System Optimization Losses (Gains), Net System Optimization Gain on Sale of Restaurants, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015 stores		Mar. 30, 2014 stores		Dec. 28, 2014 stores	Dec. 29, 2013 stores	Feb. 28, 2015 stores
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees	17		178	[1]	255	244
Significant Changes, Planned Franchises to Sell							540
Future company-owned restaurant ownership percentage							5.00%
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
(Loss) gain on sales of restaurants, net	$ (813)		$ 72,992	[1]
Sale of Company-Owned Restaurants to Franchiees [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from the sale of assets	4,581		101,560	[1]
Net assets sold	(2,222)	[2]	(42,016)	[1],[2]
Goodwill related to sales of restaurants	(1,023)		(13,658)	[1]
Net (unfavorable) favorable leases	(528)	[3]	24,981	[1],[3]
Other	(402)		300	[1]
Gain on sales of restaurants, net, before post-closing adjustments	406		71,167	[1]
Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants	(1,573)		(1,587)	[1]
(Loss) gain on sales of restaurants, net	(1,167)		69,580	[1]
Favorable Lease Assets	2,379		47,392	[1]
Unfavorable Lease Liabilities	2,907		22,411	[1]
Sale of Other Assets [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from the sale of assets	1,702		6,897	[1]
(Loss) gain on sales of restaurants, net	$ 354	[4]	$ 3,412	[1],[4]

[1] Reclassifications have been made to the prior year presentation to include sales of restaurants previously reported in “Other operating expense, net” to conform to the current year presentation. See Note 1 for further details.

[2] Net assets sold consisted primarily of cash, inventory and equipment.

[3] During the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, the Company recorded favorable lease assets of $2,379 and $47,392, respectively, and unfavorable lease liabilities of $2,907 and $22,411, respectively, as a result of leasing and/or subleasing land, buildings, and/or leasehold improvements to franchisees, in connection with sales of restaurants.

[4] During the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, Wendy’s received cash proceeds of $1,702 and $6,897, respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties as well as the sale of a company-owned aircraft during the first quarter of 2014.