The Wendy's Company (WEN) 10-Q 9 Aug 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Aug. 03, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	WENDY'S CO
Entity Central Index Key	30,697
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jul. 2, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		243,456,241

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 204,543	$ 198,240
Restricted cash	39,144	57,612
Accounts and notes receivable, net	106,649	98,825
Inventories	2,922	2,851
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27,438	19,244
Advertising funds restricted assets	60,227	75,760
Total current assets	440,923	452,532
Properties	1,254,750	1,192,339
Goodwill	742,407	741,410
Other intangible assets	1,338,645	1,322,531
Investments	56,999	56,981
Net investment in direct financing leases	213,069	123,604
Other assets	61,870	49,917
Total assets	4,108,663	3,939,314
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	28,988	24,652
Accounts payable	23,963	27,635
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	116,352	102,034
Advertising funds restricted liabilities	60,227	75,760
Total current liabilities	229,530	230,081
Long-term debt	2,699,760	2,487,630
Deferred income taxes	415,479	446,513
Other liabilities	276,845	247,354
Total liabilities	3,621,614	3,411,578
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value; 1,500,000 shares authorized; 470,424 shares issued; 244,313 and 246,574 shares outstanding, respectively	47,042	47,042
Additional paid-in capital	2,882,494	2,878,589
Accumulated deficit	(302,939)	(290,857)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost; 226,111 and 223,850 shares, respectively	(2,085,301)	(2,043,797)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(54,247)	(63,241)
Total stockholders’ equity	487,049	527,736
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 4,108,663	$ 3,939,314

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Balance Sheet Parentheticals - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Common Stock, Par Value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	470,424	470,424
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	244,313	246,574
Treasury Stock, Shares	226,111	223,850

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Revenues:
Sales	$ 160,859	$ 259,235	$ 309,071	$ 518,567
Franchise royalty revenue and fees	112,548	88,952	207,238	177,847
Franchise rental income	46,935	34,531	89,852	65,091
Revenues	320,342	382,718	606,161	761,505
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	129,360	202,554	252,767	417,290
Franchise rental expense	21,897	17,493	40,765	32,150
General and administrative	51,280	61,124	103,730	125,770
Depreciation and amortization	31,309	30,749	60,474	63,094
System optimization losses (gains), net	41,050	(1,924)	39,643	(10,350)
Reorganization and realignment costs	17,699	2,487	17,880	5,737
Impairment of long-lived assets	253	5,525	763	12,630
Other operating expense (income), net	1,700	(938)	3,625	(14,293)
Costs and expenses	294,548	317,070	519,647	632,028
Operating profit	25,794	65,648	86,514	129,477
Interest expense	(28,935)	(28,643)	(57,910)	(56,752)
Other income, net	2,844	276	3,233	538
(Loss) income before income taxes	(297)	37,281	31,837	73,263
Provision for income taxes	(1,548)	(10,801)	(11,341)	(21,420)
Net (loss) income	$ (1,845)	$ 26,480	$ 20,496	$ 51,843
Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$ (0.01)	$ 0.10	$ 0.08	$ 0.19
Dividends
Dividends per share	$ 0.07	$ 0.06	$ 0.14	$ 0.12

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Net (loss) income	$ (1,845)	$ 26,480	$ 20,496	$ 51,843
Other comprehensive income, net:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	6,065	1,580	8,010	14,256
Change in unrecognized pension loss, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(60) for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and $34 for the three and six months ended July 3, 2016	0	(56)	96	(56)
Effect of cash flow hedges, net of income tax provision of $281 and $559 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively	443	443	888	888
Other comprehensive income, net	6,508	1,967	8,994	15,088
Comprehensive income	$ 4,663	$ 28,447	$ 29,490	$ 66,931

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Change in unrecognized pension loss, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(60) for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and $34 for the three and six months ended July 3, 2016	$ 0	$ 34	$ (60)	$ 34
Effect of cash flow hedges, net of income tax provision of $281 and $559 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively	$ 281	$ 281	$ 559	$ 559

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 20,496	$ 51,843
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	60,474	64,694
Share-based compensation	11,372	9,925
Impairment of long-lived assets	763	12,630
Deferred income tax	(2,496)	(10,353)
Non-cash rental income, net	(5,286)	(2,561)
Net receipt of deferred vendor incentives	7,077	8,230
System optimization losses (gains), net	(39,643)	10,350
Gain on Sale of Investments	2,553	0
Distributions received from TimWen joint venture	5,524	5,786
Equity in earnings in joint ventures, net	(3,786)	(4,275)
Accretion of long-term debt	617	608
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3,974	3,769
Reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	1,447	1,447
Other, net	3,552	1,731
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	44	135
Accounts and notes receivable, net	(9,557)	(26,956)
Inventories	(71)	148
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,116)	(4,638)
Accounts payable	(4,484)	(1,884)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(4,051)	5,867
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,583	105,796
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(32,117)	(68,495)
Acquisitions	(86,788)	(2,209)
Dispositions	77,980	45,078
Proceeds from sale of investments	3,282	0
Payments for investments	(375)	(113)
Notes receivable, net	(2,225)	(3,439)
Changes in restricted cash	18,711	7,040
Other investing activities, net	0	(17)
Net cash used in investing activities	(21,532)	(22,155)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(13,646)	(12,651)
Deferred financing costs	(740)	(867)
Repurchases of common stock	(50,527)	(108,057)
Dividends	(34,447)	(32,152)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	6,385	6,696
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	(2,956)	(3,064)
Net cash used in financing activities	(95,931)	(150,095)
Net cash provided by (used in) operations before effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,120	(66,454)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,183	5,418
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,303	(61,036)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	198,240	327,216
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	204,543	266,180
Cash paid for:
Interest	62,090	57,501
Income taxes, net of refunds	12,886	39,745
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable	8,965	17,228
Capitalized lease obligations	$ 238,201	$ 91,579

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) of The Wendy’s Company (“The Wendy’s Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, the Financial Statements contain all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly our financial position as of July 2, 2017 and the results of our operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 and cash flows for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 . The results of operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full 2017 fiscal year. These Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for The Wendy’s Company and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 (the “Form 10-K”). The principal subsidiary of the Company is Wendy’s International, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Wendy’s”). The Company manages and internally reports its business geographically. The operation and franchising of Wendy’s ® restaurants in North America (defined as the United States of America (“U.S.”) and Canada) comprises virtually all of our current operations and represents a single reportable segment. The revenues and operating results of Wendy’s restaurants outside of North America are not material. We report on a fiscal year consisting of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Sunday closest to or on December 31. All three- and six-month periods presented herein contain 13 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively. All references to years and quarters relate to fiscal periods rather than calendar periods. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year presentation to conform to the current year presentation.

