Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020	Oct. 03, 2021	Sep. 27, 2020
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 470,255	$ 452,242	$ 1,423,795	$ 1,259,508
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	383,804	374,895	1,175,601	1,037,194
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	22,674	17,264	62,240	46,739
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 63,777	$ 60,083	$ 185,954	$ 175,575