Goodwill And Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011	$ 1,155,271
Foreign currency translation	4,950
Balance at March 31, 2012	1,160,221
Fresh Dairy Direct [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011	86,841
Foreign currency translation
Balance at March 31, 2012	86,841
WhiteWave-Alpro [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011	762,336
Foreign currency translation	4,950
Balance at March 31, 2012	767,286
Morningstar [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2011	306,094
Foreign currency translation
Balance at March 31, 2012	$ 306,094