Realignment and reorganization costs System Optimization Costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015		Mar. 30, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Future company-owned restaurant ownership percentage					5.00%
Restructuring Charges	$ 4,613		$ 14,711	[1]
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	500
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	450		10,601
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	28,062
Restructuring Charges	450		14,711
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	50,489
Severance and related employee costs [Member] | System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	326		5,533
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	17,584
Professional fees [Member] | System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	41		2,631
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	5,854
Other [Member] | System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	83		2,437
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	4,624
Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization [Member] | System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	[2]	475	[2]
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	17,414	[2]
Share Based Compensation Expense [Member] | System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	[3]	3,635	[3]
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	$ 5,013	[3]

[1] Previously titled “Facilities action (income) charges, net.”

[2] Primarily includes accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to company-owned restaurants in territories that were sold in connection with our system optimization initiative.

[3] Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our system optimization initiative.