Segment, Geographic And Customers Information (Schedule Of Net Sales, By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers	$ 3,214,094	$ 3,049,854
Intersegment sales	115,242	128,851
Operating income	123,006	105,927
Facility closing and reorganization costs	(28,822)	(10,643)
Other operating income		19,490
Fresh Dairy Direct [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers	2,318,142	2,234,522
Intersegment sales	13,380	17,372
Operating income	101,196	86,038
WhiteWave-Alpro [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers	571,215	506,560
Intersegment sales	29,298	27,785
Operating income	60,310	46,091
Morningstar [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales to external customers	324,737	308,772
Intersegment sales	72,564	83,694
Operating income	28,750	25,444
Total Reportable Segments Operating Income [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	190,256	157,573
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ (38,428)	$ (60,493)