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Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 25, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Dine Brands Global, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000049754
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,535,046
Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 132,932	$ 137,164
Receivables, net	97,786	137,504
Restricted cash	36,654	48,515
Prepaid gift card costs	30,045	38,195
Prepaid income taxes	19,370	17,402
Other current assets	5,980	3,410
Total current assets	322,767	382,190
Other intangible assets, net	583,040	585,889
Operating lease right-of-use asset	383,962
Goodwill	343,862	345,314
Property and equipment, net	225,396	240,264
Long-term receivables, net	99,582	103,102
Deferred rent receivable	75,569	77,069
Non-current restricted cash	14,700	14,700
Other non-current assets, net	27,239	26,152
Total assets	2,076,117	1,774,680
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	25,000
Accounts payable	37,726	43,468
Gift card liability	115,974	160,438
Current maturities of operating lease obligations	67,340
Current maturities of finance lease and financing obligations	13,708	14,031
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	15,338	27,479
Dividends payable	12,461	11,389
Deferred franchise revenue, short-term	10,376	10,138
Other accrued expenses	30,167	24,243
Total current liabilities	303,090	316,186
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,274,916	1,274,087
Operating lease obligations, less current maturities	386,364
Finance lease obligations, less current maturities	87,624
Finance lease obligations, less current maturities		87,762
Financing obligations, less current maturities	38,306	38,482
Deferred income taxes, net	102,074	105,816
Deferred franchise revenue, long-term	62,472	64,557
Other non-current liabilities	12,092	90,063
Total liabilities	2,266,938	1,976,953
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ deficit:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; shares: 40,000,000 authorized; March 31, 2019 - 24,974,665 issued, 17,650,765 outstanding; December 31, 2018 - 24,984,898 issued, 17,644,267 outstanding	250	250
Additional paid-in-capital	239,585	237,726
Retained earnings	24,588	10,414
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(61)	(60)
Treasury stock, at cost; shares: March 31, 2019 - 7,323,900; December 31, 2018 - 7,340,631	(455,183)	(450,603)
Total stockholders’ deficit	(190,821)	(202,273)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$ 2,076,117	$ 1,774,680

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	24,974,665	24,984,898
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	17,650,765	17,644,267
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	7,323,900	7,340,631

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues:
Rental revenues	$ 30,711	$ 30,841
Total revenues	237,182	188,163
Cost of revenues:
Franchise expenses:	80,303	81,872
Company restaurant expenses	31,538	0
Interest expense from finance leases	1,529	1,877
Other rental expenses	21,095	20,764
Rental expenses:	22,624	22,641
Financing expenses	146	150
Total cost of revenues	134,611	104,663
Gross profit	102,571	83,500
General and administrative expenses	42,819	41,911
Interest expense, net	15,393	15,199
Amortization of intangible assets	2,924	2,502
Closure and impairment charges	194	2,604
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	109	(1,427)
Income before income tax provision	41,132	22,711
Income tax provision	(9,489)	(5,638)
Net income	31,643	17,073
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:
Adjustment to unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments	0	50
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1)	(3)
Total comprehensive income	31,642	17,120
Net income available to common stockholders:
Net income	31,643	17,073
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(1,111)	(568)
Net income available to common stockholders - basic	$ 30,532	$ 16,505
Net income available to common stockholders per share:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 1.76	$ 0.93
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 1.73	$ 0.92
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	17,343	17,703
Diluted (in shares)	17,690	17,845
Dividends declared per common share (USD per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.63
Dividends paid per common share (USD per share)	$ 0.63	$ 0.97
Franchise revenues
Revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	$ 168,926	$ 155,313
Royalties, franchise fees and other
Revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	96,296	91,477
Advertising revenue
Revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	72,630	63,836
Company restaurant sales
Revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	35,735	0
Financing revenues
Revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	1,810	2,009
Advertising fees
Revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	72,630	63,836
Cost of revenues:
Franchise expenses:	72,630	63,836
Other franchise expenses
Cost of revenues:
Franchise expenses:	$ 7,673	$ 18,036

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Deficit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Stock
Common stock, shares, outstanding, beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		17,993,000
Stockholders' equity balance, beginning of the period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ (215,540)	$ 250	$ 276,408	$ (69,940)	$ (105)	$ (422,153)
Treasury stock, shares, beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017						7,029,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	17,073			17,073
Other comprehensive gain (loss)	47				47
Purchase of Company common stock (in shares)		(139,000)				(139,000)
Purchase of Company common stock	(10,003)					$ (10,003)
Reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)		77,000				77,000
Reissuance of treasury stock	456		(2,495)			$ 2,951
Net issuance of shares for stock plans (in shares)		6,000
Net issuance of shares for stock plans	0
Repurchase of restricted shares for taxes (in shares)		(15,000)
Repurchase of restricted shares for taxes	(1,083)		(1,083)
Stock-based compensation	3,368		3,368
Dividends on common stock in excess of retained earnings	(11,204)		(11,204)
Common stock, shares, outstanding, ending (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018		17,922,000
Stockholders' equity balance, ending of the period at Mar. 31, 2018	$ (216,886)	$ 250	264,994	(52,867)	(58)	$ (429,205)
Treasury stock, shares, ending (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018						7,091,000
Common stock, shares, outstanding, beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	17,644,267	17,644,000
Stockholders' equity balance, beginning of the period at Dec. 31, 2018	$ (202,273)	$ 250	237,726	10,414	(60)	$ (450,603)
Treasury stock, shares, beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	7,340,631					7,341,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	$ 31,643			31,643
Other comprehensive gain (loss)	(1)				(1)
Purchase of Company common stock (in shares)		(151,000)				(151,000)
Purchase of Company common stock	$ (12,015)					$ (12,015)
Reissuance of treasury stock (in shares)	168,047	168,000				168,000
Reissuance of treasury stock	$ 6,768		(667)			$ 7,435
Net issuance of shares for stock plans (in shares)		9,000
Net issuance of shares for stock plans	0
Repurchase of restricted shares for taxes (in shares)		(19,000)
Repurchase of restricted shares for taxes	(1,817)		(1,817)
Stock-based compensation	4,107		4,107
Dividends on common stock	$ (12,203)		236	(12,439)
Common stock, shares, outstanding, ending (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	17,650,765	17,651,000
Stockholders' equity balance, ending of the period at Mar. 31, 2019	$ (190,821)	$ 250	$ 239,585	$ 24,588	$ (61)	$ (455,183)
Treasury stock, shares, ending (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019	7,323,900					7,324,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 31,643	$ 17,073
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,179	7,940
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	4,107	3,368
Non-cash interest expense	1,118	864
Closure and impairment charges	194	2,594
Deferred income taxes	(1,149)	(1,182)
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets	109	(1,421)
Other	(3,976)	(6,199)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(3,210)	(8,804)
Current income tax receivables and payables	(1,399)	5,529
Gift card receivables and payables	(890)	(2,269)
Other current assets	(2,570)	5,709
Accounts payable	1,826	65
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(12,141)	(3,448)
Other current liabilities	5,088	(3,351)
Cash flows provided by operating activities	28,929	16,468
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables	5,260	4,930
Additions to property and equipment	(4,717)	(3,488)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	400	655
Additions to long-term receivables	(395)	(2,325)
Other	(100)	(27)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities	448	(255)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of Variable Funding Notes	(25,000)	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	(3,250)
Dividends paid on common stock	(11,153)	(17,453)
Repurchase of common stock	(10,802)	(10,003)
Principal payments on financing lease obligations	(3,466)	(4,536)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	6,768	456
Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting	(1,817)	(1,083)
Cash flows used in financing activities	(45,470)	(35,869)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(16,093)	(19,656)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	200,379	163,146
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	184,286	143,490
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid in cash	16,346	16,621
Income taxes paid in cash	$ 12,014	$ 934

