Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Public Float Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Trading Symbol Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Notes and other receivables, net Assets Held-for-sale, Current Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Current, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total The Company participates in an advertising fund established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs designed to increase sales and enhance reputation of the Company and its franchise owners. The assets held by the advertising fund are considered restricted. Restricted Assets of Advertising Funds Restricted assets of advertising funds Prepaid Taxes Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current, Total Assets, Current Total current assets Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Equity Method Investments Securities under the equity method Investments in joint ventures Goodwill Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Total Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities, Common Stock, and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Capital Lease Obligations, Current Capital lease obligations Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Taxes Payable, Current Income taxes payable, net Income taxes payable, net The Company participates in an advertising fund established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs designed to increase sales and enhance reputation of the Company and its franchise owners. The liabilities of the advertising fund are considered restricted. Liabilities Of Advertising Funds Liabilities of advertising funds Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred income Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Other Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt, net Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Capital lease obligations Intangible liability for leases purchased or assumed in a business combination transaction representing the excess value of contractual rent payments under the respective lease agreements over the prevailing market rents at the lease acquisition date, net of accumulated amortization and write-offs. Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired Unfavorable operating leases acquired Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred income Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Value Commitments and contingencies (note 16) Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Ending Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Beginning Balance Common stock, Class L, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 22,866,378 and 22,994,523 shares issued and outstanding at June 25, 2011 and December 25, 2010, respectively Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Total Common stock, Class L, $0.001 par value; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding at December 31, 2011; 100,000,000 shares authorized and 22,994,523 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2010 Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity (deficit): Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011; no shares authorized, issued, or outstanding at December 25, 2010 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, Class L, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 22,994,523 and 22,980,333 shares issued and outstanding at December 25,2010 and December 26,2009, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, $0.001 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 42,939,360 and 43,549,935 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2010 and December 25, 2010 and December 26,2009 respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized and 120,136,631 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011; 400,000,000 shares authorized and 42,939,360 shares issued and outstanding at December 25, 2010 Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Total Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Balance at the end of the year Treasury Stock, Balance at the beginning of the year Treasury Stock, Balance at the end of the year Treasury Stock, Balance at the beginning of the year Treasury stock, at cost Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities, common stock, and stockholders' equity (deficit) Total liabilities, common stock, and stockholders' equity (deficit) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, shares outstanding Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, Class L, par value Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Common stock, Class L, shares authorized Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Common stock, Class L, shares issued Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Common stock, Class L, shares outstanding Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, shares outstanding Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Franchise Revenue Franchise fees and royalty income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue, Total Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales of ice cream products Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Total Other Revenue, Net Other revenues Revenues Total revenues Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating costs and expenses: Occupancy Costs Occupancy expenses-franchised restaurants Cost of Goods Sold Cost of ice cream products Cost of Goods Sold, Total Cost of ice cream products General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses, net General and Administrative Expense, Total Depreciation Depreciation Depreciation, Total Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of other intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Asset Impairment Charges Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges, Total Costs and Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Equity in net income (loss) of joint ventures. Equity in Net Income (Loss) of Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity in net income (loss) of joint ventures: This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied, excluding impairment charges. Net Income, Excluding Impairment Net income, excluding impairment The charge against earnings resulting from the write down of the investments in joint ventures due to the difference between the carrying value and lower fair value. Impairment Charge Equity Method Investments Impairment charge Impairment charge Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in net loss (income) of joint ventures Total equity in net income (loss) of joint ventures Total equity in net income (loss) of joint ventures Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense): Investment Income, Interest Interest income Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment, as well as expenses incurred in connection with the refinancing of debt, primarily consisting of payments to third parties. Loss On Debt Extinguishment And Refinancing Transaction Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment and refinancing transactions Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other gains, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net income Net income Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Total Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Effect of foreign currency translation, net of deferred taxes of $295, $390, and $411 as of December 31, 2011, December 25, 2010, and December 26, 2009, respectively taxes of $5,356 Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income Total other comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) (as adjusted) Comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Deferred tax effect of foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Total Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale Of Stock Name Of Transaction [Domain] Sale of Stock, Name of Transaction [Domain] I P O [Member] Initial Public Offering [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock, At Cost [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Shares, Outstanding Balance, shares Balance, shares Adjustment to retained earnings for the increase in carrying amount of common stock that is classified as temporary equity. Increase in Carrying Amount of Common Stock Accretion of Class L preferred return Accretion of Class L preferred return The value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of another class of common stock. Stock Issued During Period Value Conversion of Common Stock Conversion of Class L shares into common stock Number of shares issued during the period upon the conversion of another class of common stock. Stock Issued During Period Shares Conversion of Common Stock Conversion of Class L shares into common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of common stock, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options, shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Total Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation expense, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Repurchases of common stock Repurchases of common stock Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Retirement of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Retirement of treasury stock, shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Amortization Of Deferred Financing Costs And Original Issue Discount Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts, Total Amortization or write-off of intangible liability for leases purchased or assumed in a business combination transaction representing the excess value of contractual rent payments under the respective lease agreements over the prevailing market rents at the lease acquisition date. Impact Of Unfavorable Operating Leases Acquired Impact of unfavorable operating leases acquired Impact of unfavorable operating leases acquired Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for bad debt Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Dividends received from joint ventures Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other, net Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Restricted cash Restricted cash The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in accounts receivable, net and notes and other receivables, net. Increase Decrease In Accounts Notes And Other Receivables Net Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net Accounts, notes, and other receivables, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Other current assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Total Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other current liabilities The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the net restricted liabilities of the advertising funds. Increase Decrease In Restricted Liabilities Of Advertising Funds Net Liabilities of advertising funds, net Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes payable, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue and Customer Advances and Deposits Deferred income Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue and Customer Advances and Deposits, Total Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Other, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to property and equipment Additions to property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other, net Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment and repurchases of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Repayments of Short-term Debt Repayment of short-term debt Repayments of Short-term Debt, Total The cash outflow for loan and debt issuance costs, as well as payments made in connection with the refinancing of debt, including payments to third parties for banking and legal fees. Deferred Financing And Other Debt-Related Costs Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering costs Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchases of common stock Repurchases of common stock Payments Of Dividends Common Stock Dividends paid on Class L common stock Dividends paid on Class L common stock Proceeds from (Repayments of) Restricted Cash, Financing Activities Change in restricted cash Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental cash flow information: Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid Cash paid for income taxes Interest Paid Cash paid for interest Interest Paid, Total Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Noncash investing activities: Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Property and equipment included in accounts payable and other current liabilities Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligation Purchase of leaseholds in exchange for capital lease obligation Description Of Business And Organization [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Description Of Business And Organization Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Franchise Fees And Royalty Income [Abstract] Franchisors [Text Block] Franchise Fees And Royalty Income Advertising funds [Abstract]. Advertising Funds [Abstract] Disclosure of the Company's participation in an advertising fund established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs designed to increase sales and enhance reputation of the Company and its franchise owners. The assets and liabilities of the advertising fund are considered restricted. Advertising Funds [Text Block] Advertising Funds Property And Equipment [Abstract]