(24) Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Beverage Agreements (Details) (Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member], Inventories [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase obligation, purchase during period	$ 20,464	$ 21,273	$ 20,425
Purchase obligation, due in next twelve months	20,464
Purchase obligation, due in second year	20,464
Purchase obligation, due in third year	20,464
Purchase obligation, due in fourth year	20,464
Purchase obligation, due in fifth year	20,464
Purchase obligation	150,677
Accounts payable [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Amount due to vendor for difference between estimated annual usage and contractual terms	$ 646