Basis of Presentation Accelerated Depreciation on IA (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accelerated Depreciation Image Activation	$ 14,508

Depreciation on existing assets that will be replaced as part of Image Activation initiative

No definition available.

Name:	wen_AcceleratedDepreciationImageActivation
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration