Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 72,037	$ 127,674	$ 75,192
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	35,355	39,538	50,220
Non-cash interest expense	6,246	5,985	6,160
Loss on extinguishment of debt	58	5,554	11,159
Closure and impairment charges	2,195	3,931	8,448
Deferred income taxes	(22,674)	(22,832)	11,835
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	9,364	11,442	9,492
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	3,690	6,814	6,494
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised	(2,858)	(5,669)	(5,443)
Gain on disposition of assets	(223)	(102,597)	(43,253)
Other	(492)	(8,991)	(1,765)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(15,226)	(11,629)	(16,722)
Current income tax receivables and payables	6,143	1,272	20,479
Other current assets	9,334	(9,119)	(5,354)
Accounts payable	8,532	1,778	(3,533)
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	2,521	(3,756)	(6,656)
Gift card liability	10,266	14,735	21,983
Other accrued expenses	3,547	(1,251)	(17,050)
Cash flows provided by operating activities	127,815	52,879	121,686
Cash flows from investing activities
Additions to property and equipment	(7,037)	(16,952)	(26,332)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and assets held for sale	0	168,881	115,642
Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables	13,982	12,250	13,122
Other	58	1,238	(753)
Cash flows provided by investing activities	7,003	165,417	101,679
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities	0	50,000	40,000
Repayments under revolving credit facilities	0	(50,000)	(40,000)
Repayment of long-term debt (including premiums)	(4,800)	(216,037)	(225,681)
Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations	(9,968)	(10,849)	(13,391)
Payment of debt modification/issuance costs	(1,296)	0	(12,295)
Dividends paid on common stock	57,445	0	0
Repurchase of DineEquity common stock	(29,698)		(21,170)
Repurchase of restricted stock	(3,324)	(1,740)	(5,080)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	9,080	9,254	6,725
Excess tax benefit from stock options exercised	2,858	5,669	5,443
Change in restricted cash	1,249	(747)	466
Cash flows used in financing activities	(93,344)	(214,450)	(264,983)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	41,474	3,846	(41,618)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	64,537	60,691	102,309
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	106,011	64,537	60,691
Supplemental disclosures
Interest paid	106,784	123,926	148,982
Income taxes paid	$ 50,702	$ 91,354	$ 24,139