v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information Document
9 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2015
Nov. 02, 2015
Common Class A [Member]
Nov. 02, 2015
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & Co    
Entity Central Index Key 0001275158    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-29    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2015    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   26,185,819 1,522,098