Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Redemption, After December 2013 and Before October 30, 2014 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Covenant Trigger [Axis] Debt Covenant Trigger [Axis] Debt Covenant Trigger [Axis] Debt Covenant Trigger [Domain] Debt Covenant Trigger [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Covenant Trigger [Axis] First Trigger First Trigger Level [Member] First Trigger Level [Member] Second Trigger Second Trigger Level [Member] Second Trigger Level [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes due October 2018, at a fixed rate of 9.5% Senior Notes, due Oct 2018, fixed rate 9.5% [Member] Senior Notes, due Oct 2018, fixed rate 9.5% [Member] Amended Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility First Amended Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] First Amended Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Outstanding principal balance Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Senior note interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, make-whole premium Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Make-Whole Premium Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Make-Whole Premium Debt redemption premium Debt Redemption Premium Debt Redemption Premium Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, unamortized premium (discount) Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Unamortized Premium (Discount) Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Unamortized Premium (Discount) Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, deferred financing costs Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Deferred Financing Costs Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Deferred Financing Costs Amortization of debt discount Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Restructuring Charges [Abstract] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impairment and Closure Charges [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option Employee Stock Option [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] Equity classified awards expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Equity Classified Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Equity Classified Awards Liability classified awards (credit) expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Liability Classified Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Liability Classified Awards Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Book income tax benefit 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 Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period Unrecognized Compensation Cost Related to Options, Expected Recognition Period Unrecognized Compensation Cost Related to Options, Expected Recognition Period 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] Outstanding, beginning (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Excercised (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Expired (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Outstanding, ending (shares) Vested and expected to vest (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Exercisable (shares) 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] [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Weighted average share price, beginning (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, exercised (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, forfeited (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, expired (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, ending (USD per share) Vested and expected to vest, weighted average exercise price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options, outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, vested and expected to vest, exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Excercisable weighted average remaining contractual term 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, outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options, exercisable, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Cash received from options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Tax benefit realized for tax deduction from option exercises Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Differences in capitalization and depreciation and amortization of reacquired franchises and equipment Deferred Tax Assets, Capitalization Depreciation Amortization of Reacquired Franchises and Equipment Deferred Tax Assets, Capitalization Depreciation Amortization of Reacquired Franchises and Equipment Differences in acquisition financing costs Deferred Tax Assets, Acquisition Financing Costs Deferred Tax Assets, Acquisition Financing Costs Employee compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Deferred gain on sale of assets Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Gain on Sale of Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Gain on Sale of Assets Book/tax difference in revenue recognition Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Differences between financial and tax accounting in the recognition of franchise and equipment sales Deferred Tax Assets, Financial and Tax Accounting in the Recognition of Franchise and Equipment Sales Deferred Tax Assets, Financial and Tax Accounting in the Recognition of Franchise and Equipment Sales Differences in capitalization and depreciation (1) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Differences in Capitalization and Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Differences in Capitalization and Depreciation Book/tax difference in revenue recognition Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Differences between book and tax basis of property and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Leases [Abstract] Leases Leases Disclosure [Text Block] Description and amounts of entity's leasing arrangements for operating and capital leases. This element can be used to disclose the entity's entire lease disclosure as a single block of text. Receivables [Abstract] Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [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] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Largest Franchisees Largest Franchisees [Member] Largest Franchisees [Member] Franchised Franchised Units [Member] Company Operated Excluding Restaurants Reacquired to be Refranchised Company Operated Excluding Restaurants Reacquired to be Refranchised [Member] Company Operated Excluding Restaurants Reacquired to be Refranchised [Member] Franchised Units or Licensing Agreements Franchised Units or Licensing Agreements [Member] Franchised Units or Licensing Agreements [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Applebee's Applebee's [Member] Applebee's [Member] IHOP IHOP [Member] IHOP Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Prepaid Advertising and Gift Cards Prepaid Advertising and Gift Cards [Member] Prepaid Advertising and Gift Cards [Member] Held in Trust Deposits Held in Trust Deposits [Member] Held in Trust Deposits [Member] Held for Advertising Activity Deposits Held for Advertising Activity Deposits [Member] Held for Advertising Activity Deposits [Member] Property and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Leaseholds and improvements Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Equipment and fixtures Equipment and Fixtures [Member] Equipment and Fixtures [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Number of weeks in fiscal year Number of Weeks in Fiscal Year Number of Weeks in Fiscal Year Number of franchisees Number of Franchisees Number of Franchisees Number of restaurants per franchisee Number of Restaurants per Franchisee Number of Restaurants per Franchisee Number of restaurants Number of Restaurants Concentration risk by percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Net accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash included in other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Useful life of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Number of reporting units Number of Reporting Units Goodwill and intangible asset impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Category of revenue categories