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Term of lessee's operating lease, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 842
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888426&loc=SL77918673-209980

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The number of countries in which the entity operates as of balance sheet date.

No definition available.

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Represents the number of restaurants.

No definition available.

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The total amount of revenue recognized for the period from operating leases, including minimum lease revenue, contingent revenue, percentage revenue and sublease revenue.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 20
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902458&loc=d3e39896-112707

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Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

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Revenue earned during the period from the leasing or otherwise lending to a third party the entity's rights or title to certain property. Royalty revenue is derived from a percentage or stated amount of sales proceeds or revenue generated by the third party using the entity's property. Examples of property from which royalties may be derived include patents and oil and mineral rights.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

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Aggregate revenue during the period from the sale of goods in the normal course of business, after deducting returns, allowances and discounts.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

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Advertising funds revenue collected from franchisees contributed for use in advertising and promotional programs.

No definition available.

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Franchise agreement extension term

No definition available.

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Franchise agreement renewal term

No definition available.

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Franchise agreement renewal term extension

No definition available.

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Franchise agreement term

No definition available.

Name:	wen_Franchiseagreementterm
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Franchise fee revenue

No definition available.

Name:	wen_Franchisefeerevenue
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Name:	us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_US
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Name:	us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_CA
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Name:	us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=wen_OtherInternationalMember
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Name:	us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis=us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
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Name:	us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis=us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember
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Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
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Name:	us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis=wen_LesseeDisclosureMember
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