Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Policies)	Jun. 30, 2012
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Restricted Cash The Company receives funds from Applebee's franchisees pursuant to franchise agreements, usage of which is restricted to advertising activities. Cash balances restricted for this purpose as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 totaled $4.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The balances were included as other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Other Restricted Assets As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, restricted assets related to a captive insurance subsidiary totaled $3.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and were included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The captive insurance subsidiary, which has not underwritten coverage since January 2006, was formed to provide insurance coverage to Applebee's and its franchisees. These restricted assets were primarily investments, use of which is restricted to the payment of insurance claims for incidents that occurred during the period coverage had been provided.

Entity's cash and cash equivalents accounting policy with respect to restricted balances. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits.

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