Noncontrolling Interests - Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests	$ 6,272	$ 6,282	$ 4,382
Total income before income taxes	158,809	119,147	114,255
Joint ventures
Minority Interest [Line Items]
Papa John's International, Inc.	9,913	9,725	6,932
Noncontrolling interests	6,272	6,282	4,382
Total income before income taxes	$ 16,185	$ 16,007	$ 11,314