Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 28,412 $ 20,824
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 7,815 8,783
Non-cash interest expense 755 1,642
Deferred income taxes (10,378) (10,031)
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 2,432 3,143
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation 4,696 3,524
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation (4,526) (4,455)
Closure and impairment charges 1,827 200
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets (9) 927
Other 31 (396)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable, net (2,742) (9,767)
Current income tax receivables and payables 22,341 18,020
Gift card receivables and payables 5,623 2,982
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1,638) (751)
Accounts payable 1,034 9,175
Accrued employee compensation and benefits (14,810) (14,857)
Other accrued expenses 267 23,877
Cash flows provided by operating activities 41,130 52,840
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Additions to property and equipment (2,617) (2,039)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 0 681
Principal receipts from notes, equipment contracts and other long-term receivables 4,442 3,415
Other (40) (55)
Cash flows provided by investing activities 1,785 2,002
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Repayment of long-term debt 0 (1,200)
Principal payments on capital lease and financing obligations (3,165) (2,695)
Repurchase of DineEquity common stock (15,003) (15,002)
Dividends paid on common stock (16,598) (14,293)
Repurchase of restricted stock (2,961) (1,831)
Proceeds from stock options exercised 8,206 6,623
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation 4,526 4,455
Change in restricted cash 11,561 (3,692)
Other (15) 0
Cash flows used in financing activities (13,449) (27,635)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 29,466 27,207
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 104,004 106,011
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 133,470 133,218
Supplemental disclosures:    
Interest paid in cash 28,387 8,901
Income taxes paid in cash $ 1,172 $ 2,294