General	3 Months Ended
General	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	General The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Dine Brands Global, Inc. (the “Company” or “Dine Brands Global”) have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the twelve months ending December 31, 2019. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The Company’s fiscal quarters end on the Sunday closest to the last day of each calendar quarter. For convenience, the fiscal quarters of each year are referred to as ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The first fiscal quarter of 2019 began on December 31, 2018 and ended on March 31, 2019. The first fiscal quarter of 2018 began on January 1, 2018 and ended on April 1, 2018. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries that are consolidated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are made in the calculation and assessment of the following: impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and tangible assets; income taxes; allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivables; lease accounting estimates; contingencies; and stock-based compensation. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounting Standards Adopted and Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Adopted and Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Standards Adopted and Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Accounting Standards Adopted In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance with respect to the accounting for leases, as codified in Accounting Standards Topic 842 (“ASC 842”). The guidance is intended to improve financial reporting of leasing transactions by requiring entities that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases, as well as requiring additional disclosures related to an entity's leasing activities. The Company adopted this change in accounting principle using the modified retrospective method as of the first day of the first fiscal quarter of 2019. Accordingly, financial information for periods prior to the date of initial application has not been adjusted. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients for adoption that permitted the Company not to reassess its prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect to use an allowable expedient that permitted the use of hindsight in performing evaluations of its leases. Upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company recognized operating lease obligations of $453.0 million, which represents the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, discounted using the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The Company recognized operating lease right-of-use assets of $395.6 million. The Company recognized an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of $5.0 million, net of tax of $1.7 million, primarily related to an impairment resulting from an unfavorable differential between lease payments to be made and sublease rentals to be received on certain leases. The remaining difference of $50.7 million between the recognized operating lease obligation and right-of-use assets relates to the derecognition of certain liabilities and assets that had been recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP that had been applied prior to the adoption of ASC 842, primarily $43.3 million of accrued rent payments. Lease-related reserves for lease incentives, closed restaurants and unfavorable leaseholds were also derecognized. The accounting for the Company's existing finance (capital) leases upon adoption of ASC 842 remained substantially unchanged. Adoption of ASC 842 had no significant impact on the Company's cash flows from operations or its results of operations and did not impact any covenant related to the Company's long-term debt. The Company implemented internal controls necessary to ensure compliance with the accounting and disclosure requirements of ASC 842. Additional new accounting guidance became effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal 2019 that the Company reviewed and concluded was either not applicable to its operations or had no material effect on its consolidated financial statements in the current or future fiscal years. Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance will replace the incurred loss methodology of recognizing credit losses on financial instruments that is currently required with a methodology that estimates the expected credit loss on financial instruments and reflects the net amount expected to be collected on the financial instrument. Application of the new guidance may result in the earlier recognition of credit losses as the new methodology will require entities to consider forward-looking information in addition to historical and current information used in assessing incurred losses. The Company will be required to adopt the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted in its first fiscal quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance designed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures by removing, modifying and adding disclosures related to fair value measurements. The Company will be required to adopt the new guidance beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2020; early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the new guidance is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with existing guidance for capitalizing implementation cost incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance also provides presentation and disclosure requirements for such capitalized costs. The Company will be required to adopt the new guidance beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2020; early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the new guidance is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to the Company's operations or that no material effect is expected on the Company's financial statements because of future adoption.

Revenue Disclosures (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Disclosures

Franchise revenue (which comprises most of the Company's revenues) and revenue from company-operated restaurants are recognized in accordance with ASC 606. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised services or goods to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive for those services or goods.

Franchising Activities

The Company owns and franchises the Applebee’s and IHOP restaurant concepts. The franchise arrangement for both brands is documented in the form of a franchise agreement and, in most cases, a development agreement. The franchise arrangement between the Company as the franchisor and the franchisee as the customer requires the Company to perform various activities to support the brand that do not directly transfer goods and services to the franchisee, but instead represent a single performance obligation, which is the transfer of the franchise license. The intellectual property subject to the franchise license is symbolic intellectual property as it does not have significant standalone functionality, and substantially all the utility is derived from its association with the Company’s past or ongoing activities. The nature of the Company’s promise in granting the franchise license is to provide the franchisee with access to the brand’s symbolic intellectual property over the term of the license. The services provided by the Company are highly interrelated with the franchise license and as such are considered to represent a single performance obligation.

The transaction price in a standard franchise arrangement for both brands primarily consists of (a) initial franchise/development fees; (b) continuing franchise fees (royalties); and (c) advertising fees. Since the Company considers the licensing of the franchising right to be a single performance obligation, no allocation of the transaction price is required. Additionally, all domestic IHOP franchise agreements require franchisees to purchase proprietary pancake and waffle dry mix from the Company.

The Company recognizes the primary components of the transaction price as follows:


•	Franchise and development fees are recognized as revenue ratably on a straight-line basis over the term of the franchise agreement commencing with the restaurant opening date. As these fees are typically received in cash at or near the beginning of the franchise term, the cash received is initially recorded as a contract liability until recognized as revenue over time;

•

The Company is entitled to royalties and advertising fees based on a percentage of the franchisee's gross sales as defined in the franchise agreement. Royalty and advertising revenue are recognized when the franchisee's reported sales occur. Depending on timing within a fiscal period, the recognition of revenue results in either what is considered a contract asset (unbilled receivable) or, once billed, accounts receivable, on the balance sheet.


•	Revenue from the sales of proprietary pancake and waffle dry mix is recognized in the period in which distributors ship the franchisee's order; recognition of revenue results in accounts receivable on the balance sheet.

Company Restaurant Revenue

Sales by company-operated restaurants are recognized when food and beverage items are sold. Company restaurant sales are reported net of sales taxes collected from guests that are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities.

In determining the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers, the Company exercises significant judgment with respect to collectibility of the amount; however, the timing of recognition does not require significant judgments as it is based on either the term of the franchise agreement, the month of reported sales by the franchisee or the date of product shipment, none of which require estimation. The Company does not incur a significant amount of contract acquisition costs in conducting its franchising activities. The Company believes its franchising arrangements do not contain a significant financing component.

The following table disaggregates franchise revenue by major type for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Franchise Revenue:
Royalties	$	78,730	$	75,097
Advertising fees	72,630		63,836
Pancake and waffle dry mix sales and other	14,431		13,097
Franchise and development fees	3,135		3,283
Total franchise revenue	$	168,926	$	155,313

Receivables from franchisees as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $67.1 million (net of allowance of $2.1 million) and $62.6 million (net of allowance of $4.6 million), respectively, and were included in receivables, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Changes in the Company's contract liability for deferred franchise and development fees during the three months ended March 31, 2019 are as follows:



	Deferred Franchise Revenue (short- and long-term)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	74,695
Recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019	(2,948		)
Fees deferred during the three months ended March 31, 2019	1,101
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	72,848

The balance of deferred revenue as of March 31, 2019 is expected to be recognized as follows:



	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2019	$	6,633
2020	10,066
2021	7,780
2022	7,251
2023	6,675
2024	5,987
Thereafter	28,456
Total	$	72,848

Lease Disclosures (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Lease Disclosures

The Company engages in leasing activity as both a lessee and a lessor. The majority of the Company's lease portfolio originated when the Company was actively involved in the development and financing of IHOP restaurants prior to the franchising of the restaurant to the franchisee. This activity included the Company's leasing or purchase of the site on which the restaurant was located and subsequently leasing/subleasing the site to the franchisee. With a few exceptions, the Company ended this practice in 2003 and the Company's current lease activity is predominantly comprised of renewals of existing lease arrangements and exercises of options on existing lease arrangements.

The Company currently leases from third parties the real property on which approximately 620 IHOP franchisee-operated restaurants are located; the Company (as lessor) subleases the property to the franchisees that operate those restaurants. The Company also leases property it owns to the franchisees that operate approximately 60 IHOP restaurants and one Applebee's restaurant. The Company leases from third parties the real property on which 69 Applebee's company-operated restaurants are located. The Company also leases office space for its principal corporate office in Glendale, California and a restaurant support center in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company does not have a significant amount of non-real estate leases.

The Company's existing leases related to IHOP restaurants generally provided for an initial term of 20 to 25 years with most having one or more five-year renewal options. Option periods were not included in determining liabilities and right-of-use assets related to operating leases. Approximately 260 of the Company's leases contain provisions requiring additional rent payments to the Company (as lessor) based on a percentage of restaurant sales. Approximately 220 of the Company's leases contain provisions requiring additional rent payments by the Company (as lessee) based on a percentage of restaurant sales.

The individual lease agreements do not provide information to determine the implicit rate in the agreements. The Company made significant judgments in determining the incremental borrowing rates that were used in calculating operating lease liabilities as of the adoption date. Due to the large number of leases, the Company applied a portfolio approach by grouping the leases based on the original lease term. The Company estimated the rate for each grouping primarily by reference to yield rates on debt issuances by companies of a similar credit rating as the Company, U.S. Treasury rates as of the adoption date and adjustments for differences in years to maturity.

The Company's lease cost for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



Finance lease cost:	(In millions)
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	1.3
Interest on lease liabilities	2.1
Operating lease cost	26.4
Variable lease cost	0.7
Short-term lease cost	0.0
Sublease income	(28.1		)
Lease cost	$	2.4

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases as lessee as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Finance Leases			Operating Leases
	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	15.8		$	69.0
2020	20.1			93.0
2021	16.5			76.0
2022	14.7			68.0
2023	11.6			55.6
Thereafter	65.0			212.7
Total minimum lease payments	143.7			574.3
Less: interest/imputed interest	(43.1		)	(120.6		)
Total obligations	100.6			453.7
Less: current portion	(13.0		)	(67.3		)
Long-term lease obligations	$	87.6		$	386.4

The weighted average remaining lease term as of March 31, 2019 was 8.6 years for finance leases and 8.1 years for operating leases. The weighted average discount rate as of March 31, 2019 was 10.4% for finance leases and 5.8% for operating leases.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company made the following payments for leases:



	(In millions)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	$	3.5
Interest payments on finance lease obligations	$	2.0
Payments on operating leases	$	22.9
Variable lease payments	$	0.9

The Company's income from operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



	(In millions)
Minimum lease payments	$	25.7
Variable lease income	3.2
Total operating lease income	$	28.9

Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	79.5
2020	107.1
2021	101.2
2022	98.1
2023	93.7
Thereafter	288.3
Total minimum rents receivable	767.9

The Company's income from direct financing leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



	(In millions)
Interest income	$	1.4
Variable lease income	0.4
Total operating lease income	$	1.8

Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable direct financing leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	12.1
2020	14.8
2021	11.7
2022	8.4
2023	3.6
Thereafter	3.7
Total minimum rents receivable	54.3
Less: unearned income	(11.4		)
Total net investment in direct financing leases	42.9
Less: current portion	(11.2		)
Long-term investment in direct financing leases	$	31.7

Lease Disclosures

The Company's lease cost for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



Finance lease cost:	(In millions)
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	1.3
Interest on lease liabilities	2.1
Operating lease cost	26.4
Variable lease cost	0.7
Short-term lease cost	0.0
Sublease income	(28.1		)
Lease cost	$	2.4

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases as lessee as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Finance Leases			Operating Leases
	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	15.8		$	69.0
2020	20.1			93.0
2021	16.5			76.0
2022	14.7			68.0
2023	11.6			55.6
Thereafter	65.0			212.7
Total minimum lease payments	143.7			574.3
Less: interest/imputed interest	(43.1		)	(120.6		)
Total obligations	100.6			453.7
Less: current portion	(13.0		)	(67.3		)
Long-term lease obligations	$	87.6		$	386.4

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company made the following payments for leases:



	(In millions)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	$	3.5
Interest payments on finance lease obligations	$	2.0
Payments on operating leases	$	22.9
Variable lease payments	$	0.9

The Company's income from operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



	(In millions)
Minimum lease payments	$	25.7
Variable lease income	3.2
Total operating lease income	$	28.9

Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	79.5
2020	107.1
2021	101.2
2022	98.1
2023	93.7
Thereafter	288.3
Total minimum rents receivable	767.9

The Company's income from direct financing leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



	(In millions)
Interest income	$	1.4
Variable lease income	0.4
Total operating lease income	$	1.8

Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable direct financing leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	12.1
2020	14.8
2021	11.7
2022	8.4
2023	3.6
Thereafter	3.7
Total minimum rents receivable	54.3
Less: unearned income	(11.4		)
Total net investment in direct financing leases	42.9
Less: current portion	(11.2		)
Long-term investment in direct financing leases	$	31.7

Long-Term Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, long-term debt consisted of the following:



	March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Series 2014-1 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2	$	1,283.8		$	1,283.8
Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1, variable interest rate of 4.93% at December 31, 2018	—			25.0
Class A-2 Note debt issuance costs	(8.9		)	(9.7		)
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs	1,274.9			1,299.1
Current portion of long-term debt	—			(25.0		)
Long-term debt	$	1,274.9		$	1,274.1

For a description of the Series 2014-1 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 and the Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Notes Class A-1, refer to Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repaid $25.0 million of Variable Funding Notes, representing the amount outstanding at December 31, 2018. The Company did not draw on the Variable Funding Notes during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The maximum amount of Variable Funding Notes outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $25.0 million and the weighted average interest rate on the Variable Funding Notes for the period outstanding was 4.88%.

At March 31, 2019, $2.2 million was pledged against the Variable Funding Notes for outstanding letters of credit, leaving $222.8 million of 2018 Variable Funding Notes available for borrowing. The letters of credit are used primarily to satisfy insurance-related collateral requirements.

Stockholders' Deficit

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Deficit

Dividends

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company paid dividends on common stock of $11.2 million, representing a cash dividend of $0.63 per share declared in the fourth quarter of 2018. On February 20, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2019 cash dividend of $0.69 per share of common stock. This dividend was paid on April 5, 2019 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2019. The Company reported dividends payable of $12.5 million at March 31, 2019.

Dividends declared and paid per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2019		2018
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.69	$	0.63
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.63	$	0.97

Stock Repurchase Program

In February 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $200 million of the Company’s common stock (“2019 Repurchase Program”) on an opportunistic basis from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The 2019 Repurchase Program, as approved by the Board of Directors, does not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and can be terminated at any time.

In October 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $150 million of its common stock (the “2015 Repurchase Program”) on an opportunistic basis from time to time in open market transactions and in privately negotiated transactions based on business, market, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The 2015 Repurchase Program, as approved by the Board of Directors, did not require the repurchase of a specific number of shares and could be terminated at any time. In connection with the approval of the 2019 Repurchase Program, the Board of Directors terminated the 2015 Repurchase Program.

A summary of shares repurchased under the 2019 Repurchase Program and the 2015 Repurchase Program, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and cumulatively, is as follows:



	Shares	Cost of shares
		(In millions)
2019 Repurchase Program:
Repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2019	40,817	$	3.6
Cumulative (life-of-program) repurchases	40,817	$	3.6
Remaining dollar value of shares that may be repurchased	n/a	$	196.4
2015 Repurchase Program:
Repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2019	110,499	$	8.4
Cumulative (life-of-program) repurchases	1,589,995	$	126.2
Remaining dollar value of shares that may be repurchased	n/a	n/a

Treasury Stock

Repurchases of the Company's common stock are included in treasury stock at the cost of shares repurchased plus any transaction costs. Treasury stock may be re-issued when stock options are exercised, when restricted stock awards are granted and when restricted stock units settle in stock upon vesting. The cost of treasury stock re-issued is determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company re-issued 168,047 shares of treasury stock at a total FIFO cost of $7.4 million.

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company's effective tax rate was 23.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to 24.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The effective tax rate of 23.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was lower than the rate of the prior period primarily due to excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation. The total gross unrecognized tax benefit as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $5.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively, excluding interest, penalties and related tax benefits. The Company estimates the unrecognized tax benefit may decrease over the upcoming 12 months by an amount up to $0.9 million related to settlements with taxing authorities and the lapse of statutes of limitations. For the remaining liability, due to the uncertainties related to these tax matters, the Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to when cash settlement with a taxing authority will occur. As of March 31, 2019, accrued interest was $1.3 million and accrued penalties were less than $0.1 million, excluding any related income tax benefits. As of December 31, 2018, accrued interest was $1.1 million and accrued penalties were less than $0.1 million, excluding any related income tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as a component of its income tax provision recognized in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The Company files federal income tax returns and the Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state or non-United States tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. The Internal Revenue Service commenced examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for the tax years 2011 to 2013 in fiscal year 2016. The examination is anticipated to conclude during fiscal year 2019. The Company believes that adequate reserves have been provided relating to all matters contained in the tax periods open to examination.

Stock-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2019			2018
	(In millions)
Total stock-based compensation expense:
Equity classified awards expense	$	4.1		$	3.4
Liability classified awards expense	1.0			0.5
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	5.1			3.9
Book income tax benefit	(1.3		)	(1.0		)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3.8		$	2.9

As of March 31, 2019, total unrecognized compensation expense of $24.1 million related to restricted stock and restricted stock units and $5.8 million related to stock options are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years for restricted stock and restricted stock units and 1.8 years for stock options.

Fair Value Assumptions

The Company granted 132,832 stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2019 for which the fair value was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:



Risk-free interest rate	2.5	%
Weighted average historical volatility	30.3	%
Dividend yield	2.8	%
Expected years until exercise	4.7
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$21.93

Equity Classified Awards - Stock Options

Stock option balances at March 31, 2019, and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,439,708		$	63.21
Granted	132,832		98.97
Exercised	(116,590	)	58.05
Outstanding at March 31, 2019	1,455,950		66.88		6.8	$	38.2
Vested at March 31, 2019 and Expected to Vest	1,311,896		67.76		6.6	$	33.3
Exercisable at March 31, 2019	682,494		$	75.92	4.6	$	12.1

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2019 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2019. The aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock and the number of in-the-money options.

Equity Classified Awards - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Outstanding balances as of March 31, 2019, and activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	267,242		$	63.97	374,529		$	31.05
Granted	51,457		98.58		13,464		98.97
Released	(48,022	)	79.60		(12,293	)	90.34
Forfeited	(2,562	)	48.22		—		—
Outstanding at March 31, 2019	268,115		$	69.96	375,700		$	30.95

Liability Classified Awards - Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units

The Company has granted cash-settled restricted stock units to certain employees. These instruments are recorded as liabilities at fair value as of the respective period end.



	Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	53,766		$	94.77
Granted	19,736		91.05
Released	(317	)	82.16
Forfeited	(3,622	)	98.96
Outstanding at March 31, 2019	69,563		$	93.58

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018, $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, was included as stock-based compensation expense related to cash-settled restricted stock units.

Liability Classified Awards - Long-Term Incentive Awards

The Company has granted cash long-term incentive awards (“LTIP awards”) to certain employees. Annual LTIP awards vest over a three-year period and are determined using multipliers from 0% to 200% of the target award based on (i) the total stockholder return of Dine Brands Global common stock compared to the total stockholder returns of a peer group of companies and (ii) the percentage increase in the Company's adjusted earnings per share (as defined). The awards are considered stock-based compensation and are classified as liabilities measured at fair value as of the respective period end. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively were included in total stock-based compensation expense related to LTIP awards. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, liabilities of $1.7 million and $2.4 million, respectively, related to LTIP awards were included as part of accrued employee compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Segments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segments

The Company identifies its reporting segments based on the organizational units used by management to monitor performance and make operating decisions. The Company currently has five operating segments: Applebee's franchise operations, Applebee's company-operated restaurant operations, IHOP franchise operations, rental operations and financing operations. The Company has four reportable segments: franchise operations, (an aggregation of Applebee's and IHOP franchise operations), company-operated restaurant operations, rental operations and financing operations. The Company considers these to be its reportable segments, regardless of whether any segment exceeds 10% of consolidated revenues, income before income tax provision or total assets.

As of March 31, 2019, the franchise operations segment consisted of (i) 1,761 restaurants operated by Applebee’s franchisees in the United States, two U.S. territories and 13 countries outside the United States and (ii) 1,822 restaurants operated by IHOP franchisees and area licensees in the United States, three U.S. territories and 12 countries outside the United States. Franchise operations revenue consists primarily of franchise royalty revenues, franchise advertising revenue, sales of proprietary products to franchisees (primarily pancake and waffle dry mixes for the IHOP restaurants), and franchise fees. Franchise operations expenses include advertising expenses, the cost of IHOP proprietary products, bad debt expense, franchisor contributions to marketing funds, pre-opening training expenses and other franchise-related costs.

Company restaurant sales are retail sales at company-operated restaurants. Company restaurant expenses are operating expenses at company-operated restaurants and include food, labor, utilities, rent and other restaurant operating costs.

Rental operations revenue includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Rental operations expenses are costs of operating leases and interest expense from capital leases on franchisee-operated restaurants.

Financing operations revenue primarily consists of interest income from the financing of franchise fees and equipment leases and sales of equipment associated with refranchised IHOP restaurants. Financing expenses are primarily the cost of restaurant equipment associated with refranchised IHOP restaurants.

Information on segments is as follows:



		Three months ended March 31,
		2019			2018
	(In millions)
Revenues from external customers:
Franchise operations		$	168.9		$	155.3
Rental operations		30.7			30.9
Company restaurants		35.8			—
Financing operations		1.8			2.0
Total		$	237.2		$	188.2

Interest expense:
Rental operations		$	2.5		$	2.4
Company restaurants		0.5			—
Corporate		15.4			15.2
Total		$	18.4		$	17.6

Depreciation and amortization:
Franchise operations		$	2.6		$	2.7
Rental operations		3.5			$	2.9
Company restaurants		1.3			—
Corporate		2.8			2.3
Total		$	10.2		$	7.9

Gross profit, by segment:
Franchise operations		$	88.6		$	73.4
Rental operations		8.1			8.2
Company restaurants		4.2			—
Financing operations		1.7			1.9
Total gross profit		102.6			83.5
Corporate and unallocated expenses, net		(61.5		)	(60.8		)
Income before income tax provision		$	41.1		$	22.7

Net Income per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income per Share

The computation of the Company's basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2019			2018
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator for basic and diluted income per common share:
Net income	$	31,643		$	17,073
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(1,111		)	(568		)
Net income available to common stockholders - basic	30,532			16,505
Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation	12			2
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$	30,544		$	16,507
Denominator:
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic	17,343			17,703
Dilutive effect of stock options	347			142
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted	17,690			17,845
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	1.76		$	0.93
Diluted	$	1.73		$	0.92

Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company does not have a material amount of financial assets or liabilities that are required under U.S. GAAP to be measured on a recurring basis at fair value. The Company is not a party to any derivative financial instruments. The Company does not have a material amount of non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities that are required under U.S. GAAP to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company has not elected to use the fair value measurement option, as permitted under U.S. GAAP, for any assets or liabilities for which fair value measurement is not presently required.

The Company believes the fair values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration.

