(3) Acquisitions and Dispositions Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Sales	$ 566,116	$ 544,237	$ 1,086,045	$ 1,053,523
Franchise revenues	79,752	78,222	153,010	151,401
Revenues	645,868	622,459	1,239,055	1,204,924
Operating profit	38,391	47,434	59,307	75,451
Net (loss) income	(5,493)	11,266	9,241	9,857
Net (loss) income attributable to The Wendy's Company	(5,493)	11,266	6,857	9,857
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Sales	574,881	555,673	1,105,921	1,076,339
Franchise revenues	79,400	77,762	152,213	150,492
Revenues	654,281	633,435	1,258,134	1,226,831
Operating profit	38,777	48,000	60,383	76,901
Net (loss) income	(5,188)	11,735	10,117	11,035
Net (loss) income attributable to The Wendy's Company	$ (5,188)	$ 11,735	$ 7,733	$ 11,035
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.02	$ 0.03