Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Oct. 03, 2012 Applebee's Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets Restaurants	Dec. 31, 2012 Applebee's Virginia Held For Refranchising and Sale of Related Assets
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Company Operated Restaurants to be Refranchised and Related Assets Sold					39
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	$ 73,650	$ (1,176)	$ 89,642	$ 21,287		$ 14,000