Percentage of guarantee of all loans that have higher risk profiles Represents percentage of guarantee of aggregate loans that have higher risk profiles under guarantee obligations. Guarantee Obligations Percentage of All Loans have Higher Risk Profiles Revenues Restaurant and Commissary Restaurant and commissary sales Revenues from restaurant and commissary sales. Additional state classes pending Additional State Classes Pending Additional state classes pending Represents information pertaining to Colonel's Limited, LLC. Colonels Limited LLC [Member] Colonel's Limited, LLC For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to a quantitative amount, this concept represents the number of customers exceeding the threshold percentage. Concentration Risk Number Concentration risk, number Line of credit facility, term. Credit Facilities Maturity Term Line of credit facility, term Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information Represents information pertaining to the domestic commissaries, a reportable segment of the entity. Domestic Commissaries [Member] Domestic commissaries Domestic company owned restaurants segment Domestic Company Owned Restaurants [Member] Represents information pertaining to the domestic Company-owned restaurants, a reportable segment of the entity. Domestic Company-owned restaurants The income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes but after deducting the portion attributable to noncontrolling interest. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Attributable to Parent Papa John's International, Inc. Total income before income taxes, net of noncontrolling interests Papa John's International, Inc. Interest Rate Swaps Terminated Interest Rate Swaps Terminated Termination of interest rate swap Amendment Flag Represents information pertaining to the international operations, a reportable segment of the entity. International [Member] International North America franchising segment. North America Franchising [Member] North America franchising Number of resultant plaintiffs if pending state classes are granted Number of Resultant Plaintiffs if Pending State Classes are Granted Number of resultant plaintiffs, if pending state classes are granted Potential class size Potential Class Size Potential class size Represents restaurant occupancy costs Restaurant Occupancy Costs Occupancy costs Royalties franchise and development fees Royalties Franchise and Development Fees Royalties and franchise and development fees Tabular disclosure of noncontrolling interest arrangements. Schedule of Noncontrolling Interest Arrangements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Joint Venture Arrangements Tabular disclosure of pre-tax income attributable to noncontrolling interest. Schedule of Pre Tax Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income Before Income Taxes Attributable to Joint Ventures Represents information pertaining to Star Papa, LP. Star Papa LP [Member] Star Papa, LP Temporary Equity [Member] Redeemable noncontrolling interests Primary financial statement caption encompassing temporary equity. Forward based contracts in which two parties agree to swap periodic payments that are fixed at the outset of the swap contract with variable payments based on a market interest rate (index rate) over a specified period. Contract was entered into August 2011. August 2011 interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap August 2011 [Member] Interest rate swap, August 2011 Interest Rate Swap July 2013 [Member] Interest rate swap, July 2013 Forward based contracts in which two parties agree to swap periodic payments that are fixed at the outset of the swap contract with variable payments based on a market interest rate (index rate) over a specified period. Contract was entered into July 2013. July 2013 interest rate swap Perrin Litigation [Member] Perrin Litigation Conditionally certified collective action alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Cash Dividends. Cash Dividend Number of Employees that Opted into Class Action LawSuit Number of employees who opted into the class action Number of employees who opted into the class action lawsuit. Common Stock Dividend Shares to be Issued Number of shares to be distributed as a stock dividend for each outstanding share held Represents the number of shares of common stock to be issued as a stock dividend for each outstanding share held on the record date. Current Fiscal Year End Date Award Type [Axis] Stock Dividend Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year Stock dividend, date of record Date the holder must own the stock to be entitled to the stock dividend, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Award Date [Axis] Stock Dividend Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year Stock dividend, date of distribution Date the declared stock dividend will be paid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Award Date [Domain] Agne Litigation [Member] Agne litigation Represents the class action filed seeking damages for violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Washington State telemarketing laws alleging. A valuation allowance for trade receivables due to an Entity from affiliates within one year that are expected to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable - affiliates, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Affiliates Loss on Asset Disposals and Impairments Disposition and impairment losses Disposition and impairment losses. Description of Business Description of Business Accounting for Variable Interest Entities Accounting for Variable Interest Entities Disclosure of Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Accounting for Variable Interest Entities The entire disclosure on variable interest entities. Restaurant Impairment and Dispositions Restaurant Impairment and Dispositions Disclosure [Text Block] Restaurant Impairment and Dispositions The entire disclosure on restaurant impairment and dispositions. Insurance Reserves Disclosure [Text Block] Insurance Reserves The entire disclosure on insurance reserves. Document Period End Date Restaurant, commissary and other equipment Restaurant, commissary and other equipment used to produce goods and services in the office. Restaurant Commissary and Other Equipment [Member] United Kingdom Subsidiary [Member] Reporting unit of the subsidiary located in the United Kingdom ("PJUK") Represents the reporting unit for the subsidiary located in the United Kingdom. United Kingdom Subsidiary Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant accounting policies Number of Weeks in Fiscal Year Number of weeks in fiscal year Represents the number of weeks on which the entity reports its annual results of operations. