Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2011	Dec. 28, 2010	Dec. 29, 2009
Revenues:
Bakery-cafe sales, net	$ 1,592,951	$ 1,321,162	$ 1,153,255
Franchise royalties and fees	92,793	86,195	78,367
Fresh dough and other product sales to franchisees	136,288	135,132	121,872
Total revenues	1,822,032	1,542,489	1,353,494
Bakery-cafe expenses:
Cost of food and paper products	470,398	374,816	337,599
Labor	484,014	419,140	370,595
Occupancy	115,290	100,970	95,996
Other operating expenses	216,237	177,059	155,396
Total bakery-cafe expenses	1,285,939	1,071,985	959,586
Fresh dough and other product cost of sales to franchisees	116,267	110,986	100,229
Depreciation and amortization	79,899	68,673	67,162
General and administrative expenses	113,083	101,494	83,169
Pre-opening expenses	6,585	4,282	2,451
Total costs and expenses	1,601,773	1,357,420	1,212,597
Operating profit	220,259	185,069	140,897
Interest expense	822	675	700
Other expense, net	(466)	4,232	273
Income before income taxes	219,903	180,162	139,924
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	83,951	68,563	53,073
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	135,952	111,599	86,851
Less: net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(267)	801
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 135,952	$ 111,866	$ 86,050
Earnings per common share attributable to Panera Bread Company:
Earnings Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 4.59	$ 3.65	$ 2.81
Earnings Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 4.55	$ 3.62	$ 2.78
Weighted average shares of common and common equivalent outstanding:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares)	29,601	30,614	30,667
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares)	29,903	30,922	30,979