Corrections to PY statements Correction to Prior Year Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Net income	$ 44,632	$ 9,467	$ 9,875
Comprehensive income	29,043	15,346	2,960
Comprehensive income attributable to The Wendy’s Company	29,169	12,962	2,960
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Net income		9,467	9,875
Comprehensive income		15,346	2,960
Comprehensive income attributable to The Wendy’s Company		12,962	2,960
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Net income		3,747	11,620
Comprehensive income		9,626	4,705
Comprehensive income attributable to The Wendy’s Company		7,242	4,705
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Net income		(5,720)	1,745
Comprehensive income		(5,720)	1,745
Comprehensive income attributable to The Wendy’s Company		$ (5,720)	$ 1,745