v3.19.1
Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 02, 2019
May 03, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & COMPANY  
Entity Central Index Key 0001275158  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Apr. 02, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business true  
Common Class A    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   43,947,080