Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income before income taxes attributable to joint ventures
Noncontrolling interests	$ 2,003	$ 1,230
Total income before income taxes	36,436	31,410
Joint ventures
Income before income taxes attributable to joint ventures
Papa John's International, Inc.	3,010	1,848
Noncontrolling interests	2,003	1,230
Total income before income taxes	$ 5,013	$ 3,078