Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include all of the Company’s subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company reports “Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests,” separately in our consolidated statements of operations. The Company participates in two national advertising funds established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs for company-owned and franchised restaurants. The revenue, expenses and cash flows of such advertising funds are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows because the contributions to these advertising funds are designated for specific purposes and the Company acts as an agent, in substance, with regard to these contributions. The assets and liabilities of these funds are reported as “Advertising funds restricted assets” and “Advertising funds restricted liabilities.”
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Reclassifications, Policy [Text Block]	Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation.
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal reporting periods consist of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to December 31 and are referred to herein as (1) “the year ended December 29, 2013” or “2013,” (2) “the year ended December 30, 2012” or “2012,” and (3) “the year ended January 1, 2012” or “2011,” all of which consisted of 52 weeks.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired are considered cash equivalents. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents principally consist of cash in bank and money market mutual fund accounts and are primarily not in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured accounts. We believe that our vulnerability to risk concentrations in our cash equivalents is mitigated by (1) our policies restricting the eligibility, credit quality and concentration limits for our placements in cash equivalents and (2) insurance from the Securities Investor Protection Corporation of up to $500 per account, as well as supplemental private insurance coverage maintained by substantially all of our brokerage firms, to the extent our cash equivalents are held in brokerage accounts.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts and Notes Receivable Accounts and notes receivable consist primarily of royalties, franchise fees, rents due principally from franchisees and credit card receivables. The need for an allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on a specific identification basis based upon past due balances and the financial strength of the obligor.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined in accordance with the first-in, first-out method and consist primarily of restaurant food items and paper supplies.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments The Company has a 50% share in a partnership in a Canadian restaurant real estate joint venture (“TimWen”) with Tim Hortons Inc. (“THI”) and has significant influence over the investee. Such investment is accounted for using the equity method, under which our results of operations include our share of the income of the investee. Investments in limited partnerships and other non-current investments in which the Company does not have significant influence over the investees, which includes our indirect 18.5% interest in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”), are recorded at cost with related realized gains and losses reported as income or loss in the period in which the securities are sold or otherwise disposed. Cash distributions and dividends received that are determined to be returns of capital are recorded as a reduction of the carrying value of our investments. The difference between the carrying value of our TimWen equity investment and the underlying equity in the historical net assets of the investee is accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary. Accordingly, the carrying value difference is amortized over the estimated lives of the assets of the investee to which such difference would have been allocated if the equity investment were a consolidated subsidiary. To the extent the carrying value difference represents goodwill, it is not amortized.
Properties and Depreciation and Amortization, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Properties and Depreciation and Amortization Properties are stated at cost, including internal costs of employees to the extent such employees are dedicated to specific restaurant construction projects, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of properties is computed principally on the straight-line basis using the following estimated useful lives of the related major classes of properties: 5 to 20 years for office and restaurant equipment, 3 to 15 years for transportation equipment and 7 to 30 years for buildings and improvements. When the Company commits to a plan to cease using certain properties before the end of their estimated useful lives, depreciation expense is accelerated to reflect the use of the assets over their shortened useful lives. Capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases, including periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably assured of exercising. The Company reviews properties for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If such review indicates an asset group may not be recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of an asset group to be held and used or over the fair value less cost to sell of an asset to be disposed. Asset groups are primarily comprised of our individual restaurant properties. The Company classifies assets as held for sale and ceases depreciation of the assets when there is a plan for disposal of the assets and those assets meet the held for sale criteria. Assets held for sale are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill, representing the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the acquired net assets, is not amortized. Goodwill associated with our company-owned restaurants is reduced as a result of restaurant dispositions and is included in the carrying value of the restaurant in determining the gain or loss on disposal. If a company-owned restaurant is sold within two years of being acquired from a franchisee, the goodwill associated with the acquisition is written off in its entirety. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, we include two reporting units comprised of our (1) North America company-owned and franchise restaurants and (2) international franchise restaurants. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. If the Company determines that impairment may exist, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the excess, if any, of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value. In determining the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the Company allocates the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Our fair value estimates are subject to change as a result of many factors including, among others, any changes in our business plans, changing economic conditions and the competitive environment. Should actual cash flows and our future estimates vary adversely from those estimates we use, we may be required to recognize goodwill impairment charges in future years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets For impairment testing purposes, long-lived assets include our company-owned restaurant assets and their definite-lived intangible assets, which include favorable leases and reacquired rights under franchise agreements. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by our individual company-owned restaurants. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, then impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value and is included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.” Our restaurant impairment losses principally reflect impairment charges resulting from the deterioration in operating performance of certain company-owned restaurants. As a result of the Company’s system optimization initiative announced in the second quarter of 2013, the Company has recorded losses on remeasuring long-lived assets to fair value upon determination that the assets will be leased and/or subleased to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of restaurants (“System Optimization Remeasurement”). Such losses have been included in “Facilities action charges, net” in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 29, 2013. The fair value of these long-lived assets was based upon discounted cash flows of future anticipated lease and sublease income. Our fair value estimates are subject to change as a result of many factors including, among others, any changes in our business plans, changing economic conditions and the competitive environment. Should actual cash flows and our future estimates vary adversely from those estimates we used, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in future years.