Number of Revenue Operations Number of Revenue Operations Property subject to or available for operating lease, number of units Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Operating lease, term of contract Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Operating lease, renewal term Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term Advertising expense included in franchise revenue and expense Advertising Fees Advertising Fees Advertising expense Advertising Expense 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 Number of reporting segments Number of Reportable Segments Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Property Lease Guarantee Property Lease Guarantee [Member] Series 2014-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 Series 2014-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 [Member] Series 2014-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Outstanding purchase commitments Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Outstanding lease guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Unused letters of credit outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) in Borrowing Capacity Through the Period Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) in Borrowing Capacity Through the Period Future Minimum Lease Rents Due [Abstract] Future Minimum Lease Rents Due [Abstract] Asset Cost of Leased Property Asset Cost of Leased Property Asset Cost of Leased Property Carrying Amount on Leased Property Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net Contingent Rent Expense on Leases Contingent Rent Expense on Leases Contingent Rent Expense on Leases Minimum Rent Expense on Leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals Direct Financing Lease, 2017 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Direct Financing Lease, 2018 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Direct Financing Lease, 2019 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Direct Financing Lease, 2020 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Direct Financing Lease, 2021 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Five Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Five Years Thereafter Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Thereafter Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Thereafter Total minimum rents receivable Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Total Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Total Operating Lease, 2017 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Operating Lease, 2018 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Operating Lease, 2019 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Operating Lease, 2020 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Operating Lease, 2021 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Five Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Thereafter Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Thereafter Total minimum rents receivable Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Total Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due Total Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Axis] Defined Contribution Pension Plan [Domain] Defined Contribution Pension Plan [Domain] Defined Contribution Pension Plan [Domain] First Tier of Deferral First Tier of Employees Eligible Compensation Deferral [Member] Employers Matching Rate on First Tier of Employees Eligible Compensation [Member] Second Tier of Deferral Second Tier of Employees Eligible Compensation Deferral [Member] Second Tier of Employees Eligible Compensation Deferral [Member] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Percent of gross pay Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay Percent of eligible deferral Employees Eligible Compensation Deferral, Percent Employees Eligible Compensation Deferral, Percent Contributions made to 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan, Contributions Made to Benefit Plan Defined Contribution Plan, Contributions Made to Benefit Plan Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Changes [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies and Accounting Changes [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restaurant Concept [Axis] Restaurant Concept [Axis] Restaurant Concept [Axis] Restaurant Concept [Domain] Restaurant Concept [Domain] Restaurant Concept [Domain] Individually Insignificant Restaurants Individually Insignificant Restaurants [Member] Individually Insignificant Restaurants [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Contract Termination Contract Termination [Member] Future Lease Payments, Net Future Lease Payments, Net [Member] Future Lease Payments, Net [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Business exit costs Business Exit Costs Closure charges Other Restructuring Costs Restaurants taken back and closed Company Operated Restaurants Taken Back and Closed Company Operated Restaurants Taken Back and Closed Long-lived tangible asset impairment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Number of restaurants with impairments charges Number of Restaurants With Impairment Charges Number of Restaurants With Impairment Charges Total closure and impairment charges Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Company operated restaurants taken back to be refranchised Company Operated Restaurants Taken Back to be Refranchised Company Operated Restaurants Taken Back to be Refranchised Other Intangible Assets Roll Forward Other Intangible Assets Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Other Intangible Assets Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Description [Axis] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Name [Domain] Sale Leaseback Transaction Agreement for Properties Sale Leaseback Transaction Agreement for Properties [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction Agreement for Properties [Member] Master Lease Agreement Master Lease Agreement [Member] Master Lease Agreement [Member] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items] Parcels of real property under sale leaseback transaction Parcels of Real Property Under Sale Leaseback Transaction Parcels of Real Property Under Sale Leaseback Transaction Gross proceeds of sale leaseback transaction Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds, Financing Activities Sale leaseback initial term Sale Leaseback Initial Term Sale Leaseback Initial Term Number of options to extend initial leaseback term Number of Options to Extend Initial Sale Leaseback Term Number of Options to Extend Initial Sale Leaseback Term Extension period for options to extend sale leaseback initial term (in years) Extensions Period for Option to Extend Sale Leaseback Initial Term, In Years Extensions Period for Option to Extend Sale Leaseback Initial Term, In Years Properties assigned to franchisee or released from lessor Properties Assigned to Franchisee or Released From Lessor Properties Assigned to Franchisee or Released From Lessor 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 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Next Twelve Months 2018 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Two Years 2019 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Three Years 2020 Minimum Lease Payments, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Four Years 2021 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 Present Value of Future Minimum Lease Payments Sale Leaseback Transactions, Noncurrent Present Value of Future Minimum Lease Payments Sale Leaseback Transactions, Noncurrent Number of monthly obligation payments in fiscal year Number of Monthly Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Number of Monthly Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Repurchase Agreements Schedule of Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block] Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Effective tax rate, decrease from change in state tax rates, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Change in State Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Change in State Tax Rate Derease on qualified production deductions, total, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Qualified