Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 28, 2011	Jun. 29, 2010	Jun. 28, 2011	Jun. 29, 2010
Amounts used for basic and diluted per share calculations
Net income attributable to Panera Bread Company	$ 35,710	$ 26,704	$ 68,484	$ 52,549
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic	29,867	31,195	29,848	31,183
Effect of dilutive stock-based employee compensation awards	331	317	325	336
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted	30,198	31,512	30,173	31,519
Earnings per common share attributable to Panera Bread Company:
Basic	$ 1.20	$ 0.86	$ 2.29	$ 1.69
Diluted	$ 1.18	$ 0.85	$ 2.27	$ 1.67

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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+ Details