe the out-of-period adjustment was material to any prior or current year financial statements or on earnings trends. For the 2013 period, the difference in the overall effective rate from the U.S. Statutory rate was due to state and foreign taxes, employment tax credits, and discrete tax items. The passage of the American Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012 resulted in deferred tax benefits of $0.3 million related to work opportunity credits generated in 2012, which were allowed retroactively during 2013. In addition, state jobs tax credits of $0.8 million were claimed during the 2013 period resulting from the prior year's hiring activity.

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	Net Income Per Share
	The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculation are summarized below:
		Quarter Ended				Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
		(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
	Net income	$	8,273	$	6,198	$	14,704	$	13,279
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	86,781		91,659		87,792		92,004
	Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	1,603		2,006		1,838		2,077
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	88,384		93,665		89,630		94,081
	Basic net income per share	$	0.1	$	0.07	$	0.17	$	0.14
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.09	$	0.07	$	0.16	$	0.14
	Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards	606		331		606		331

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
		Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Income taxes paid, net	$	1,640	$	1,335
	Interest paid	$	4,103	$	5,010
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	$	1,030	$	1,590
	Execution of capital leases	$	757	$	2,865
	Treasury stock payable	$	395	$	1,144
	Accrued deferred financing costs	$	—	$	54

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' equity	'
	Shareholders' Equity
	Share Repurchase
	Our credit facility permits the payment of cash dividends and the purchase of Denny’s stock subject to certain limitations. In April 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase up to an additional 10.0 million shares of our common stock. Under this program, we may, from time to time, purchase shares in the open market (including pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to market and business conditions. During the two quarters ended June 25, 2014, we repurchased 3.6 million shares of our common stock for approximately $24.0 million. This brings the total amount repurchased under this program to 4.4 million shares of our common stock for approximately $29.0 million, leaving 5.6 million shares that can be repurchased as of June 25, 2014. Repurchased shares are included as treasury stock in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
		Pensions			Derivatives			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of December 25, 2013	(18,690		)	1,848			(16,842		)
	Amortization of net loss (1)	462			—			462
	Net change in fair value of derivatives	—			(1,440		)	(1,440		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(181		)	563			382
	Balance as of June 25, 2014	$	(18,409	)	$	971		$	(17,438	)
	-1	Before-tax amount that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of pension expense within general and administrative expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 25, 2014. See Note 8 for additional details.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	We have guarantees related to certain franchisee leases and loans. Payments under these guarantees would result from the inability of a franchisee to fund required payments when due. Through June 25, 2014, no events had occurred that caused us to make payments under the guarantees. There were $6.8 million and $6.1 million of loans outstanding under these programs as of June 25, 2014 and December 25, 2013, respectively. As of June 25, 2014, the maximum amounts payable under the lease guarantee and loan guarantees were $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. As a result of these guarantees, we have recorded liabilities of approximately $0.1 million as of June 25, 2014 and December 25, 2013, which are included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and other nonoperating expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	There are various claims and pending legal actions against or indirectly involving us, incidental to and arising out of the ordinary course of the business. In the opinion of management, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these proceedings and claims will not materially affect the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Subsequent_Events_Notes

Subsequent Events (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	We performed an evaluation of subsequent events and determined that no events required disclosure.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting standards to be adopted	'
	Accounting Standards to be Adopted
	Discontinued Operations
	ASU 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity"
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, 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 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 guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014 (our fiscal 2015), with early adoption permitted for any disposal transaction not previously reported. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	Revenue Recognition
	ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which clarifies the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. The new guidance requires companies to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or service to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The guidance allows for either a "full retrospective" adoption or a "modified retrospective" adoption, however early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	We reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they are either not applicable to our business or are not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements as a result of future adoption.

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Company and franchise unit activity	'
	The following table shows the unit activity for the quarter and two quarters ended June 25, 2014 and June 26, 2013, respectively:
		Quarter Ended				Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
	Company restaurants, beginning of period	161		164		163		164
	Units opened	—		—		—		—
	Units acquired from franchisees	—		1		—		1
	Units closed	(1	)	—		(3	)	—
	End of period	160		165		160		165
	Franchised and licensed restaurants, beginning of period	1,535		1,525		1,537		1,524
	Units opened	3		11		7		18
	Units acquired by Company	—		(1	)	—		(1	)
	Units closed	(5	)	(10	)	(11	)	(16	)
	End of period	1,533		1,525		1,533		1,525
	Total restaurants, end of period	1,693		1,690		1,693		1,690

Receivables_Tables

Receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables, net	'
	Receivables were comprised of the following:
		June 25, 2014			December 25, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Current assets:
	Receivables:
	Trade accounts receivable from franchisees	$	9,563		$	10,072
	Notes receivable from franchisees	1,472			1,800
	Vendor receivables	1,155			2,516
	Credit card receivables	894			2,162
	Other	1,149			1,002
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(235		)	(231		)
	Total current receivables, net	$	13,998		$	17,321
	Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):
	Notes receivable from franchisees	$	535		$	766

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible assets	'
	Other intangible assets were comprised of the following:
		June 25, 2014				December 25, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
		(In thousands)
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trade names	$	44,056	$	—	$	44,055	$	—
	Liquor licenses	126		—		126		—
	Intangible assets with definite lives:
	Franchise and license agreements	22,613		21,027		31,248		29,007
	Reacquired franchise rights	1,857		532		1,857		354
	Intangible assets	$	68,652	$	21,559	$	77,286	$	29,361

Operating_Gains_Losses_and_Oth1

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Operating (Gains), Losses And Other Charges, Net [Abstract]	'
Operating gains losses and other charges net	'
	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net are comprised of the following:
		Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013			June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	(Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net	$	(33	)	$	(33	)	$	(41	)	$	(15	)
	Restructuring charges and exit costs	45			660			475			776
	Impairment charges	28			857			28			857
	Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	$	40		$	1,484		$	462		$	1,618
Schedule of restructuring charges and exit costs	'
	Restructuring charges and exit costs were comprised of the following:
		Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013			June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Exit costs	$	35		$	181		$	89		$	237
	Severance and other restructuring charges	10			479			386			539
	Total restructuring charges and exit costs	$	45		$	660		$	475		$	776
Components of change in accrued exit cost liabilities	'
	The components of the change in accrued exit cost liabilities are as follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance, December 25, 2013	$	3,149
	Exit costs (1)	89
	Payments, net of sublease receipts	(574		)
	Reclassification of certain lease assets and liabilities, net	(10		)
	Interest accretion	99
	Balance, June 25, 2014	2,753
	Less current portion included in other current liabilities	1,082
	Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	$	1,671
	-1	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.
Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities	'
	Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities are as follows:
		(In thousands)
	Remainder of 2014	$	873
	2015	583
	2016	295
	2017	296
	2018	299
	Thereafter	986
	Total	3,332
	Less imputed interest	579
	Present value of exit cost liabilities	$	2,753

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Valuation Technique
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(In thousands)
	Fair value measurements as of June 25, 2014:
	Deferred compensation plan investments (1)	$	8,883	$	8,883	$	—	$	—	market approach
	Interest rate swaps (2)	$	1,592	—		1,592		—		income approach
	Interest rate caps (2)	$	0	$	—	$	0	$	—	income approach
	Total	$	10,475	$	8,883	$	1,592	$	—
	Fair value measurements as of December 25, 2013:
	Deferred compensation plan investments (1)	$	8,168	$	8,168	$	—	$	—	market approach
	Interest rate swaps (2)	$	3,032	$	—	$	3,032	$	—	income approach
	Interest rate caps (2)	$	11	$	—	$	11	$	—	income approach
	Total	$	11,211	$	8,168	$	3,043	$	—
	-1	The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the participants’ elected investments.
	-2	The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 7 for details on the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	'
	Those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below:
		Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs		Valuation Technique
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
		(In thousands)
	Fair value measurements as of December 25, 2013:
	Assets held and used (1)	$	1,198	$	—	$	—	$	1,198	income approach
	Total	$	1,198	$	—	$	—	$	1,198
	-1	As of December 25, 2013, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. Impairment charges of $4.8 million were recognized as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended December 25, 2013. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly.

