Operations and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2012
Sep. 28, 2012
Sep. 23, 2011
Dec. 30, 2011
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Common stock, shares issued 20,990,503 20,990,503   20,840,590
Operations and Basis of Presentation (Textual) [Abstract]        
Number of shares sold to existing stockholders 5,683,333 5,683,333    
Shares sold to the underwriters to cover over-allotments 1,350,000 1,350,000    
Proceeds from IPO $ 63,279    $ 63,476  
Class B [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Common stock number of shares received per unit of membership interest 0.2942 0.2942    
Conversion [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Common stock, shares issued 16,000,000 16,000,000    
I P O [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Common stock, shares issued 4,666,667 4,666,667    
Restricted Stock [Member] | Class C [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Restricted shares of common stock issued 445,056 445,056    
Chefs' Warehouse Parent, LLC [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Ownership interest in other operating companies   100.00%    
The Chefs' Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Ownership interest in other operating companies   100.00%    
The Chefs' Warehouse West Coast, LLC [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Ownership interest in other operating companies   100.00%    
The Chefs' Warehouse of Florida, LLC [Member]
        
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]        
Ownership interest in other operating companies   100.00%