Gross Notional Amounts of Dole's Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2012
Designated as Hedging Instrument | U.S. dollar/Euro
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	1.28
Notional amount of derivative instruments	$ 141,167
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Chilean peso/U.S. dollar
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	490.47
Notional amount of derivative instruments	26,615
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | U.S. dollar/Japanese yen
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	101.30
Notional amount of derivative instruments	387,393
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | South African rand/Euro
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	11.63
Notional amount of derivative instruments	2,735
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | South African rand/U.S. dollar
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	8.95
Notional amount of derivative instruments	1,260
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | South African rand/ British pound sterling
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	14.16
Notional amount of derivative instruments	400
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Bunker Fuel Hedges
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Average strike price of derivative instruments	565.00
Notional amount of derivative instruments	$ 18,833