System Optimization (Losses) Ga

System Optimization (Losses) Gains, Net	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
System Optimization Gains, Net	System Optimization Losses (Gains), Net In July 2013, the Company announced a system optimization initiative, as part of its brand transformation, which includes a shift from Company-operated restaurants to franchised restaurants over time, through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers. In February 2015, the Company announced plans to reduce its ongoing Company-operated restaurant ownership to approximately 5% of the total system, which the Company completed as of January 1, 2017 . Wendy’s will continue to optimize its system by facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers, as well as evaluating strategic acquisitions of franchised restaurants and strategic dispositions of Company-operated restaurants to existing and new franchisees, to further strengthen the franchisee base, drive new restaurant development and accelerate Image Activation adoption. During the six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company recorded post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants and completed the sale of other assets, resulting in net gains totaling $3,506 . In addition, the Company facilitated the transfer of 270 restaurants between franchisees during the six months ended July 2, 2017 (excluding the DavCo and NPC transactions discussed below). DavCo and NPC Transactions As part of our system optimization initiative, the Company acquired 140 Wendy’s restaurants on May 31, 2017 from DavCo Restaurants, LLC (“DavCo”) for total net cash consideration of $86,788 , which were immediately sold to NPC International, Inc. (“NPC”), an existing franchisee of the Company, for cash proceeds of $70,688 (the “DavCo and NPC transactions”). As part of the transaction, NPC has agreed to remodel 90 acquired restaurants in the Image Activation format by the end of 2021 and build 15 new Wendy’s restaurants by the end of 2022. Prior to closing the DavCo transaction, seven DavCo restaurants were closed. The acquisition of Wendy’s restaurants from DavCo was not contingent on executing the sale agreement with NPC; as such, the Company accounted for the transactions as an acquisition and subsequent disposition of a business. The total consideration paid to DavCo was allocated to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. As part of the transactions, the Company retained leases for purposes of subleasing such properties to NPC. The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of the DavCo and NPC transactions: Three Months Ended July 2, Acquisition (a) Total consideration paid $ 86,788 Identifiable assets and liabilities assumed: Net assets held for sale 70,688 Capital lease assets 49,360 Deferred taxes 27,493 Capital lease obligations (97,046 ) Net unfavorable leases (b) (22,211 ) Other liabilities (c) (6,999 ) Total identifiable net assets 21,285 Goodwill (d) $ 65,503 Disposition Proceeds $ 70,688 Net assets sold (70,688 ) Goodwill (d) (65,503 ) Net favorable leases (e) 24,034 Other (f) (1,680 ) Loss on DavCo and NPC transactions $ (43,149 ) _______________ (a) The fair values of the identifiable intangible assets and taxes related to the acquisition are provisional amounts as of July 2, 2017 , pending final valuations and purchase accounting adjustments. The Company utilized management estimates and consultation with an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in the valuation process. (b) Includes favorable lease assets of $1,228 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $23,439 . (c) Includes a supplemental purchase price estimated at $6,344 to be paid to DavCo for the resolution of certain lease-related matters, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” (d) Includes tax deductible goodwill of $21,871 . (e) The Company recorded favorable lease assets of $30,068 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $6,034 as a result of subleasing land, buildings and leasehold improvements to NPC. (f) Includes cash payments for selling and other costs associated with the transaction. Gains and losses recognized on dispositions are recorded to “ System optimization losses (gains), net ” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Costs related to our system optimization initiative were historically recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” Costs incurred during 2017 in connection with the DavCo and NPC transactions continue to be recorded to “Reorganization and realignment costs.” All other costs incurred during 2017 related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers are recorded to “ Other operating expense (income), net .” See Note 4 for further information. The following is a summary of the disposition activity recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 July 3, July 2, July 3, Number of restaurants sold to franchisees — — — 55 Proceeds from sales of restaurants $ — $ — $ — $ 39,615 Net assets sold (a) — — — (17,055 ) Goodwill related to sales of restaurants — — — (6,376 ) Net unfavorable leases (b) — — — (4,906 ) Other — — — (795 ) — — — 10,483 Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants (c) 27 545 927 (1,590 ) Gain on sales of restaurants, net 27 545 927 8,893 Gain on sales of other assets, net (d) 2,072 1,379 2,579 1,457 Loss on DavCo and NPC transactions (43,149 ) — (43,149 ) — System optimization (losses) gains, net $ (41,050 ) $ 1,924 $ (39,643 ) $ 10,350 _______________ (a) Net assets sold consisted primarily of equipment. (b) During the six months ended July 3, 2016 , the Company recorded favorable lease assets of $183 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $5,089 as a result of leasing and/or subleasing land, buildings and/or leasehold improvements to franchisees in connection with sales of restaurants. (c) The three and six months ended July 2, 2017 includes cash proceeds of $300 related to post-closing reconciliations with franchisees. The six months ended July 2, 2017 also includes the recognition of a deferred gain of $312 as a result of the resolution of certain contingencies related to the extension of lease terms for a Canadian restaurant. (d) During the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company received cash proceeds of $5,342 and $6,992 , respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties. The six months ended July 2, 2017 also includes the recognition of a deferred gain of $375 related to the sale of a share in an aircraft. During the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , the Company received cash proceeds of $3,893 and $5,463 , respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties. As of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , the Company had assets held for sale of $3,174 and $4,800 , respectively, primarily consisting of surplus properties. Assets held for sale are included in “ Prepaid expenses and other current assets .”

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The table below presents the allocation of the total purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions of franchised restaurants: Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, Restaurants acquired from franchisees — 2 Total consideration paid, net of cash received $ — $ 2,209 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Properties — 2,218 Deferred taxes and other assets — 9 Other liabilities — (18 ) Total identifiable net assets — 2,209 Goodwill $ — $ — On May 31, 2017, the Company also entered into the DavCo and NPC transactions. See Note 2 for further information.

Reorganization and Realignment

Reorganization and Realignment Costs	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Reorganization and Realignment Costs The following is a summary of the initiatives included in “Reorganization and realignment costs:” Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, System optimization initiative $ 454 $ 2,081 $ 635 $ 4,804 G&A realignment - November 2014 plan — 406 — 933 G&A realignment - May 2017 plan 17,245 — 17,245 — Reorganization and realignment costs $ 17,699 $ 2,487 $ 17,880 $ 5,737 System Optimization Initiative The Company has recognized costs related to its system optimization initiative, which includes a shift from Company-operated restaurants to franchised restaurants over time, through acquisitions and dispositions, as well as facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers. The Company does not expect to incur additional costs during the remainder of 2017 in connection with the DavCo and NPC transactions. All other costs incurred during 2017 related to facilitating franchisee-to-franchisee restaurant transfers are recorded to “ Other operating expense (income), net .” The following is a summary of the costs recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Total Incurred Since Inception July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 18 $ 3 $ 18 $ 18,237 Professional fees 432 1,445 562 3,146 17,172 Other (a) 22 (37 ) 70 40 5,813 454 1,426 635 3,204 41,222 Accelerated depreciation and amortization (b) — 655 — 1,600 25,398 Share-based compensation (c) — — — — 5,013 Total system optimization initiative $ 454 $ 2,081 $ 635 $ 4,804 $ 71,633 _______________ (a) The three and six months ended July 3, 2016 include a reversal of an accrual of $50 as a result of a change in estimate. (b) Primarily includes accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to Company-operated restaurants in territories that have been sold in connection with our system optimization initiative. (c) Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our system optimization initiative. The tables below present a rollforward of our accrual for our system optimization initiative, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” Balance January 1, 2017 Charges Payments Balance July 2, 2017 Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — Professional fees 101 562 (655 ) 8 Other — 70 (70 ) — $ 101 $ 635 $ (728 ) $ 8 Balance January 3, 2016 Charges Payments Balance July 3, 2016 Severance and related employee costs $ 77 $ 18 $ (35 ) $ 60 Professional fees 708 3,146 (3,497 ) 357 Other 90 40 (130 ) — $ 875 $ 3,204 $ (3,662 ) $ 417 General and Administrative ( “ G&A ”) Realignment November 2014 Plan In November 2014, the Company initiated a plan to reduce its G&A expenses. The plan included a realignment and reinvestment of resources to focus primarily on accelerated restaurant development and consumer-facing restaurant technology to drive long-term growth. The Company achieved the majority of the expense reductions through the realignment of its U.S. field operations and savings at its Restaurant Support Center in Dublin, Ohio, which was substantially completed by the end of the second quarter of 2015. The Company recognized costs totaling $406 and $933 during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , respectively, and $23,960 in aggregate since inception. The Company did not incur any expenses during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and does not expect to incur additional costs related to the plan. May 2017 Plan In May 2017, the Company initiated a new plan to further reduce its G&A expenses. The Company expects to incur total costs aggregating approximately $28,000 to $33,000 related to the plan. The Company recognized costs totaling $17,245 during the three months ended July 2, 2017 , which primarily included severance and related employee costs and share-based compensation. The Company expects to incur additional costs aggregating approximately $11,000 to $16,000 , comprised of (1) severance and related employee costs of approximately $4,000 , (2) recruitment and relocation costs of approximately $4,000 , (3) third-party and other costs of approximately $2,000 and (4) share-based compensation of approximately $4,000 . The Company expects costs to be recognized during the remainder of 2017 and continue into 2019, with approximately two-thirds to be recognized during 2017. The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of the May 2017 plan: Three Months Ended July 2, Severance and related employee costs $ 13,226 Recruitment and relocation costs — Third-party and other costs 325 13,551 Share-based compensation (a) 3,694 Total G&A realignment - May 2017 plan $ 17,245 _______________ (a) Primarily represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options in connection with the termination of employees under our May 2017 plan. As of July 2, 2017 , the accruals for our May 2017 plan are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” and totaled $7,376 and $5,422 , respectively. The table below presents a rollforward of our accruals for the May 2017 plan. Balance January 1, 2017 Charges Payments Balance July 2, 2017 Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 13,226 $ (507 ) $ 12,719 Recruitment and relocation costs — — — — Third-party and other costs — 325 (246 ) 79 $ — $ 13,551 $ (753 ) $ 12,798