Production Activity, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Qualified Production Activity, Percent Decrease on qualified production deductions, current period, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Current Period Qualified Production Activity, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Current Period Qualified Production Activity, Percent Decrease on qualified production deductions, prior period, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Prior Period Qualified Production Activity, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Increase (Decrease), Prior Period Qualified Production Activity, Percent Decrease on research tax credits, total, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease), Research, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease), Research, Percent Decrease on research tax credits, current period, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Increase (Decrease), Current Period Research, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Increase (Decrease), Current Period Research, Percent Decrease on research tax credits, prior period, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Increase (Decrease), Prior Period Research, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Increase (Decrease), Prior Period Research, Percent Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefit changes in next 12 months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit 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 Change in accrued interest related to increase in unrecognized tax benefits and penalties 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 Valuation allowance, noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] LeaseType [Axis] LeaseType [Axis] LeaseType [Axis] Lease Type [Domain] Lease Type [Domain] LeaseType [Domain] Direct financing leases receivable Direct Financing Leases [Member] Direct Financing Leases [Member] Net investment equipment lease Net Investment Equipment Lease [Member] Net Investment Equipment Lease [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Total minimum rents receivable Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Minimum Payments to be Received Less: unearned income Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Deferred Income Net investment in direct financing leases receivable Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases Less: current portion Net Investment in Leases Receivable, Current Net Investment in Leases Receivable, Current Long-term direct financing lease receivable Net Investment in Leases Receivable, Noncurrent Net Investment in Leases Receivable, Noncurrent Contingent rental income Capital Leases, Contingent Rental Payments Received Total minimum leases receivable Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases, Minimum Payments to be Received Less: unearned income Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases, Deferred Income Net investment in equipment leases receivables Capital Leases, Net Investment in Sales Type Leases Schedule of Sale Leaseback Transactions Schedule of Sale Leaseback Transactions [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Common stock, shares, outstanding, beginning (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Treasury stock, shares, beginning (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Purchase of DineEquity common stock (shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Purchase of DineEquity common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Reissuance of treasury stock (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Reissuance of treasury stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Net issuance of shares for stock plans (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Net issuance of shares for stock plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Repurchase of restricted shares (shares) Restricted Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Restricted Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Repurchase of restricted shares for taxes Restricted Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Restricted Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Tax benefit from stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Dividends on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Common stock, shares, outstanding, ending (shares) Stockholders' Equity, Ending Treasury stock, shares, ending (shares) Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common stock, par value per share (USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (shares) Treasury stock, shares outstanding (shares) Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less: interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Less: current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Leases Receivable Leases Receivable [Table Text Block] Leases Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Capital and Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rents to Be Received on Capital and Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rents to Be Received on Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rents to Be Received on Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2013 Authorization Two Thousand Thirteen Authorization [Member] Two Thousand Thirteen Authorization [Member] 2014 Authorization Two Thousand Fourteen Authorization [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Authorization [Member] 2015 Authorization Two Thousand Fifteen Authorization [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Authorization [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Purchase of DineEquity common stock (shares) Repurchase of DineEquity common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] The Company Nature of Operations [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Gross Profit Gross Profit Basic (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Financing Obligations Sale Leaseback Transaction Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] LTIP Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning of period (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Released (shares) 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 Forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period End of period (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Released, 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value End of period, weighted average grant date fair value Pre-tax compensation expense Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Multiplier for target award based on total shareholder return on common stock Share Based Compensation, Multiplier for Target Award Based on Total Shareholder Return on Common Stock Share Based Compensation, Multiplier for Target Award Based on Total Shareholder Return on Common Stock Stock-based compensation expense related to LTIP awards Accrued employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Franchising rights Franchise Rights [Member] Recipes and Menus Recipes and Menus [Member] Recipes and Menus [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization Expense 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization Expense 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization Expense 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization Expense 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization Expense 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Weighted average life of intangible assets subject to amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Company Operated Entity Operated Units [Member] Licensing Agreements Licensing Agreements [Member] Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items] Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items] Number of restaurant concepts Number of Restaurant Concepts Number of Restaurant Concepts Number of states in which entity operates Number of States in which Entity Operates Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Employee Benefit Plans Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Non-cash interest expense Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Closure and impairment charges Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) Deferred Tax Expense Benefit Increase Decrease Deferred 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 stock options exercised Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Loss (gain) on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property 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] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Current income tax receivables and payables Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Gift card receivables and payables Increase (Decrease) in Gift Card Liability Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued employee compensation and benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Accrued interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Other current liabilities 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] 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. Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment 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] Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt (including premiums) Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Payment of debt issuance and debt modification costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, 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 year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Franchise operations Franchise Operations [Member] Franchise Operations [Member] Rental operations Rental Operations [Member] Rental Operations [Member] Company restaurants Company Restaurants [Member] Company Restaurants [Member] Corporate Corporate Segment [Member] Financing operations Financing Operations [Member] Financing Operations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Gross profit (loss), by segment Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Closure and impairment charges Capital expenditures Capital Expenditures Capital Expenditures Goodwill (franchise segment) Goodwill Total assets Assets Property and Equipment Depreciable Lives Property and Equipment Depreciable Lives [Table Text Block] Property and Equipment Depreciable Lives [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Termination Costs Employee Severance [Member] Facility Costs Facility Closing [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring reserve, beginning balance Restructuring Reserve Charges Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Restructuring reserve, ending balance Costs related to termination of lease Charges Severance Costs Accrued employee benefits Accrued Employee Benefits Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities Series 2014-1 Class A-2 4.227% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes Series 2014-1, Class A-2 4.227% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes [Member] Series 2014-1, Class A-2 4.227% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes [Member] Series 2014-1 Class A-2, 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes Senior Notes Debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Long-term debt, net Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Repayments of long-term debt Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Severance and separation costs Accelerated vesting of equity awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Properties under capital lease Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Buildings and improvements Land Land [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciation expense on property equipment Depreciation Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Receivables, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Restricted cash Prepaid gift card costs Prepaid Gift Cards Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of payments made in advance related to gift card program which are expected to be relieved as gift cards are redeemed within one year. Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Taxes Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Long-term receivables, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred rent receivable Deferred Rent Receivables, Net, Noncurrent Other non-current assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Gift card liability Gift Card Liability, Current Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Current maturities of capital lease and financing obligations Capital Lease and Financing Obligations, Current Capital Lease and Financing Obligations, Current Accrued advertising Accrued Advertising, Current Accrued interest payable Interest Payable, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Capital lease obligations, less current maturities Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent 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. Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred rent payable Accrued Rent, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value; shares: 40,000,000 authorized; 2016 - 25,134,223 issued, 17,969,636 outstanding; 2015 - 25,186,048 issued, 18,535,027 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: 2016 - 7,164,587; 2015 - 6,651,021 Treasury Stock, Value Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, by Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Axis] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Domain] Equipment leases receivable Equipment Leases Receivable [Member] Equipment Leases Receivable [Member] Franchise fee notes receivable Franchise Fee Note Receivable [Member] Franchise Fee Note Receivable [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Classified [Abstract] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Classified [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Gift card receivables Gift Card Receivables Gift Card Receivables Notes receivable Notes Receivable Notes Receivable Financing receivable Financing Receivable, Net Other Other Receivables Receivables Accounts, Other, Notes and Financing Receivables, Gross Accounts, Other, Notes, and Financing Receivables, Gross Less: allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Receivables, net Accounts, Other, Notes, and Finance Receivables, Net Accounts, Other, Notes, and Finance Receivables, Net Less: current portion Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Beginning of Period Provision Provision for Doubtful Accounts Charge-offs Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Ending of Period Average interest rate Equipment Lease Receivable Average Annual Interest Rate Equipment Lease Receivable Average Annual Interest Rate Franchise fee note lease term Financing Franchise Fee Notes Receivable Lease Term Financing Franchise Fee Notes Receivable Lease Term Franchise fee note average interest rate Franchise Fee Notes Receivable Average Annual Interest Rate Franchise Fee Notes Receivable Average Annual Interest Rate Delinquent financing receivables Amount of Financing Receivables Delinquent Amount of Financing Receivables Delinquent Financing receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Amount of Financing Receivables Included in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Amount of Financing Receivables Included in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Long-term debt Long-term debt, less current maturities at fair value Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Fair Value Disclosure Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Risk free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Weighted average historical volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected years until exercise Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Weighted average fair value of options granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Statutory federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State and other taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Change in unrecognized tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Domestic production activity deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent Research and experimentation tax credit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent State adjustments including audits and settlements Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Domestic, Percent Compensation related tax credits, net of deduction offsets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent Changes in tax rates and state tax laws Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Franchise and restaurant revenues Franchise 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 revenues Cost of revenues: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Franchise and restaurant expenses Franchise 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 cost of revenues Cost of Revenue 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. Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Loss (gain) on disposition of assets Income before income tax provision Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Adjustment to unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income available to common stockholders: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Less: Net income allocated to unvested participating restricted stock Net Income (Loss) Allocated to Unvested Participating Restricted Stock The amount of net income (loss) which is allocated to unvested participating restricted stock. Net income available to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income available to common stockholders per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (USD per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends paid per common share (USD per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Schedule of Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Periods Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pre-opening Expenses Start-up Activities, Cost Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Advertising Cost, Policy, Expensed Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block] Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block] Reporting Segments Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Adopted in the Current Fiscal Year and Newly Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Closure and Impairment 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. Schedule of Long-Term Debt Components Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Axis] Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Axis] Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Axis] Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Tradename Trade Names [Member] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Franchising Rights Type of Intangible Assets [Axis] Type of Intangible Assets [Axis] Type of Intangible Assets [Axis] Type of Intangible Assets [Domain] Type of Intangible Assets [Domain] Type of Intangible Assets [Domain] Not Subject to Amortization Indefinite lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Member] Indefinite lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Subject to Amortization Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Member] Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Member] Indefinite lived, beginning of period Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Finite lived, beginning of period Total other intangible assets, beginning of period Finite lived, amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Including Leaseholds Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Including Leaseholds Indefinite lived, other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease) Other Increase (Decrease) in Intangible Assets, Current Indefinite lived, end of period Finite lived, end of period Total other intangible assets, end of period Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] DineEquity, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] DineEquity, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] DineEquity, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] IHOP Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan IHOP Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] IHOP Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Officers, Directors, and Employees Officers, Directors, and Employees [Member] Officers, Directors, and Employees [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Shares authorized (shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Option expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized tax benefit as of January 1 Changes for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases for tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decreases relating to settlements and lapsing of statutes of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities of Lapse of Applicate Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities of Lapse of Applicate Statute of Limitations Unrecognized tax benefit as of December 31 Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Stock-Based Incentive Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity [Text Block] Disclosures related to accounts comprising stockholders' equity. Includes: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings;(2)amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (3) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (4) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; and (5) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented. Third Trigger Third Trigger Level [Member] Third Trigger Level [Member] Fourth Trigger Fourth Trigger Level [Member] Fourth Trigger Level [Member] Fifth Trigger Fifth Trigger Level [Member] Fifth Trigger Level [Member] Series 2014-1 Class A-2 4.227% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Ten Year United States Treasury Bill Rate Ten Year United States Treasury Bill Rate [Member] Ten Year United States Treasury Bill Rate LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] One Month LIBOR One Month LIBOR [Member] One Month LIBOR [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Commercial Paper Funding Rate Commercial Paper Funding Rate [Member] Commercial Paper Funding Rate [Member] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Quarterly principal payment Number of quarters used in leverage ratio calculation Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenant, Number of Quarters Used in Leverage Ratio Calculation Number of quarters used in the debt covenant calculation Additional interest on fixed rate Debt Instrument, Additional Interest on Fixed Rate Debt Instrument, Additional Interest on Fixed Rate Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Basis spread component of base rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread Component of Base Rate Additional basis spread added to variable rate to establish the base rate for variable rate interest percentage calculation Additional interest on variable rate Debt Instrument, Additional Interest on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Additional Interest on Variable Rate Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Line of credit facility, increase (decrease) in borrowing capacity Deferred finance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Ratio of indebtedness to net capital Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Debt service coverage ratio, event trigger threshold Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Event Trigger Threshold Threshold at which certain debt service coverage ratio events begin to trigger. Debt instrument, restrictive covenant, restriction on net cash flow Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenant, Restriction on Net Cash Flow Percentage of net cash flow restricted by covenant violation Debt instrument, covenant violation description Debt Instrument, Covenant Violation Description Debt Instrument, Covenant Violation Description Debt service coverage ratio Debt Service Coverage Ratio Debt Service Coverage Ratio Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision for income taxes Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Net income available to common stockholders - basic Effect of unvested participating restricted stock Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Numerator - net income available to common shareholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic (shares) Stock options (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted (shares) 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Dividends paid per common share (USD per share) Payments of dividends Dividends