Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011	Jan. 02, 2010
Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Flowers Foods, Inc.	$ 123,428	$ 137,047	$ 130,297
Pension and postretirement plans:
Prior service cost for the period		68	759
Net (loss) gain for the period	(41,117)	(6,070)	6,005
Less amortization of prior service (credit) cost included in net income	(158)	(107)	205
Less amortization of actuarial loss included in net income	1,750	1,303	1,698
Pension and postretirement plans, net of tax	(39,525)	(4,806)	8,667
Derivative instruments
Net derivatives (loss) gain for the period	(17,851)	27,700	(13,003)
(Gain) loss reclassified to net income	(20,962)	8,069	41,943
Derivative instruments, net of tax	(38,813)	35,769	28,940
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(78,338)	30,963	37,607
Comprehensive income	$ 45,090	$ 168,010	$ 167,904