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Equity Investments Wendy’s has a 50% share in a partnership in a Canadian restaurant real estate joint venture (“TimWen”) with a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc., a quick-service restaurant company that owns the Tim Hortons ® brand. (Tim Hortons ™ is a registered trademark of Tim Hortons USA Inc.) In addition, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s has a 20% share in a joint venture for the operation of Wendy’s restaurants in Brazil (the “Brazil JV”). The Company has significant influence over these investees. Such investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, under which our results of operations include our share of the income (loss) of the investees in “ Other operating expense (income), net .” Presented below is activity related to our investment in TimWen and the Brazil JV included in our condensed consolidated financial statements: Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, Balance at beginning of period $ 54,545 $ 55,541 Investment 375 113 Equity in earnings for the period 4,915 5,410 Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a) (1,129 ) (1,135 ) 3,786 4,275 Distributions received (5,524 ) (5,786 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income, net” 2,110 3,952 Balance at end of period $ 55,292 $ 58,095 _______________ (a) Purchase price adjustments that impacted the carrying value of the Company’s investment in TimWen are being amortized over the average original aggregate life of 21 years.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques under the accounting guidance related to fair value measurements are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These inputs are classified into the following hierarchy: • Level 1 Inputs - Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. • Level 2 Inputs - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable. • Level 3 Inputs - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the assets or liabilities and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the assets or liabilities. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial Instruments The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments: July 2, January 1, Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Financial assets Cash equivalents $ 6,345 $ 6,345 $ 5,335 $ 5,335 Level 1 Non-current cost method investments (a) 1,707 348,322 2,436 326,283 Level 3 Financial liabilities Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes (b) 859,688 862,181 864,063 857,349 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes (b) 884,250 895,215 888,750 880,005 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes (b) 491,250 496,457 493,750 474,543 Level 2 7% debentures, due in 2025 (b) 88,893 105,250 88,277 99,750 Level 2 Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations (c) 229 229 280 280 Level 3 _______________ (a) The fair value of our indirect investment in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”) is based on applying a multiple to Arby’s adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization per its current unaudited financial information. The carrying value of our indirect investment in Arby’s was reduced to zero during 2013 in connection with the receipt of a dividend. The fair values of our remaining investments are not significant and are based on our review of information provided by the investment managers or investees which was based on (1) valuations performed by the investment managers or investees, (2) quoted market or broker/dealer prices for similar investments and (3) quoted market or broker/dealer prices adjusted by the investment managers for legal or contractual restrictions, risk of nonperformance or lack of marketability, depending upon the underlying investments. (b) The fair values were based on quoted market prices in markets that are not considered active markets. (c) Wendy’s has provided loan guarantees to various lenders on behalf of franchisees entering into debt arrangements for new restaurant development and equipment financing. In addition, during 2012, Wendy’s provided a guarantee to a lender for a franchisee in connection with the refinancing of the franchisee’s debt. We have accrued a liability for the fair value of these guarantees, the calculation of which was based upon a weighted average risk percentage established at inception and adjusted for a history of defaults. The carrying amounts of cash, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of those items. The carrying amounts of accounts and notes receivable, net (both current and non-current) approximated fair value due to the effect of the related allowance for doubtful accounts. Our cash and cash equivalents and guarantees are the only financial assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Derivative Instruments The Company’s primary objective for entering into interest rate swap agreements was to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates, as well as to maintain an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. Our derivative instruments for 2015 included seven forward-starting interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the floating rate interest payments for $350,000 and $100,000 in borrowings associated with the Term A and Term B Loans, respectively, under the Company’s prior credit agreement, to fixed rate interest payments beginning June 30, 2015 and maturing on December 31, 2017. In May 2015, the Company terminated these interest rate swaps and paid $7,275 , which was recorded against the derivative liability. The unrealized loss on the cash flow hedges at termination of $7,275 is being reclassified on a straight-line basis from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense” beginning June 30, 2015 (the original effective date of the interest rate swaps) through December 31, 2017 (the original maturity date of the interest rate swaps). Reclassifications of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to “Interest expense” were $724 and $1,447 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements Assets and liabilities remeasured to fair value on a non-recurring basis resulted in impairment that we have recorded to “Impairment of long-lived assets” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Total impairment losses may reflect the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held and used (including land, buildings, leasehold improvements and favorable lease assets) to fair value as a result of (1) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease the land and/or buildings to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of restaurants and (2) declines in operating performance at Company-operated restaurants. The fair value of long-lived assets held and used presented in the tables below represents the remaining carrying value and was estimated based on either discounted cash flows of future anticipated lease and sublease income or current market values. Total impairment losses may also include the impact of remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale, which primarily include surplus properties. The fair value of long-lived assets held for sale presented in the tables below represents the remaining carrying value and was estimated based on current market values. See Note 7 for further information on impairment of our long-lived assets. Fair Value Measurements July 2, Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ — $ — $ — $ — Held for sale 1,083 — — 1,083 Total $ 1,083 $ — $ — $ 1,083 Fair Value Measurements January 1, Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ 5,462 $ — $ — $ 5,462 Held for sale 1,552 — — 1,552 Total $ 7,014 $ — $ — $ 7,014 Total impairment losses for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 included remeasuring long-lived assets held and used of $201 and $218 , respectively, and remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale of $52 and $545 , respectively. Total impairment losses for the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 included remeasuring long-lived assets held and used of $5,525 and $12,526 , respectively. Total impairment losses for the six months ended July 3, 2016 also included remeasuring long-lived assets held for sale of $104 . In addition, the Company measured assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value as part of the DavCo and NPC transactions during the three months ended July 2, 2017. See Note 2 for further information.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets During the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of (1) closing Company-operated restaurants and classifying such surplus properties as held for sale and (2) the deterioration in operating performance of certain Company-operated restaurants and charges for capital improvements in previously impaired restaurants that did not subsequently recover. During the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , the Company recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of (1) the Company’s decision to lease and/or sublease properties to franchisees in connection with the sale or anticipated sale of Company-operated restaurants and (2) the deterioration in operating performance of certain Company-operated restaurants and charges for capital improvements in previously impaired restaurants that did not subsequently recover. During the six months ended July 3, 2016 , the Company also recorded impairment charges on long-lived assets as a result of closing Company-operated restaurants and classifying such surplus properties as held for sale. The Company may recognize additional impairment charges resulting from leasing or subleasing additional properties to franchisees in connection with sales of Company-operated restaurants to franchisees. The following is a summary of impairment losses recorded, which represent the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the affected assets and are included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.” Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees $ — $ 5,490 $ — $ 12,491 Surplus properties 52 — 545 104 Company-operated restaurants 201 35 218 35 $ 253 $ 5,525 $ 763 $ 12,630

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes For the three months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company had a loss before income taxes of $297 and a provision for income taxes of $1,548 ; as such, our effective tax rate for the three months ended July 2, 2017 is not meaningful. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended July 3, 2016 was 29.0% . The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the effect of (1) the system optimization initiative provision of $2,166 and benefit of $5,239 in the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, reflecting goodwill adjustments, changes to valuation allowances on state net operating loss carryforwards and state deferred taxes (including corrections to prior years identified and recorded in the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, which resulted in a benefit of $2,248 and $4,235 , respectively), (2) the adoption of an amendment issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), which requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments be recognized in net income, (3) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including non-recurring changes to state deferred taxes and (4) the rate differential between foreign and domestic taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was 35.6% and 29.2% , respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate varies from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due to the effect of (1) the adoption of an amendment issued by the FASB, which requires that excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payments be recognized in net income, which resulted in a benefit of $3,306 during the six months ended July 2, 2017 , (2) the system optimization initiative, reflecting goodwill adjustments, changes to valuation allowances on state net operating loss carryforwards and state deferred taxes (including corrections to prior years identified and recorded in the first six months of 2017 and 2016, which resulted in a benefit of $2,248 and $7,113 , respectively), (3) state income taxes net of federal benefits, including non-recurring changes to state deferred taxes and (4) the rate differential between foreign and domestic taxes. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company increased its unrecognized tax benefits by $8,151 for certain amended state returns. During the next twelve months, we believe that it is reasonably possible the Company will reduce its unrecognized tax benefits by up to $7,002 , primarily due to expected settlements with taxing authorities. The current portion of refundable income taxes was $18,526 and $18,111 as of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively, and is included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Long-term refundable income taxes are included in “Other assets” and amounted to $956 and $239 as of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017 , respectively.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Per Share	Net (Loss) Income Per Share Basic net (loss) income per share was computed by dividing net (loss) income amounts by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net (loss) income per share were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, Common stock: Weighted average basic shares outstanding 245,261 265,915 245,933 268,065 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares — 4,350 7,963 4,442 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 245,261 270,265 253,896 272,507 Diluted net (loss) income per share for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of basic shares outstanding plus the potential common share effect of dilutive stock options and restricted shares. Diluted net loss per share for the three months ended July 2, 2017 was the same as basic net loss per share since the Company reported a net loss and, therefore, the effect of all potentially dilutive securities would have been anti-dilutive. For the six months ended July 2, 2017 , we excluded 119 of potential common shares from our diluted net income per share calculation as they would have had anti-dilutive effects. For the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , we excluded 259 and 1,992 , respectively, of potential common shares from our diluted net income per share calculation as they would have had anti-dilutive effects.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders’ Equity The following is a summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity: Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, Balance at beginning of period $ 527,736 $ 752,914 Comprehensive income 29,490 66,931 Cash dividends (34,447 ) (32,152 ) Repurchases of common stock (52,501 ) (109,348 ) Share-based compensation 11,372 9,925 Exercises of stock options 6,161 6,238 Vesting of restricted shares (2,732 ) (2,841 ) Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (a) 1,880 — Tax benefit from share-based compensation — 1,402 Other 90 95 Balance at end of period $ 487,049 $ 693,164 _______________ (a) During the six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company recognized a tax benefit as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability with an equal offsetting increase to “Accumulated deficit.” The adjustment was recognized as a result of adoption of an amendment to the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. See Note 15 for further information. Repurchases of Common Stock In February 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $150,000 of our common stock through March 4, 2018, when and if market conditions warrant and to the extent legally permissible. During the six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company repurchased 3,611 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $52,448 , of which $1,974 was accrued at July 2, 2017 and excluding commissions of $53 . As of July 2, 2017 , the Company had $97,552 of availability remaining under its February 2017 authorization. Subsequent to July 2, 2017 through August 3, 2017 , the Company repurchased 917 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $14,337 , excluding commissions of $13 . On June 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to $1,400,000 of our common stock through January 1, 2017, when and if market conditions warranted and to the extent legally permissible. During the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company repurchased 10,767 shares with an aggregate purchase price of $109,187 , of which $2,991 was accrued at July 3, 2016 and excluding commissions of $161 . Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table provides a rollforward of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable: Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ (60,299 ) $ (1,797 ) $ (1,145 ) $ (63,241 ) Current-period other comprehensive income 8,010 888 96 8,994 Balance at July 2, 2017 $ (52,289 ) $ (909 ) $ (1,049 ) $ (54,247 ) Balance at January 3, 2016 $ (66,163 ) $ (3,571 ) $ (1,089 ) $ (70,823 ) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 14,256 888 (56 ) 15,088 Balance at July 3, 2016 $ (51,907 ) $ (2,683 ) $ (1,145 ) $ (55,735 ) _______________ (a) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) includes the reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to our condensed consolidated statements of operations of $443 and $888 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively. The reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges consists of $724 and $1,447 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, recorded to “Interest expense,” net of the related income tax benefit of $281 and $559 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, recorded to “Provision for income taxes.” See Note 6 for further information.

