System Optimization Gains, Net Summary of Disposition Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017 USD ($) Restaurant	Apr. 03, 2016 USD ($) Restaurant	Feb. 28, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Future company-owned restaurant ownership percentage			5.00%
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 1,650	$ 41,185
System optimization gains, net	$ 1,407	$ 8,426
Sale of Company-Owned Restaurants to Franchisees [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | Restaurant	0	55
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 0	$ 39,615
Net assets sold	0	(17,055)
Goodwill related to sales of restaurants	0	(6,376)
Net favorable (unfavorable) leases	0	(4,906)
Other	0	(795)
Gain on sales of restaurants, net, before post-closing adjustments	0	10,483
Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants	900	(2,135)
System optimization gains, net	900	8,348
Favorable Lease Assets		183
Unfavorable Lease Liabilities		5,089
Recognition of deferred gain on sale of property	$ 312
Sale of franchise-operated restaurant to franchisee [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | Restaurant	116
Sale of Other Assets [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale	$ 1,650	1,570
System optimization gains, net	507	$ 78
Recognition of deferred gain on sale of property	$ 375