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Impairment Test Number of Years of Projected Cash Flow Number of years of projected cash flow used in goodwill impairment test Represents total number of years of projected cash flow used in goodwill impairment test. Maximum Amortization Period of Deferred Costs Deferred costs, maximum amortization period Represents the maximum amortization period of deferred costs. Unamortized Systems Development Costs Unamortized systems development costs Represents unamortized systems development costs at the balance sheet date. Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Distribution Subsidiary [Member] Distribution Subsidiary The distribution entity controlled by the reporting entity. Distribution subsidiary, PJ Food Service, Inc. ("PJFS") Entity [Domain] Operating Lease Contracts Noncancelable Lease Terms Operating leases, average term in years Average term of the lessee's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format. Number of Lease Renewal Options Number of renewals Minimum number of renewal options under our operating leases. Future Expected Sublease Payments Due Current Future Expected Sublease Payments, 2014 Amount of sublease rental income expected in the next fiscal year. Future Expected Sublease Payments Due in Two Years Future Expected Sublease Payments, 2015 Amount of sublease rental income expected in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Future Expected Sublease Payments Due in Three Years Future Expected Sublease Payments, 2016 Amount of sublease rental income expected in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Future Expected Sublease Payments Due in Four Years Future Expected Sublease Payments, 2017 Amount of sublease rental income expected in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Future Expected Sublease Payments Due in Five Years Future Expected Sublease Payments, 2018 Amount of sublease rental income expected in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Future Expected Sublease Payments Due Thereafter Future Expected Sublease Payments, Thereafter Amount of sublease rental income expected after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current, Net Net Lease Costs, 2014 Operating leases future minimum payments due current, net. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years, Net Net Lease Costs, 2015 Operating leases future minimum payments due in two years, net. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years, Net Net Lease Costs, 2016 Operating leases future minimum payments due in three years, net. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years, Net Net Lease Costs, 2017 Operating leases future minimum payments due in four years, net. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years, Net Net Lease Costs, 2018 Operating leases future minimum payments due in five years, net. Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter, Net Net Lease Costs, Thereafter Operating leases future minimum payments due thereafter, net. Domestic Restaurant Sites [Member] Domestic Restaurants Domestic Restaurant Sites [Member] United Kingdom Restaurant Sites [Member] United Kingdom Subsidiary United Kingdom Restaurant Sites [Member] Number of Lease Agreements Number of lease agreements the company is contingently liable Number of lease agreements the company is contingently liable for payment. Loss Contingency Estimate of Possible Loss Related Reserves Loss contingency reserves Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss, Related Reserves Investments in Industrial Revenue Bonds Investments in Industrial Revenue Bonds Investments in industrial revenue bonds Investments in Industrial Revenue Bonds Percent Owned Investments in Industrial Revenue Bonds, percent owned Investments in industrial revenue bonds, percent owned Perrin Vs Papa Johns [Member] Perrin v. Papa John's International, Inc. and Papa John's USA, Inc. Litigation case of Perrin v. Papa John's International, Inc. and Papa John's USA, Inc. Percent of Domestic Franchisees who Entered into Cheese Purchasing Agreement, Minimum Percent of domestic franchisees who entered into cheese purchasing agreement, minimum Represents the minimum percentage of domestic franchisees who entered into cheese purchasing agreement. Intercompany Transactions Intercompany cost of sales Represents a decrease in cost of sales recognized by the VIE and a corresponding increase in cost of sales recorded by PJFS. Denver and Minneapolis Markets [Member] Denver and Minneapolis markets Represents the restaurants located in the Denver and Minneapolis markets. Denver Market [Member] Denver market Represents the restaurants located in the Denver market. Number of restaurants acquired. Number of Restaurants Acquired Number of restaurants acquired Number of Restaurants Sold Number of restaurants sold Number of restaurants sold Goodwill Amortization Period Goodwill amortization period under the U.S. tax regulations Goodwill amortization period (in years) under U.S. tax regulations. Other Markets [Member] Other Markets Represents the restaurants located in markets other than the Denver and Minneapolis markets. Domestic Company Owned Restaurant [Member] Domestic Company-owned Restaurants Domestic Company Owned Restaurant [Member] Book Value of Divested Business Net book value of divested restaurants. Net book value of divested restaurants Schedule of Restaurant Impairment and Disposition Gains (Losses) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restaurant Impairment and Disposition Losses (Gains) Tabular disclosure of restaurant impairment and dispositions. Trading Symbol Schedule of Changes in Insurance Program Reserves [Table Text Block] Summary of changes in insurance program reserves Tabular disclosure on insurance reserves. Insurance Expense Expense Expense incurred during the period for the Company's insurance programs. Payments Insurance Payments Payments made during the period for the Company's insurance programs. Insurance Reserves Current Insurance reserves, current Carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of obligations incurred and payable within one year based on retention levels for the Company's insurance programs. Accrued Purchases Current Purchases Carrying value, as of the balance sheet date, of purchases incurred through that date but not received as of that date. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer). Insurance Reserves Noncurrent Insurance reserves Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable after one year from the balance sheet date based on retention levels for the Company's insurance programs. Total Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations, including tax effect on equity awards. Deferred (federal and state) The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to differences in the deductibility of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (income) loss in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and enacted tax laws. Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (income) loss Income Tax Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Income (Loss) The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to differences in the deductibility or nondeductibility of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (income) loss in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and enacted tax laws. Non-qualified deferred compensation plan (income) loss (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (Loss) Income Franchisees Owned by Related Parties Papa John's Marketing Fund and Papa Card, Inc. [Member] Franchisees owned by related parties PJMF and Papa Card, Inc. Franchisees owned by related parties PJMF and Papa Card, Inc. Entity owned by the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the reporting entity. Entity owned by Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Entity Owned by Founder [Member] Papa John's Marketing Fund (PJMF), an unconsolidated non-profit corporation that is a related party. Papa Johns Marketing Fund [Member] Papa John's Marketing Fund (PJMF) Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Payments Received in Connection with Supplier Agreement Marketing payments received in connection with a multi-year supplier agreement. Payments received in connection with a multi-year supplier agreement Entity Voluntary Filers Annual Revenue to be Recognized from Supplier Agreement Annual revenue to be recognized over the term of the supplier agreement Annual revenue to be recognized over the term of the supplier agreement. Entity Current Reporting Status Supplier Agreement Term in Years The term, in years, of a multi-year supplier agreement. The term of supplier agreement Entity Filer Category Distributions to Domestic System Distributions to the domestic system Supplier marketing payments distributed to the domestic system as advertising credits. Entity Public Float Increase in Income before Income Taxes from Advertising Credits Taken Increase in income before income taxes as a result of advertising credits taken. Increase in income before income taxes from advertising credits Entity Registrant Name Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Common stock repurchase program Entity Central Index Key Share Repurchase Program Repurchase Period End Date Represents the last date common stock would be purchased under stock repurchase program. Stock repurchase program, expiration date Time Based Restricted Stock [Member] Time Based Restricted Stock [Member] Time based restricted stock Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member] Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit [Member] Performance-based restricted stock units Omnibus Incentive Plan 2011 [Member] Omnibus Incentive 2011 Plan Represents information pertaining to the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Omnibus Incentive Plan Twenty Zero Eight [Member] Omnibus Incentive Plan Twenty Zero Eight [Member] Omnibus Incentive 2008 Plan Fiscal Year 2012 [Member] Pertains to activity in the fiscal year of 2012. Fiscal /Year 2012 Deferred Compensation Liability Year Two Deferred compensation share-based arrangements liability to be recognized in two years Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested option awards and restricted stock to be recognized in two years Deferred Compensation Liability Year Three Deferred compensation share-based arrangements liability to be recognized in three years. Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested option awards and restricted stock to be recognized in three years Employer discretionary matching contribution made to 401(k) plan and non-qualified deferred compensation plan, percentage Defined Benefit Plan Employer Contribution Percentage Match of Compensation Percentage of discretionary contributions made by an employer to a defined contribution plan. Incentive Contribution [Member] Incentive Contribution Change in operating income due to the recording of an incentive contribution in the reporting period. Number of Active Members in Pension Fund Number of pension plan participants Number of active members in Pension Fund. Additional Week [Member] Additional week Change in operating income due to an additional week in the reporting period. Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Operating Income [Domain] Causes of change in operating income. Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Operating Income [Axis] Information by cause of change in operating income. Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items] Quarterly Financial Information Increase (Decrease) in Operating Income (Loss) Increase (decrease) in operating income, amount Increase in pre-tax income over the corresponding last quarter. Increase (Decrease ) in Diluted Earnings Per Share Increase (decrease) in operating income, per diluted share Increase in diluted earnings per share over the corresponding last quarter. Quarterly Financial Information [Table] A schedule of quarterly financial information. Related to a disposal group that is not a discontinued operation, the summation of the gain or loss resulting from the sale of the disposal group, the expenses associated with the exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan, and the write-down of the carrying value of assets classified as a disposal group. Total restaurant impairment and disposition losses (gains) Disposal Group Gain (Loss) on Disposal Restructuirng Charges and Asset Impairment Business Disposition, Notes Receivable Received as Consideration Fair value of notes receivable Schedule of Joint Ventures Having Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of joint ventures, which includes noncontrolling interests. Schedule of joint ventures in which there are noncontrolling interests Document Fiscal Year Focus Period in Arrears to Consolidate Operations Period in arrears to consolidate operations Represents the period in arrears to consolidate operations of the entity. Document Fiscal Period Focus Incremental change in revenues due to change in consolidation policy Incremental Revenue From Change In Consolidation Policy Represents the incremental revenues included due to change in consolidation policy. Incremental Change In Loss Before Income Taxes Due To Change In Consolidation Policy Incremental change in loss before income taxes due to change in consolidation policy Represents the incremental change in loss before income taxes due to change in consolidation policy. Stock Split and Treasury Retirement [Abstract] Two-for-one Stock Split and Treasury Retirement Adjustment to interest expense {(Interest income) interest expense} due to change in redemption value Represents the amount of adjustment to interest expense due to the change in redemption value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest. Adjustment