Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, before accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28555-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001942&loc=d3e12355-112629

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001942&loc=d3e12317-112629

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6031897-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt, classified as current. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs of long-term debt classified as noncurrent and excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt classified as other.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow from contractual arrangement with the lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3255-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3291-108585

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SeniorNotes
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Additional Interest Rate On Debt, After Anticipated Repayment Date

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_AdditionalInterestRateOnDebtAfterAnticipatedRepaymentDate
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Additional Term on Debt, After Anticipated Repayment Date

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_AdditionalTermonDebtAfterAnticipatedRepaymentDate
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually from 2020 through 2025

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_LongtermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsofPrincipalAnnuallyfrom2020through2025
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually from 2027 through 2028

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_LongtermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsofPrincipalAnnuallyfrom2027through2028
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually in 2026

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_LongtermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsofPrincipalAnnuallyin2026
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually in 2029

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_LongtermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsofPrincipalAnnuallyin2029
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually through 2019

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wen_LongtermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsofPrincipalAnnuallythrough2019
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20191ClassA2INotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20191ClassA2IINotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20181ClassA2INotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20181ClassA2IINotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20151ClassA2IINotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20151ClassA2IIINotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_A7DebenturesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20191ClassA2NotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20191ClassA1NotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20181ClassA1NotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=wen_Series20191SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=wen_WendysU.S.AdvertisingFundMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 26, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ (34,794)		$ (34,794)			$ (32,217)
Total debt	2,293,616		2,293,616			2,328,802
Less amounts payable within one year	(22,750)		(22,750)			(23,250)
Total long-term debt	2,270,866		2,270,866			2,305,552
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	0	$ 0	7,150	$ 11,475
Series 2019-1 Class A-2-I Notes
Debt Instrument
Senior Notes	$ 399,000		$ 399,000		$ 400,000	0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.783%		3.783%
Additional Interest Rate On Debt, After Anticipated Repayment Date					1.863%
Series 2019-1 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument
Senior Notes	$ 448,875		$ 448,875		$ 450,000	0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.08%		4.08%
Additional Interest Rate On Debt, After Anticipated Repayment Date					2.051%
Series 2018-1 Class A-2-I Notes
Debt Instrument
Senior Notes	$ 442,125		$ 442,125			445,500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.573%		3.573%
Series 2018-1 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument
Senior Notes	$ 466,688		$ 466,688			470,250
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.884%		3.884%
Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes
Debt Instrument
Senior Notes	$ 0		$ 0			870,750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.08%		4.08%
Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes
Debt Instrument
Senior Notes	$ 480,000		$ 480,000			483,750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.497%		4.497%
7% Debentures
Debt Instrument
7% debentures, due in 2025	$ 91,722		$ 91,722			$ 90,769
Series 2019-1 Class A-2 Notes
Debt Instrument
Additional Interest Rate On Debt, After Anticipated Repayment Date					5.00%
Additional Term on Debt, After Anticipated Repayment Date			10 years
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually through 2019					$ 4,250
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually from 2020 through 2025					8,500
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually in 2026					378,500
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually from 2027 through 2028					4,500
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal Annually in 2029					407,250
Series 2019-1 Class A-1 Notes \| Line of Credit
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					150,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit			$ 0
Series 2018-1 Class A-1 Notes \| Line of Credit
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					$ 150,000
Series 2019-1 Senior Notes
Debt Instrument
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross	14,008		14,008
Wendy's U.S. Advertising Fund
Debt Instrument
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 25,000		25,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit			0	9,837
Repayments of Lines of Credit			$ 0	$ 11,124