Long-Term Debt Other Long-term Debt Disclosure (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2018 USD ($) NumberofEntities	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2018 CAD ($) NumberofEntities
Wendy's U.S. Advertising Fund
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 25,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	9,837	$ 31,130
Repayments of Lines of Credit	$ 11,124	$ 29,843
Canadian Subsidiary
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 6,000
Revolving Credit | NumberofEntities	1		1