Segments (Schedule of Segment Reporting Information by Segment) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Rental revenues $ 31,402,000 $ 30,753,000
Financing revenues 2,594,000 4,653,000
Total revenues 175,814,000 167,201,000
Interest expense 15,646,000 24,969,000
Depreciation and amortization 7,815,000 8,783,000
Income before income tax provision: 46,092,000 33,714,000
Franchise Operations    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Franchise revenues 124,500,000 115,500,000
Depreciation and amortization 2,600,000 2,600,000
Income before income tax provision: 89,000,000 86,100,000
Rental Operations    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Rental revenues 31,400,000 30,700,000
Interest expense 3,500,000 3,900,000
Depreciation and amortization 3,200,000 3,400,000
Income before income tax provision: 7,900,000 6,900,000
Company Restaurants    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Company restaurants 17,300,000 16,300,000
Interest expense 100,000 100,000
Depreciation and amortization 200,000 500,000
Income before income tax provision: 800,000 0
Financing Operations    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Financing revenues 2,600,000 4,700,000
Income before income tax provision: 2,600,000 4,100,000
Corporate    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Interest expense 15,600,000 25,000,000
Depreciation and amortization 1,800,000 2,300,000
Income before income tax provision: (54,200,000) (63,400,000)
Corporate and Other    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Interest expense $ 19,200,000 $ 29,000,000