Business and Summary and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 segment state	Dec. 30, 2014
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of states in which Noodles & Company operates	33
Number of operating segments	1
Number of reportable segments	1
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Number of weeks in fiscal year	364 days	364 days
Company-Owned [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	399
Franchise [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of restaurants	56