Stock-Based Incentive Plans Stock-based Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details)			12 Months Ended
	May 17, 2011 DineEquity, Inc. 2011 Stock Incentive Plan	Dec. 31, 2008 IHOP Corp. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan	Dec. 31, 1999 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors	Dec. 31, 2005 2005 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	1,500,000	4,200,000
Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Shares Approved for Issuance			400,000	200,000