v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information Document - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
May. 03, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & Co  
Entity Central Index Key 0001275158  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-03  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 29, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Common Class A [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   26,266,349
Common Class B [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,522,098