Segment Information Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 452,242	$ 437,880	$ 1,259,508	$ 1,281,811
Wendy's U.S.
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	374,895	359,353	1,037,194	1,051,994
Wendy's International
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	17,264	17,931	46,739	50,959
Global Real Estate & Development
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item
Total revenues	$ 60,083	$ 60,596	$ 175,575	$ 178,858