Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 402,306	$ 435,348	$ 807,266	$ 843,931
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	331,258	359,155	662,299	692,641
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	14,003	17,030	29,475	33,028
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 57,045	$ 59,163	$ 115,492	$ 118,262