The fair values of the Company's Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes (the “Class A-2 Notes”) at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:



	March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Carrying amount of Class A-2 Notes	$	1,283.8	$	1,283.8
Fair Value of Class A-2 Notes	$	1,289.0	$	1,280.9

The fair values were determined based on Level 2 inputs, including information gathered from brokers who trade in the Company’s Class A-2 Notes and information on notes that are similar to those of the Company.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation, Claims and Disputes The Company is subject to various lawsuits, administrative proceedings, audits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Some of these lawsuits purport to be class actions and/or seek substantial damages. The Company is required under U.S. GAAP to record an accrual for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Legal fees and expenses associated with the defense of all of the Company's litigation are expensed as such fees and expenses are incurred. Management regularly assesses the Company's insurance coverage, analyzes litigation information with the Company's attorneys and evaluates the Company's loss experience in connection with pending legal proceedings. While the Company does not presently believe that any of the legal proceedings to which it is currently a party will ultimately have a material adverse impact on the Company, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in all the proceedings the Company is party to, or that the Company will not incur material losses from them. Lease Guarantees In connection with the sale of Applebee’s restaurants to franchisees, the Company has, in certain cases, guaranteed or has potential continuing liability for lease payments totaling $280.0 million as of March 31, 2019. This amount represents the maximum potential liability for future payments under these leases. These leases have been assigned to the buyers and expire at the end of the respective lease terms, which range from 2019 through 2048. Excluding unexercised option periods, the Company's potential liability for future payments under these leases is $42.1 million. In the event of default, the indemnity and default clauses in the sale or assignment agreements govern the Company's ability to pursue and recover damages incurred.

Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
Restricted Cash	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Current restricted cash of $36.7 million at March 31, 2019 primarily consisted of $33.7 million of funds required to be held in trust in connection with the Company's securitized debt and $2.9 million of funds from Applebee's franchisees pursuant to franchise agreements, usage of which was restricted to advertising activities. Current restricted cash of $48.5 million at December 31, 2018 primarily consisted of $42.3 million of funds required to be held in trust in connection with the Company's securitized debt and $6.2 million of funds from Applebee's franchisees pursuant to franchise agreements, usage of which was restricted to advertising activities. Non-current restricted cash of $14.7 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 represents interest reserves required to be set aside for the duration of the Company's securitized debt.

Acquisition of Business

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisition of Business

In December 2018, the Company acquired 69 Applebee’s restaurants in North Carolina and South Carolina from a former Applebee's franchisee for a total purchase price of $21.6 million. The Company entered into the transaction to resolve certain franchisee financial health issues in what the Company believes was the most expedient and favorable manner for the Company and the Applebee's system.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company completed the calculation of deferred income taxes related to the transaction and adjusted the preliminary purchase price as follows:



	Preliminary Allocation			Adjustments			Adjusted Allocation
	(In millions)
Reacquired franchise rights	$	11.6		$	—		$	11.6
Equipment and fixtures	10.0			—			10.0
Inventory	1.4			—			1.4
Deferred income taxes	—			1.5			1.5
Total identifiable assets acquired	23.0			1.5			24.5

Above-market leaseholds, net	(6.5		)	—			(6.5		)
Other liabilities	(1.0		)	—			(1.0		)
Net identifiable assets acquired	15.5			1.5			17.0
Goodwill	6.1			(1.5		)	4.6
Consideration transferred	$	21.6		$	—		$	21.6

In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company assumed capital (finance) lease obligations and related property under capital (finance) leases of $9.1 million. The Company also entered into new capital (finance) leases totaling $28.1 million of property under capital (finance) leases and capital (finance) lease obligations.

Accounting Standards Adopted and Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Fiscal Period	The Company’s fiscal quarters end on the Sunday closest to the last day of each calendar quarter. For convenience, the fiscal quarters of each year are referred to as ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. The first fiscal quarter of 2019 began on December 31, 2018 and ended on March 31, 2019. The first fiscal quarter of 2018 began on January 1, 2018 and ended on April 1, 2018.
Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Fiscal Year and Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Standards Adopted In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance with respect to the accounting for leases, as codified in Accounting Standards Topic 842 (“ASC 842”). The guidance is intended to improve financial reporting of leasing transactions by requiring entities that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases, as well as requiring additional disclosures related to an entity's leasing activities. The Company adopted this change in accounting principle using the modified retrospective method as of the first day of the first fiscal quarter of 2019. Accordingly, financial information for periods prior to the date of initial application has not been adjusted. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients for adoption that permitted the Company not to reassess its prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect to use an allowable expedient that permitted the use of hindsight in performing evaluations of its leases. Upon adoption of ASC 842, the Company recognized operating lease obligations of $453.0 million, which represents the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, discounted using the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The Company recognized operating lease right-of-use assets of $395.6 million. The Company recognized an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of $5.0 million, net of tax of $1.7 million, primarily related to an impairment resulting from an unfavorable differential between lease payments to be made and sublease rentals to be received on certain leases. The remaining difference of $50.7 million between the recognized operating lease obligation and right-of-use assets relates to the derecognition of certain liabilities and assets that had been recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP that had been applied prior to the adoption of ASC 842, primarily $43.3 million of accrued rent payments. Lease-related reserves for lease incentives, closed restaurants and unfavorable leaseholds were also derecognized. The accounting for the Company's existing finance (capital) leases upon adoption of ASC 842 remained substantially unchanged. Adoption of ASC 842 had no significant impact on the Company's cash flows from operations or its results of operations and did not impact any covenant related to the Company's long-term debt. The Company implemented internal controls necessary to ensure compliance with the accounting and disclosure requirements of ASC 842. Additional new accounting guidance became effective for the Company as of the beginning of fiscal 2019 that the Company reviewed and concluded was either not applicable to its operations or had no material effect on its consolidated financial statements in the current or future fiscal years. Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance will replace the incurred loss methodology of recognizing credit losses on financial instruments that is currently required with a methodology that estimates the expected credit loss on financial instruments and reflects the net amount expected to be collected on the financial instrument. Application of the new guidance may result in the earlier recognition of credit losses as the new methodology will require entities to consider forward-looking information in addition to historical and current information used in assessing incurred losses. The Company will be required to adopt the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted in its first fiscal quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance designed to improve the effectiveness of disclosures by removing, modifying and adding disclosures related to fair value measurements. The Company will be required to adopt the new guidance beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2020; early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the new guidance is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with existing guidance for capitalizing implementation cost incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The guidance also provides presentation and disclosure requirements for such capitalized costs. The Company will be required to adopt the new guidance beginning with its first fiscal quarter of 2020; early adoption in any interim period after issuance of the new guidance is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company reviewed all other newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that they either are not applicable to the Company's operations or that no material effect is expected on the Company's financial statements because of future adoption.

Revenue Disclosures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table disaggregates franchise revenue by major type for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019		2018
	(In thousands)
Franchise Revenue:
Royalties	$	78,730	$	75,097
Advertising fees	72,630		63,836
Pancake and waffle dry mix sales and other	14,431		13,097
Franchise and development fees	3,135		3,283
Total franchise revenue	$	168,926	$	155,313

Schedule of Changes in Deferred Revenue

Changes in the Company's contract liability for deferred franchise and development fees during the three months ended March 31, 2019 are as follows:



	Deferred Franchise Revenue (short- and long-term)
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	74,695
Recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019	(2,948		)
Fees deferred during the three months ended March 31, 2019	1,101
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	72,848

Schedule of Remaining Performance Obligations

The balance of deferred revenue as of March 31, 2019 is expected to be recognized as follows:



	(In thousands)
Remainder of 2019	$	6,633
2020	10,066
2021	7,780
2022	7,251
2023	6,675
2024	5,987
Thereafter	28,456
Total	$	72,848

Lease Disclosures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Lease Cost

The Company's lease cost for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



Finance lease cost:	(In millions)
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	1.3
Interest on lease liabilities	2.1
Operating lease cost	26.4
Variable lease cost	0.7
Short-term lease cost	0.0
Sublease income	(28.1		)
Lease cost	$	2.4

