Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Capital Expenditures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Outstanding Commitment for Capital Expenditure, Expected Cash Outflow Within Next 12 Months	$ 21,700
Outstanding Commitment for Capital Expenditures for Image Activation Within Next 12 Months	$ 15,800

Outstanding Commitment for Capital Expenditures for Image Activation during the remainder of the current fiscal year

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant