v3.26.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Investment Valuation and Income Recognition (Details) - 401(k) Plan - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value $ 3,580,787 $ 3,420,585
McDonald's Corporation common stock    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value $ 1,352,367 1,443,882
103-12 - Real estate fund    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Percentage of restriction 10.00%  
Investments at fair value $ 36,007 35,405
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value 1,352,367 1,443,882
Total assets in the fair value hierarchy | McDonald's Corporation common stock    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value 1,352,367 1,443,882
Level 1    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value 1,352,367 1,443,882
Level 1 | McDonald's Corporation common stock    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value 1,352,367 1,443,882
Investments measured at net asset value - Common Collective Trust | Collective Trusts/103-12 Investments    
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES    
Investments at fair value $ 2,228,420 $ 1,976,703