Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Current Year [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Current Year [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Parent [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest Assets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Intercompany Due from Affiliate, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Long-term receivables Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Gift card liability Gift Card Liability, Current Other accrued expenses Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Financing obligations, less current maturities Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations The sale leaseback financing obligations due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, accounted for under the financing method. Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long-term debt, excluding current maturities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Franchised Units Franchised Units [Member] Company Operated Entity Operated Units [Member] Applebee's Applebee's [Member] Applebee's [Member] IHOP IHOP [Member] IHOP Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items] Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items] Number of segments Number of Reportable Segments Number of Restaurants Number of Restaurants Number of Restaurants reacquired until refranchised Number of Restaurants Reacquired Until Refranchised Number of Restaurants Reacquired Until Refranchised Number of Territories in which entity operates Number of Territories in which Entity Operates Number of Territories in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which entity operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract] Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract] Consolidating Financial Information Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Corporate and Other Corporate and Other [Member] Franchise Operations Franchise Operations [Member] Franchise Operations [Member] Company Restaurants Company Restaurants [Member] Company Restaurants [Member] Rental Operations Rental Operations [Member] Rental Operations [Member] Financing Operations Financing Operations [Member] Financing Operations [Member] Corporate Corporate [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Franchise revenues Franchise Revenue Company restaurant sales Food and Beverage Revenue Rental income Rental Income Rental income includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Financing revenues Financial Services Revenue Total segment revenues Revenues Interest expense Interest Expense Debt and Debt Discount Represents the portion of interest incurred in the period on debt arrangements and amortization of debt discount that was charged against earnings. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Net Income per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Segment Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Franchise and restaurant revenues Franchise and Restaurant Revenues Franchise and Restaurant Revenues Rental revenues Segment Expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Franchise and restaurant expenses Franchise and Restaurant Expenses Franchise and Restaurant Expenses Rental expenses Rental Expenses Rental expenses are costs of prime operating leases and interest expense on prime capital leases on franchisee-operated restaurants. Financing expenses Financing Expenses Represents the charge against earnings during the period primarily related to the cost of restaurant equipment. Total segment expenses Cost of Revenue Gross segment profit Gross Profit General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Impairment and closure charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Debt modification costs Debt Modification Expense (Credit) The cost incurred or credit received fromt the modification of term of existing debt agreement in order for the entity to achieve some advantage. Loss (gain) on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Income before income taxes Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Adjustment to unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income available to common stockholders: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Unvested Participating Restricted Stock The amount of net income (loss) which is allocated to unvested participating restricted stock. Less: Accretion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Accretion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Accretion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Net income available to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income available to common stockholders per share: Basic (per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends paid per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Principal receipts from long-term receivables Proceeds from Notes and Equipment Contracts receivable The cash inflow from the principal repayments on notes and equipment contracts receivable. Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash flows provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments under revolving credit facilities Repayments of Lines of Credit Payment of debt Repayments of Debt Payment of debt modification costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Dividends Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Other Other Financing Activities Other Financing Activities Intercompany transfers Intercompany Transfers Intercompany Transfers Cash flows used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income Schedule of Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Schedule of Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Weighted average historical volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected years until exercise Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Forfeitures Share-based Compensation, Fair Value Assumptions, Forfeitures Rate Share-based Compensation, Fair Value Assumptions, Forfeitures Rate Weighted average fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Impairment And Closure Charges Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Closure charges Business Exit Costs Impairment and closure Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Current Year [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Current Year [Abstract] Impairment and closure Debt modification costs Intercompany dividend Intercompany Dividend Intercompany Dividend Benefit (provision) for income taxes Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Property Lease Guarantee Property Lease Guarantee [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri [Member] Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri [Member] Illinois ILLINOIS Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Potential liability for guaranteed leases Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Number of franchised restaurants, filed for bankruptcy protection Number of Franchised Restaurants, Filed for Bankruptcy Protection Number of Franchised Restaurants, Filed for Bankruptcy Protection Number of franchised restaurants filed for bankruptcy protection and still operated by franchisee under franchise agreement Number of Franchised Restaurants, Filed For Bankruptcy Protection, Still Operated by Franchisee Under Franchise Agreement Number of Franchised Restaurants, Filed For Bankruptcy Protection, Still Operated by Franchisee Under Franchise Agreement Number of restaurants filed for bankruptcy protection likely returned to the company Number of Restaurants Filed for Bankruptcy Protection Likely Returned to the Company Number of Restaurants Filed for Bankruptcy Protection Likely Returned to the Company Noncash charge to deferred rental revenue Franchise, Bankruptcy Order, Company Non-Cash Charge to Deferred Rental Revenue Franchise, Bankruptcy Order, Company Non-Cash Charge to Deferred Rental Revenue Potential decrease in deferred revenues Loss Contingency, Potential Decrease in Deferred Revenues Loss Contingency, Potential Decrease in Deferred Revenues Number of franchised restaurants sold to new franchisee as a result of bankruptcy Number of Franchised Restaurants Sold to New Franchisee as a Result of Bankruptcy Number of Franchised Restaurants Sold to New Franchisee as a Result of Bankruptcy Number of franchised restaurants closed as a result of bankruptcy Number of Franchised Restaurants Closed as a Result of Bankruptcy Number of Franchised Restaurants Closed as a Result of Bankruptcy Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Impairment and Closure Charges Impairment and Closure Charges Disclosure [Text Block] Description of impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill impairment as well as closure charges. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulaten the entire disclosure including data and tables. Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loans Term Loans [Member] Term Loans [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Face Amount Repaid/Retired Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Cash Paid Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Loss Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Fiscal Year New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2011 Plan 2011 Plan [Member] 2011 Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Stock-based compensation, equity classified awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Equity Classified Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Equity Classified Awards Stock-based compensation, liability classified awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Liability Classified Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Liability Classified Awards Pre-tax compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax provision Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options, outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Options, outstanding, end of period Options, vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Options, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Weighted average exercise price, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Weighted average exercise price, end of period Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options, outstanding, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options, vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Current assets: Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Taxes Prepaid gift cards Prepaid Gift Cards Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of payments made in advance related to gift card marketing which are expected to be charged against earnings within one year. Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current liabilities: Accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Capital lease obligations, less current maturities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares: 40,000,000 authorized; June 30, 2013 - 25,346,997 issued, 19,167,937 outstanding; December 31, 2012 - 25,362,946 issued, 19,197,899 outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost; shares: June 30, 2013 - 6,179,060; December 31, 2012 - 6,165,047 Treasury Stock, Value Total stockholders’ equity Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series B Preferred Stock Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units Accretion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share Net income available to common stockholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic Dilutive effect of stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of series B preferred stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Preferred Stock Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted Net income per common share - basic Net income per common share -diluted Common stock equivalents excluded from diluted income per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Gross unrecognized tax benefit Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits including penalties and interest expected to be paid within one year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Expected to be Paid Within One Year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Expected to be Paid Within One Year Accrued interest on income taxes Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Accrued penalties on income taxes Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Increase (decrease) in accrued interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table Text Block] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments, by Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Board of Directors Board of Directors [Member] Board of Directors [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units Classified as Liabilities Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units Classified as Liabilities [Member] Cash Settled Restricted Stock Units Classified as Liabilities [Member] LTIP Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Restricted stock, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted stock, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted stock, cash settled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Conversion of Cash Settled Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Conversion of Cash Settled Units Restricted stock, released Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period Restricted stock, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Restricted stock, end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Cash Settled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Conversion of Cash Settled Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Conversion of Cash Settled Units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Multiplier for target award based on total shareholder return on common stock Share Based Compensation, Multiplier for Target Award Based on Total Shareholder Return on Common Stock Share Based Compensation, Multiplier for Target Award Based on Total Shareholder Return on Common Stock Share-based compensation expense Accounting Policies New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75% Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75% [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 3.75% [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 4.25% Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 4.25% [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 4.25% Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5% Senior Notes, due Oct 2018, fixed rate 9.5% [Member] Senior Notes, due Oct 2018, fixed rate 9.5% [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Senior secured credit facility due Senior Secured Credit Facility Due Senior Secured Credit Facility Due Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5% Senior Notes Discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Less current maturities Debt Instruments (Narrative) [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Non-cash interest expense Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Impairment and closure charges Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Tax benefit from stock-based compensation Tax Benefit from Stock-based Compensation Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified stock-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from stock-based compensation recognized on the income statement. This element increases net cash provided by operating activities. Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Gain on disposition of assets Other Other Cash and Noncash Changes in Operating Activities Transactions that result in no cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect method combined with the net change during the reporting period in the value of other assets or liabilities used in operating activities that are not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Current income tax receivables and payables Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued employee compensation and benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Gift card liability Increase (Decrease) in Gift Card Liability Other accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Cash flows provided by operating activities Additions to property and equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables Repayment of long-term debt (including premiums) Repayments of Long-term Debt Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Repurchase of DineEquity common stock Repurchase of restricted stock Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Change in restricted cash Supplemental disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid in cash Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid in cash Income Taxes Paid