Investments (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 Tim Horton's, Inc. [Member] USD ($)		Sep. 30, 2012 Tim Horton's, Inc. [Member] CAD	Oct. 02, 2011 Tim Horton's, Inc. [Member] USD ($)		Oct. 02, 2011 Tim Horton's, Inc. [Member] CAD	Sep. 30, 2008 Tim Horton's, Inc. [Member] Y
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage					50.00%		50.00%
Investment in Joint Venture with Partner [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period					$ 91,742			$ 98,631
Equity in earnings for the period					10,254			10,258
Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a)					(2,340)	[1]		(2,170)	[1]
Equity in earnings for the period, net of amortization of purchase price adjustment			7,836	7,817	7,914			8,088
Distributions received			(10,760)	(10,784)	(10,760)			(10,784)
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income (loss), net”	7,920	(20,621)	9,309	(12,703)	3,570			(5,050)
Balance at end of period (b)					92,466	[2]		90,885	[2]
Purchase price adjustment, amortization period											21
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance sheet information:
Properties							72,050			76,158
Cash and cash equivalents							3,779			2,644
Accounts receivable							4,244			4,418
Other							2,112			2,628
Assets							82,185			85,848
Accounts payable and accrued liabillities							1,232			1,541
Other liabilities							8,412			8,975
Partners' equity							72,541			75,332
Liabilities and equity							82,185			85,848
Income statement information:
Revenues							29,732			29,131
Income before income taxes and net income							20,566			20,404

[1] Based upon an original average aggregate life of 21 years.

[2] Included in “Investments.”