Basis of Presentation Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014 Franchisee-Owned Wendy's / Tim Hortons Canadian Combo Units [Member]	Sep. 29, 2013 Franchisee-Owned Wendy's / Tim Hortons Canadian Combo Units [Member] Franchise Revenues [Member]	Sep. 29, 2013 Franchisee-Owned Wendy's / Tim Hortons Canadian Combo Units [Member] Other Operating Income (Expense) [Member]	Jun. 29, 2014 Franchisee-Owned Wendy's / Tim Hortons Canadian Combo Units [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Franchise revenues	$ 103,430	$ 82,750	$ 292,619	$ 235,105	$ 1,949			$ 3,436
Other Operating Expense	8,783	(3,653)	4,522	(3,043)	1,949			3,436
Prior Period Error, Unadjusted						$ 5,667	$ (5,667)