Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 24, 2012	Mar. 26, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,144	$ 2,045
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	4,953	10,903
Unrealized hedging gains (losses), net of income taxes of $1,636 and ($578)	52,772	(1,083)
Reclassification of realized losses to net income, net of income taxes of ($199) and $301	2,617	4,975
Comprehensive income	77,486	16,840
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(780)	(1,008)
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of Dole Food Company, Inc.	$ 76,706	$ 15,832