v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information Document
3 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2014
Apr. 25, 2014
Common Class A [Member]
Apr. 25, 2014
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 Apr. 01, 2014    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   28,167,472 1,522,098