Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jul. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 427,191	$ 437,880	$ 435,348	$ 408,583	$ 397,820	$ 400,550	$ 411,002	$ 380,564	$ 1,709,002	$ 1,589,936	$ 1,223,408
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues									1,404,307	1,312,491	986,738
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues									68,198	67,630	43,696
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues									$ 236,497	$ 209,815	$ 192,974