Summarized Financial Information of Equity Method Investees (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues, net	$ 1,509,927	$ 1,650,199	$ 1,183,877
Gross margin	185,597	241,997	424,397
Operating income	26,724	36,594	35,095
Net income	12,696	12,431	19,444
Current assets	473,821	535,212
Noncurrent assets	363,222	342,714
Total assets	837,043	877,926
Current liabilities	313,955	407,384
Noncurrent liabilities	243,547	218,176
Total liabilities	557,502	625,560
Shareholders' equity	263,398	237,879
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests	16,143	14,487
Total equity	279,541	252,366
Dole's total equity method investments	$ 102,960	$ 96,867