(24) Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Capital Expenditures Program (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2012
Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Outstanding commitment for capital expenditure, expected cash outflow within next 12 months	$ 26,319

Outstanding Commitment for Capital Expenditure, Expected Cash Outflow Within Next 12 Months

No definition available.

Name:	wen_OutstandingCommitmentForCapitalExpenditureExpectedCashOutflowWithinNext12Months
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant