Noncontrolling Interests - Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests	$ 4,233	$ 6,272	$ 6,282
Total income before income taxes	140,342	158,809	119,147
Joint ventures
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Papa John's International, Inc.	7,181	9,913	9,725
Noncontrolling interests	4,233	6,272	6,282
Total income before income taxes	$ 11,414	$ 16,185	$ 16,007