Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2022	Oct. 03, 2021	Oct. 02, 2022	Oct. 03, 2021
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 532,569	$ 470,255	$ 1,558,995	$ 1,423,795
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	445,934	383,804	1,303,685	1,175,601
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	27,547	22,674	77,916	62,240
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 59,088	$ 63,777	$ 177,394	$ 185,954