Other Intangible Assets and Deferred Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Intangible Assets and Deferred Financing Costs Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis using the following estimated useful lives of the related classes of intangibles: for favorable leases, the terms of the respective leases, including periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably assured of exercising; 3 to 5 years for computer software; 3 to 20 years for reacquired rights under franchise agreements and 20 years for franchise agreements. Trademarks have an indefinite life and are not amortized. The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually by comparing their carrying value to fair value; any excess of carrying value over fair value is recognized as an impairment loss. Our estimates in the determination of the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets include the anticipated future revenues of company-owned and franchised restaurants and the resulting cash flows. Deferred financing costs are amortized as interest expense over the term of the respective debt using the effective interest rate method.
Derivative Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of our cash flow hedging instruments are recorded as an adjustment to “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments and is subsequently reclassified into “Interest expense” in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Fixed to floating interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as fair value hedges. Changes in the fair value of our fair value hedging instruments are recorded as an adjustment to the underlying debt balance being hedged to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the designated hedging instruments is included in “Other (expense) income, net.”
Share-based Compensation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation The Company has granted share-based compensation awards to certain employees under several equity plans. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity award, which include grants of employee stock options and restricted shares, based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, determined based on historical experience. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the requisite service period unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case they recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period to the extent performance conditions are considered probable. The Company determines the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model (the “Black-Scholes Model”) unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in which case we use a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved.
Foreign Currency Translation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation Substantially all of the Company’s foreign operations are in Canada where the functional currency is the Canadian dollar. Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are prepared in their functional currency and then translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date and revenues, costs and expenses are translated at a monthly average exchange rate. Net gains or losses resulting from the translation adjustment are charged or credited directly to the “Foreign currency translation adjustment” component of “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.” Gains and losses arising from the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in foreign currency are included in “General and administrative.”
Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are (1) future tax effects from temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (2) operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the interaction and the timing of future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income, recent operating results and tax-planning strategies. When considered necessary, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets to their anticipated realizable value. The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby we first determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is then measured for purposes of financial statement recognition as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon being effectively settled. Interest accrued for uncertain tax positions is charged to “Interest expense.” Penalties accrued for uncertain tax positions are charged to “General and administrative.”
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition “Sales” includes revenues recognized upon delivery of food to the customer at company-owned restaurants and bakery items to our franchisees and others and upon shipment of kids’ meal promotional items to our franchisees and others. “Sales” excludes taxes collected from the Company’s customers. “Franchise revenues” includes royalties, franchise fees and rental income. Royalties from franchised restaurants are based on a percentage of net sales of the franchised restaurant and are recognized as earned. Initial franchise fees and development fees are recorded as deferred income when received and are recognized as revenue when a franchised restaurant is opened as all material services and conditions related to the franchise fee have been substantially performed upon the restaurant opening. Initial franchise fees received in connection with sales of company-owned restaurants to franchisees and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the license agreements are signed and the fee is paid since there are no material services and conditions related to the franchise fees. Franchise commitment fee deposits are forfeited and recognized as revenue upon the termination of the related commitments to open new franchised restaurants. Rental income from properties owned and leased by the Company and leased or subleased to franchisees is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms. Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts related to the leased and/or subleased properties are amortized to rental income on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases. See “Leases” below for further information on rental income and favorable and unfavorable lease amounts.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes food and paper, restaurant labor and occupancy, advertising and other operating costs.
Vendor Incentives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Vendor Incentives The Company receives incentives from certain vendors. These incentives are recognized as earned and are classified as a reduction of “Cost of sales.”
