Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Share capital authorized	310,000,000
Common stock shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock share issued	89,189,000	88,952,000
Common stock share outstanding	89,189,000	88,952,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, share outstanding	0	0
Dividends paid	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Dividend payment limitation description	Dole's ability to declare and pay future dividends is subject to limitations contained in its senior secured credit facilities and bond indentures. At present, under such limitations, Dole could not declare or pay dividends exceeding $25 million in the aggregate
Restricted Stock
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]
Outstanding	710,001