(12) Long-Term Debt Maturity of Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2012
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in next twelve months	$ 6,597
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year two	15,810
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year three	231,011
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year four	5,637
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year five	570,430
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal after year five	557,442
Long-term debt, gross	1,386,927
Corporate [Member]
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in next twelve months	1,460
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year two	9,843
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year three	0
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year four	0
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year five	0
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal after year five	0
Long-term debt, gross	11,303
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in next twelve months	5,137
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year two	5,967
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year three	231,011
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year four	5,637
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in year five	570,430
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal after year five	557,442
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,375,624

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Amount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.

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