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs The Company incurs various advertising costs, including contributions to certain advertising cooperatives based upon a percentage of net sales by company-owned restaurants. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred, with the exception of media development costs that are expensed beginning in the month that the advertisement is first communicated, and are included in “Cost of sales.”
Self Insurance Policy [Policy Text Block]	Self-insurance The Company is self-insured for most workers’ compensation losses and health care claims and purchases insurance for general liability and automotive liability losses, all subject to a $500 per occurrence retention or deductible limit. The Company provides for their estimated cost to settle both known claims and claims incurred but not yet reported. Liabilities associated with these claims are estimated, in part, by considering the frequency and severity of historical claims, both specific to us, as well as industry-wide loss experience and other actuarial assumptions. We determine our insurance obligations with the assistance of actuarial firms. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording insurance liabilities and in the case of workers’ compensation a significant period of time elapses before the ultimate resolution of claims, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities.
Leases, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Leases The Company operates restaurants that are located on sites owned by us and sites leased by us from third parties. At inception, each lease is evaluated to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or capital lease based on its terms. When determining the lease term, we include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a significant economic detriment. The primary penalty to which we may be subject is the economic detriment associated with the existence of unamortized leasehold improvements which might be impaired if we choose not to exercise the available renewal options. For operating leases, minimum lease payments, including minimum scheduled rent increases, are recognized as rent expense on a straight line basis (“Straight-Line Rent”) over the applicable lease terms. Lease terms are generally initially between 15 and 20 years and, in most cases, provide for rent escalations and renewal options. The term used for Straight-Line Rent is calculated initially from the date we obtain possession of the leased premises through the expected lease termination date. We expense rent from the possession date to the restaurant opening date. There is a period under certain lease agreements referred to as a rent holiday (“Rent Holiday”) that generally begins on the possession date and ends on the rent commencement date. During a Rent Holiday, no cash rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease; however, expense is recorded for that period on a straight-line basis consistent with the Straight-Line Rent method. For leases that contain rent escalations, we record the rent payable during the lease term, as determined above, on the straight-line basis over the term of the lease (including the Rent Holiday beginning upon possession of the premises), and record the excess of the Straight-Line Rent over the minimum rents paid as a deferred lease liability included in “Other liabilities.” Certain leases contain provisions, referred to as contingent rent (“Contingent Rent”), that require additional rental payments based upon restaurant sales volume. Contingent Rent is expensed each period as the liability is incurred. Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts are recorded as components of “Other intangible assets” and “Other liabilities,” respectively. Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases. Such amortization is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations based on the nature of the underlying lease; Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts related to leases for company-owned restaurants, sold or closed restaurants, leased and/or subleased properties and corporate offices are amortized to “Cost of sales,” “Other operating expense, net,” “Franchise revenues” and “General and administrative,” respectively. When the expected term of a lease is determined to be shorter than the original amortization period, the favorable or unfavorable lease balance associated with the lease is adjusted to reflect the revised lease term. Management makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding each new lease agreement, lease renewal and lease amendment, including, but not limited to, property values, market rents, property lives, discount rates and probable term, all of which can impact (1) the classification and accounting for a lease as capital or operating, (2) the Rent Holiday and escalations in payment that are taken into consideration when calculating Straight-Line Rent, (3) the term over which leasehold improvements for each restaurant are amortized and (4) the values and lives of favorable and unfavorable leases. The amount of depreciation and amortization, interest and rent expense reported would vary if different estimates and assumptions were used.
Concentration of Risk, Policy [Text Block]	Concentration of Risk Wendy’s had no customers which accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in 2013, 2012 or 2011. As of December 29, 2013, Wendy’s had one main in-line distributor of food, packaging and beverage products, excluding produce and breads, that serviced approximately 56% of its company-owned and franchised restaurants and three additional in-line distributors that, in the aggregate, serviced approximately 36% of its company-owned and franchised restaurants. We believe that our vulnerability to risk concentrations related to significant vendors and sources of its raw materials is mitigated as we believe that there are other vendors who would be able to service our requirements. However, if a disruption of service from any of our main in-line distributors was to occur, we could experience short-term increases in our costs while distribution channels were adjusted. Wendy’s restaurants are principally located throughout the U.S. and to a lesser extent, in 28 foreign countries and U.S. territories with the largest number in Canada. Wendy’s restaurants are located in 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the largest number in Florida, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Because our restaurant operations are generally located throughout the U.S. and to a much lesser extent, Canada and other foreign countries and U. S. territories, we believe the risk of geographic concentration is not significant. We could be adversely affected by changing consumer preferences resulting from concerns over nutritional or safety aspects of beef, poultry, french fries or other products we sell or the effects of food safety events or disease outbreaks. Our exposure to foreign exchange risk is primarily related to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar for our Canadian operations. However, our exposure to Canadian dollar foreign currency risk is mitigated by the fact that less than 10% of Wendy’s restaurants are in Canada.
New Accounting Standards Adopted, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Standards In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an amendment that requires companies to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. The amendment is effective commencing with our 2014 fiscal year. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued an amendment adding new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The amendment requires presentation of changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI by component either (1) on the face of the statement of operations of (2) as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2013; however, no amounts have been reclassified out of AOCI during the periods presented in our consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2013

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include all of the Company’s subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company reports “Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests,” separately in our consolidated statements of operations.

The Company participates in two national advertising funds established to collect and administer funds contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs for company-owned and franchised restaurants. The revenue, expenses and cash flows of such advertising funds are not included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows because the contributions to these advertising funds are designated for specific purposes and the Company acts as an agent, in substance, with regard to these contributions. The assets and liabilities of these funds are reported as “Advertising funds restricted assets” and “Advertising funds restricted liabilities.”

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Reclassifications, Policy [Text Block]

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation.

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal reporting periods consist of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to December 31 and are referred to herein as (1) “the year ended December 29, 2013” or “2013,” (2) “the year ended December 30, 2012” or “2012,” and (3) “the year ended January 1, 2012” or “2011,” all of which consisted of 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired are considered cash equivalents. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents principally consist of cash in bank and money market mutual fund accounts and are primarily not in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured accounts.

We believe that our vulnerability to risk concentrations in our cash equivalents is mitigated by (1) our policies restricting the eligibility, credit quality and concentration limits for our placements in cash equivalents and (2) insurance from the Securities Investor Protection Corporation of up to $500 per account, as well as supplemental private insurance coverage maintained by substantially all of our brokerage firms, to the extent our cash equivalents are held in brokerage accounts.

Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts and Notes Receivable

Accounts and notes receivable consist primarily of royalties, franchise fees, rents due principally from franchisees and credit card receivables. The need for an allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on a specific identification basis based upon past due balances and the financial strength of the obligor.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories

The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined in accordance with the first-in, first-out method and consist primarily of restaurant food items and paper supplies.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

The Company has a 50% share in a partnership in a Canadian restaurant real estate joint venture (“TimWen”) with Tim Hortons Inc. (“THI”) and has significant influence over the investee. Such investment is accounted for using the equity method, under which our results of operations include our share of the income of the investee. Investments in limited partnerships and other non-current investments in which the Company does not have significant influence over the investees, which includes our indirect 18.5% interest in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”), are recorded at cost with related realized gains and losses reported as income or loss in the period in which the securities are sold or otherwise disposed. Cash distributions and dividends received that are determined to be returns of capital are recorded as a reduction of the carrying value of our investments.

The difference between the carrying value of our TimWen equity investment and the underlying equity in the historical net assets of the investee is accounted for as if the investee were a consolidated subsidiary. Accordingly, the carrying value difference is amortized over the estimated lives of the assets of the investee to which such difference would have been allocated if the equity investment were a consolidated subsidiary. To the extent the carrying value difference represents goodwill, it is not amortized.

Properties and Depreciation and Amortization, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Properties and Depreciation and Amortization

Properties are stated at cost, including internal costs of employees to the extent such employees are dedicated to specific restaurant construction projects, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of properties is computed principally on the straight-line basis using the following estimated useful lives of the related major classes of properties: 5 to 20 years for office and restaurant equipment, 3 to 15 years for transportation equipment and 7 to 30 years for buildings and improvements. When the Company commits to a plan to cease using certain properties before the end of their estimated useful lives, depreciation expense is accelerated to reflect the use of the assets over their shortened useful lives. Capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the respective leases, including periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably assured of exercising.

The Company reviews properties for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If such review indicates an asset group may not be recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of an asset group to be held and used or over the fair value less cost to sell of an asset to be disposed. Asset groups are primarily comprised of our individual restaurant properties.

The Company classifies assets as held for sale and ceases depreciation of the assets when there is a plan for disposal of the assets and those assets meet the held for sale criteria. Assets held for sale are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill, representing the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of the acquired net assets, is not amortized. Goodwill associated with our company-owned restaurants is reduced as a result of restaurant dispositions and is included in the carrying value of the restaurant in determining the gain or loss on disposal. If a company-owned restaurant is sold within two years of being acquired from a franchisee, the goodwill associated with the acquisition is written off in its entirety. For goodwill impairment testing purposes, we include two reporting units comprised of our (1) North America company-owned and franchise restaurants and (2) international franchise restaurants. The Company tests goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired.

If the Company determines that impairment may exist, the amount of the impairment loss is measured as the excess, if any, of the carrying amount of the goodwill over its implied fair value. In determining the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the Company allocates the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

Our fair value estimates are subject to change as a result of many factors including, among others, any changes in our business plans, changing economic conditions and the competitive environment. Should actual cash flows and our future estimates vary adversely from those estimates we use, we may be required to recognize goodwill impairment charges in future years.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

For impairment testing purposes, long-lived assets include our company-owned restaurant assets and their definite-lived intangible assets, which include favorable leases and reacquired rights under franchise agreements. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by our individual company-owned restaurants. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, then impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value and is included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.” Our restaurant impairment losses principally reflect impairment charges resulting from the deterioration in operating performance of certain company-owned restaurants.

As a result of the Company’s system optimization initiative announced in the second quarter of 2013, the Company has recorded losses on remeasuring long-lived assets to fair value upon determination that the assets will be leased and/or subleased to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of restaurants (“System Optimization Remeasurement”). Such losses have been included in “Facilities action charges, net” in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 29, 2013. The fair value of these long-lived assets was based upon discounted cash flows of future anticipated lease and sublease income.

Our fair value estimates are subject to change as a result of many factors including, among others, any changes in our business plans, changing economic conditions and the competitive environment. Should actual cash flows and our future estimates vary adversely from those estimates we used, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges in future years.

Other Intangible Assets and Deferred Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Intangible Assets and Deferred Financing Costs

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis using the following estimated useful lives of the related classes of intangibles: for favorable leases, the terms of the respective leases, including periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably assured of exercising; 3 to 5 years for computer software; 3 to 20 years for reacquired rights under franchise agreements and 20 years for franchise agreements. Trademarks have an indefinite life and are not amortized.

The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually by comparing their carrying value to fair value; any excess of carrying value over fair value is recognized as an impairment loss. Our estimates in the determination of the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets include the anticipated future revenues of company-owned and franchised restaurants and the resulting cash flows.

Deferred financing costs are amortized as interest expense over the term of the respective debt using the effective interest rate method.

Derivative Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of our cash flow hedging instruments are recorded as an adjustment to “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments and is subsequently reclassified into “Interest expense” in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Fixed to floating interest rate swap agreements are accounted for as fair value hedges. Changes in the fair value of our fair value hedging instruments are recorded as an adjustment to the underlying debt balance being hedged to the extent of the effectiveness of such hedging instruments. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the designated hedging instruments is included in “Other (expense) income, net.”

Share-based Compensation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

The Company has granted share-based compensation awards to certain employees under several equity plans. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity award, which include grants of employee stock options and restricted shares, based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. Share-based compensation expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures, determined based on historical experience. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the requisite service period unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case they recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period to the extent performance conditions are considered probable. The Company determines the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model (the “Black-Scholes Model”) unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in which case we use a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved.

Foreign Currency Translation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

Substantially all of the Company’s foreign operations are in Canada where the functional currency is the Canadian dollar. Financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are prepared in their functional currency and then translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date and revenues, costs and expenses are translated at a monthly average exchange rate. Net gains or losses resulting from the translation adjustment are charged or credited directly to the “Foreign currency translation adjustment” component of “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.” Gains and losses arising from the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on transactions in foreign currency are included in “General and administrative.”

Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are (1) future tax effects from temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (2) operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the interaction and the timing of future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income, recent operating results and tax-planning strategies. When considered necessary, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets to their anticipated realizable value.

The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby we first determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is then measured for purposes of financial statement recognition as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon being effectively settled.

Interest accrued for uncertain tax positions is charged to “Interest expense.” Penalties accrued for uncertain tax positions are charged to “General and administrative.”

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

“Sales” includes revenues recognized upon delivery of food to the customer at company-owned restaurants and bakery items to our franchisees and others and upon shipment of kids’ meal promotional items to our franchisees and others. “Sales” excludes taxes collected from the Company’s customers.

“Franchise revenues” includes royalties, franchise fees and rental income. Royalties from franchised restaurants are based on a percentage of net sales of the franchised restaurant and are recognized as earned. Initial franchise fees and development fees are recorded as deferred income when received and are recognized as revenue when a franchised restaurant is opened as all material services and conditions related to the franchise fee have been substantially performed upon the restaurant opening. Initial franchise fees received in connection with sales of company-owned restaurants to franchisees and renewal franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the license agreements are signed and the fee is paid since there are no material services and conditions related to the franchise fees. Franchise commitment fee deposits are forfeited and recognized as revenue upon the termination of the related commitments to open new franchised restaurants. Rental income from properties owned and leased by the Company and leased or subleased to franchisees is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective operating lease terms. Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts related to the leased and/or subleased properties are amortized to rental income on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases. See “Leases” below for further information on rental income and favorable and unfavorable lease amounts.

Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes food and paper, restaurant labor and occupancy, advertising and other operating costs.

Vendor Incentives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Vendor Incentives

The Company receives incentives from certain vendors. These incentives are recognized as earned and are classified as a reduction of “Cost of sales.”

Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

The Company incurs various advertising costs, including contributions to certain advertising cooperatives based upon a percentage of net sales by company-owned restaurants. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred, with the exception of media development costs that are expensed beginning in the month that the advertisement is first communicated, and are included in “Cost of sales.”

Self Insurance Policy [Policy Text Block]

Self-insurance

The Company is self-insured for most workers’ compensation losses and health care claims and purchases insurance for general liability and automotive liability losses, all subject to a $500 per occurrence retention or deductible limit. The Company provides for their estimated cost to settle both known claims and claims incurred but not yet reported. Liabilities associated with these claims are estimated, in part, by considering the frequency and severity of historical claims, both specific to us, as well as industry-wide loss experience and other actuarial assumptions. We determine our insurance obligations with the assistance of actuarial firms. Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording insurance liabilities and in the case of workers’ compensation a significant period of time elapses before the ultimate resolution of claims, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities.

Leases, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Leases

The Company operates restaurants that are located on sites owned by us and sites leased by us from third parties. At inception, each lease is evaluated to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or capital lease based on its terms. When determining the lease term, we include option periods for which failure to renew the lease imposes a significant economic detriment. The primary penalty to which we may be subject is the economic detriment associated with the existence of unamortized leasehold improvements which might be impaired if we choose not to exercise the available renewal options.

