Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012
Farmer Brothers Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	$ 5,700
June 30, 2013	3,900
June 30, 2014	5,840
June 30, 2015	6,010
June 30, 2016	6,200
June 30, 2017	6,460
2018-2021	36,230
Brewmatic Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	300
June 30, 2013	400
June 30, 2014	290
June 30, 2015	290
June 30, 2016	290
June 30, 2017	280
2018-2021	1,420
Hourly Employees' Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	17
June 30, 2013	100
June 30, 2014	31
June 30, 2015	45
June 30, 2016	61
June 30, 2017	78
2018-2021	680
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	1,363
June 30, 2013	1,363
June 30, 2014	1,450
June 30, 2015	1,846
June 30, 2016	2,106
June 30, 2017	2,362
2018-2021	$ 15,559