Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 16, 2011	Jul. 17, 2010	Jul. 16, 2011	Jul. 17, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, January 1, 2011			$ (33,709,000)
Net deferred gains (losses) on closed contracts, net of income tax of $(6,485)			10,359,000
Reclassified to earnings, net of income tax of $13,166			(21,032,000)
Effective portion of change in fair value of hedging instruments, net of income tax of $11,998			(19,166,000)
Amortization of actuarial loss, net of income tax of $555			886,000
Amortization of prior service credits, net of income tax of $(54)			(85,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, July 16, 2011	(62,747,000)		(62,747,000)
Income tax expense of deferred gains (losses) on closed contracts			(6,485,000)
Income tax expense of reclassified earnings			13,166,000
Income tax expense of fair value of hedging instruments			11,998,000
Income tax expense of amortization of actuarial loss			555,000
Income tax expense of amortization of prior service credits			(54,000)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Flowers Foods, Inc.	$ 3,500,000	$ 43,300,000	$ 40,300,000	$ 86,500,000