Segment Information Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2021	Dec. 29, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item
Total net income of equity method investments	$ 6,096	$ 8,673	$ 8,076
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item
Total net income of equity method investments	(417)	(1,022)	(1,344)
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item
Total net income of equity method investments	$ 6,513	$ 9,695	$ 9,420