v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2018
May 01, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Apr. 01, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Trading Symbol PZZA  
Entity Registrant Name PAPA JOHNS INTERNATIONAL INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000901491  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   32,193,319