Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts

DEAN FOODS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

		December 31		December 31		December 31		December 31		December 31
Description	Balance at Beginning  of Period		Charged to (Reduction  in) Costs and Expenses		Other		Deductions		Balance at End of  Period
	(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	15,347	$	1,996	$	(160)	$	(6,292)	$	10,891
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances		7,660		1,516		—		—		9,176
Year ended December 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,888	$	7,956	$	(1,379)	$	(8,118)	$	15,347
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances		9,108		(1,448)		—		—		7,660
Year ended December 31, 2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	17,429	$	2,496	$	1,179	$	(4,216)	$	16,888
Deferred tax asset valuation allowances		9,645		(537)		—		—		9,108