Leases (Notes)

Leases (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	Leases At July 2, 2017 , Wendy’s and its franchisees operated 6,564 Wendy’s restaurants. Of the 331 Company-operated Wendy’s restaurants, Wendy’s owned the land and building for 147 restaurants, owned the building and held long-term land leases for 133 restaurants and held leases covering land and building for 51 restaurants. Wendy’s also owned 521 and leased 1,273 properties that were either leased or subleased principally to franchisees. Rental expense for operating leases consists of the following components: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 Rental expense: Minimum rentals $ 22,786 $ 20,513 $ 42,704 $ 40,003 Contingent rentals 4,722 4,749 9,010 8,531 Total rental expense (a) $ 27,508 $ 25,262 $ 51,714 $ 48,534 _______________ (a) Amounts exclude sublease income of $30,849 and $57,412 recognized during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 , respectively, and $23,541 and $43,273 recognized during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , respectively. Rental income for operating leases and subleases consists of the following components: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 Rental income: Minimum rentals $ 41,560 $ 29,709 $ 80,165 $ 55,507 Contingent rentals 5,375 4,822 9,687 9,584 Total rental income $ 46,935 $ 34,531 $ 89,852 $ 65,091 The following table illustrates the Company’s future minimum rental payments and rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases, including rental receipts for direct financing leases as of July 2, 2017 . Rental receipts below are presented separately for owned properties and for leased properties based on the classification of the underlying lease. Rental Payments Rental Receipts Fiscal Year Capital Leases Operating Leases Capital Leases Operating Leases Owned Properties 2017 (a) $ 22,290 $ 47,844 $ 30,774 $ 37,348 $ 26,845 2018 43,323 92,786 60,714 74,613 53,849 2019 42,615 92,484 61,228 74,626 54,820 2020 43,549 91,565 62,318 74,253 55,440 2021 45,140 91,166 64,106 73,948 57,051 Thereafter 745,523 1,176,424 1,039,315 965,140 1,007,246 Total minimum payments $ 942,440 $ 1,592,269 $ 1,318,455 $ 1,299,928 $ 1,255,251 Less interest (506,980 ) Present value of minimum capital lease payments (b) $ 435,460 _______________ (a) Represents future minimum rental payments and rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases for the remainder of our 2017 fiscal year. (b) The present value of minimum capital lease payments of $6,238 and $429,222 are included in “Current portion of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt,” respectively. Properties owned by the Company and leased to franchisees and other third parties under operating leases include: July 2, 2017 January 1, 2017 Land $ 271,775 $ 271,160 Buildings and improvements 312,397 312,067 Restaurant equipment 1,491 1,507 585,663 584,734 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (118,669 ) (110,166 ) $ 466,994 $ 474,568 Our net investment in direct financing leases is as follows: July 2, 2017 January 1, 2017 Future minimum rental receipts $ 634,085 $ 401,452 Unearned interest income (420,761 ) (277,747 ) Net investment in direct financing leases 213,324 123,705 Net current investment in direct financing leases (a) (255 ) (101 ) Net non-current investment in direct financing leases (b) $ 213,069 $ 123,604 _______________ (a) Included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net.” (b) Included in “Net investment in direct financing leases.”

Transactions with Related Parti

Transactions with Related Parties	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Transactions with Related Parties	Transactions with Related Parties Except as described below, the Company did not have any significant changes in or transactions with its related parties during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K. TimWen Lease and Management Fee Payments A wholly-owned subsidiary of Wendy’s leases restaurant facilities from TimWen for the operation of Wendy’s/Tim Hortons combo units in Canada. During the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 , Wendy’s paid TimWen $5,915 and $5,727 , respectively, under these lease agreements. In addition, TimWen paid Wendy’s a management fee under the TimWen joint venture agreement of $103 and $104 during the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 , respectively, which has been included as a reduction to “General and administrative.”

Guarantees and Other Commitment

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies	Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies The Company did not have any significant changes in guarantees and other commitments and contingencies during the current fiscal period since those reported in the Form 10-K. Refer to the Form 10-K for further information regarding the Company’s additional commitments and obligations. Franchisee Image Activation Incentive Programs In order to promote Image Activation new restaurant development, Wendy’s has an incentive program for franchisees that provides for reductions in royalty and national advertising payments for up to the first two years of operation for qualifying new restaurants opened by December 31, 2020, with the value of the incentives declining in the later years of the program. Wendy’s also has incentive programs for 2017 available to franchisees that commence Image Activation restaurant remodels by December 15, 2017. The remodel incentive programs provide for reductions in royalty payments for one year after the completion of construction. Lease Guarantees Wendy’s has guaranteed the performance of certain leases and other obligations, primarily from former Company-operated restaurant locations now operated by franchisees, amounting to $58,826 as of July 2, 2017 . These leases extend through 2056. We have not received any notice of default related to these leases as of July 2, 2017 . In the event of default by a franchise owner, Wendy’s generally retains the right to acquire possession of the related restaurant locations. Wendy’s is contingently liable for certain other leases which have been assigned to unrelated third parties who have indemnified Wendy’s against future liabilities amounting to $652 as of July 2, 2017 . These leases expire on various dates through 2021. Letters of Credit As of July 2, 2017 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit with various parties totaling $37,496 , of which $5,665 were cash collateralized. The outstanding letters of credit include amounts outstanding against the securitized financing facility. The related cash collateral is classified as “Restricted cash” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We do not expect any material loss to result from these letters of credit.

Legal and Environmental Matters

Legal and Environmental Matters	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Legal and Environmental Matters	Legal and Environmental Matters We are involved in litigation and claims incidental to our current and prior businesses. We provide accruals for such litigation and claims when payment is probable and reasonably estimable. As of July 2, 2017 , the Company had accruals for all of its legal and environmental matters aggregating $2,478 . We cannot estimate the aggregate possible range of loss due to most proceedings, including those described below, being in preliminary stages, with various motions either yet to be submitted or pending, discovery yet to occur and significant factual matters unresolved. In addition, most cases seek an indeterminate amount of damages and many involve multiple parties. Predicting the outcomes of settlement discussions or judicial or arbitral decisions is thus inherently difficult. Based on currently available information, including legal defenses available to us, and given the aforementioned accruals and our insurance coverage, we do not believe that the outcome of these legal and environmental matters will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company has been named as a defendant in putative class action lawsuits alleging, among other things, that the Company failed to safeguard customer credit card information and failed to provide notice that credit card information had been compromised. Jonathan Torres and other consumers filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (the “Torres case”). The operative complaint seeks to certify a nationwide class of consumers, or in the alternative, statewide classes of consumers for Florida, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Tennessee, as well as statewide classes of consumers under those states’ consumer protection and unfair trade practices laws. Certain financial institutions have also filed class actions lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the “FI cases”), which seek to certify a nationwide class financial institutions that issued payment cards that were allegedly impacted. In the Torres case and the FI cases, the plaintiffs seek monetary damages, injunctive and equitable relief, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Company’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint in the Torres case was denied in part and granted in part with leave to amend; the plaintiffs then filed the operative complaint referenced above. The Company’s motion to dismiss in the FI case was denied. The Company filed its answer in the Torres case in April 2017 and filed its answer in the FI case in May 2017. Certain of the Company’s present and former directors have been named in two putative shareholder derivative complaints arising out of the credit card incidents above. The first case, brought by James Graham in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (the “Graham case”), asserts claims of breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment and gross mismanagement, and additionally names one non-director executive officer of the Company. The second case, brought by Thomas Caracci in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (the “Caracci case”), asserts claims of breach of fiduciary duty and violations of Section 14(a) and Rule 14a-9 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Collectively, the plaintiffs seek a judgment on behalf of the Company for all damages incurred or that will be incurred as a result of the alleged wrongful acts or omissions, a judgment ordering disgorgement of all profits, benefits, and other compensation obtained by the named individual defendants, a judgment directing the Company to reform its governance and internal procedures, attorneys’ fees and other costs. The Graham and Caracci cases have been consolidated and the Company expects that a consolidated complaint will be filed. The cases described above were previously described in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2017.

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards New Accounting Standards In May 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The new guidance will provide relief to entities that make non-substantive changes to their share-based payment arrangements. The Company does not expect the amendment, which requires prospective adoption and is effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of net periodic benefit costs that requires entities to disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement. The Company does not expect the amendment, which requires retrospective adoption and is effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year, to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on leases, which outlines principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases applicable to both lessors and lessees. The new guidance requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by finance and operating leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The amendment requires the recognition and measurement of leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements and plan to reflect adoption when effective in the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year. As shown in Note 11 , there are $1,592,269 in future minimum rental payments for operating leases that are not currently on our balance sheet; therefore, we expect this will have a material impact on our balance sheet and related disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance for revenue recognition. The new guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosure to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The new guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and is effective commencing with our 2018 fiscal year. The guidance allows for either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. We are continuing to evaluate which transition method to use. This guidance will not impact our recognition of revenue from Company-operated restaurant sales or our recognition of continuing royalty revenues from franchisees, which are based on a percentage of franchise sales. Under current guidance, we recognize initial fees from franchisees when we have performed all material obligations and services, which generally occurs when the franchised restaurant opens. Additionally, under current guidance, our advertising fund contributions from franchisees and the related advertising expenditures are reported on a net basis in our consolidated balance sheet as “Advertising funds restricted assets” and “Advertising funds restricted liabilities.” Under the new guidance, we anticipate recognizing the initial fees from franchisees over the life of the related franchise agreements and we expect to consolidate the operations and cash flow results of our national advertising funds, both of which will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Adopted In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment related to equity method accounting, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The Company adopted this amendment, prospectively, during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment that clarifies the steps for assessing triggering events of embedded contingent put and call options within debt instruments. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment that modifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory withholding requirements, as well as statement of cash flows presentation. The transition requirement is generally modified retrospective, with the exception of recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies that requires prospective adoption. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017. The cash flows used in financing activities related to the excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements, which amounted to $1,774 during the six months ended July 3, 2016, was reclassified retrospectively to cash flows provided by operating activities. Additionally, during the six months ended July 3, 2016, $3,064 was paid to taxing authorities for withheld shares on share-based compensation arrangement activities, which was reclassified retrospectively from cash flows provided by operating activities to cash flows used in financing activities. Upon adopting the amendment in the first quarter of 2017, the Company recognized $1,880 in unrecognized tax benefits for deductions in excess of cumulative compensation costs relating to the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock. This tax benefit was recognized as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability with an equal offsetting increase to “Accumulated deficit.” The Company will continue to estimate forfeitures each period. In July 2015, the FASB issued an amendment that requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, rather than the lower of cost or market, with market value represented by replacement cost, net realizable value or net realizable value less a normal profit margin. The Company adopted this amendment during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

System Optimization (Losses) 23

System Optimization (Losses) Gains, Net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Summary of DavCo and NPC Transactions [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of the DavCo and NPC transactions: Three Months Ended July 2, Acquisition (a) Total consideration paid $ 86,788 Identifiable assets and liabilities assumed: Net assets held for sale 70,688 Capital lease assets 49,360 Deferred taxes 27,493 Capital lease obligations (97,046 ) Net unfavorable leases (b) (22,211 ) Other liabilities (c) (6,999 ) Total identifiable net assets 21,285 Goodwill (d) $ 65,503 Disposition Proceeds $ 70,688 Net assets sold (70,688 ) Goodwill (d) (65,503 ) Net favorable leases (e) 24,034 Other (f) (1,680 ) Loss on DavCo and NPC transactions $ (43,149 ) _______________ (a) The fair values of the identifiable intangible assets and taxes related to the acquisition are provisional amounts as of July 2, 2017 , pending final valuations and purchase accounting adjustments. The Company utilized management estimates and consultation with an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in the valuation process. (b) Includes favorable lease assets of $1,228 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $23,439 . (c) Includes a supplemental purchase price estimated at $6,344 to be paid to DavCo for the resolution of certain lease-related matters, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” (d) Includes tax deductible goodwill of $21,871 . (e) The Company recorded favorable lease assets of $30,068 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $6,034 as a result of subleasing land, buildings and leasehold improvements to NPC. (f) Includes cash payments for selling and other costs associated with the transaction.
Summary of Disposition Activity [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the disposition activity recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 July 3, July 2, July 3, Number of restaurants sold to franchisees — — — 55 Proceeds from sales of restaurants $ — $ — $ — $ 39,615 Net assets sold (a) — — — (17,055 ) Goodwill related to sales of restaurants — — — (6,376 ) Net unfavorable leases (b) — — — (4,906 ) Other — — — (795 ) — — — 10,483 Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants (c) 27 545 927 (1,590 ) Gain on sales of restaurants, net 27 545 927 8,893 Gain on sales of other assets, net (d) 2,072 1,379 2,579 1,457 Loss on DavCo and NPC transactions (43,149 ) — (43,149 ) — System optimization (losses) gains, net $ (41,050 ) $ 1,924 $ (39,643 ) $ 10,350 _______________ (a) Net assets sold consisted primarily of equipment. (b) During the six months ended July 3, 2016 , the Company recorded favorable lease assets of $183 and unfavorable lease liabilities of $5,089 as a result of leasing and/or subleasing land, buildings and/or leasehold improvements to franchisees in connection with sales of restaurants. (c) The three and six months ended July 2, 2017 includes cash proceeds of $300 related to post-closing reconciliations with franchisees. The six months ended July 2, 2017 also includes the recognition of a deferred gain of $312 as a result of the resolution of certain contingencies related to the extension of lease terms for a Canadian restaurant. (d) During the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company received cash proceeds of $5,342 and $6,992 , respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties. The six months ended July 2, 2017 also includes the recognition of a deferred gain of $375 related to the sale of a share in an aircraft. During the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , the Company received cash proceeds of $3,893 and $5,463 , respectively, primarily from the sale of surplus properties.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The table below presents the allocation of the total purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed for acquisitions of franchised restaurants: Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, Restaurants acquired from franchisees — 2 Total consideration paid, net of cash received $ — $ 2,209 Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Properties — 2,218 Deferred taxes and other assets — 9 Other liabilities — (18 ) Total identifiable net assets — 2,209 Goodwill $ — $ —

Reorganization and Realignmen25

Reorganization and Realignment Costs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the initiatives included in “Reorganization and realignment costs:” Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, System optimization initiative $ 454 $ 2,081 $ 635 $ 4,804 G&A realignment - November 2014 plan — 406 — 933 G&A realignment - May 2017 plan 17,245 — 17,245 — Reorganization and realignment costs $ 17,699 $ 2,487 $ 17,880 $ 5,737
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the costs recorded as a result of our system optimization initiative: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Total Incurred Since Inception July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 18 $ 3 $ 18 $ 18,237 Professional fees 432 1,445 562 3,146 17,172 Other (a) 22 (37 ) 70 40 5,813 454 1,426 635 3,204 41,222 Accelerated depreciation and amortization (b) — 655 — 1,600 25,398 Share-based compensation (c) — — — — 5,013 Total system optimization initiative $ 454 $ 2,081 $ 635 $ 4,804 $ 71,633 _______________ (a) The three and six months ended July 3, 2016 include a reversal of an accrual of $50 as a result of a change in estimate. (b) Primarily includes accelerated amortization of previously acquired franchise rights related to Company-operated restaurants in territories that have been sold in connection with our system optimization initiative. (c) Represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options and performance-based awards in connection with the termination of employees under our system optimization initiative.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	The tables below present a rollforward of our accrual for our system optimization initiative, which is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.” Balance January 1, 2017 Charges Payments Balance July 2, 2017 Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 3 $ (3 ) $ — Professional fees 101 562 (655 ) 8 Other — 70 (70 ) — $ 101 $ 635 $ (728 ) $ 8 Balance January 3, 2016 Charges Payments Balance July 3, 2016 Severance and related employee costs $ 77 $ 18 $ (35 ) $ 60 Professional fees 708 3,146 (3,497 ) 357 Other 90 40 (130 ) — $ 875 $ 3,204 $ (3,662 ) $ 417
G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the activity recorded as a result of the May 2017 plan: Three Months Ended July 2, Severance and related employee costs $ 13,226 Recruitment and relocation costs — Third-party and other costs 325 13,551 Share-based compensation (a) 3,694 Total G&A realignment - May 2017 plan $ 17,245 _______________ (a) Primarily represents incremental share-based compensation resulting from the modification of stock options in connection with the termination of employees under our May 2017 plan.
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	As of July 2, 2017 , the accruals for our May 2017 plan are included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” and “Other liabilities” and totaled $7,376 and $5,422 , respectively. The table below presents a rollforward of our accruals for the May 2017 plan. Balance January 1, 2017 Charges Payments Balance July 2, 2017 Severance and related employee costs $ — $ 13,226 $ (507 ) $ 12,719 Recruitment and relocation costs — — — — Third-party and other costs — 325 (246 ) 79 $ — $ 13,551 $ (753 ) $ 12,798

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Presented below is activity related to our investment in TimWen and the Brazil JV included in our condensed consolidated financial statements: Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, Balance at beginning of period $ 54,545 $ 55,541 Investment 375 113 Equity in earnings for the period 4,915 5,410 Amortization of purchase price adjustments (a) (1,129 ) (1,135 ) 3,786 4,275 Distributions received (5,524 ) (5,786 ) Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income, net” 2,110 3,952 Balance at end of period $ 55,292 $ 58,095 _______________ (a) Purchase price adjustments that impacted the carrying value of the Company’s investment in TimWen are being amortized over the average original aggregate life of 21 years.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments: July 2, January 1, Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Fair Value Measurements Financial assets Cash equivalents $ 6,345 $ 6,345 $ 5,335 $ 5,335 Level 1 Non-current cost method investments (a) 1,707 348,322 2,436 326,283 Level 3 Financial liabilities Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes (b) 859,688 862,181 864,063 857,349 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes (b) 884,250 895,215 888,750 880,005 Level 2 Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes (b) 491,250 496,457 493,750 474,543 Level 2 7% debentures, due in 2025 (b) 88,893 105,250 88,277 99,750 Level 2 Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations (c) 229 229 280 280 Level 3 _______________ (a) The fair value of our indirect investment in Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (“Arby’s”) is based on applying a multiple to Arby’s adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization per its current unaudited financial information. The carrying value of our indirect investment in Arby’s was reduced to zero during 2013 in connection with the receipt of a dividend. The fair values of our remaining investments are not significant and are based on our review of information provided by the investment managers or investees which was based on (1) valuations performed by the investment managers or investees, (2) quoted market or broker/dealer prices for similar investments and (3) quoted market or broker/dealer prices adjusted by the investment managers for legal or contractual restrictions, risk of nonperformance or lack of marketability, depending upon the underlying investments. (b) The fair values were based on quoted market prices in markets that are not considered active markets. (c) Wendy’s has provided loan guarantees to various lenders on behalf of franchisees entering into debt arrangements for new restaurant development and equipment financing. In addition, during 2012, Wendy’s provided a guarantee to a lender for a franchisee in connection with the refinancing of the franchisee’s debt. We have accrued a liability for the fair value of these guarantees, the calculation of which was based upon a weighted average risk percentage established at inception and adjusted for a history of defaults.
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements July 2, Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ — $ — $ — $ — Held for sale 1,083 — — 1,083 Total $ 1,083 $ — $ — $ 1,083 Fair Value Measurements January 1, Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Held and used $ 5,462 $ — $ — $ 5,462 Held for sale 1,552 — — 1,552 Total $ 7,014 $ — $ — $ 7,014

Impairment of Long-Lived Asse28

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets by Type [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of impairment losses recorded, which represent the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the affected assets and are included in “Impairment of long-lived assets.” Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees $ — $ 5,490 $ — $ 12,491 Surplus properties 52 — 545 104 Company-operated restaurants 201 35 218 35 $ 253 $ 5,525 $ 763 $ 12,630

Net Income Per Share (Tables)

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share	The weighted average number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted net (loss) income per share were as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, July 2, July 3, Common stock: Weighted average basic shares outstanding 245,261 265,915 245,933 268,065 Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares — 4,350 7,963 4,442 Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 245,261 270,265 253,896 272,507

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Stockholders' Equity	The following is a summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity: Six Months Ended July 2, July 3, Balance at beginning of period $ 527,736 $ 752,914 Comprehensive income 29,490 66,931 Cash dividends (34,447 ) (32,152 ) Repurchases of common stock (52,501 ) (109,348 ) Share-based compensation 11,372 9,925 Exercises of stock options 6,161 6,238 Vesting of restricted shares (2,732 ) (2,841 ) Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (a) 1,880 — Tax benefit from share-based compensation — 1,402 Other 90 95 Balance at end of period $ 487,049 $ 693,164 _______________ (a) During the six months ended July 2, 2017 , the Company recognized a tax benefit as a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax liability with an equal offsetting increase to “Accumulated deficit.” The adjustment was recognized as a result of adoption of an amendment to the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions. See Note 15 for further information.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	The following table provides a rollforward of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax as applicable: Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges (a) Pension Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ (60,299 ) $ (1,797 ) $ (1,145 ) $ (63,241 ) Current-period other comprehensive income 8,010 888 96 8,994 Balance at July 2, 2017 $ (52,289 ) $ (909 ) $ (1,049 ) $ (54,247 ) Balance at January 3, 2016 $ (66,163 ) $ (3,571 ) $ (1,089 ) $ (70,823 ) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 14,256 888 (56 ) 15,088 Balance at July 3, 2016 $ (51,907 ) $ (2,683 ) $ (1,145 ) $ (55,735 ) _______________ (a) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) includes the reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” to our condensed consolidated statements of operations of $443 and $888 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively. The reclassification of unrealized losses on cash flow hedges consists of $724 and $1,447 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, recorded to “Interest expense,” net of the related income tax benefit of $281 and $559 for both the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, recorded to “Provision for income taxes.” See Note 6 for further information.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	Rental expense for operating leases consists of the following components: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 Rental expense: Minimum rentals $ 22,786 $ 20,513 $ 42,704 $ 40,003 Contingent rentals 4,722 4,749 9,010 8,531 Total rental expense (a) $ 27,508 $ 25,262 $ 51,714 $ 48,534 _______________ (a) Amounts exclude sublease income of $30,849 and $57,412 recognized during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 , respectively, and $23,541 and $43,273 recognized during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 , respectively.
Schedule of Rent Income [Table Text Block]	Rental income for operating leases and subleases consists of the following components: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 July 2, 2017 July 3, 2016 Rental income: Minimum rentals $ 41,560 $ 29,709 $ 80,165 $ 55,507 Contingent rentals 5,375 4,822 9,687 9,584 Total rental income $ 46,935 $ 34,531 $ 89,852 $ 65,091
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The following table illustrates the Company’s future minimum rental payments and rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases, including rental receipts for direct financing leases as of July 2, 2017 . Rental receipts below are presented separately for owned properties and for leased properties based on the classification of the underlying lease. Rental Payments Rental Receipts Fiscal Year Capital Leases Operating Leases Capital Leases Operating Leases Owned Properties 2017 (a) $ 22,290 $ 47,844 $ 30,774 $ 37,348 $ 26,845 2018 43,323 92,786 60,714 74,613 53,849 2019 42,615 92,484 61,228 74,626 54,820 2020 43,549 91,565 62,318 74,253 55,440 2021 45,140 91,166 64,106 73,948 57,051 Thereafter 745,523 1,176,424 1,039,315 965,140 1,007,246 Total minimum payments $ 942,440 $ 1,592,269 $ 1,318,455 $ 1,299,928 $ 1,255,251 Less interest (506,980 ) Present value of minimum capital lease payments (b) $ 435,460 _______________ (a) Represents future minimum rental payments and rental receipts for non-cancelable leases and subleases for the remainder of our 2017 fiscal year. (b) The present value of minimum capital lease payments of $6,238 and $429,222 are included in “Current portion of long-term debt” and “Long-term debt,” respectively.
Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block]	Properties owned by the Company and leased to franchisees and other third parties under operating leases include: July 2, 2017 January 1, 2017 Land $ 271,775 $ 271,160 Buildings and improvements 312,397 312,067 Restaurant equipment 1,491 1,507 585,663 584,734 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (118,669 ) (110,166 ) $ 466,994 $ 474,568
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block]	Our net investment in direct financing leases is as follows: July 2, 2017 January 1, 2017 Future minimum rental receipts $ 634,085 $ 401,452 Unearned interest income (420,761 ) (277,747 ) Net investment in direct financing leases 213,324 123,705 Net current investment in direct financing leases (a) (255 ) (101 ) Net non-current investment in direct financing leases (b) $ 213,069 $ 123,604 _______________ (a) Included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net.” (b) Included in “Net investment in direct financing leases.”

System Optimization (Losses) 32

System Optimization (Losses) Gains, Net Davco and NPC Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)Restaurant	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 742,407		$ 742,407		$ 741,410
Proceeds from sales of restaurants			77,980	$ 45,078
System optimization (losses) gains, net	$ (41,050)	$ 1,924	(39,643)	10,350
NPC Disposition [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Significant Changes, Franchises Sold | Restaurant	140
Proceeds from sales of restaurants	$ 70,688
Net Assets Sold	(70,688)
Goodwill	(65,503)
Net favorable leases	24,034
Other	1,680
Favorable lease assets	30,068
Unfavorable lease liabilities	$ 6,034
Number of sold restaurants to be remodeled by the end of 2021 | Restaurant	90
Number of new restaurants to be built by the end of 2022 | Restaurant	15
DavCo and NPC Transactions [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
System optimization (losses) gains, net	$ (43,149)	$ 0	(43,149)	$ 0
DavCo Acquisition [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees | Restaurant	140
Total consideration paid	$ 86,788
Net assets held for sale	70,688		70,688
Capital lease assets	49,360		49,360
Deferred taxes	27,493		27,493
Capital lease obligations	(97,046)		(97,046)
Net unfavorable leases	(22,211)		(22,211)
Other liabilities	(6,999)		(6,999)
Total identifiable net assets	21,285		21,285
Goodwill	65,503		65,503
Favorable lease assets	1,228
Unfavorable lease liabilities	23,439
Supplemental deferred purchase price	6,344
Tax deductible goodwill	$ 21,871		$ 21,871
Number of restaurants closed before acquisition | Restaurant	7

System Optimization (Losses) 33

System Optimization (Losses) Gains, Net Summary of Disposition Activity (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)Restaurant	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)Restaurant	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant	Feb. 28, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Future company-owned restaurant ownership percentage					5.00%
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of restaurants			$ 77,980	$ 45,078
System optimization (losses) gains, net	$ (41,050)	$ 1,924	(39,643)	$ 10,350
Sale of Company-operated restaurants to franchisees and sale of other assets [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
System optimization (losses) gains, net			$ 3,506
Sale of franchise-operated restaurant to franchisee [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | Restaurant			270
Sale of Company-Owned Restaurants to Franchisees [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of restaurants sold to franchisees | Restaurant	0	0	0	55
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of restaurants	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 39,615
Net Assets Sold	0	0	0	(17,055)
Goodwill related to sales of restaurants	0	0	0	(6,376)
Net unfavorable leases	0	0	0	(4,906)
Other	0	0	0	(795)
Loss on disposition of assets before post closing purchase price adjustments	0	0	0	10,483
Post-closing adjustments on sales of restaurants	27	545	927	(1,590)
System optimization (losses) gains, net	27	545	927	8,893
Favorable lease assets				183
Unfavorable lease liabilities				5,089
Proceeds from Post Closing Adjustments	300		300
Recognition of deferred gain on sale of property			312
Sale of Other Assets [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of restaurants	5,342	3,893	6,992	5,463
System optimization (losses) gains, net	2,072	1,379	2,579	1,457
Recognition of deferred gain on sale of property			375
DavCo and NPC Transactions [Member]
Gain on Sale of Restaurants [Abstract]
System optimization (losses) gains, net	$ (43,149)	$ 0	$ (43,149)	$ 0

System Optimization (Losses) 34

System Optimization (Losses) Gains, Net Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Assets held for sale	$ 3,174	$ 4,800

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)Restaurant	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)Restaurant	Jan. 01, 2017USD ($)
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Goodwill	$ 742,407		$ 741,410
Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Restaurants acquired from franchisees | Restaurant	0	2
Total consideration paid, net of cash received	$ 0	$ 2,209
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Properties	0	2,218
Deferred taxes and other assets	0	9
Other liabilities	0	(18)
Total identifiable net assets	0	2,209
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0

Reorganization and Realignmen36

Reorganization and Realignment Costs Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	$ 17,699	$ 2,487	$ 17,880	$ 5,737
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	454	2,081	635	4,804
G&A Realignment – November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	0	406	$ 0	933
G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reorganization and realignment costs	$ 17,245	$ 0		$ 0

Reorganization and Realignmen37

Reorganization and Realignment Costs System Optimization Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 17,699	$ 2,487	$ 17,880	$ 5,737
System Optimization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	454	1,426	635	3,204
Restructuring Charges	454	2,081	635	4,804
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	41,222		41,222
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	71,633		71,633
System Optimization [Member] | Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	0	18	3	18
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	18,237		18,237
System Optimization [Member] | Professional fees [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	432	1,445	562	3,146
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	17,172		17,172
System Optimization [Member] | Other [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	22	(37)	70	40
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	5,813		5,813
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment		(50)		(50)
System Optimization [Member] | Accelerated depreciation and amortization [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	655	0	1,600
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	25,398		25,398
System Optimization [Member] | Share based compensation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	$ 5,013		$ 5,013

Reorganization and Realignmen38

Reorganization and Realignment Costs System Optimization Accrual Rollforward (Details) - System Optimization [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 101	$ 875
Charges	$ 454	$ 1,426	635	3,204
Payments for Restructuring			(728)	(3,662)
Ending balance	8	417	8	417
Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			0	77
Charges	0	18	3	18
Payments for Restructuring			(3)	(35)
Ending balance	0	60	0	60
Professional fees [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			101	708
Charges	432	1,445	562	3,146
Payments for Restructuring			(655)	(3,497)
Ending balance	8	357	8	357
Other [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			0	90
Charges	22	(37)	70	40
Payments for Restructuring			(70)	(130)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Reorganization and Realignmen39

Reorganization and Realignment Costs G&A Realignment - November 2014 Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 17,699	$ 2,487	$ 17,880	$ 5,737
G&A Realignment – November 2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0	$ 406	0	$ 933
Restructuring Charges, Incurred to Date	$ 23,960		$ 23,960

Reorganization and Realignmen40

Reorganization and Realignment Costs G&A Realignment - May 2017 Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 17,699	$ 2,487	$ 17,880	$ 5,737
G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	13,551		$ 13,551
Restructuring Charges	$ 17,245	$ 0		$ 0
Expected costs incurred by the end of 2017	66.67%		66.67%
Severance and related employee costs [Member] | G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$ 13,226		$ 13,226
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	4,000		4,000
Recruitment and relocation costs [Member] | G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	0		0
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	4,000		4,000
Third-party and other costs [Member] | G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	325		325
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	2,000		2,000
Share based compensation [Member] | G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,694
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	4,000		4,000
Minimum [Member] | G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	28,000		28,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	11,000		11,000
Maximum [Member] | G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	33,000		33,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining	$ 16,000		$ 16,000

Reorganization and Realignmen41

Reorganization and Realignment Costs G&A Realignment - May 2017 Plan Accrual Rollforward (Details) - G&A Realignment – May 2017 Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 02, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance		$ 0
Charges	$ 13,551	13,551
Payments for Restructuring		(753)
Ending balance	12,798	12,798
Severance and related employee costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance		0
Charges	13,226	13,226
Payments for Restructuring		(507)
Ending balance	12,719	12,719
Recruitment and relocation costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance		0
Charges	0	0
Payments for Restructuring		0
Ending balance	0	0
Third-party and other costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance		0
Charges	325	325
Payments for Restructuring		(246)
Ending balance	79	79
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Ending balance	7,376	7,376
Other Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Ending balance	$ 5,422	$ 5,422

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)years	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)years	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)years	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)years
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings for the period, net of amortization of purchase price adjustments			$ 3,786	$ 4,275
Distributions received			5,524	5,786
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income, net”	$ 6,065	$ 1,580	$ 8,010	$ 14,256
TimWen [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Purchase Price Adjustment, Amortization Period | years	21	21	21	21
Brazil JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%		20.00%
TimWen and Brazil JV [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 54,545	$ 55,541
Investment			375	113
Equity in earnings for the period			4,915	5,410
Amortization of Purchase Price Adjustment			1,129	1,135
Equity in earnings for the period, net of amortization of purchase price adjustments			3,786	4,275
Distributions received			5,524	5,786
Foreign currency translation adjustment included in “Other comprehensive income, net”			2,110	3,952
Balance at end of period	$ 55,292	$ 58,095	$ 55,292	$ 58,095

Fair Value Measurements Financi

Fair Value Measurements Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Dec. 29, 2013
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 6,345	$ 5,335
Non-current cost method investments	1,707	2,436
Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations	229	280
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	859,688	864,063
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	884,250	888,750
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	491,250	493,750
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | 7% Debentures [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	88,893	88,277
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Non-current cost method investments			$ 0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	6,345	5,335
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Non-current cost method investments	348,322	326,283
Guarantees of franchisee loan obligations	229	280
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-I Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	862,181	857,349
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-II Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	895,215	880,005
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Series 2015-1 Class A-2-III Notes [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	496,457	474,543
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 7% Debentures [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument	$ 105,250	$ 99,750

Fair Value Measurements Derivat

Fair Value Measurements Derivative Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)cash_flow_hedge
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of interest rate derivatives held | cash_flow_hedge						7
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	$ (7,275)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Payments for termination of cash flow hedges	$ 7,275
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term A Loan, 2018 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount						$ 350,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term B Loan, 2019 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount						$ 100,000
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Before Tax		$ (724)	$ (724)	$ (1,447)	$ (1,447)

