v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information Document
9 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2013
Nov. 07, 2013
Common Class A [Member]
Nov. 07, 2013
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & Co    
Entity Central Index Key 0001275158    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Oct. 01, 2013    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   23,182,184 6,292,640