NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS - Changes in Ownership Interests in SSE Holdings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 25, 2020	Mar. 27, 2019
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Shake Shack Inc.	$ (960)	$ 2,546
Other comprehensive income:
Net change related to available-for-sale securities	1	0
Transfers (to) from non-controlling interests:
Total effect of changes in ownership interest on equity attributable to Shake Shack Inc.	(341)	4,115
Redemption or Exchange of Units
Transfers (to) from non-controlling interests:
Increase (decrease) in additional paid-in capital	195	594
Employee Stock Option
Transfers (to) from non-controlling interests:
Increase (decrease) in additional paid-in capital	$ 424	$ 975

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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