(11) Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Accrued compensation and related benefits	$ 67,560	$ 83,147
Insurance reserves	45,243	58,811
Accrued taxes	37,040	36,889
Accrued interest	29,958	29,963
Other	30,897	36,347
Accrued expenses	210,698	245,157
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Accrued compensation and related benefits	67,520	83,036
Insurance reserves	45,243	58,811
Accrued taxes	39,884	38,081
Accrued interest	29,905	29,901
Other	29,598	34,471
Accrued expenses	212,150	244,300
Corporate [Member]
Accrued compensation and related benefits	40	111
Insurance reserves	0	0
Accrued taxes	(2,844)	(1,192)
Accrued interest	53	62
Other	1,299	1,876
Accrued expenses	$ (1,452)	$ 857