Name:	din_NumberOfTerritoriesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix:	din_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of Revenue Operations

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	din_NumberofRevenueOperations
Namespace Prefix:	din_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of Weeks in Fiscal Year

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	din_NumberofWeeksinFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	din_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, the amount due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(4))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(9))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 35
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66902209&loc=d3e3044-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash Equivalents
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 18
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64851502&loc=d3e6351-108592

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73719730&loc=d3e13531-108611

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64851502&loc=d3e6404-108592

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73719730&loc=d3e13537-108611

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total loss recognized during the period from the impairment of goodwill plus the loss recognized in the period resulting from the impairment of the carrying amount of intangible assets, other than goodwill.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement renewal, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesRenewalTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of countries in which the entity operates as of balance sheet date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfCountriesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of reporting units tested for impairment of goodwill. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reporting Unit
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523643

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfReportingUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of restaurants.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of units (items of property) under operating lease arrangements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForOperatingLeaseNumberOfUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash and equivalents whose use in whole or in part is restricted for the long-term, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_LeaseholdsAndLeaseholdImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=din_EquipmentAndFixturesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis=din_PrepaidAdvertisingandGiftCardsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis=din_HeldinTrustDepositsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAxis=din_HeldforAdvertisingActivityDepositsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=din_ApplebeesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=din_IhopMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis=us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis=din_CompanyOperatedExcludingRestaurantsReacquiredToBeRefranchisedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis=din_FranchisedUnitsOrLicensingAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis=us-gaap_RevenueFromRightsConcentrationRiskMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis=din_LargestFranchiseesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis=us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis=us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) property Restaurant Franchisee Country segment revenue_category Territory	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Restaurant Franchisee	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Restaurant Franchisee	Dec. 31, 2007 segment	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of weeks in fiscal year	364 days	371 days	364 days
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 140,535,000	$ 144,785,000	$ 104,004,000		$ 106,011,000
Restricted cash included in other current assets	30,256,000	32,528,000
Restricted cash included in other noncurrent assets	$ 14,700,000	14,700,000
Number of reporting units \| segment	3
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment	$ 0	0	0
Category of revenue categories \| revenue_category	4
Advertising expense	$ 800,000	1,900,000	2,900,000
Number of reporting segments \| segment	4
Building improvements \| Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	25 years
Building improvements \| Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Leaseholds and improvements \| Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	3 years
Leaseholds and improvements \| Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	40 years
Equipment and fixtures \| Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	2 years
Equipment and fixtures \| Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Useful life of property and equipment	10 years
Prepaid Advertising and Gift Cards
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,300,000	76,300,000
Held in Trust Deposits
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Restricted cash included in other current assets	25,700,000	28,400,000
Held for Advertising Activity Deposits
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,300,000
Restricted cash included in other current assets		4,100,000
Applebee's
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	2,016
Number of reporting units \| segment				2
Property subject to or available for operating lease, number of units \| property	3
Number of territories in which entity operates \| Territory	2
Number of countries in which entity operates \| Country	15
IHOP
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	1,733
Property subject to or available for operating lease, number of units \| property	691
Operating lease, renewal term	5 years
Advertising expense included in franchise revenue and expense	$ 111,300,000	$ 108,100,000	$ 90,300,000
Number of territories in which entity operates \| Territory	3
Number of countries in which entity operates \| Country	10
IHOP \| Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Operating lease, term of contract	15 years
IHOP \| Maximum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Operating lease, term of contract	25 years
Franchised \| Applebee's
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	2,016
Franchised \| IHOP
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	1,556
Company Operated Excluding Restaurants Reacquired to be Refranchised \| Applebee's
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant		23	23
Company Operated Excluding Restaurants Reacquired to be Refranchised \| IHOP
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	10
Franchised Units or Licensing Agreements \| IHOP
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	1,723
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Largest Franchisees
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk by percentage	26.00%
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Sales Revenue, Net
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of franchisees \| Franchisee	0	0	0
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Sales Revenue, Net \| Largest Franchisees
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk by percentage	15.60%	15.10%	13.20%
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Largest Franchisees
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of franchisees \| Franchisee	2
Number of restaurants \| Restaurant	903
Net accounts receivable	$ 20,100,000	$ 19,000,000
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Largest Franchisees \| Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of restaurants per franchisee \| Restaurant	400
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Largest Franchisees \| Applebee's
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of franchisees \| Franchisee	1
Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk \| Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Largest Franchisees \| IHOP
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of franchisees \| Franchisee	1