XML 10 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.7.0.1
Document and Entity Information Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2017
May 05, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name NOODLES & COMPANY  
Entity Central Index Key 0001275158  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-02  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Apr. 04, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Common Class A    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   39,490,952
Common Class B [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,522,098