Schedule of Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases as lessee as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Finance Leases			Operating Leases
	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	15.8		$	69.0
2020	20.1			93.0
2021	16.5			76.0
2022	14.7			68.0
2023	11.6			55.6
Thereafter	65.0			212.7
Total minimum lease payments	143.7			574.3
Less: interest/imputed interest	(43.1		)	(120.6		)
Total obligations	100.6			453.7
Less: current portion	(13.0		)	(67.3		)
Long-term lease obligations	$	87.6		$	386.4

Schedule of Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases as lessee as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Finance Leases			Operating Leases
	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	15.8		$	69.0
2020	20.1			93.0
2021	16.5			76.0
2022	14.7			68.0
2023	11.6			55.6
Thereafter	65.0			212.7
Total minimum lease payments	143.7			574.3
Less: interest/imputed interest	(43.1		)	(120.6		)
Total obligations	100.6			453.7
Less: current portion	(13.0		)	(67.3		)
Long-term lease obligations	$	87.6		$	386.4

Leases, Supplemental Cash Flow Information

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company made the following payments for leases:



	(In millions)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	$	3.5
Interest payments on finance lease obligations	$	2.0
Payments on operating leases	$	22.9
Variable lease payments	$	0.9

Schedule of Operating Lease, Lease Income

The Company's income from operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



	(In millions)
Minimum lease payments	$	25.7
Variable lease income	3.2
Total operating lease income	$	28.9

Schedule of Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity

Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable operating leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	79.5
2020	107.1
2021	101.2
2022	98.1
2023	93.7
Thereafter	288.3
Total minimum rents receivable	767.9

Schedule of Direct Financing Lease, Lease Income

The Company's income from direct financing leases for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:



	(In millions)
Interest income	$	1.4
Variable lease income	0.4
Total operating lease income	$	1.8

Schedule of Lessor, Direct Financing Leases, Maturity

Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable direct financing leases as of March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	(In millions)
2019 (remaining nine months)	$	12.1
2020	14.8
2021	11.7
2022	8.4
2023	3.6
Thereafter	3.7
Total minimum rents receivable	54.3
Less: unearned income	(11.4		)
Total net investment in direct financing leases	42.9
Less: current portion	(11.2		)
Long-term investment in direct financing leases	$	31.7

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of debt

At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, long-term debt consisted of the following:



	March 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Series 2014-1 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2	$	1,283.8		$	1,283.8
Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1, variable interest rate of 4.93% at December 31, 2018	—			25.0
Class A-2 Note debt issuance costs	(8.9		)	(9.7		)
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs	1,274.9			1,299.1
Current portion of long-term debt	—			(25.0		)
Long-term debt	$	1,274.9		$	1,274.1

Stockholders' Deficit (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Dividends Declared

Dividends declared and paid per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2019		2018
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.69	$	0.63
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.63	$	0.97

Class of Treasury Stock

A summary of shares repurchased under the 2019 Repurchase Program and the 2015 Repurchase Program, during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and cumulatively, is as follows:



	Shares	Cost of shares
		(In millions)
2019 Repurchase Program:
Repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2019	40,817	$	3.6
Cumulative (life-of-program) repurchases	40,817	$	3.6
Remaining dollar value of shares that may be repurchased	n/a	$	196.4
2015 Repurchase Program:
Repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2019	110,499	$	8.4
Cumulative (life-of-program) repurchases	1,589,995	$	126.2
Remaining dollar value of shares that may be repurchased	n/a	n/a

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Components of the Company’s stock-based compensation expense

The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2019			2018
	(In millions)
Total stock-based compensation expense:
Equity classified awards expense	$	4.1		$	3.4
Liability classified awards expense	1.0			0.5
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	5.1			3.9
Book income tax benefit	(1.3		)	(1.0		)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	3.8		$	2.9

Schedule of stock option valuation assumptions

The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:



Risk-free interest rate	2.5	%
Weighted average historical volatility	30.3	%
Dividend yield	2.8	%
Expected years until exercise	4.7
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$21.93

Schedule of stock option activity

Stock option balances at March 31, 2019, and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	1,439,708		$	63.21
Granted	132,832		98.97
Exercised	(116,590	)	58.05
Outstanding at March 31, 2019	1,455,950		66.88		6.8	$	38.2
Vested at March 31, 2019 and Expected to Vest	1,311,896		67.76		6.6	$	33.3
Exercisable at March 31, 2019	682,494		$	75.92	4.6	$	12.1

Schedule of restricted stock unit activity

Outstanding balances as of March 31, 2019, and activity related to restricted stock and restricted stock units for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:



	Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Stock-Settled Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	267,242		$	63.97	374,529		$	31.05
Granted	51,457		98.58		13,464		98.97
Released	(48,022	)	79.60		(12,293	)	90.34
Forfeited	(2,562	)	48.22		—		—
Outstanding at March 31, 2019	268,115		$	69.96	375,700		$	30.95

Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]

The Company has granted cash-settled restricted stock units to certain employees. These instruments are recorded as liabilities at fair value as of the respective period end.



	Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2018	53,766		$	94.77
Granted	19,736		91.05
Released	(317	)	82.16
Forfeited	(3,622	)	98.96
Outstanding at March 31, 2019	69,563		$	93.58

Segments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of segment reporting information by segment

Information on segments is as follows:



		Three months ended March 31,
		2019			2018
	(In millions)
Revenues from external customers:
Franchise operations		$	168.9		$	155.3
Rental operations		30.7			30.9
Company restaurants		35.8			—
Financing operations		1.8			2.0
Total		$	237.2		$	188.2

Interest expense:
Rental operations		$	2.5		$	2.4
Company restaurants		0.5			—
Corporate		15.4			15.2
Total		$	18.4		$	17.6

Depreciation and amortization:
Franchise operations		$	2.6		$	2.7
Rental operations		3.5			$	2.9
Company restaurants		1.3			—
Corporate		2.8			2.3
Total		$	10.2		$	7.9

Gross profit, by segment:
Franchise operations		$	88.6		$	73.4
Rental operations		8.1			8.2
Company restaurants		4.2			—
Financing operations		1.7			1.9
Total gross profit		102.6			83.5
Corporate and unallocated expenses, net		(61.5		)	(60.8		)
Income before income tax provision		$	41.1		$	22.7

Net Income per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per share

The computation of the Company's basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:



	Three months ended March 31,
	2019			2018
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator for basic and diluted income per common share:
Net income	$	31,643		$	17,073
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(1,111		)	(568		)
Net income available to common stockholders - basic	30,532			16,505
Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation	12			2
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$	30,544		$	16,507
Denominator:
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic	17,343			17,703
Dilutive effect of stock options	347			142
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted	17,690			17,845
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	1.76		$	0.93
Diluted	$	1.73		$	0.92

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of non-current financial liabilities

The fair values of the Company's Series 2014-1 Class A-2 Notes (the “Class A-2 Notes”) at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows:



	March 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Carrying amount of Class A-2 Notes	$	1,283.8	$	1,283.8
Fair Value of Class A-2 Notes	$	1,289.0	$	1,280.9

Acquisition of Business - (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company completed the calculation of deferred income taxes related to the transaction and adjusted the preliminary purchase price as follows:



	Preliminary Allocation			Adjustments			Adjusted Allocation
	(In millions)
Reacquired franchise rights	$	11.6		$	—		$	11.6
Equipment and fixtures	10.0			—			10.0
Inventory	1.4			—			1.4
Deferred income taxes	—			1.5			1.5
Total identifiable assets acquired	23.0			1.5			24.5

Above-market leaseholds, net	(6.5		)	—			(6.5		)
Other liabilities	(1.0		)	—			(1.0		)
Net identifiable assets acquired	15.5			1.5			17.0
Goodwill	6.1			(1.5		)	4.6
Consideration transferred	$	21.6		$	—		$	21.6

