v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2016
Oct. 24, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 28, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol LOCO  
Entity Registrant Name El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001606366  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-28  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   38,473,772