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		Quarter Ended						Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013			June 25, 2014			June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Pension Plan:
	Service cost	$	95		$	100		$	190		$	200
	Interest cost	771			734			1,550			1,488
	Expected return on plan assets	(988		)	(1,120		)	(1,977		)	(2,244		)
	Amortization of net loss	231			408			462			827
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	109		$	122		$	225		$	271
	Other Defined Benefit Plans:
	Interest cost	$	31		$	28		$	62		$	56
	Amortization of net loss	16			18			31			36
	Settlement loss recognized	25			—			25			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	72		$	46		$	118		$	92

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Total share-based compensation	'
	Total share-based compensation cost included as a component of net income was as follows:
		Quarter Ended				Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Stock options	$	—	$	133	$	52	$	297
	Performance share awards	984		811		1,912		1,642
	Restricted stock units	196		262		380		442
	Total share-based compensation	$	1,180	$	1,206	$	2,344	$	2,381

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	The amounts used for the basic and diluted net income per share calculation are summarized below:
		Quarter Ended				Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
		(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
	Net income	$	8,273	$	6,198	$	14,704	$	13,279
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	86,781		91,659		87,792		92,004
	Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	1,603		2,006		1,838		2,077
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	88,384		93,665		89,630		94,081
	Basic net income per share	$	0.1	$	0.07	$	0.17	$	0.14
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.09	$	0.07	$	0.16	$	0.14
	Anti-dilutive share-based compensation awards	606		331		606		331

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
		Two Quarters Ended
		June 25, 2014		June 26, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Income taxes paid, net	$	1,640	$	1,335
	Interest paid	$	4,103	$	5,010
	Noncash investing and financing activities:
	Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	$	1,030	$	1,590
	Execution of capital leases	$	757	$	2,865
	Treasury stock payable	$	395	$	1,144
	Accrued deferred financing costs	$	—	$	54

Accumulated_other_comprehensiv

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The components of the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
		Pensions			Derivatives			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of December 25, 2013	(18,690		)	1,848			(16,842		)
	Amortization of net loss (1)	462			—			462
	Net change in fair value of derivatives	—			(1,440		)	(1,440		)
	Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(181		)	563			382
	Balance as of June 25, 2014	$	(18,409	)	$	971		$	(17,438	)
	-1	Before-tax amount that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of pension expense within general and administrative expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 25, 2014. See Note 8 for additional details.

Introduction_and_Basis_of_Pres2

Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
	restaurant	restaurant	restaurant	restaurant
Entity and franchisee unit activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Units, end of period	1,693	1,690	1,693	1,690
Company restaurants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity and franchisee unit activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Units, beginning of period	161	164	163	164
Units opened	0	0	0	0
Units acquired from franchisees	0	1	0	1
Units closed	-1	0	-3	0
Units, end of period	160	165	160	165
Franchised and licensed restaurants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Entity and franchisee unit activity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Units, beginning of period	1,535	1,525	1,537	1,524
Units opened	3	11	7	18
Units acquired by Company	0	-1	0	-1
Units closed	-5	-10	-11	-16
Units, end of period	1,533	1,525	1,533	1,525

Receivables_Details

Receivables (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts receivable from franchisees, gross, current	$9,563	$10,072
Notes receivable from franchisees, gross, current	1,472	1,800
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-235	-231
Total current receivables, net	13,998	17,321
Noncurrent assets (included as a component of other noncurrent assets):	'	'
Notes receivable from franchisees, noncurrent	535	766
Vendor receivables [Member]	'	'
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Other receivable, gross, current	1,155	2,516
Credit card receivables [Member]	'	'
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Other receivable, gross, current	894	2,162
Other [Member]	'	'
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Other receivable, gross, current	$1,149	$1,002

