(3) Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Acquisition, cash paid	$ 2,594	$ 2,900
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of businesses divested	1	1
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Significant changes, franchises purchased during period		1
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Acquisition, cash paid	2,594	2,900
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member] | Franchised restaurants [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Significant changes, franchises purchased during period	2	3
Consideration for acquisition before post-closing adjustments	2,594	3,960
Acquisition, cash paid		2,900
Acquisition, cash acquired		45
Acquisition, note payable issued		1,060
Goodwill recognized	$ 485	$ 2,799