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Realignment and reorganization costs Summary (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2015
Mar. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
Restructuring Charges $ 4,613us-gaap_RestructuringCharges $ 14,711us-gaap_RestructuringCharges [1]
General and Administrative Realignment and Reinvestment [Member]    
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
Restructuring Charges 4,163us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= wen_GeneralandAdministrativeRealignmentandReinvestmentMember		 0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= wen_GeneralandAdministrativeRealignmentandReinvestmentMember
System Optimization [Member]    
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
Restructuring Charges $ 450us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= wen_SystemOptimizationMember		 $ 14,711us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= wen_SystemOptimizationMember
[1] Previously titled “Facilities action (income) charges, net.”