Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 27, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except for per share data):

	For the 13 Weeks Ended				For the 39 Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2011		September 28, 2010		September 27, 2011		September 28, 2010
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations:
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$	28,848	$	22,797	$	97,332	$	75,342
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic	29,548		30,273		29,756		30,879
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	281		261		311		314
Weighted average number of shares outstanding — diluted	29,829		30,534		30,067		31,193
Earnings per common share attributable to Panera Bread Company:
Basic	$	0.98	$	0.75	$	3.27	$	2.44
Diluted	$	0.97	$	0.75	$	3.24	$	2.42