Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 404,960	$ 408,583
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	331,041	333,486
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	15,472	15,998
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 58,447	$ 59,099