Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	$ 48,732	$ 66,266
Advertising funds deficit	(1,387)	0
Unallocated general and administrative	(51,639)	(49,313)
Depreciation and amortization	(31,046)	(33,185)
System optimization gains, net	323	12
Reorganization and realignment costs	(3,910)	(798)
Impairment on long-lived assets	(4,587)	(1,486)
Unallocated other operating income, net	1,932	3,982
Interest expense, net	(28,525)	(29,082)
Other income, net	1,076	2,700
Income before income taxes	21,283	39,884
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Unallocated general and administrative	(24,119)	(20,742)
Unallocated other operating income, net	45	111
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	113,413	122,354
Operating Segments \| Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	81,828	89,654
Operating Segments \| Wendy's International
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	5,095	5,747
Operating Segments \| Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	$ 26,490	$ 26,953

Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill.

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