(8) Investments Japan Joint Venture (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in Earnings for the Period, Net of Amortization of Purchase Price adjustments	$ 9,465	$ 9,459	$ 8,499
Japan JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	77	0
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in Earnings for the Period, Net of Amortization of Purchase Price adjustments	9,465	9,459	8,499
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member] | Japan JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	49.00%
Equity method investments	77
Equity in Earnings for the Period, Net of Amortization of Purchase Price adjustments	$ (1,106)