Fair Value Measurements Non-Rec

Fair Value Measurements Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$ 201	$ 5,525	$ 218	$ 12,526
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	52		545	$ 104
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		$ 5,462
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	1,083		1,083		1,552
Total	1,083		1,083		7,014
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Total	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Total	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		5,462
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	1,083		1,083		1,552
Total	$ 1,083		$ 1,083		$ 7,014

Impairment of Long-Lived Asse46

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 253	$ 5,525	$ 763	$ 12,630
Restaurants leased or subleased to franchisees
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	0	5,490	0	12,491
Company-operated restaurants
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	201	35	218	35
Surplus properties
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 52	$ 0	$ 545	$ 104

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jan. 01, 2017
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ (297)	$ 37,281	$ 31,837	$ 73,263
Provision for income taxes	$ (1,548)	$ (10,801)	$ (11,341)	$ (21,420)
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations		29.00%	35.60%	29.20%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$ (2,248)	$ (4,235)	$ (2,248)	$ (7,113)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount			3,306
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	8,151		8,151
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	7,002		7,002
Accounts and notes receivable, net [Member]
Income Taxes Receivable	18,526		18,526		$ 18,111
Other Assets [Member]
Income Taxes Receivable	956		$ 956		$ 239
System Optimization [Member]
Provision for income taxes	$ (2,166)	$ 5,239

Net Income Per Share (Details)

Net Income Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Common Stock:
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	245,261	265,915	245,933	268,065
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares	0	4,350	7,963	4,442
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	245,261	270,265	253,896	272,507
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		259	119	1,992

Stockholders' Equity Rollforwar

Stockholders' Equity Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jan. 02, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period			$ 527,736	$ 752,914
Comprehensive income	$ 4,663	$ 28,447	29,490	66,931
Cash dividends			(34,447)	(32,152)
Repurchases of common stock			(52,501)	(109,348)
Share-based compensation			11,372	9,925
Exercises of stock options			6,161	6,238
Vesting of restricted shares			(2,732)	(2,841)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		0		0	$ 1,880
Tax benefit from share-based compensation			0	1,402
Other			90	95
Balance at end of period	$ 487,049	$ 693,164	$ 487,049	$ 693,164

Stockholders' Equity Repurchase

Stockholders' Equity Repurchases of Common Stock (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 03, 2017	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Feb. 22, 2017	Jun. 01, 2015
$150,000 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 150,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		3,611
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method, excluding Commissions		$ 52,448
Stock Repurchase Program, Repurchase Accrual		1,974
Stock Repurchase Program, Cost Incurred		53
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 97,552
$1.4 Billion Repurchase Program [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount					$ 1,400,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			10,767
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method, excluding Commissions			$ 109,187
Stock Repurchase Program, Repurchase Accrual			2,991
Stock Repurchase Program, Cost Incurred			$ 161
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	917
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method, excluding Commissions	$ 14,337
Stock Repurchase Program, Cost Incurred	$ 13

Stockholders' Equity Accumulate

Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			$ (63,241)	$ (70,823)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 6,508	$ 1,967	8,994	15,088
Balance, end of the period	(54,247)	(55,735)	(54,247)	(55,735)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	443	443	888	888
Interest Expense [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Before Tax	724	724	1,447	1,447
Provision for income taxes [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	(281)	(281)	(559)	(559)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			(60,299)	(66,163)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			8,010	14,256
Balance, end of the period	(52,289)	(51,907)	(52,289)	(51,907)
Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			(1,797)	(3,571)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			888	888
Balance, end of the period	(909)	(2,683)	(909)	(2,683)
Pension
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year			(1,145)	(1,089)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			96	(56)
Balance, end of the period	$ (1,049)	$ (1,145)	$ (1,049)	$ (1,145)

Leases Lease Disclosure (Detail

Leases Lease Disclosure (Details)	Jul. 02, 2017PropertyRestaurant
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | Restaurant	6,564
Entity Operated Units [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Number of Restaurants | Restaurant	331
Lessee Disclosure [Member] | Land and Building [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	147
Lessee Disclosure [Member] | Land and Building [Member] | Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	51
Lessee Disclosure [Member] | Land [Member] | Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	133
Lessor Disclosure [Member] [Member] | Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	1,273
Lessor Disclosure [Member] [Member] | Assets Leased to Others [Member] | Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	521

Leases Operating Lease Rent Exp

Leases Operating Lease Rent Expense and Rent Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rental expense, Minimum rentals	$ 22,786	$ 20,513	$ 42,704	$ 40,003
Rental expense, Contingent rentals	4,722	4,749	9,010	8,531
Total rental expense	27,508	25,262	51,714	48,534
Sublease income	(30,849)	(23,541)	(57,412)	(43,273)
Rental income, Minimum rentals	41,560	29,709	80,165	55,507
Rental income, Contingent rentals	5,375	4,822	9,687	9,584
Total rental income	$ 46,935	$ 34,531	$ 89,852	$ 65,091

Leases Future Minimum Rent (Det

Leases Future Minimum Rent (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rental payments, Capital leases, 2017	$ 22,290
Rental payments, Capital leases, 2018	43,323
Rental payments, Capital leases, 2019	42,615
Rental payments, Capital leases, 2020	43,549
Rental payments, Capital leases, 2021	45,140
Rental payments, Capital leases, Thereafter	745,523
Rental payments, Capital leases, Total minimum payments	942,440
Less interest	(506,980)
Present value of minimum capital lease payments	435,460
Rental payments, Operating leases, 2017	47,844
Rental payments, Operating leases, 2018	92,786
Rental payments, Operating leases, 2019	92,484
Rental payments, Operating leases, 2020	91,565
Rental payments, Operating leases, 2021	91,166
Rental payments, Operating leases, Thereafter	1,176,424
Rental payments, Operating leases, Total minimum payments	1,592,269
Rental receipts, Capital leases, 2017	30,774
Rental receipts, Capital leases, 2018	60,714
Rental receipts, Capital leases, 2019	61,228
Rental receipts, Capital leases, 2020	62,318
Rental receipts, Capital leases, 2021	64,106
Rental receipts, Capital leases, Thereafter	1,039,315
Rental receipts, Capital leases, Total minimum payments	1,318,455
Rental receipts, Operating leases, 2017	37,348
Rental receipts, Operating leases, 2018	74,613
Rental receipts, Operating leases, 2019	74,626
Rental receipts, Operating leases, 2020	74,253
Rental receipts, Operating leases, 2021	73,948
Rental receipts, Operating leases, Thereafter	965,140
Rental receipts, Operating leases, Total minimum payments	1,299,928
Rental receipts, Owned properties, 2017	26,845
Rental receipts, Owned properties, 2018	53,849
Rental receipts, Owned properties, 2019	54,820
Rental receipts, Owned properties, 2020	55,440
Rental receipts, Owned properties, 2021	57,051
Rental receipts, Owned properties, Thereafter	1,007,246
Rental receipts, Owned properties, Total minimum payments	1,255,251
Current portion of long-term debt [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	6,238
Long-term Debt [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent	$ 429,222

Leases Properties Leased to Thi

Leases Properties Leased to Third Parties (Details) - Property Subject to Operating Lease [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Leased to Others	$ 585,663	$ 584,734
Property Leased to Others, Accumulated Depreciation	118,669	110,166
Property Leased to Others, Net	466,994	474,568
Land [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Leased to Others	271,775	271,160
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Leased to Others	312,397	312,067
Restaurant equipment [Member]
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Property Leased to Others	$ 1,491	$ 1,507

Leases Net Investment in Direct

Leases Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Future minimum rental receipts	$ 634,085	$ 401,452
Unearned income	(420,761)	(277,747)
Net investment in direct financing leases	213,324	123,705
Net non-current investment in direct financing leases	213,069	123,604
Accounts and notes receivable, net [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Net current investment in direct financing leases	$ (255)	$ (101)

Transactions with Related Par57

Transactions with Related Parties (Details) - TimWen [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 5,915	$ 5,727
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party	$ 103	$ 104

Guarantees and Other Commitme58

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Franchisee Image Activation Incentive Programs (Details) - Maximum [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Years of reduction in royalty payment attributable to new builds	2 years
Years of reduction in royalty payment attributable to incentive program	1 year

Guarantees and Other Commitme59

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Lease Guarantees (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)
Property Lease Guarantee [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 58,826
Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 652

Guarantees and Other Commitme60

Guarantees and Other Commitments and Contingencies Letters of Credit (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 37,496
Collateral Supporting Letters of Credit [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 5,665

Legal and Environmental Matte61

Legal and Environmental Matters (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 02, 2017USD ($)Civil_complaints
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Accruals for legal and environmental matters | $	$ 2,478
Number of Putative Shareholder Derivative Complaints | Civil_complaints	2

New Accounting Standards New Ac

New Accounting Standards New Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2017	Jul. 03, 2016	Jan. 02, 2017
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,592,269
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities		$ 1,774
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation	$ 2,956	3,064
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		$ 0	$ 1,880