Basis of Presentation Accelerated Depreciation on IA Remodels (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Apr. 03, 2016 USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization	$ 1,822

Depreciation and/or amortization on existing assets that has been accelerated due to a change in the useful lives of the assets.

No definition available.

Name:	wen_AcceleratedDepreciationandAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration