Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 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 and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Leaseholds and improvements Leaseholds and Leasehold Improvements [Member] Equipment and fixtures Equipment and Fixtures [Member] Equipment and Fixtures [Member] Properties under finance lease Properties Under Finance Lease [Member] Properties Under Finance Lease [Member] Properties under finance lease Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] 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 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Receivables, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Prepaid gift card costs Other Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Taxes Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Goodwill Goodwill Property and equipment, net Long-term receivables, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent Deferred rent receivable Deferred Rent Receivables, Net, Noncurrent Non-current restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Other non-current assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit 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 Gift card liability Gift Card Liability, Current Current maturities of operating lease obligations Operating Lease, Liability, Current Accrued employee compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Current maturities of finance lease and financing obligations Finance Lease and Financing Obligations, Current Finance Lease and Financing Obligations, Current Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Deferred franchise revenue, short-term Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Other accrued expenses Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, net, less current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Operating lease obligations, less current maturities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance lease obligations, less current maturities Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Finance 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 Income Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred franchise revenue, long-term Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' deficit: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value; shares: 40,000,000 authorized; 2019 - 24,925,447 issued, 16,521,921 outstanding; 2018 - 24,984,898 issued, 17,644,267 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: 2019 - 8,403,526; 2018 - 7,340,631 Treasury Stock, Value Total stockholders' deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit Liabilities and Equity Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] 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] 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] Weighted average grant date fair value, beginning balance (in dollars per share) 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 Weighted average grant date fair value, ending balance (in dollars per share) Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Applebee's r3estaurants In North and South Carolina Applebee's Restaurants In North And South Carolina [Member] Applebee's Restaurants In North And South Carolina [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Reacquired franchise rights Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Reacquired Franchise Rights Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Reacquired Franchise Rights Measurement Period Adjustment, Reacquired Franchise Rights Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Reacquired Franchise Rights Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Reacquired Franchise Rights Equipment and fixtures Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Measurement Period Adjustment, Equipment and fixtures Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Measurement Period Adjustment, Inventory Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory Deferred income taxes Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets BMeasurement Period Adjustment, Deferred income tax Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Assets Total identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Measurement Period Adjustment, Total identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Above-market leaseholds, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Lease Obligation Measurement Period Adjustment, Above-market leaseholds, net Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Lease Obligation Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Lease Obligation Other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Measurement Period Adjustment, Other liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Net identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Measurement Period Adjustment, Net identifiable assets acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Measurement Period Adjustment, Goodwill Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Measurement Period Adjustment, Consideration transferred Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Leases [Abstract] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast Forecast [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Capital Leases Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2023 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 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 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 Number of monthly obligation payments in fiscal year Number of Monthly Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Number of Monthly Obligation Payments in Fiscal Year Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Applebee's Applebee's [Member] Applebee's [Member] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Axis] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Franchisor Disclosure [Domain] Entity Operated Units Entity Operated Units [Member] Number of restaurants Number of Restaurants Acquisition of business Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Indirect transition costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Finance Lease Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Finance Lease Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed, Finance Lease Obligation Finance Lease, Liability Finance Lease, Liability Weighted average useful life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Accounting Policies [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Franchisor - Advertising Revenue Franchisor - Advertising Revenue [Member] Franchisor - Advertising Revenue [Member] 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 Revenue Benchmark [Member] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] 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] 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] Building improvements Internal Use Software Internal Use Software [Member] Internal Use Software [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [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 Concentration risk by percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Net accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Restricted cash included in other current assets Useful life of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Number of reporting units Number of Reporting Units Category of revenue categories Number of Revenue Operations Number of Revenue Operations Operating lease, term of contract Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Operating lease, renewal term Lessor, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Revenue from contract with customer, excluding assessed tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Advertising expense Advertising Expense Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of reporting segments Number of Reportable Segments 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 Operating lease obligations Operating Lease, Liability Adoption of ASC 842 Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Income tax provision Derecognition of certain liabilities and assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change On Net Liabilities And/Or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change On Net Liabilities And/Or Net Assets Accrued rent Accrued Rent Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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] Reacquired Franchise Rights Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] Reacquired Franchise Rights [Member] Tradename Trade Names [Member] 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] Subject to Amortization Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Member] Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Member] Not Subject to Amortization Indefinite lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Member] Indefinite lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Additions Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Number of restaurants refranchised Number of Restaurants Refranchised Number of Restaurants Refranchised Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization expense 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization expense 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization expense 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization expense 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization expense 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Weighted average life of intangible assets subject to amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Impairment Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Income tax benefit 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] Series 2019-1 4.194% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I Series 2019-1 4.194% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I [Member] Series 2019-1 4.194% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-I [Member] Series 2019-1 4.723% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II Series 2019-1 4.723% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II [Member] Series 2019-1 4.723% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2-II [Member] Series 2014-1 4.277% Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes, Class A-2 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 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1, variable interest rate of 4.93% at December 31, 2018 Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 [Member] Series 2018-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Senior Notes Senior Notes Class A-2-I and A-2-II (2019) and Class A-2 (2018) Note debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Senior note interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Employee compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation 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 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 Capitalization and depreciation (1) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Differences in Capitalization and Depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Differences in Capitalization and Depreciation Acquisition financing costs Deferred Tax Liabilities, Financing Arrangements 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 Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Payments of dividends Dividends Stock-Based Incentive Plans Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Acquisition of Business Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Charges [Abstract] 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] IHOP and Applebee's IHOP And Applebee's [Member] IHOP And Applebee's [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Closure charges Other Restructuring Costs Long-lived tangible asset impairment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Total closure and impairment charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Amortization of right-of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Sublease income Sublease Income Lease cost Lease, Cost Schedule of Business Acquisitions Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2024 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Gross Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Performance obligations expected to be satisfied Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Gross Profit Gross Profit Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Finance Leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total minimum lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Less: interest/imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total obligations Less: current portion Finance Lease, Liability, Current Long-term lease obligations Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total minimum lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: interest/imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total obligations Less: current portion Long-term lease obligations Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Deferred Revenue Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Remaining Performance Obligations Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [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] Closure and Other 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. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Restricted stock, granted (in shares) Restricted stock, released (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Period Increase (Decrease) Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units granted (in dollars per share) Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units released (in dollars per share) Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Less: Net (income) loss allocated to unvested participating restricted stock Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic Net income (loss) available to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) 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 (loss) available to common shareholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock options (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivables From Franchise Revenue Transactions [Member] Franchise Revenue Transactions [Member] Franchise Revenue Transactions [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Billed and unbilled receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss Billed and unbilled receivables, accumulated allowance for credit loss Contract with Customer, Asset, Allowance for Credit Loss Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Net (Loss) Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Franchising Rights Franchise Rights [Member] Reacquired Franchise Rights Leaseholds Leasehold Improvements [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Indefinite lived, beginning of period Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Finite lived, beginning of period Total other intangible assets, beginning of period Impairment Amortization expense Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Including Leaseholds Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Including Leaseholds Additions Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease) Additions Increase (Decrease) in Intangible Assets, Current Indefinite lived, end of period Finite lived, end of period Total other intangible assets, end of period Financing Obligations Sale Leaseback Transactions [Text Block] 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter Total minimum rents receivable Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2015 Authorization Two Thousand Fifteen Authorization [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Authorization [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Reissuance of treasury stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Reissuance of treasury stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Components Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] 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] 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 Lease guarantees, future minimum payments due Lease Guarantees Excluding Unexercised Option Periods, Future Minimum Payments Due Lease Guarantees Excluding Unexercised Option Periods, Future Minimum Payments Due Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Employee Stock Option Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Shares Performance Shares [Member] Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units [Member] Cash-settled Restricted Stock Units [Member] LTIP Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Officers, Directors, and Employees Officers, Directors, and Employees [Member] Officers, Directors, and Employees [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2019 Stock Incentive Plan Two Thousand Nineteen Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Nineteen Stock Incentive Plan [Member] DineEquity, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan 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] Company’s common stock for incentive stock awards Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding Share-based payment award, expiration period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Unrecognized compensation cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount 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 payment arrangement, expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Share-based grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Multiplier for target award Share Based Compensation, Multiplier for Target Award Based on Total Shareholder Return on Common Stock Share Based Compensation, Multiplier for Target Award Based on Total Shareholder Return on Common Stock Share-based payment award, options, exercises in period, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Tax benefit realized for tax deduction from option exercises Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Liability classified awards (credit) Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Liability Classified Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Liability Classified Awards Employee-related liabilities, current Vesting share-based awards percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Principal payments on finance lease obligations Finance Lease, Principal Payments Interest payments on finance lease obligations Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Payments on operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Variable lease payments Variable Lease, Payment Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, by Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Equipment leases receivable Equipment Leases Receivable [Member] Equipment Leases Receivable [Member] Direct financing leases receivable Direct Financing Leases [Member] Direct Financing Leases [Member] Franchise fee notes receivable Franchise Fee Note Receivable [Member] Franchise Fee Note Receivable [Member] Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Gift card receivables Gift Card Receivables Gift Card Receivables Notes receivable Notes Receivable Notes Receivable Financing receivable Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Other Other Receivables Receivables Accounts, Other, Notes and Financing Receivables, Gross Accounts, Other, Notes, and Financing Receivables, Gross Less: allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Receivables, net Accounts, Other, Notes, and Finance Receivables, Net Accounts, Other, Notes, and Finance Receivables, Net Less: current portion Long-term receivables, net Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Beginning of Period Provision Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Charge-offs Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Recoveries Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery Ending of Period Notes receivable, term Notes Receivable, Term Notes Receivable, Term Receivables interest rate, percentage Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) 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 Schedule of Sale Leaseback Transactions Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] 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, 2019 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Direct Financing Lease, 2020 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Direct Financing Lease, 2021 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Direct Financing Lease, 2022 Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Direct Financing Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Direct Financing Lease, 2023 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, 2019 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Current Operating Lease, 2020 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Two Years Operating Lease, 2021 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Three Years Operating Lease, 2022 Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Operating Lease Sub Lease Receivable Due in Four Years Operating Lease, 2023 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 Interest income Direct Financing Lease, Interest Income Variable lease income Direct Financing Lease, Variable Lease Income Total operating lease income Direct Financing Lease, Lease Income Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) 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 stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Non-cash interest expense Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Closure and impairment charges Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Impairment and Closure Charges Gross Noncash Deferred income taxes Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Contract with Customer, Liability Gain on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Other Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement 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 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 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 Collection of Notes Receivable Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Acquisition of business Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to long-term receivables Payments to Acquire Receivables Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash flows (used in) 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] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Borrowings from revolving credit facilities Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of revolving credit facilities Repayments of Lines of Credit Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Repurchase of Dine Brands common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Principal payments of finance lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Finance Lease, Liability Repayments of Long-term Finance Lease, Liability Principal payments of finance lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Tax payments for restricted stock upon vesting Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity 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, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year Supplemental disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Non-cash conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable Non-Cash Conversion Of Accounts Receivable To Notes Receivable Non-cash Conversion Of Accounts Receivable To Notes Receivable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period Outstanding, ending (in shares) Vested and expected to vest (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number 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, 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 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, expired (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average share price, ending (in dollars per share) Vested and expected to vest, weighted average exercise price (in dollars 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 (in dollars 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 LeaseType [Axis] LeaseType [Axis] LeaseType [Axis] Lease Type [Domain] Lease Type [Domain] LeaseType [Domain] Net investment equipment lease Net Investment Equipment Lease [Member] Net Investment Equipment Lease [Member] 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 Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Percent Changes in tax rates and state tax laws Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, State and Local, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, State and Local, Percent Goodwill, impairment loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Non-deductibility of goodwill impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Percent Deferred tax assets, foreign tax credit carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Valuation allowance, noncurrent 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 federal tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Interest Income, Other Interest Income, Other 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] Refranchising of Company-operated Restaurants Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2018 Contract with Customer, Liability Recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019 Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Fees deferred during the year ended December 31, 2019 Contract with Customer, Liability, Period Increase (Decrease) Contract with Customer, Liability, Period Increase (Decrease) Balance at December 31, 2019 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] Schedule of Franchisor Disclosure [Table] 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 Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Number of franchisee-operated restaurants Lessee, Number of Franchisee-operated Restaurants Lessee, Number of Franchisee-operated Restaurants Number of properties leased Lessor, Number of Properties Leased Lessor, Number of Properties Leased Number of company-operated restaurants located on leased real estate properties Number Of Company-Operated Restaurants Located On Leased Real Estate Properties Number Of Company-Operated Restaurants Located On Leased Real Estate Properties Lessee, operating lease, term of contract Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Lessee, operating lease, renewal term Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term Lessor, number of leases requiring additional rent payments based on a percentage of restaurant sales Lessor, Number of Leases Requiring Additional Rent Payments Based On A Percentage Of Restaurant Sales Lessor, Number of Leases Requiring Additional Rent Payments Based On A Percentage Of Restaurant Sales Lessee, number of leases requiring additional rent payments based on a percentage of restaurant sales Lessee, Number of Leases Requiring Additional Rent Payments Based On A Percentage Of Restaurant Sales Lessee, Number of Leases Requiring Additional Rent Payments Based On A Percentage Of Restaurant Sales Finance lease, weighted average remaining lease term Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Finance lease, weighted average discount rate, percent Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [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 (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Stockholders' equity, beginning of the period Treasury stock, shares, beginning (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Other comprehensive gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Purchase of DineEquity common stock (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Purchase of Company common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Reissuance of treasury stock (in shares) Net issuance of shares for stock plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Net use of shares for stock plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Repurchase of restricted shares (in 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 APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Dividends on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Dividends declared from additional paid-in capital Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Dividends in Excess of Retained Earnings Adoption of ASC 842 Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Common stock, shares, outstanding, ending (in shares) Stockholders' equity, ending of the period Treasury stock, shares, ending (in shares) Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Cincinnati, Ohio Market Area Restaurants [Member] Cincinnati, Ohio Market Area Restaurants [Member] Cincinnati, Ohio Market Area Restaurants [Member] Company operated restaurants taken back to be refranchised Company Operated Restaurants Taken Back to be Refranchised Company Operated Restaurants Taken Back to be Refranchised Number of franchise agreements Number Of Franchise Agreements Number Of Franchise Agreements Number of sublease agreements Sublease Agreements, Number Sublease Agreements, Number Favorable lease assets, net Favorable Lease Assets, Net Favorable Lease Assets, Net Amount of consideration received Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Gain (loss) on sale of properties Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties The Company Nature of Operations [Text Block] Series 2019-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 Series 2019-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 [Member] Series 2019-1 Variable Funding Senior Notes Class A-1 [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] 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 [Member] Eurodollar Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Ratio of indebtedness to net capital Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Debt instrument, make-whole premium Debt Instrument, Make-Whole Premium Debt Instrument, Make-Whole Premium 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 Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Cash sweeping event Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Cash Sweeping Event Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Cash Sweeping Event Rapid amortization event Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Rapid Amortization Event Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Rapid Amortization Event Manager termination event Interest-Only Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Manager Termination Event Interest-Only Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Manager Termination Event Interest-only debt service coverage ratio, default event Interest-Only Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Default Event Interest-Only Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Default Event Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Debt instrument, collateral amount Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount Repayments of notes payable Repayments of Notes Payable Line of credit facility, amount outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Debt, weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Amortization of financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs, gross Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Debt issuance costs Incurred costs Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction Unamortized debt issuance costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Costs incurred Costs Incurred, Debt Costs Incurred, Debt Deferred finance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net 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] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted 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 from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessor, Leases [Policy Text Block] Pre-opening Expenses Start-up Activities, Cost Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising 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 Payment Arrangement [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] Dividends Policyholders' Dividend [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] Statutory federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Non-deductibility of goodwill impairment 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 Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Domestic production activity deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent Changes in tax rates and state tax laws Change in accounting for excess tax deficiencies/benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Accounting, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Accounting, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Lease Disclosures 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. Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] 2020 Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Next Twelve Months Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Next Twelve Months 2021 Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Two Years Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Two Years 2022 Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Three Years Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Three Years 2023 Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Four Years Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Four Years 2024 Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Five Years Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Five Years Thereafter Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Thereafter Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received, Thereafter Total minimum rents receivable Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received Lessor, Direct Finance Lease, Payments To Be Received Less: unearned income Direct Financing Lease, Unguaranteed Residual Asset Total net investment in direct financing leases Direct Financing Lease, Net Investment in Lease Less: current portion Net Investment in Lease, Current Long-term investment in direct financing leases Net Investment in Lease, Noncurrent Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Equity classified awards expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Equity Classified Awards Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Equity Classified Awards Total pretax stock-based compensation expense Book income tax benefit Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [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 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] 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 Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Impairment Business acquisition Goodwill, Acquired During Period Purchase price adjustment related to business acquisition Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill, ending balance Stockholders' Deficit Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Based Restricted Stock Units [Member] 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average fair value of restricted stock units granted Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Annual Report Document Annual Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name 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 Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Smaller Company Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Defined Contribution Plan [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, Cost Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue Disclosures Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Gross Goodwill, Gross Dividends declared from retained earnings Employee Benefit Plans Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Minimum lease payments Operating Lease, Lease Income, Lease Payments Variable lease income Operating Lease, Variable Lease Income Total operating lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Amortization Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Net 2019 Repurchase Program Two Thousand Nineteen Repurchase Program [Member] Two Thousand Nineteen Repurchase Program [Member] October 2015 Share Repurchase Program October Two Thousand Fifteen Share Repurchase Program [Member] October Two Thousand Fifteen Share Repurchase Program [Member] Stock repurchased during period (in shares) Stock repurchased during period, value Remaining dollar value of shares that may be repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Cumulative amount of shares repurchased (in shares) Cumulative Amount of Shares Repurchased Cumulative Amount of Shares Repurchased Cumulative payments for repurchase of common stock Cumulative Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Cumulative Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Franchisor Franchisor [Member] Royalties Royalties [Member] Royalties [Member] Advertising fees Advertising [Member] Pancake and waffle dry mix sales and other Pancake And Waffle Dry Mix [Member] Pancake and Waffle Dry Mix [Member] Franchise and development fees Franchise And Development Fees [Member] Franchise And Development Fees [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Franchisor - Royalties, franchise fees, and other Franchisor - Royalties, franchise fees, and other [Member] Franchisor - Royalties, franchise fees, and other [Member] Food and Beverage Food and Beverage [Member] Financial Service Financial Service [Member] Advertising Franchise Franchise [Member] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Rental revenues Rental Income Rental income includes revenue from operating leases and interest income from direct financing leases. Total revenues Cost of revenues: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Total franchise expenses Cost of Goods and Services Sold Company restaurant expenses Other Cost of Operating Revenue Interest expense from finance leases Rental Finance Lease, Interest Expense Rental Finance Lease, Interest Expense Other rental expenses Rental Expenses, Other Rental Expenses, Other Total 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 Interest Expense Total cost of revenues Cost of Revenue Gross profit General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Closure and other impairment charges Debt refinancing costs Gains (Losses) on Restructuring of Debt Gain on disposition of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Income (loss) before income tax (provision) benefit Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (provision) benefit Net income (loss) 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), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) available to common stockholders: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net income (loss) available to common stockholders per share: Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares) 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 Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Common stock, par value per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Treasury stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 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] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [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] Financing operations Financing Operations [Member] Financing Operations [Member] Corporate Corporate Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues Gross profit (loss), by segment Interest expense Interest Expense Total interest expense Total Interest Expense For All Segments Total Interest Expense For All Segments Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and closure and other impairment charges Restructuring, Settlement, and Impairment Provisions And Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Restructuring, Settlement, and Impairment Provisions And Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Capital expenditures Goodwill (franchise segment) Total assets Schedule of Lease Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Schedule of Operating Lease Liability Future Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Lease Payments Leases, Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table Text Block] Leases, Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Operating Lease Income Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Payments as a Lessor Under Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Direct Finance Lease Income Direct Financing Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Payments as a Lessor Under Direct Financing Leases Lessor, Direct Financing Leases [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] 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] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Schedule of Repurchase Agreements Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] 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] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [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, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] Sale Leaseback Transaction [Table] 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 Transactions Sale-Leaseback Transactions [Member] Sale-Leaseback Transactions [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, Historical Cost 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] Less: current portion Schedule of Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]