Goodwill - Gross and net carrying amounts of goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	$ 703,500	$ 697,400
Accumulated Amortization	(358,200)	(358,200)
Net	345,314	339,236	$ 697,400	$ 697,400
Franchised | Applebee's
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	686,600	686,600
Accumulated Amortization	(358,200)	(358,200)
Net	328,400	328,400	686,600	686,600
Franchised | IHOP
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	10,800	10,800
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net	10,800	10,800	10,800	10,800
Entity Operated Units | Applebee's
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	6,100	0
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net	$ 6,100	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0