Goodwill - Gross and net carrying amounts of goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	$ 702,100	$ 702,100
Accumulated Impairment Loss	(450,500)	(450,500)
Net	251,628	251,628	$ 343,900	$ 345,300
Franchised | Applebee's
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	686,700	686,700
Accumulated Impairment Loss	(450,500)	(450,500)
Net	236,200	236,200	328,400	328,400
Franchised | IHOP
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	10,800	10,800
Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0
Net	10,800	10,800	10,800	10,800
Entity Operated Units | Applebee's
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross	4,600	4,600
Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0
Net	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 4,600	$ 6,100