v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 24, 2017
shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]  
Document Type 10-Q
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date Sep. 24, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3
Trading Symbol PBPB
Entity Registrant Name Potbelly Corporation
Entity Central Index Key 0001195734
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 24,804,265