(14) Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 01, 2012 Forecast, Penalty Rate 1 [Member] Union Pension Fund [Member]	Apr. 01, 2012 Forecast, Penalty Rate 2 [Member] Union Pension Fund [Member]	Apr. 03, 2012 Proposed Credit Facility [Member]	Apr. 01, 2012 Proposed Credit Facility [Member] Forecast - Second Quarter [Member]	Apr. 01, 2012 Proposed Credit Facility [Member] Forecast, Third Quarter [Member]	Apr. 03, 2012 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Apr. 03, 2012 Term Loan [Member]	Apr. 17, 2012 Repurchase of Senior Notes [Member] Wendy's Restaurants, LLC [Member]	Apr. 01, 2012 Repurchase of Senior Notes [Member] Forecast - Second Quarter [Member]	Apr. 01, 2012 Repurchase of Senior Notes [Member] Forecast, Third Quarter [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Long-term debt			$ 1,325,000			$ 200,000	$ 1,125,000
Senior Note Repurchase, Consideration Rate								108.125%
Repurchase of Senior Notes, Early Tender Premium Consent Payment Rate								2.00%
Debt Extinguishment Costs, Expected				$ 10,200	$ 400				$ 11,400	$ 53,200
Multiemployer Plans, Potential Surcharge Rate	5.00%	10.00%