Supplemental Cash Flow Information Franchise Development Fund (Details) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2021 USD ($) number_of_restaurants
Franchise Development Fund
Build to Suit Development Fund, Expected Cost \| $	$ 100,000
Maximum
Franchise Development Fund
Build to Suit Development Fund, Expected Number of Restaurants \| number_of_restaurants	80

Build to Suit Development Fund, Expected Number of Restaurants

No definition available.

Name:	wen_BuildToSuitDevelopmentFundExpectedNumberOfRestaurants
Namespace Prefix:	wen_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant