Equity Method Investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Increase to carrying value of equity method investment	$ 11	$ 20	$ 11	$ 20
Equity Method Investee
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Accounts receivable from equity method investments	34		34		$ 41
Wendy's Company TIMWEN Partnership | Tim Hortons
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash distributions	3	3	10	9
Contingent rent expense	5	$ 5	14	$ 15
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Quoted market price	$ 78		$ 78
BK Brasil
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Joint-venture interest	9.90%		9.90%
Quoted market price	$ 111		$ 111
Other assets, net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 274		$ 274		$ 259
Canada | Wendy's Company TIMWEN Partnership
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Joint-venture interest	50.00%		50.00%
United States | Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Joint-venture interest	15.40%		15.40%