v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 28, 2016
Aug. 01, 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 Jun. 28, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false  
Common Class A [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   26,324,707
Common Class B [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,522,098