(22) Retirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
401K compensation expense	$ 7,944	$ 10,179	$ 10,641
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
401K compensation expense	7,944	10,179	9,743
Corporate [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
401K compensation expense	$ 0	$ 0	$ 898
Defined Contribution Plan [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	75.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Prior Plans [Member] | Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	6.00%
Prior Plans, Group A [Member] | Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	50.00%
Prior Plans, Group B [Member] | Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Defined Contribution Plans [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	75.00%