to Interest Expense Due to Change in Redemption Value Agne Vs Papa Johns [Member] Agne v. Papa John's International, Inc. Represents information pertaining to litigation case of Agne v. Papa John's International, Inc. Number of States which are Granted Motion for Class Certification Number of states, which are granted motion for class certification Represents the number of states, which are granted motion for class certification. Number of Plaintiffs Added to Case Number of plaintiffs added to case Represents the number of plaintiffs added to the case. Defined Benefit Plan Employer Contribution Maximum Deferred Percentage Match of Compensation Employer discretionary matching contribution made to 401(k) plan and non-qualified deferred compensation plan, maximum percentage Represents the maximum percentage of discretionary contributions deferred by an employer to a defined contribution plan. Number of Joint Ventures Having Noncontrolling Interests Number of joint ventures Represents the number of joint ventures, which includes noncontrolling interests. Number of Joint Ventures under Which Noncontrolling Interest Holders have Option to Require Company to Purchase their Interests Number of joint ventures under which noncontrolling interest holders have the option to require the Company to purchase their interests Represents the number of joint ventures under which noncontrolling interest holders have the option to require the Company to purchase their interests. Fiscal Year 2011 [Member] Fiscal /Year 2011 Pertains to activity in the fiscal year of 2011. Legal Entity [Axis] Non-specified Grant Date [Member] Non-specified Grant Date Pertains to activity that is not specified as to the grant date. Document Type Insurance Reserves, Current and Noncurrent Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Insurance Reserves Current and Noncurrent Significant Accounting Policies PJ Minnesota LLC [Member] PJ Minnesota, LLC Represents information pertaining to PJ Minnesota, LLC. Papa John's Minnesota LLC PJ Denver LLC [Member] PJ Denver, LLC Represents information pertaining to PJ Denver, LLC. Papa John's Denver LLC Property and Equipment Property and Equipment [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Revenues Increase in revenues, amount Represents the increase (decrease) in revenues over the corresponding last quarter. Insurance Reserves [Policy Text Block] Insurance Reserves Disclosure of accounting policy for insurance reserves related to the reporting entity's insurance programs. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized That Were Transferred From 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Number of shares authorized that were transferred from 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan Of the number of shares authorized, the number of shares that were transferred from the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Cash Dividends Disclosure [Text Block] Cash Dividends Common Stock Shares Authorized before Amendment Authorized common shares before amendment Represents the maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws, before amendment. Interest Rate Swap May 2014 [Member] Interest rate swap, May 2014 Forward based contracts in which two parties agree to swap periodic payments that are fixed at the outset of the swap contract with variable payments based on a market interest rate (index rate) over a specified period. Contract was entered into May 2014. Guarantee Obligations Period of Late Payment Guarantee obligations, late payment term Represents the late payment period of loans which requires to perform entity guarantee obligations. Guarantee Obligations Percentage of Aggregate Loans Percentage of guarantee of all loans Represents percentage of guarantee of aggregate loans under guarantee obligations. Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redemption Value Redemption value Redemption value of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest, which is recorded in long-term liabilities. Receivable Type [Axis] Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Notes receivable Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities Marketing Accrued Marketing Costs, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Rent Accrued Rent, Current Consulting and professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Utilities Accrued Utilities, Current Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation and amortization Pension plan liability Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Net unrealized loss on the interest rate swap agreement Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Unrealized foreign currency translation gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Qualifying as hedges Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Tax effect of equity awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Advertising and related costs Advertising Expense Advertising and Related Costs Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] All others Other Other Segments [Member] Stock-based employee compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Reserve for uncollectible accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Notes receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current Notes receivable, less current portion, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Noncurrent Allowance for uncollectible notes receivable Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Summary of changes in notes receivable allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Allowance for Franchise Notes Receivable Allowance for Franchise Notes Receivable [Member] Reserve for franchisee notes receivable Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Net Deductions, including notes written off Allowance for Loan and Lease Loss, Recovery of Bad Debts Recovered from costs and expenses Antidilutive awards excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Total assets Assets Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Condensed consolidated balance sheet Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Buildings and improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Office, retail, and commissary space Business Acquisition [Axis] Total purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Other, including cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Acquisition disclosures Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Acquisitions Purchase price allocation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Reacquired franchise right Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital lease related to Industrial Revenue Bonds Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments, fair value Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value