Impairment And Closure Charges Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Impairment and Closure Charges Impairment and Closure Charges Disclosure [Text Block] Description of impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill impairment as well as closure charges. This element may be used as a single block of text to encapsulaten the entire disclosure including data and tables. Property, Plant and Equipment Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure [Abstract] Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Accretion of Series B Preferred Stock Accretion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Accretion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Unvested Participating Restricted Stock The amount of net income (loss) which is allocated to unvested participating restricted stock. Net income available to common stockholders - basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Effect of unvested participating restricted stock in two-class calculation Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Including Options and Restrictive Stock Units Accretion of Series B Preferred Stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share Net income available to common stockholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive Effect of Stock Options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive Effect of Series B Preferred Stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Preferred Stock Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income per common share - Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per common share - Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Weighted average historical volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected years until exercise Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Forfeitures Share-based Compensation, Fair Value Assumptions, Forfeitures Rate Share-based Compensation, Fair Value Assumptions, Forfeitures Rate Weighted average fair value of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Convertible preferred stock, Series B, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Convertible preferred stock, Series B, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Convertible preferred stock, Series B, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations State Tax Benefit Related to Reduction in State Deferred Taxes From Refranchising and Sale of Applebees Company Operated Restaurants State Tax Benefit Related to Reduction in State Deferred Taxes From Refranchising and Sale of Applebees Company Operated Restaurants State Tax Benefit Related to Reduction in State Deferred Taxes From Refranchising and Sale of Applebees Company Operated Restaurants Reduction to Effective Tax Rate and Income Tax Expense For Unrecognized Tax Benefits Related To Gift Card Income Deferral As Result Of New IRS Guidance Net Reduction To Income Tax Expense For Unrecognized Tax Benefits Related To Gift Card Income Deferral As Result Of New Irs Guidance Net Reduction To Income Tax Expense For Unrecognized Tax Benefits Related To Gift Card Income Deferral As Result Of New Irs Guidance Net Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Expected to be Paid Within One Year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Expected to be Paid Within One Year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Including Penalties and Interest Expected to be Paid Within One Year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Decrease in Accrued Interest Resulting From Release of Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits Related to Gift Card Income Deferral as a Result of New IRS Guidance, Net Decrease in Accrued Interest Resulting From Release of Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits Related to Gift Card Income Deferral as a Result of New IRS Guidance, Net Decrease in Accrued Interest Resulting From Release of Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits Related to Gift Card Income Deferral as a Result of New IRS Guidance, Net Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long-term debt, excluding current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Applebee's Applebee's [Member] Applebee's [Member] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Property Lease Guarantee Property Lease Guarantee [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Litigation Settlement, Gross Litigation Settlement, Gross Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Increase (Decrease) in Lease Guarantees During the Period (if Material) Increase (Decrease) in Lease Guarantees During the Period (if Material) Increase (Decrease) in Lease Guarantees During the Period (if Material) Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Financing Obligations Sale Leaseback Transaction Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Current Year [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Current Year [Abstract] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Parent Parent [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest Consolidation, Guarantor Subsidiary, Ownership Interest Assets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Current Intercompany Due from Affiliate, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Long-term receivables Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Investment in Subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Gift card liability Gift Card Liability, Current Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Other accrued expenses Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Financing obligations, less current maturities Sale Leaseback Financing Obligations The sale leaseback financing obligations due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, accounted for under the financing method. Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Segment Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Franchise revenues Franchise Revenue Company restaurant sales Food and Beverage Revenue Rental revenues Rental Income Rental income includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Financing revenues Financial Services Revenue Total segment revenues Revenues Segment Expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Franchise expenses Franchise Costs Company restaurant expenses Restaurant Expenses Company restaurant expenses are operating expenses at company-operated restaurants and include food, beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), labor, benefits, utilities, rent and other restaurant operating costs. Rental expenses Rental Expenses Rental expenses are costs of prime operating leases and interest expense on prime capital leases on franchisee-operated restaurants. Financing expenses Financing Expenses Represents the charge against earnings during the period primarily related to the cost of restaurant equipment. Total segment expenses Cost of Revenue Gross segment profit Gross Profit General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Interest expense Interest Expense Debt and Debt Discount Represents the portion of interest incurred in the period on debt arrangements and amortization of debt discount that was charged against earnings. Impairment and closure charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets (Gain) loss on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Debt modification costs Debt Modification Expense (Credit) The cost incurred or credit received fromt the modification of term of existing debt agreement in order for the entity to achieve some advantage. Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Adjustment to unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income available to common stockholders: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net income available to common stockholders Net income available to common stockholders per share: Basic Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Diluted Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 4.25% Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 4.25% [Member] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due Oct 2017, variable rate 4.25% Senior Notes due Oct 2018, at a fixed rate 9.5% Senior Notes, due Oct 2018, fixed rate 9.5% [Member] Senior Notes, due Oct 2018, fixed rate 9.5% [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Senior Secured Credit Facility, due October 2017, at a variable interest rate of 4.25% as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 Senior Secured Credit Facility, Outstanding Senior Secured Credit Facility, Outstanding Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5% Senior Notes Discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Less current maturities Long-term debt, less current maturities Debt Instruments (Narrative) [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Debt modification costs Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract] Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Table Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Schedule of Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Assets Held for Sale Assets Held for Sale Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of long-lived assets held for sale. Disclosure may include the description of the facts and circumstances leading to the expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the carrying value of the assets held for sale, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss). Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Virginia Virginia [Member] Virginia [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets [Member] Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Number of Company Operated Restaurants to be Refranchised and Related Assets Sold Number of Company Operated Restaurants to be Refranchised and Related Assets Sold Number of Company Operated Restaurants to be Refranchised and Related Assets Sold Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Table] Schedule of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale by Asset Type [Axis] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Name [Domain] Company Operated Entity Operated Units [Member] Six State Market Area Centered Around Memphis Tennessee [Member] Six State Market Area Centered Around Memphis Tennessee [Member] Six State Market Area Centered Around Memphis Tennessee [Member] Missouri and Indiana [Member] Missouri and Indiana [Member] Missouri and Indiana [Member] Michigan MICHIGAN Virginia Missouri and Indiana [Member] Virginia Missouri and Indiana [Member] Virginia Missouri and Indiana [Member] Assets Held For Sale [Line Items] Assets Held For Sale [Line Items] Assets Held For Sale [Line Items] Number of Restaurants Number of Restaurants Parcels of Land With Refranchised Restaurants Parcels of Land With Refranchised Restaurants Parcels of Land With Refranchised Restaurants Parcels of Land Intended for Future Restaurant Development Parcels of Land Intended for Future Restaurant Development Parcels of Land Intended for Future Restaurant Development Number of Restaurants Sold During Period Number of Restaurants Sold During Period Number of Restaurants Sold During Period Parcels of Land Intended for Future Restaurant Development Sold Parcels of Land Intended for Future Restaurant Development Sold Parcels of Land Intended for Future Restaurant Development Sold Restaurants Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets Restaurants Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets Restaurants Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets Assets Held For Sale [Roll Forward] Assets Held For Sale [Roll Forward] Assets Held For Sale [Roll Forward] Assets held for sale, Beginning of period Assets transferred to held for sale Assets Transferred to Held For Sale Assets Transferred to Held For Sale Assets sold Assets Held For Sale Sold Assets Held For Sale Sold Impairment Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Impairment Charge Assets held for sale, End of period Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement Statement [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Non-cash interest expense Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Loss on extinguishment of debt Impairment and closure charges Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Tax benefit from stock-based compensation Tax Benefit from Stock-based Compensation Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified stock-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from stock-based compensation recognized on the income statement. This element increases net cash provided by operating activities. Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Gain on disposition of assets Other Other Cash and Noncash Changes in Operating Activities Transactions that result in no cash inflows or outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus are removed when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect method combined with the net change during the reporting period in the value of other assets or liabilities used in operating activities that are not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element. Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Current income tax receivables and payables Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued employee compensation and benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Gift card liability Increase (Decrease) in Gift Card Liability Other accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Cash flows provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables Proceeds from Notes and Equipment Contracts receivable The cash inflow from the principal repayments on notes and equipment contracts receivable. Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash flows provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments under revolving credit facilities Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayment of long-term debt (including premiums) Repayments of Long-term Debt Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Purchase of DineEquity common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payment of debt modification and issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Repurchase of restricted stock Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cash flows used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid in cash Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid in cash Income Taxes Paid Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Current Year [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Current Year [Abstract] Total revenue Restaurant expenses General and administrative Impairment and closure Other (income) expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Intercompany dividend Intercompany Dividend Intercompany Dividend Income (loss) before income taxes Benefit (provision) for income taxes Net (loss) income Total comprehensive income Schedule of Reclassifications Schedule of Reclassifications [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reclassifications [Table Text Block] Consolidating Fiancial Information Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Text Block] Schedule of Sale Leaseback Transactions Schedule of Sale Leaseback Transactions [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Net Income per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Assets Current assets: Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Taxes Prepaid gift cards Prepaid Gift Cards Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of payments made in advance related to gift card marketing which are expected to be charged against earnings within one year. Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Long-term receivables Total assets Current liabilities: Accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Capital lease obligations, less current maturities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, at accreted value, shares:10,000,000 authorized; 35,000 issued; September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 - 34,900 outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares: 40,000,000 authorized; September 30, 2012 - 24,694,241 issued, 18,418,903 outstanding; December 31, 2011 - 24,658,985 issued,18,060,206 outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost; shares: September 30, 2012 - 6,275,338; December 31, 2011 - 6,598,779 Treasury Stock, Value Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Schedule of Reclassifications [Table] Schedule of Reclassifications [Table] Schedule of Reclassifications [Table] As Originally Reported Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] As Currently Reported Restatement Adjustment [Member] Schedule of Reclassifications [Line Items] Schedule of Reclassifications [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Reclassifications [Table] Inventories Inventory, Net Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Franchise Operations Franchise Operations [Member] Franchise Operations [Member] Company Restaurants Company Restaurants [Member] Company Restaurants [Member] Rental Operations Rental Operations [Member] Rental Operations [Member] Financing Operations Financing Operations [Member] Financing Operations [Member] Corproate Corproate [Member] Corproate [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Franchise Revenue Food and Beverage Revenue Rental income Financial Services Revenue Revenues Interest Expense Interest Expense Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities Additions to property and equipment Principal receipts from long-term receivables Proceeds from sale of assets Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities Revolving credit borrowings Revolving credit repayments Payment of debt Repayments of Debt Payment of debt issuance costs Purchase of common stock Restricted cash Other Other Financing Activities Other Financing Activities Intercompany transfers Intercompany Transfers Intercompany Transfers Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities Net change General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loans [Member] Term Loans [Member] Term Loans [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items] Face Amount Repaid/Retired Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Cash Paid Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table Text Block] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Policies New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table] Restaurant Concept [Axis] Restaurant Concept [Axis] Restaurant Concept [Axis] Restaurant Concept [Domain] Restaurant Concept [Domain] Restaurant Concept [Domain] Applebee's Restaurant Support Center [Member] Applebee's Restaurant Support Center [Member] Applebee's Restaurant Support Center [Member] Impairment and Closure Charges [Line Items] Impairment and Closure Charges [Line Items] Impairment and Closure Charges [Line Items] Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Lenexa lease termination Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Closure charges Business Exit Costs Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Year of Cash Flow [Axis] Year of Cash Flow [Axis] Year of Cash Flow [Axis] Year of Cash Flow [Domain] Year of Cash Flow [Domain] Year of Cash Flow [Domain] 2012 Due Current [Member] Due Current [Member] 2015 Due in Four Years [Member] Due in Four Years [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Subject to Financing Obligations Subject to Financing Obligations [Member] Subject to Financing Obligations [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] Remainder of 2012 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Next Twelve Months 2013 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Two Years 2014 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Three Years 2015 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Four Years 2016 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Five Years Thereafter Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions Less: interest Interest Portion of Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions Total financing obligations Present Value of Future Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions Less: current portion Present Value of Future Minimum Lease Payments Sale Leaseback Transactions, Current Present Value of Future Minimum Lease Payments Sale Leaseback Transactions, Current Long Term Financing Obligations Number of Monthly Leaseback Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Number of Monthly Leaseback Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Number of Monthly Leaseback Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Reduction in Property and Equipment and Financing Obligations as a Result of Sales Transactions Reduction in Property and Equipment and Financing Obligations as a Result of Sales Transactions Reduction in Property and Equipment and Financing Obligations as a Result of Sales Transactions Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments, by Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Board of Directors Board of Directors [Member] Board of Directors [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Restricted stock, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted stock, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted stock, released Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period Restricted stock, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Restricted stock, end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Released Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Issued Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Issued Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Outstanding Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Outstanding Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Outstanding Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Franchised Units Franchised Units [Member] IHOP IHOP [Member] IHOP Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items] Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items] Number of Territories in which Entity Operates Number of Territories in which Entity Operates Number of Territories in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Stock Options Stock Options [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2011 Plan 2011 Plan [Member] 2011 Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Pre-tax compensation expense Tax provision Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options, outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Options, outstanding, end of period Options, vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Options, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Weighted average exercise price, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Weighted average exercise price, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Weighted average exercise price, forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price 2012 Weighted average exercise price, end of period Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options, outstanding, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options, vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]