Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2016	Feb. 24, 2016	Jun. 26, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	WENDY'S CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000030697
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--01-03
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Jan. 03, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		270,010,291
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 3,272.9