Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 18, 2011	Jun. 19, 2010	Jun. 18, 2011	Jun. 19, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 83,033	$ 33,472	$ 85,078	$ 56,234
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,377)	(11,848)	7,526	(24,741)
Unrealized hedging gains (losses), net of income taxes of ($61), ($14), ($639) and $166, respectively	(13,114)	(396)	(14,197)	8,406
Reclassification of realized losses to net income, net of income taxes of $379, ($26), $680 and ($26), respectively	8,748	1,102	13,723	2,259
Comprehensive income	75,290	22,330	92,130	42,158
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,287)	(1,142)	(2,295)	(1,734)
Comprehensive income attributable to Shareholders of Dole Food Company, Inc.	$ 74,003	$ 21,188	$ 89,835	$ 40,424