| Document And Entity Information | Mar. 24, 2022 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | Panbela Therapeutics, Inc |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Mar. 24, 2022 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-39468 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 87-0543922 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 712 Vista Blvd #305 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Waconia |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | MN |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 55387 |
| City Area Code | 952 |
| Local Phone Number | 479-1196 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | PBLA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001029125 |
