v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 27, 2016
Oct. 31, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & COMPANY  
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 Sep. 27, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Common Class A [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   26,341,763
Common Class B [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,522,098