Accounting Standards Adopted and Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease obligations		$ 453,700
Operating lease right-of-use asset		383,962
Adoption of ASC 842 (Note 3)	$ (5,030)
Income tax provision		$ 9,489	$ 5,638
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease obligations	453,000
Operating lease right-of-use asset	395,600
Income tax provision	(1,700)
Derecognition of certain liabilities and assets	(50,700)
Accrued rent	(43,300)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASC 842 (Note 3)	(5,030)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Adoption of ASC 842 (Note 3)	$ 5,000

Revenue Disclosures - Disaggregation of Franchise Revenue by Major Type (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Franchise revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total franchise revenue	$ 168,926	$ 155,313
Royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total franchise revenue	78,730	75,097
Advertising fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total franchise revenue	72,630	63,836
Pancake and waffle dry mix sales and other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total franchise revenue	14,431	13,097
Franchise and development fees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total franchise revenue	$ 3,135	$ 3,283

Revenue Disclosures - Changes in the Company's contract liability for deferred franchise and development fees (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2018	$ 74,695
Recognized as revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019	(2,948)
Fees deferred during the three months ended March 31, 2019	1,101
Balance at March 31, 2019	$ 72,848

Revenue Disclosures - (Details) - Receivables From Franchise Revenue Transactions - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Billed and unbilled receivables	$ 67.1	$ 62.6
Billed and unbilled receivables, accumulated allowance for credit loss	$ 2.1	$ 4.6

Revenue Disclosures - Deferred revenue expected to be recognized (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 72,848
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-04-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 6,633
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 10,066
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 7,780
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 7,251
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 6,675
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 5,987
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied	$ 28,456
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing

Lease Disclosures (Details)	Mar. 31, 2019 properties Franchisee real_property restaurant_concept
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of company-operated restaurants located on leased real estate properties \| properties	69
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term	5 years
Lessor, number of leases requiring additional rent payments based on a percentage of restaurant sales \| real_property	260
Lessee, number of leases requiring additional rent payments based on a percentage of restaurant sales \| real_property	220
Finance lease, weighted average remaining lease term	8 years 7 months 6 days
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term	8 years 1 month 6 days
Finance lease, weighted average discount rate, percent	10.40%
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent	5.80%
IHOP
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of franchisee-operated restaurants \| Franchisee	620
Number of properties leased \| restaurant_concept	60
Applebee's
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of properties leased \| restaurant_concept	1
Minimum \| IHOP
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, operating lease, term of contract	20 years
Maximum \| IHOP
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lessee, operating lease, term of contract	25 years

Lease Disclosures Components of Lease Cost (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 1.3
Interest on lease liabilities	2.1
Operating lease cost	26.4
Variable lease cost	0.7
Short-term lease cost	0.0
Sublease income	(28.1)
Lease cost	$ 2.4

Lease Disclosures Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases as lessee (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract]
2019 (remaining nine months)	$ 15,800
2020	20,100
2021	16,500
2022	14,700
2023	11,600
Thereafter	65,000
Total minimum lease payments	143,700
Less: interest/imputed interest	(43,100)
Total obligations	100,600
Less: current portion	(13,000)
Long-term lease obligations	87,624
Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract]
2019 (remaining nine months)	69,000
2020	93,000
2021	76,000
2022	68,000
2023	55,600
Thereafter	212,700
Total minimum lease payments	574,300
Less: interest/imputed interest	(120,600)
Total obligations	453,700
Less: current portion	(67,340)
Long-term lease obligations	$ 386,364

Lease Disclosures Components of Lease Income (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Minimum lease payments	$ 25.7
Variable lease income	3.2
Total operating lease income	$ 28.9

Lease Disclosures Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable operating leases (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019 (remaining nine months)	$ 79.5
2020	107.1
2021	101.2
2022	98.1
2023	93.7
Thereafter	288.3
Total minimum rents receivable	$ 767.9

Lease Disclosures Schedule of income from direct financing leases (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 1.4
Variable lease income	0.4
Total operating lease income	$ 1.8

Lease Disclosures Future minimum payments to be received as lessor under noncancelable direct financing leases (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019 (remaining nine months)	$ 12.1
2020	14.8
2021	11.7
2022	8.4
2023	3.6
Thereafter	3.7
Total minimum rents receivable	54.3
Less: unearned income	(11.4)
Total net investment in direct financing leases	42.9
Less: current portion	(11.2)
Long-term investment in direct financing leases	$ 31.7

Lease Disclosures Payment for Leases (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Principal payments on finance lease obligations	$ 3.5
Interest payments on finance lease obligations	2.0
Payments on operating leases	22.9
Variable lease payments	$ 0.9

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class A-2 Note debt issuance costs	$ (8,900)	$ (9,700)
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs	1,274,900	1,299,100
Current portion of long-term debt	0	(25,000)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$ 1,274,916	$ 1,274,087
Series 2014-1 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate (percent)	4.277%	4.277%
Senior notes	$ 1,283,800	$ 1,283,800
Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1, at a variable interest rate of 4.93% as of December 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate (percent)		4.93%
Senior notes	$ 0	$ 25,000

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Series 2014-1 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate (percent)	4.277%	4.277%
Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1, at a variable interest rate of 4.93% as of December 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt interest rate (percent)		4.93%
Repayments of notes payable	$ 25.0
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 25.0
Debt, weighted average interest rate	4.88%
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 222.8
Letter of Credit \| Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1, at a variable interest rate of 4.93% as of December 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, collateral amount	$ 2.2

Stockholders' Deficit - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)			3 Months Ended
Stockholders' Deficit - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 05, 2019	Feb. 20, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Dividends paid on common stock			$ 11,153,000		$ 17,453,000
Dividends declared per common share (USD per share)		$ 0.69	$ 0.69	$ 0.63	$ 0.63
Dividends paid per common share (USD per share)			$ 0.63		$ 0.97
Dividends payable			$ 12,461,000	$ 11,389,000
Treasury stock reissued (shares)			168,047
Reissuance of treasury stock			$ 6,768,000		$ 456,000
Treasury Stock
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury stock reissued (shares)			168,000		77,000
Reissuance of treasury stock			$ 7,435,000		$ 2,951,000
2019 Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 200,000,000
October 2015 Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount						$ 150,000,000
Subsequent Event
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Dividends paid per common share (USD per share)	$ 0.69

Stockholders' Deficit Dividends declared and paid per share (Details) - $ / shares		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (USD per share)	$ 0.69	$ 0.69	$ 0.63	$ 0.63
Dividends paid per common share (USD per share)		$ 0.63		$ 0.97

Stockholders' Deficit - Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period, value	$ 12,015	$ 10,003
2019 Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	40,817
Stock repurchased during period, value	$ 3,600
Cumulative amount of shares repurchased (in shares)	40,817
Cumulative payments for repurchase of common stock	$ 3,600
Remaining dollar value of shares that may be repurchased	$ 196,400
October 2015 Share Repurchase Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	110,499
Stock repurchased during period, value	$ 8,400
Cumulative amount of shares repurchased (in shares)	1,589,995
Cumulative payments for repurchase of common stock	$ 126,200

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate (percent)	23.10%	24.80%
Gross unrecognized tax benefit	$ 5.2		$ 5.2
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits	0.9
Accrued interest on income taxes	1.3		1.1
Accrued penalties on income taxes, less than	$ 0.1		$ 0.1

Stock-Based Compensation (Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity classified awards expense	$ 4.1	$ 3.4
Liability classified awards expense	1.0	0.5
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense	5.1	3.9
Book income tax benefit	(1.3)	(1.0)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$ 3.8	$ 2.9

