Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Revenues:
Franchise revenues		$ 377,137	$ 372,999
Company restaurant sales		815,572	890,020
Rental income		124,508	133,845
Financing revenues		16,424	17,899
Total revenue	1,075,198	1,333,641	1,414,763
Segment Expenses:
Franchise expenses	105,006	103,505	102,256
Company restaurant expenses	458,443	699,336	766,472
Rental expenses	98,147	99,030	100,201
Financing expenses	5,973	1,969	370
Total segment expenses	667,569	903,840	969,299
Gross segment profit	407,629	429,801	445,464
General and administrative expenses	155,822	160,330	157,727
Interest expense	132,707	171,537	186,258
Impairment and closure charges	29,865	4,285	105,622
Amortization of intangible assets	12,300	12,300	12,306
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt and temporary equity	11,159	107,003	(45,678)
Debt modification costs	4,031	0	0
Gain on disposition of assets	(43,253)	(13,574)	(7,355)
Income (loss) before income taxes	104,998	(12,080)	36,584
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(29,806)	9,292	(5,175)
Net income (loss)	75,192	(2,788)	31,409
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
Net income (loss)	75,192	(2,788)	31,409
Less: Series A preferred stock dividends	0	(25,927)	(19,531)
Less: Accretion of Series B preferred stock	(2,573)	(2,432)	(2,291)
Less: Net (income) loss allocated to unvested participating restricted stock	(1,886)	1,173	(351)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 70,733	$ (29,974)	$ 9,236
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders per share
Basic	$ 3.96	$ (1.74)	$ 0.55
Diluted	$ 3.89	$ (1.74)	$ 0.55
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	17,846	17,240	16,917
Diluted	18,185	17,240	16,917