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	$31,451,000	$31,451,000
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets	68,652,000	77,286,000
Intangible assets with indefinite lives [Abstract]	'	'
Gross carrying amount - Trade names	44,056,000	44,055,000
Gross carrying amount - Liquor licenses	126,000	126,000
Intangible assets with definite lives [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated amortization	21,559,000	29,361,000
Franchise and license agreements [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets with definite lives [Abstract]	'	'
Gross carrying amount	22,613,000	31,248,000
Accumulated amortization	21,027,000	29,007,000
Decrease in franchise and license agreements	8,600,000	'
Reacquired franchise rights [Member]	'	'
Intangible assets with definite lives [Abstract]	'	'
Gross carrying amount	1,857,000	1,857,000
Accumulated amortization	$532,000	$354,000

Operating_Gains_Losses_and_Oth2

Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014		Jun. 26, 2013	Dec. 25, 2013
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net [Abstract]	'	'	'		'	'
(Gains) losses on sales of assets and other, net	($33)	($33)	($41)		($15)	'
Restructuring charges and exit costs	45	660	475		776	'
Impairment charges	28	857	28		857	'
Operating (gains), losses and other charges, net	40	1,484	462		1,618	'
Restructuring charges and exit costs [Abstract]	'	'	'		'	'
Exit costs	35	181	89	[1]	237	'
Severance and other restructuring charges	10	479	386		539	'
Total restructuring charges and exit costs	45	660	475		776	'
Components of change in accrued exit cost liabilities [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'	'
Balance, December 25, 2013	'	'	3,149		'	'
Exit costs	35	181	89	[1]	237	'
Payments, net of sublease receipts	'	'	-574		'	'
Reclassification of certain lease assets and liabilities, net	'	'	-10		'	'
Interest accretion	'	'	99		'	'
Balance, June 25, 2014	2,753	'	2,753		'	'
Less current portion included in other current liabilities	1,082	'	1,082		'	'
Long-term portion included in other noncurrent liabilities	1,671	'	1,671		'	'
Estimated net cash payments related to exit cost liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'		'	'
Remainder of 2014	873	'	873		'	'
2015	583	'	583		'	'
2016	295	'	295		'	'
2017	296	'	296		'	'
2018	299	'	299		'	'
Thereafter	986	'	986		'	'
Total	3,332	'	3,332		'	'
Less imputed interest	579	'	579		'	'
Present value of exit cost liabilities	2,753	'	2,753		'	'
Accrued severance and other restructuring charges	$100	'	$100		'	$100
Period of accrued severance and other restructuring charges, maximum	'	'	'12 months		'	'
[1]	Included as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014		Dec. 25, 2013
Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	$10,475,000		$11,211,000
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	8,883,000		8,168,000
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	1,592,000		3,043,000
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Deferred compensation plan investments	8,883,000	[1]	8,168,000	[1]
Valuation technique	'market approach		'market approach
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Deferred compensation plan investments	8,883,000	[1]	8,168,000	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Deferred compensation plan investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Deferred compensation plan investments [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Deferred compensation plan investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	1,592,000	[2]	3,032,000	[2]
Valuation technique	'income approach		'income approach
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	0	[2]	0	[2]
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	1,592,000	[2]	3,032,000	[2]
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swaps [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	0	[2]	0	[2]
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	0	[2]	11,000	[2]
Valuation technique	'income approach		'income approach
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	0	[2]	0	[2]
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	0	[2]	11,000	[2]
Recurring [Member] | Interest rate caps [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Interest rate swaps and interest rate caps	0	[2]	0	[2]
Nonrecurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	'		1,198,000
Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	'		0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	'		0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Total	'		1,198,000
Nonrecurring [Member] | Assets held and used [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held and used	'		1,198,000	[3]
Valuation technique	'		'income approach
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	'		4,800,000
Nonrecurring [Member] | Assets held and used [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held and used	'		0	[3]
Nonrecurring [Member] | Assets held and used [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held and used	'		0	[3]
Nonrecurring [Member] | Assets held and used [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Assets held and used	'		$1,198,000	[3]
[1]	The fair values of our deferred compensation plan investments are based on the closing market prices of the participantsb elected investments.
[2]	The fair values of our interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are based upon Level 2 inputs, which include valuation models as reported by our counterparties. The key inputs for the valuation models are quoted market prices, interest rates and forward yield curves. See Note 7 for details on the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps.
[3]	As of December 25, 2013, impaired assets related to an underperforming restaurant were written down to their fair value. Impairment charges of $4.8 million were recognized as a component of operating (gains), losses and other charges, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the quarter ended December 25, 2013. To determine fair value, we used the income approach, which assumes that the future cash flows reflect current market expectations. These fair value measurements require significant judgment using Level 3 inputs, such as discounted cash flows from operations, which are not observable from the market, directly or indirectly.

