v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Jan. 28, 2018
Jun. 23, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2017    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol PBPB    
Entity Registrant Name Potbelly Corporation    
Entity Central Index Key 0001195734    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   25,107,188  
Entity Public Float     $ 278.8