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants in period (in shares)	132,832
Share-based compensation expense	$ 5,100	$ 3,900
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	15,338		$ 27,479
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 24,100
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition (in years)	1 year 8 months 29 days
Restricted stock, granted (in shares)	13,464
Vested in period (in shares)	12,293
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares)	0
Cash-settled restricted stock units, outstanding (in shares)	375,700		374,529
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 5,800
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition (in years)	1 year 9 months 11 days
Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock, granted (in shares)	19,736
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares)	3,622
Cash-settled restricted stock units, outstanding (in shares)	69,563		53,766
Share-based compensation expense	$ 600	100
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Share-based compensation expense	$ 400	$ 400
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	$ 1,700		$ 2,400
LTIP \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiplier for target award based on total shareholder return on common stock (percent)	0.00%
LTIP \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Multiplier for target award based on total shareholder return on common stock (percent)	200.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Options Value Assumptions) (Details) - Stock Options	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 $ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate (percent)	2.50%
Weighted average historical volatility (percent)	30.30%
Dividend yield (percent)	2.80%
Expected years until exercise (years)	4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average fair value of options granted (USD per share)	$ 21.93

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock Options $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Shares
Options, outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) \| shares	1,439,708
Options, granted (in shares) \| shares	132,832
Options, exercised (in shares) \| shares	(116,590)
Options, outstanding, end of period (in shares) \| shares	1,455,950
Options, vested and expected to vest (in shares) \| shares	1,311,896
Options, exercisable (in shares) \| shares	682,494
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average exercise price, beginning of period (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 63.21
Weighted average exercise price, granted (per share) \| $ / shares	98.97
Weighted average exercise price, exercised (per share) \| $ / shares	58.05
Weighted average exercise price, end of period (per share) \| $ / shares	66.88
Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest (per share) \| $ / shares	67.76
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 75.92
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	6 years 9 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest (in years)	6 years 6 months 23 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable (in years)	4 years 6 months 28 days
Options, outstanding, intrinsic value \| $	$ 38.2
Options, vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value \| $	33.3
Options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable \| $	$ 12.1

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details)	3 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2019 $ / shares shares
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock, beginning of period (in shares) \| shares	267,242
Restricted stock, granted (in shares) \| shares	51,457
Restricted stock, released (in shares) \| shares	(48,022)
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(2,562)
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares) \| shares	268,115
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 63.97
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (per share) \| $ / shares	98.58
Weighted average grant date fair value, released (per share) \| $ / shares	79.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited (per share) \| $ / shares	48.22
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 69.96
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock, beginning of period (in shares) \| shares	374,529
Restricted stock, granted (in shares) \| shares	13,464
Restricted stock, released (in shares) \| shares	(12,293)
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares) \| shares	0
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares) \| shares	375,700
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 31.05
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted (per share) \| $ / shares	98.97
Weighted average grant date fair value, released (per share) \| $ / shares	90.34
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited (per share) \| $ / shares	0.00
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 30.95

Stock-Based Compensation (Liability Classified Awards - Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units) (Details) - Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock, beginning of period (in shares) \| shares	53,766
Restricted stock, granted (in shares) \| shares	19,736
Restricted stock, released (in shares) \| shares	(317)
Restricted stock, forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(3,622)
Restricted stock, end of period (in shares) \| shares	69,563
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 94.77
Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units granted (USD per share) \| $ / shares	91.05
Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units released (in USD per share) \| $ / shares	82.16
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited (per share) \| $ / shares	98.96
Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance (per share) \| $ / shares	$ 93.58

Segments - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
Segments - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2019 Restaurant Country segment Territory
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of segments (segment) \| segment	5
Applebee's
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of territories in which entity operates (territory) \| Territory	2
Number of countries in which entity operates (country) \| Country	13
IHOP
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of territories in which entity operates (territory) \| Territory	3
Number of countries in which entity operates (country) \| Country	12
Franchised Units \| Applebee's
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants (restaurant) \| Restaurant	1,761
Franchised Units \| IHOP
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants (restaurant) \| Restaurant	1,822

Segments (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rental revenues	$ 30,711	$ 30,841
Total revenues	237,182	188,163
Interest expense	18,400	17,600
Depreciation and amortization	10,179	7,940
Segment profit	41,132	22,711
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	15,400	15,200
Depreciation and amortization	2,800	2,300
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment profit	102,600	83,500
Operating Segments \| Franchise operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	2,600	2,700
Segment profit	88,600	73,400
Operating Segments \| Rental operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rental revenues	30,700	30,900
Interest expense	2,500	2,400
Depreciation and amortization	3,500	2,900
Segment profit	8,100	8,200
Operating Segments \| Company restaurants
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	500	0
Depreciation and amortization	1,300	0
Segment profit	4,200	0
Operating Segments \| Financing operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment profit	1,700	1,900
Corporate and unallocated expenses, net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment profit	(61,500)	(60,800)
Franchise revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	168,926	155,313
Franchise revenues \| Operating Segments \| Franchise operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	168,900	155,300
Company restaurant sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	35,735	0
Company restaurant sales \| Operating Segments \| Company restaurants
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	35,800	0
Financing revenues
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	1,810	2,009
Financing revenues \| Operating Segments \| Financing operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed Tax	$ 1,800	$ 2,000

Net Income per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 31,643	$ 17,073
Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(1,111)	(568)
Net income available to common stockholders - basic	30,532	16,505
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units	12	2
Net income available to common stockholders - diluted	$ 30,544	$ 16,507
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic (in shares)	17,343	17,703
Dilutive effect of stock options (in shares)	347	142
Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted (in shares)	17,690	17,845
Net income per common share - basic (USD per share)	$ 1.76	$ 0.93
Net income per common share - diluted (USD per share)	$ 1.73	$ 0.92

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Non-Current Financial Liabilities (Details) - Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 1,283.8	$ 1,283.8
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 1,289.0	$ 1,280.9

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details) - Applebee's - Property Lease Guarantee $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential liability for guaranteed leases	$ 280.0
Potential liability for guaranteed leases excluding unexercised option periods	$ 42.1

Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Current restricted cash	$ 36,654	$ 48,515
Non-current restricted cash	14,700	14,700
Held in Trust Deposits
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Current restricted cash	33,700	42,300
Held for Advertising Activity Deposits
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Current restricted cash	$ 2,900	$ 6,200

Acquisition of Business (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Acquisition of Business (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Restaurant	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Number of businesses acquired \| Restaurant	69
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capital (finance) lease		$ 100.6
Applebee's Restaurants In North And South Carolina
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 21.6	21.6	$ 21.6
Assumed capital (finance) lease obligations		9.1
Capital (finance) lease		$ 28.1

Acquisition of Business Preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 345,314	$ 343,862	$ 345,314
Applebee's Restaurants In North And South Carolina
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reacquired franchise rights	11,600	11,600	11,600
Measurement period adjustments, reacquired franchise rights		0
Equipment and fixtures	10,000	10,000	10,000
Measurement period adjustments, equipment and fixtures		0
Inventory	1,400	1,400	1,400
Measurement period adjustments, inventory		0
Deferred income taxes	0	1,500	0
Measurement period adjustments, deferred income taxes		1,500
Total identifiable assets acquired	23,000	24,500	23,000
Measurement period adjustments, total identifiable assets acquired		1,500
Above-market leaseholds, net	(6,500)	(6,500)	(6,500)
Measurement period adjustments, above-market leaseholds, net		0
Other liabilities	(1,000)	(1,000)	(1,000)
Measurement period adjustments, other liabilities		0
Net identifiable assets acquired	15,500	17,000	15,500
Measurement period adjustments, net identifiable assets acquired		1,500
Goodwill	6,100	4,600	6,100
Measurement period adjustments, goodwill		(1,500)
Consideration transferred	$ 21,600	21,600	$ 21,600
Measurement period adjustments, consideration transferred		$ 0