Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 28, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	$ 60,661	$ 80,573	$ 109,393	$ 146,839
Advertising funds deficit	(1,020)	(2,055)	(2,407)	(2,055)
Unallocated general and administrative	(48,592)	(50,784)	(100,231)	(100,097)
Depreciation and amortization	(34,714)	(31,484)	(65,760)	(64,669)
System optimization gains, net	1,987	110	2,310	122
Reorganization and realignment costs	(2,911)	(3,570)	(6,821)	(4,368)
Impairment on long-lived assets	(117)	(198)	(4,704)	(1,684)
Unallocated other operating income, net	1,396	3,003	3,328	6,985
Interest expense, net	(29,085)	(29,931)	(57,610)	(59,013)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	(7,150)	0	(7,150)
Other (expense) income, net	(144)	2,247	932	4,947
Income before income taxes	31,432	45,739	52,715	85,623
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information
Unallocated general and administrative	(23,051)	(20,610)	(47,170)	(41,352)
Unallocated other operating income, net	46	26	91	137
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	120,441	138,354	233,854	260,708
Operating Segments | Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	93,136	102,973	174,964	192,627
Advertising funds deficit	(2,185)		(2,185)
Operating Segments | Wendy's International
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	3,594	5,482	8,689	11,229
Operating Segments | Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting Information
Segment profit	$ 23,711	$ 29,899	$ 50,201	$ 56,852