v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 24, 2017
Oct. 24, 2017
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 PZZA  
Entity Registrant Name PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000901491  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   35,042,057