Acquisitions and Dispositions Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Sales	$ 558,335	$ 534,525	$ 1,644,380	$ 1,588,048
Franchise revenues	77,973	76,891	230,983	228,292
Total revenues	636,308	611,416	1,875,363	1,816,340
Operating profit	31,183	32,390	90,490	107,841
Net (loss) income	(26,162)	(3,966)	(16,921)	5,891
Net (loss) income attributable to The Wendy's Company	(26,162)	(3,966)	(19,305)	5,891
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share	$ (0.07)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01
Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Sales	558,335	545,707	1,664,256	1,622,046
Franchise revenues	77,973	76,442	230,186	226,934
Total revenues	636,308	622,149	1,894,442	1,848,980
Operating profit	31,183	32,813	91,566	109,714
Net (loss) income	(26,162)	(3,688)	(16,046)	7,347
Net (loss) income attributable to The Wendy's Company	(26,162)	(3,688)	(18,430)	7,347
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share	$ (0.07)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.02
As Reported [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Sales	558,335	534,525	1,644,380	1,588,048
Franchise revenues	77,973	76,891	230,983	228,292
Total revenues	636,308	611,416	1,875,363	1,816,340
Operating profit	31,183	32,390	90,490	107,841
Net (loss) income	(26,162)	(3,966)	(16,921)	5,891
Net (loss) income attributable to The Wendy's Company	$ (26,162)	$ (3,966)	$ (19,305)	$ 5,891
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share	$ (0.07)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01