Change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments, fair value Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value Cash surrender value of life insurance policies Cash Surrender Value, Fair Value Disclosure Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Stockholders' equity Class of Stock [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Litigation Litigation Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock ($0.01 par value per share; issued 43,152 at June 29, 2014 and 42,796 at December 29, 2013) Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends declared per common share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Authorized common shares Quarterly dividend paid per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common shares outstanding, net of repurchased stock Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Employee Benefit Plans Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Comprehensive income, noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to the Company Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income before attribution to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Consolidation Items [Domain] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Noncontrolling Interests Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation Items [Axis] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Joint ventures Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Corporate Joint Venture Unallocated corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] State and local Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Customer loyalty program Customer Loyalty Program Liability, Current Debt and Credit Arrangements Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Interest margin rate on debt Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Term of loan Debt Instrument, Term Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested option awards and restricted stock, current Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Deferred costs Deferred Costs, Noncurrent Tax benefits realized upon the exercise of stock options Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Deferred Costs Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred compensation plan assets, noncurrent Deferred Compensation Plan Assets Deferred Costs Deferred Costs [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred (federal and state) Net deferred income tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net deferred (liability) asset Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Equity awards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Other Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other Accrued bonuses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Bonuses Other assets and liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Income Tax Accounts and Tax Reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Accrued liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Accrued Liabilities Foreign tax net operating loss carryovers Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Foreign net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Goodwill Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses and foreign deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities Deferred expenses Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense Accelerated depreciation Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Total deferred tax liabilities Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested option awards and restricted stock Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Deferred compensation plan Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Deferred compensation liability classified, noncurrent Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Costs of 401(k) plan and non-qualified deferred compensation plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Employee Benefit Plans Deposits Deposit Liability, Current Depreciation expense Depreciation Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimate of Time to Transfer Estimate of period of time over which portion of derivative liability would be reclassified into earnings Derivative Instrument [Axis] Interest rate swap agreement, notional amount Interest rate swap Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Portion of derivative liability that would be reclassified into earnings Interest rate swap agreement, fixed interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative Contract [Domain] Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Ineffective portion of hedge Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Equity Compensation Adjustment to long-lived asset impairment reserves Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Loss (Gain) on Write-down Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Loss on restaurants sold Quarterly dividend, date of distribution Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Quarterly dividend declared, per share (in dollars per share) Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Dividends declared related to non-forfeitable dividend rights (in dollars per share) Cash Dividends Dividends declared related to non-forfeitable dividend rights (in dollars) Dividends, Share-based Compensation Cash dividends paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Quarterly dividend declared Dividends Payable Quarterly dividend, date of record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Quarterly dividend, date of declaration Dividends Payable, Date Declared Accounts receivable - affiliates (no allowance for doubtful accounts in 2013 and 2012) Due from Affiliate, Current Accounts receivable - affiliates Basic earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Diluted earnings per common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Calculation of Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted earnings per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Calculation of Earnings Per Share Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Total Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] State and local income taxes (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Tax credits and other (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Foreign income taxes (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Income of consolidated partnerships attributable to noncontrolling interests (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss), Percent Settlement of certain tax issues (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Percent Salaries, benefits and bonuses Employee-related Liabilities, Current Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Segment Information Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Share Repurchase Program Equity Component [Domain] Accelerated Share Repurchases Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Share repurchase program Excess tax benefit on equity awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefit on equity awards Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement of financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Transfers among levels within the fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Notes Receivable Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Instrument [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Fiscal Year Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Franchise and development fees Franchise Revenue Franchise and development fees Franchise Rights Franchise Rights [Member] General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Goodwill impairment loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill Goodwill. Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency adjustments Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Divestitures Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill, accumulated impairment Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill Intangible Assets - Goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Acquisitions Intangible Assets - Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Guarantee for loans Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Recorded liability Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Elimination Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Income (loss) before income taxes Income before income taxes Total income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Pre-tax income (loss) Income before income taxes Loss before income taxes Income allocable to redeemable noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interests Income attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable noncontrolling interests Consolidated Statements of Income Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Taxes Business Disposition Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax effects Total Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Income Tax Expense Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Tax credits and other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate Deferred Income Tax Accounts and Tax Reserves Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] State and local income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Income of consolidated partnerships attributable to noncontrolling interests Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss), Amount Settlement of certain tax issues Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount Foreign income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities and Other Operating Liabilities Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Income and other taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets and Liabilities, Net Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense Dilutive effect of outstanding equity awards Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Insurance Reserves Interest income on franchisee loans Interest and Fee Income, Loans and Leases Interest expense Net interest (expense) income Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest expense (income) Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Interest rate swap assets Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Interest rate swap liabilities Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate swap Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Inventories Inventory, Net Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment income Investment Income, Interest LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Total amount committed under letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Salaries and benefits Labor and Related Expense Land Land [Member] Total lease expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total liabilities Liabilities Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Percentage of commitment fee on unused credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Revolving line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Weighted average interest rate for credit facility borrowings, including the impact of interest rate swaps Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period Line of credit facility, remaining availability Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Settlement, Amount Actual settlement cost Loans receivable from a third party minority interest holder Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties Notes Receivable Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Notes receivable - allowance Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Original estimate of settlement cost Potential amount of undiscounted payments under the lease arrangements Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease) Decrease in original estimate of settlement cost Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies Number of employees who opted into the class action Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Equipment and other Machinery and Equipment [Member] Executive Manager Management [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Change in redemption value Increase in noncontrolling interest redemption value Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Income before income taxes attributable to joint ventures Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Contributions from noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Papa John's Ownership Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Papa John's ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' equity attributable to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest Ownership Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Third party ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] North America North America [Member] Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income attributable to the Company Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Comprehensive income, redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net income attributable to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Calculation of income for earnings per share: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Comprehensive (loss) income, nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to the Company Net income attributable to the Company Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Recent Accounting Pronouncement New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total consideration at fair value Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Notes receivable, less current portion, net Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Fair value of notes receivable Notes Issued Notes receivable, net Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Loans outstanding, net of allowance for doubtful accounts Financing Receivable, Net Number of countries in which the entity operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of states in which the entity operates Number of States in which Entity Operates Reportable segments, number Number of Reportable Segments Number of Restaurants Number of Restaurants Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Contributions from noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests Gross Lease Costs, Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Contingencies Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Payments received from sublease Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue Gross Lease Costs, 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Expenses International restaurant and commissary expenses Gross Lease Costs, 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Future Expected Sublease Payments, Total Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Sublease Rentals Gross Lease Costs, 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Net Lease Costs, Total Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Gross Lease Costs, 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating segments Operating Segments [Member] Gross Lease Costs, 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Lease disclosures Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Gross Lease Costs, Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Basis of Presentation Defined benefit pension plan Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Defined benefit pension plan Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Schedule of Other Long-term Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Long-term Liabilities Other Other Sundry Liabilities, Noncurrent Income tax effect Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total contributions made in consolidated subsidiary Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given Income tax effect: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Other Expenses Other operating expenses Other general expenses Other General Expense Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Other Long-term Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Other sales Revenue from external customers Other Revenue, Net Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Papa John's International. Inc. Parent [Member] Acquisition of Company common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Tax payments for equity award issuances Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Purchase price paid in cash, net of divestiture proceeds Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Quarterly dividend paid to shareholders Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Expenditures for property and equipment Loans issued Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Pension expense Pension Expense Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock ($0.01 par value per share; no shares issued) Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred shares issued Net income attributable to participating securities Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Authorized preferred shares Preferred shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from divestitures of restaurants Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Cash proceeds received Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net proceeds on line of credit facility Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Cash contribution by a third party minority interest holder Net proceeds on line of credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Cash received upon the exercise of stock options Repayments of loans issued Proceeds from Sale and Collection of Notes Receivable Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income before attribution to noncontrolling interests Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Total property and equipment Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net property and equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Net property and equipment Net Property and Equipment Schedule of Net Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Net Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Provision for Loan and Lease Losses Charged to costs and expenses Provision for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable Provision for Doubtful Accounts Quarterly Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Data Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Notes Receivable Loans outstanding, net of allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Amount reclassified from AOCI Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification from temporary equity to permanent equity Reclassifications of Temporary to Permanent Equity Schedule of Recorded Values of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Balance at the end of the period Balance at the beginning of the period Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest by Legal Entity [Table] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related party transactions Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Variable Interest Entities Contributions to the Marketing Fund Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Related Party [Axis] Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Cash paid for charter aircraft services Related Party [Domain] Supplemental data (see Note 16): Related Party Transactions Goodwill impairment test, fair value in excess of carrying amount (as a percent) Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Loss (gain) on domestic restaurant closures Restructuring Charges Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenues - affiliates Revenue from Related Parties Intersegment revenues Revenue from external customers Total revenues Revenues Total Revolving line of credit Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Franchise royalties Royalty Revenue Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Expected term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Award expiration period, in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested or expected to vest at December 29, 2013 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Revenue from external customers Commissary sales Revenue, Net Consolidated revenues Sales [Member] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of information pertaining to option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of the significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of options granted Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of the provision for income taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of income tax computed at the U.S. federal statutory rate to income tax expense Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of significant deferred tax assets (liabilities) Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending liability for unrecognized tax benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Gross Lease Costs, Future Expected Sublease Payments and Net Lease Costs Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Summary of full-year transactions and year-end balances with franchisees owned by related parties, PJMF and Papa Card, Inc. Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of quarterly select financial data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of information pertaining to restricted stock activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Summary of changes to the Company's goodwill, by reporting segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Location and Amounts of Swaps in the Accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of effect of derivative instruments on the accompanying consolidated financial statements Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segments [Domain] Segment Information Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Geographical [Domain] Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Self Insurance Reserve Insurance Reserves Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Restricted Shares, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Stock units granted to executive management Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share) Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Restricted Shares, Beginning Balance Restricted Shares, Ending Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted Shares, Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Award vesting period, in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Number of Options, Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Options granted, shares Equity Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted Shares, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Number of Options, Exercisable (in shares) Shares of common stock available for future issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of the options exercised Expected volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Shares of common stock authorized for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Assumptions (weighted average): Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Weighted average grant-date fair values of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Options, Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Number of Options, Outstanding (in shares) Number of Options, Outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Number of Options, Vested or expected to vest (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Equity Award [Domain] Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount, Noncurrent Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Decrease in liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from finalization of current examinations and other issues Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement Statement [Line Items] Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity Geographical [Axis] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated statement of cash flows Equity Components [Axis] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Segments [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Issuance of restricted stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Stock repurchased during period, value Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock repurchased (in dollars) Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock dividend distributed (in shares) Stock Dividends, Shares Exercise of stock options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Options exercised, shares Number of Options, Exercised (in shares) Stock repurchased during period, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased (in shares) Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity, net of noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Other (in shares) Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stock split ratio Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent events Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block] Subsequent events Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Increases (reductions) in income tax expense associated with the finalization of certain income tax issues Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Income and other taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Types of Financial Instruments [Domain] Tractors and trailers Transportation Equipment [Member] Acquisition of Company common stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Share Repurchase Program Treasury Stock [Text Block] Acquisition of Company common stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Retirement of Company common stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Retirement of Company common stock Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Closing price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Treasury stock (2,297 shares at June 29, 2014 and 1,129 shares at December 29, 2013, at cost) Treasury Stock, Value Net income attributable to participating securities Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Net income attributable to participating securities Interest expense (benefits) included in income tax expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Income tax expense, accrued interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Recovered from) costs and expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries Recovered from costs and expenses Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Additions / (Deductions) Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments Charged to costs and expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Charged to (recovered from) Costs and Expenses Balance at Beginning of Year Balance at End of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Deductions, including notes written off Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions (Deductions) Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosures Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable interest entities Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] BIBP Commodities, Inc. ("BIBP") Variable Interest Entity disclosures Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Cost of cheese purchased Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity, Purchases Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value, Adjustment Increase in noncontrolling interest redemption value