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-average interest rate (in hundredths)	2.16%	2.17%
Maturity date	24-Apr-18	'
Debt Instrument, periodic amortization, principal, years one and two	5.00%	'
Debt Instrument, periodic amortization, principal, years three and four	7.50%	'
Debt Instrument, periodic amortization, principal, year five	10.00%	'
Secured Debt [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Term loan, original principal amount	60,000,000	'
Outstanding amount under credit facility	56,300,000	'
Basis spread on variable rate debt	2.00%	'
Repayments of term loan under the credit facility	1,500,000	'
Senior secured revolver [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	190,000,000	'
Outstanding amount under credit facility	105,000,000	'
Availability under the revolving facility	61,300,000	'
Accordion feature that allows increase in size of facility	240,000,000	'
Commitment fee for unused portion of revolving credit facility (in hundredths)	0.35%	'
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	30,000,000	'
Outstanding amount of letters of credit	23,700,000	'
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Interest Rate Cap 2013-2014 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate cap, description of variable rate basis	'LIBOR	'
Interest rate cap, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	2.00%	'
Derivative, notional amount	125,000,000	'
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Interest Rate Cap 2014-2015 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate cap, description of variable rate basis	'LIBOR	'
Interest rate cap, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	2.00%	'
Derivative, notional amount	150,000,000	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of interest rate swaps	1,592,000	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2015-2017 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, notional amount	150,000,000	'
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swaps	3.12%	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps 2017-2018 [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, notional amount	140,000,000	'
Average fixed interest rate on interest rate swaps	3.12%	'

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Details

Defined Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
			Pension Plan [Member]	Pension Plan [Member]	Pension Plan [Member]	Pension Plan [Member]	Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	Other Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	'	'	$95,000	$100,000	$190,000	$200,000	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	'	'	771,000	734,000	1,550,000	1,488,000	31,000	28,000	62,000	56,000
Expected return on plan assets	'	'	-988,000	-1,120,000	-1,977,000	-2,244,000	'	'	'	'
Amortization of net loss	'	'	231,000	408,000	462,000	827,000	16,000	18,000	31,000	36,000
Settlement loss recognized	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,000	0	25,000	0
Net periodic benefit cost	'	'	109,000	122,000	225,000	271,000	72,000	46,000	118,000	92,000
Maximum contributions made to qualified pension plan and other defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'	1,300,000	2,800,000	'	'	200,000	100,000
Maximum expected additional contributions to be made to qualified pension plan and other defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'	1,300,000	'	'	'	200,000	'
Additional minimum pension liability	$18,400,000	$18,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	$1,180,000	$1,206,000	$2,344,000	$2,381,000
Stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	0	133,000	52,000	297,000
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards outstanding	0	'	0	'
Performance shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	984,000	811,000	1,912,000	1,642,000
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Performance period	'	'	'3 years	'
Minimum percentage of target awards to be earned (in hundredths)	'	'	0.00%	'
Maximum percentage of target awards to be earned (in hundredths)	'	'	200.00%	'
Cash payments	'	'	1,100,000	'
Maximum common stock shares issued (in shares)	'	'	0.1	'
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance share awards outstanding	5,800,000	'	5,800,000	'
Unrecognized compensation cost, expected weighted average period	'	'	'1 year 10 months 17 days	'
Restricted stock units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total share-based compensation	196,000	262,000	380,000	442,000
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity awards granted (in shares)	'	'	0.1	'
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	$6.56	'
Maximum common stock shares issued (in shares)	'	'	0.1	'
Unrecognized compensation cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units outstanding	600,000	'	600,000	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units, expected weighted average period	'	'	'0 years 10 months 0 days	'
Performance award granted February 2014 [Member] | Performance shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity awards granted (in shares)	'	'	0.2	'
Employee performance based target cash awards	'	'	2,200,000	'
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	$7.65	'
Performance award granted April 2014 [Member] | Performance shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity awards granted (in shares)	'	'	0.1	'
Employee performance based target cash awards	'	'	$300,000	'
Equity awards, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	$6.80	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$4,730,000	$2,537,000	$7,349,000	$6,106,000
State jobs tax credits	'	'	500,000	800,000
Tax adjustment benefit	'	'	500,000	'
Deferred tax benefit	'	'	'	$300,000

