(27) Advertising Costs and Funds (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Restricted Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Number of advertising funds	2
Restricted Assets	$ 69,672	$ 76,553
Accounts payable	81,301	81,361
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	210,698	245,157
Member's deficit	(434,999)	(412,464)
Total liabilities and deficit	69,672	76,553
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Restricted Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Restricted Assets	69,672	76,553
Accounts payable	80,986	81,148
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	212,150	244,300
Member's deficit	(486,567)	(499,500)
Total liabilities and deficit	69,672	76,553
Advertising expense	106,658	99,023	99,030
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member] | Advertising Fund [Member]
Restricted Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	26,715	23,102
Accounts and notes receivable	36,510	42,672
Other assets	6,447	10,779
Restricted Assets	69,672	76,553
Accounts payable	2,081	3,724
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	73,886	76,897
Member's deficit	(6,295)	(4,068)
Total liabilities and deficit	$ 69,672	$ 76,553