Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash Equivalents (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 03, 2016 USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents, Insurance from Securities Investor Protection Corporation, Maximum per Account	$ 500

Cash Equivalents, Insurance from Securities Investor Protection Corporation, Maximum

No definition available.

Name:	wen_CashEquivalentsInsuranceFromSecuritiesInvestorProtectionCorporationMaximumPerAccount
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant