(6) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Properties	$ 1,628
Intangible assets		0
Impairment of long-lived assets	4,511	7,897
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	2,883	7,897
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member] | Properties [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Properties	2,880	6,084
Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member] | Intangible Assets [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 3	$ 1,813