For operating leases, minimum lease payments, including minimum scheduled rent increases, are recognized as rent expense on a straight line basis (“Straight-Line Rent”) over the applicable lease terms. Lease terms are generally initially between 15 and 20 years and, in most cases, provide for rent escalations and renewal options. The term used for Straight-Line Rent is calculated initially from the date we obtain possession of the leased premises through the expected lease termination date. We expense rent from the possession date to the restaurant opening date. There is a period under certain lease agreements referred to as a rent holiday (“Rent Holiday”) that generally begins on the possession date and ends on the rent commencement date. During a Rent Holiday, no cash rent payments are typically due under the terms of the lease; however, expense is recorded for that period on a straight-line basis consistent with the Straight-Line Rent method.

For leases that contain rent escalations, we record the rent payable during the lease term, as determined above, on the straight-line basis over the term of the lease (including the Rent Holiday beginning upon possession of the premises), and record the excess of the Straight-Line Rent over the minimum rents paid as a deferred lease liability included in “Other liabilities.” Certain leases contain provisions, referred to as contingent rent (“Contingent Rent”), that require additional rental payments based upon restaurant sales volume. Contingent Rent is expensed each period as the liability is incurred.

Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts are recorded as components of “Other intangible assets” and “Other liabilities,” respectively. Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the leases. Such amortization is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations based on the nature of the underlying lease; Favorable and unfavorable lease amounts related to leases for company-owned restaurants, sold or closed restaurants, leased and/or subleased properties and corporate offices are amortized to “Cost of sales,” “Other operating expense, net,” “Franchise revenues” and “General and administrative,” respectively. When the expected term of a lease is determined to be shorter than the original amortization period, the favorable or unfavorable lease balance associated with the lease is adjusted to reflect the revised lease term.

Management makes certain estimates and assumptions regarding each new lease agreement, lease renewal and lease amendment, including, but not limited to, property values, market rents, property lives, discount rates and probable term, all of which can impact (1) the classification and accounting for a lease as capital or operating, (2) the Rent Holiday and escalations in payment that are taken into consideration when calculating Straight-Line Rent, (3) the term over which leasehold improvements for each restaurant are amortized and (4) the values and lives of favorable and unfavorable leases. The amount of depreciation and amortization, interest and rent expense reported would vary if different estimates and assumptions were used.

Concentration of Risk, Policy [Text Block]

Concentration of Risk

Wendy’s had no customers which accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in 2013, 2012 or 2011. As of December 29, 2013, Wendy’s had one main in-line distributor of food, packaging and beverage products, excluding produce and breads, that serviced approximately 56% of its company-owned and franchised restaurants and three additional in-line distributors that, in the aggregate, serviced approximately 36% of its company-owned and franchised restaurants. We believe that our vulnerability to risk concentrations related to significant vendors and sources of its raw materials is mitigated as we believe that there are other vendors who would be able to service our requirements. However, if a disruption of service from any of our main in-line distributors was to occur, we could experience short-term increases in our costs while distribution channels were adjusted.

Wendy’s restaurants are principally located throughout the U.S. and to a lesser extent, in 28 foreign countries and U.S. territories with the largest number in Canada. Wendy’s restaurants are located in 50 states and the District of Columbia, with the largest number in Florida, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Because our restaurant operations are generally located throughout the U.S. and to a much lesser extent, Canada and other foreign countries and U. S. territories, we believe the risk of geographic concentration is not significant. We could be adversely affected by changing consumer preferences resulting from concerns over nutritional or safety aspects of beef, poultry, french fries or other products we sell or the effects of food safety events or disease outbreaks. Our exposure to foreign exchange risk is primarily related to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar for our Canadian operations. However, our exposure to Canadian dollar foreign currency risk is mitigated by the fact that less than 10% of Wendy’s restaurants are in Canada.

New Accounting Standards Adopted, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Standards

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an amendment that requires companies to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. The amendment is effective commencing with our 2014 fiscal year. The Company does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued an amendment adding new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The amendment requires presentation of changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI by component either (1) on the face of the statement of operations of (2) as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2013; however, no amounts have been reclassified out of AOCI during the periods presented in our consolidated financial statements.