NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS - Changes in Ownership Interests in SSE Holdings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2023	Sep. 28, 2022	Sep. 27, 2023	Sep. 28, 2022
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Shake Shack Inc.	$ 7,627	$ (2,024)	$ 13,041	$ (13,374)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	1	0	(3)	(2)
Transfers (to) from non-controlling interests:
Total effect of changes in ownership interest on equity (loss) attributable to Shake Shack Inc.	7,230	(2,199)	10,280	(15,853)
Redemption or Exchange of Units
Transfers (to) from non-controlling interests:
Increase (decrease) in additional paid-in capital	71	7	265	313
Employee Stock Option
Transfers (to) from non-controlling interests:
Increase (decrease) in additional paid-in capital	(469)	(182)	(3,023)	(2,790)
Unrealized holding gains on equity securities
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment	$ 1	$ 0	$ (3)	$ (2)