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$8,273	$6,198	$14,704	$13,279
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	86,781	91,659	87,792	92,004
Effect of dilutive share-based compensation awards	1,603	2,006	1,838	2,077
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	88,384	93,665	89,630	94,081
Basic net income per share	$0.10	$0.07	$0.17	$0.14
Diluted net income per share	$0.09	$0.07	$0.16	$0.14
Antidilutive securities excluded from diluted weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	606	331	606	331

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Income taxes paid, net	$1,640	$1,335
Interest paid	4,103	5,010
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to share-based compensation plans	1,030	1,590
Execution of capital leases	757	2,865
Treasury stock payable	395	1,144
Accrued deferred financing costs	$0	$54

Share_Repurchase_Details

Share Repurchase (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 25, 2014
Share Repurchase [Abstract]	'
Additional number of shares approved under stock repurchase program (in shares)	10,000,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	3,644,000
Purchase of treasury stock	$23,990,000
Number of accumulated shares repurchased (in shares)	4,400,000
Value of shares repurchased	$29,000,000
Remaining number of shares approved under stock repurchase program (in shares)	5,600,000

Components_of_accumulated_othe

Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2014	Jun. 26, 2013	Jun. 25, 2014		Jun. 26, 2013
Components of Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'
Balance as of December 25, 2013	'	'	($16,842)		'
Amortization of net loss, before tax	'	'	462	[1]	'
Net change in fair value of derivatives, before tax	'	'	-1,440		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedged transactions, tax expense (benefit)	339	-1,522	563		-1,522
Other comprehensive loss, tax benefit	'	'	382		'
Balance as of June 25, 2014	-17,438	'	-17,438		'
Pensions [Member]	'	'	'		'
Components of Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'
Balance as of December 25, 2013	'	'	-18,690		'
Amortization of net loss, before tax	'	'	462	[1]	'
Minimum pension liability, adjustment, tax expense	'	'	-181		'
Balance as of June 25, 2014	-18,409	'	-18,409		'
Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'		'
Components of Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'		'
Balance as of December 25, 2013	'	'	1,848		'
Net change in fair value of derivatives, before tax	'	'	-1,440		'
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedged transactions, tax expense (benefit)	'	'	563		'
Balance as of June 25, 2014	$971	'	$971		'
[1]	Before-tax amount that was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and included as a component of pension expense within general and administrative expenses in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the two quarters ended June 25, 2014. See Note 8 for additional details.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 25, 2014	Dec. 25, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Guarantee liabilities included as a component of other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	$0.10	$0.10
Financial Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Loan amounts outstanding under the loan pools	6.8	6.1
Maximum payments guaranteed	1.7	'
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum payments guaranteed	$2	'