Transactions with Related Parties (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Former Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Credit for aircraft fees paid by related party	$ 897	$ 502
General and Administrative Expense [Member] \| QSCC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sublease Income, Related Party	$ 95	$ 95

Credit for aircraft fees paid by related party in conjuction with a Company aircraft management and lease agreement.

No definition available.

Name:	wen_CreditForAircraftFeesPaidByRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration