Chiquita Brands International (CQB) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 28, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CHIQUITA BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000101063	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	47,112,311

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$738,551	$723,062	'	$2,326,388	$2,309,485
Cost of sales	663,536	645,170	'	2,065,095	2,017,667
Selling, general and administrative	53,658	60,966	'	162,544	177,227
Transaction costs	8,235	0	'	16,907	0
Depreciation	12,323	13,435	'	38,911	40,517
Amortization	2,342	2,342	'	7,025	7,025
Equity in earnings of investees	-105	0	'	-437	-72
Restructuring and relocation costs	0	-4	'	460	254
Operating income	-1,438	1,153	'	35,883	66,867
Interest income	600	690	'	1,905	2,197
Interest expense	-15,564	-15,356	'	-46,331	-44,698
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	'	-521	-6,275
Other income (expense), net	-1,036	-501	'	-5,172	1,622
Income before income taxes	-17,438	-14,014	'	-14,236	19,713
Income tax benefit (expense)	-518	-3,800	3,000	-10,487	-4,050
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	'	-24,723	15,663
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic (in dollars per share)	($0.38)	($0.38)	'	($0.53)	$0.34
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.38)	($0.38)	'	($0.53)	$0.33
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	-242,276	-226,950	'	-740,810	-688,074
Cost of sales	-242,280	-226,965	'	-740,404	-688,070
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	'	0	0
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	0	0	'	0	0
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	15,421	-10,342	'	100,703	153,595
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	0	'	0	0
Operating income	-15,417	-10,327	'	-101,109	-153,599
Interest income	0	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	'	0	0
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-4	-15	'	406	4
Income before income taxes	-15,421	-10,342	'	-100,703	-153,595
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,594	2,351	'	13,171	5,923
Net income (loss)	-13,827	-7,991	'	-87,532	-147,672
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	0	0	'	0	0
Cost of sales	0	0	'	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	9,788	12,446	'	24,816	31,851
Transaction costs	8,235	'	'	16,907	'
Depreciation	0	0	'	0	0
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-6,134	3,448	'	-43,502	-67,760
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	-15	'	460	-15
Operating income	-11,889	-8,983	'	1,319	35,924
Interest income	0	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	-5,549	-5,031	'	-16,136	-16,405
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	-843
Other income (expense), net	0	0	'	581	1,037
Income before income taxes	-17,438	-14,014	'	-14,236	19,713
Income tax benefit (expense)	-518	-3,800	'	-10,487	-4,050
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	'	-24,723	15,663
Subsidiary Issuer [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	217,299	200,307	'	651,515	587,278
Cost of sales	205,854	190,790	'	625,157	557,444
Selling, general and administrative	4,193	1,955	'	12,704	10,696
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	1,219	1,140	'	3,589	3,599
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-9,576	6,878	'	-61,741	-85,792
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	111	'	0	264
Operating income	15,609	13,189	'	71,806	101,067
Interest income	0	1	'	2	12
Interest expense	-9,162	-9,743	'	-27,568	-27,563
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	-521	-5,432
Other income (expense), net	-313	1	'	-217	-324
Income before income taxes	6,134	3,448	'	43,502	67,760
Income tax benefit (expense)	792	-3,249	'	-5,620	-2,643
Net income (loss)	6,926	199	'	37,882	65,117
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	299,667	302,625	'	911,465	939,662
Cost of sales	265,903	271,950	'	805,599	835,099
Selling, general and administrative	20,378	23,775	'	64,194	67,203
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	6,212	6,741	'	19,230	20,397
Amortization	2,335	2,336	'	7,006	7,007
Equity in earnings of investees	289	16	'	4,540	-43
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	-100	'	0	8
Operating income	4,550	-2,061	'	10,896	9,991
Interest income	-1	26	'	33	128
Interest expense	-724	-576	'	-2,291	-701
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	602	85	'	235	250
Income before income taxes	4,427	-2,526	'	8,873	9,668
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,752	1,289	'	-3,512	-3,547
Net income (loss)	2,675	-1,237	'	5,361	6,121
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	463,861	447,080	'	1,504,218	1,470,619
Cost of sales	434,059	409,395	'	1,374,743	1,313,194
Selling, general and administrative	19,299	22,790	'	60,830	67,477
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	4,892	5,554	'	16,092	16,521
Amortization	7	6	'	19	18
Equity in earnings of investees	-105	0	'	-437	-72
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	0	'	0	-3
Operating income	5,709	9,335	'	52,971	73,484
Interest income	601	663	'	1,870	2,057
Interest expense	-129	-6	'	-336	-29
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-1,321	-572	'	-6,177	655
Income before income taxes	4,860	9,420	'	48,328	76,167
Income tax benefit (expense)	-634	-391	'	-4,039	267
Net income (loss)	$4,226	$9,029	'	$44,289	$76,434

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income (loss)	($17,956)	($17,814)	($24,723)	$15,663
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, where applicable: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses)	1	-753	16	-381
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	252	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	1	-753	268	-381
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	0	0	0	157
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	-561
Net other comprehensive loss related to available-for-sale investment	0	0	0	-404
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	19,072	-6,183	22,467	-8,308
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	-1,543	6,114	504	21,328
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	822	-2,277	586	-7,267
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	18,351	-2,346	23,557	5,753
Actuarial losses for the period, net of $0, $3, $259 and $133, respectively, of income tax benefit	0	-42	-905	-1,448
Amortization included in pension cost	297	342	893	1,018
Net other comprehensive gain (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	297	300	-12	-430
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	18,649	-2,799	23,813	4,538
Comprehensive income (loss)	$693	($20,613)	($910)	$20,201

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Actuarial losses for the period, tax benefit	$0	$3	$259	$133

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'		'
Cash and equivalents	$45,092	$54,017		$71,766
Trade receivables, less allowances of $17,443, $19,602 and $19,978, respectively	248,617	252,068		269,892
Other receivables, net	68,168	56,273		66,602
Inventories	208,931	210,564		234,783
Prepaid expenses	42,393	49,733		47,170
Other current assets	25,392	6,540		17,463
Total current assets	638,593	629,195		707,676
Property, plant and equipment, net	400,360	390,773		392,884
Investments and other assets, net	106,439	108,077		88,989
Trademarks	426,085	426,085		426,085
Goodwill	18,095	18,095		18,095
Other intangible assets, net	79,887	86,913		89,254
Total assets	1,669,459	1,659,138		1,722,983
Current liabilities:	'	'		'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,648	2,271		2,191
Accounts payable	248,730	248,273		283,641
Accrued liabilities	155,640	158,034	[1]	148,346
Total current liabilities	409,018	408,578		434,178
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	634,882	629,353		620,012
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	81,394	77,066		82,295
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	0	6,290		9,823
Deferred tax liabilities	107,318	103,679		111,942
Other liabilities	58,764	59,734		70,424
Total liabilities	1,291,376	1,284,700		1,328,674
Commitments and contingencies	0	0		0
Shareholders' equity:	'	'		'
Common stock, $.01 par value (47,048,211, 46,829,913 and 46,759,590 shares outstanding, respectively)	470	468		468
Capital surplus	844,217	839,664		838,261
Accumulated deficit	-464,634	-439,911		-408,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,970	-25,783		-35,987
Total shareholders' equity	378,083	374,438		394,309
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,669,459	$1,659,138		$1,722,983
[1]	We revised the December 31, 2013 condensed consolidating balance sheet presented above to correct for items of classification between CBII and CBLLC, the Co-Issuers. These classification items affected the line items indicated in amounts representing less than 1% of both total assets and total liabilities of CBII and CBLLC

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'	'
Trade receivables allowances	$17,443	$19,602	$19,978
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding	47,048,211	46,829,913	46,759,590

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATIONS	'	'
Net income (loss)	($24,723)	$15,663
Depreciation and amortization	45,936	47,542
Loss on debt extinguishment	521	6,275
Reserve for trade receivables	5,085	3,141
Amortization of discount on Convertible Notes	9,144	8,100
Amortization of gain on sale of the shipping fleet	-6,290	-10,381
Stock-based compensation	5,583	4,523
Changes in current assets and liabilities and other	5,415	16,875
Operating cash flow	40,671	91,738
INVESTING	'	'
Capital expenditures	-38,836	-36,165
Contribution to equity-method investment	0	-13,102
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	5,256	11,751
Other, net	-3,736	3,559
Investing cash flow	-37,316	-33,957
FINANCING	'	'
Issuances of long-term debt	0	429,415
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-11,714	-412,646
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	24,000	36,590
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	-24,000	-36,590
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	0	-40,000
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	-266	-13,810
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	-300	0
Financing cash flow	-12,280	-37,041
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	-8,925	20,740
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	54,017	51,026
Cash and equivalents, end of period	$45,092	$71,766

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information relating to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The December 31, 2013 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") are calculated as follows:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net income (loss)	$	(17,956	)	$	(17,814	)	$	(24,723	)	$	15,663
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (used to calculate basic EPS)	46,981			46,633			46,915			46,495
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards	—			—			—			940
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (used to calculate diluted EPS)	46,981			46,633			46,915			47,435
	Earnings (loss) per common share – basic	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.53	)	$	0.34
	Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.53	)	$	0.33
	If we had generated net income for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an additional 1.4 million, 1.3 million, and 1.2 million shares, respectively, would have been added to basic weighted average common shares outstanding to calculate diluted EPS.
	The assumed conversions to common stock of stock options, other stock awards and 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 ("Convertible Notes") are excluded from weighted average common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted EPS in periods when these items, on an individual basis, have an anti-dilutive effect on diluted EPS. For the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the effect of the conversion of the Convertible Notes would have been anti-dilutive because the average trading price of the common stock was below the initial conversion price of $22.45 per share. In addition, certain stock options and other stock awards totaling 0.1 million and 0.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 0.1 million and 1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive.

Trade_and_Finance_Receivables

Trade and Finance Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Trade and Finance Receivables	'
	Trade and Finance Receivables
	TRADE RECEIVABLES
	Our primary markets are in North America and Europe, but we also have sales in the Middle East and other markets. The majority of our sales in the Middle East are in Iran under license from the U.S. government that allows sale of food products to non-sanctioned parties. Sales to Iranian customers are in U.S. dollars and represent $9 million, $17 million and $17 million of "Trade receivables, less allowances" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively. Even though the sales in Iran are permitted, the international sanctions against Iran affected the ability of certain Iranian customers to pay invoices within terms because it became difficult for them to obtain U.S. dollars, euros or other suitable currencies in sufficient quantity on a regular basis. Over the course of 2012, our receivable balance with these customers increased, and we established payment plans with each of these customers to reduce their balances. Certain customers have so far been able to find acceptable methods of payment to comply with their payment plans. However, some customers have not, and as a result, we recorded a reserve of $9 million in 2012, with an additional $2 million in 2013 as a result of further delinquency and other repayment risk. We source bananas from the Philippines for sale in the Middle East under a committed-volume, long term purchase contract with a former joint venture partner through 2016. To mitigate risk, we have reduced the amount of volume being sent to the Middle East and have developed other Middle Eastern markets. However, Iran remains an important market for our Philippine-sourced bananas.
	FINANCE RECEIVABLES
	Finance receivables were as follows:
		September 30, 2014					December 31, 2013					September 30, 2013
	(In thousands)	Grower			Seller		Grower			Seller		Grower			Seller
		Receivables			Financing		Receivables			Financing		Receivables			Financing
	Gross receivable	$	39,724		$	24,401	$	35,761		$	27,127	$	36,092		$	28,001
	Reserve	(32,653		)	—		(32,877		)	—		(32,927		)	—
	Net receivable	$	7,071		$	24,401	$	2,884		$	27,127	$	3,165		$	28,001
	Current portion, net	$	7,071		$	4,229	$	2,884		$	3,990	$	3,165		$	3,913
	Long-term portion, net	—			20,172		—			23,137		—			24,088
	Net receivable	$	7,071		$	24,401	$	2,884		$	27,127	$	3,165		$	28,001
	Seasonal advances may be made to certain qualified growers, which are normally collected as the produce is harvested and sold. We generally require asset liens and pledges of the season's produce as collateral to support these advances. If sales of the season's produce do not result in full repayment of the advance, we may exercise the collateral provisions or renegotiate the terms, including terms of interest, to collect the remaining balance.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there was no significant activity in the reserve for grower receivables balance. In the third quarter of 2013, we recovered $1 million of grower receivables that were previously reserved and in the second quarter of 2013, we wrote off another $3 million. Other movements in grower receivable reserves in 2013 were not significant.
	The gross grower receivable balance in each period primarily relates to a former Chilean grower of grapes and other produce, that we fully reserved in 2011, when the grower was declared bankrupt. We continue to aggressively negotiate recovery.
	We provided seller financing in the 2009 sale of the former joint venture that sourced bananas and pineapples from the Philippines for sale in the Middle East and Asia. The financing for the sale of this joint venture is a note that is receivable in equal installments through 2019. As of September 30, 2014, payments are current on this note receivable.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013
	Finished goods	$	69,244	$	69,450	$	79,706
	Growing crops	73,068		74,985		79,899
	Raw materials, supplies and other	66,619		66,129		75,178
		$	208,931	$	210,564	$	234,783

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations	'
	Debt including Capital Lease Obligations
	The carrying values of our debt represent amortized cost and are summarized below with estimated fair values:
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013					September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value1			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value1		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value1
	(In thousands)
	7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2021	$	412,403		$	449,000		$	422,174		$	459,000	$	422,100		$	453,000
	4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	173,194			200,000			164,050			194,000		161,182			196,000
	ABL Term Loan	5,250			5,000			6,375			6,000		6,750			6,000
	Capital lease obligations2	42,142			42,000			39,025			39,000		32,171			32,000
	Other debt	6,541			6,000			—			—		—			—
	Less current portion	(4,648		)				(2,271		)			(2,191		)
	Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	634,882					$	629,353				$	620,012
	1	The fair value of the senior notes is based on observable inputs, which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market and market-corroborated inputs (Level 2). All other debt may be traded on the secondary loan market, and the fair value is based on either the last available trading price, if recent, or trading prices of comparable debt (Level 3). See Note 8 for further discussion of fair value.
	2	Capital lease obligations include the borrowings for the salad production and warehousing facility in the Midwest. See further description of the build-to-suit lease below.
	7.875% SENIOR SECURED NOTES
	In February 2013, Chiquita Brands International, Inc. ("CBII") and its main operating subsidiary, Chiquita Brands L.L.C. ("CBL"), completed the offering of $425 million of 7.875% senior secured notes due February 1, 2021 ("7.875% Notes"). The notes were issued at 99.274% of par, resulting in a recorded discount that will be amortized over the life of the 7.875% Notes to reflect the effective interest rate of 8.0%. The 7.875% Notes were registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission through an exchange offer on January 6, 2014, which was completed on February 4, 2014. The 7.875% Notes bear interest of 7.875% per year (payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year). On January 31, 2014, we redeemed $10 million of the 7.875% Notes at 103% of the principal amount (plus interest to the redemption date), incurring less than $1 million of expense in 2014 for call premiums and deferred financing fee write-offs.
	On or before February 1, 2016, CBII and CBL may redeem on one or more occasions up to 35% of the aggregate principal amounts with cash proceeds from certain equity sales at a redemption price of 107.875% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 7.875% Notes remains outstanding after each such redemption. Also, on or before February 5, 2016, CBII and CBL may redeem a portion of the 7.875% Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, provided that no more than $42.5 million aggregate principal amount may be redeemed each year. CBII and CBL may also redeem the 7.875% Notes as follows:
	If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1,		Redemption Price
	2016		105.91%
	2017		103.94%
	2018		101.97%
	2019 and thereafter		100.00%
	Upon a change of control of CBII, CBII and CBL (or a third party on their behalf) will be required to make an offer to purchase the notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest.
	4.25% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES
	Our $200 million of 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 ("Convertible Notes") are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 44.5524 shares of common stock per $1,000 in principal amount, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $22.45 per share of common stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment based on certain dilutive events, including stock splits, stock dividends and other distributions (including cash dividends) in respect of the common stock. Holders of the Convertible Notes may tender their notes for conversion between May 15 and August 14, 2016, in multiples of $1,000 in principal amount, without limitation. Prior to May 15, 2016, holders of the Convertible Notes may tender the notes for conversion only under certain circumstances, in accordance with their terms.
	The carrying amounts of the debt and equity components of the Convertible Notes are as follows:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013
	Principal amount of debt component1	$	200,000		$	200,000		$	200,000
	Unamortized discount	(26,806		)	(35,950		)	(38,818		)
	Net carrying amount of debt component	$	173,194		$	164,050		$	161,182
	Equity component	$	84,904		$	84,904		$	84,904
	Issuance costs and income taxes	(3,210		)	(3,210		)	(3,210		)
	Equity component, net of issuance costs and income taxes	$	81,694		$	81,694		$	81,694
	1	As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the Convertible Notes' "if-converted" value did not exceed their principal amount because our common stock price was below the conversion price of the Convertible Notes.
	The interest expense related to the Convertible Notes was as follows:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	4.25% coupon interest	$	2,125		$	2,125		$	6,375		$	6,375
	Amortization of deferred financing fees	117			117			352			352
	Amortization of discount on the debt component	3,141			2,782			9,144			8,100
	Total interest expense related to the Convertible Notes	$	5,383		$	5,024		$	15,871		$	14,827
	ASSET-BASED LENDING FACILITY
	CBII and CBL also entered into a 5-year secured asset-based lending facility ("ABL Facility") concurrently with the closing of the 7.875% Notes offering on February 5, 2013. The ABL Facility consists of a revolver (the "ABL Revolver") and a $7.5 million term loan (the "ABL Term Loan"). The ABL Facility matures at the earlier of February 5, 2018 or 60 days prior to the maturity of the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due August 15, 2016, unless such notes have been satisfactorily refinanced. The ABL Term Loan requires annual repayments of approximately $2 million.
	The ABL Facility has a maximum borrowing capacity of $150 million, with the ABL Revolver subject to a borrowing base calculation based on specified percentages of domestic receivables, certain inventory and certain domestic machinery and equipment.
	At September 30, 2014, there were no borrowings under the ABL Revolver, under which $84 million was available after $25 million was used to support letters of credit.
	Loans under the ABL Facility bear interest at:
	•	A rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of from 1.75% to 2.25%, or Base Rate plus a margin of from 0.25% to 0.75%, determined based on levels of borrowing availability reset each fiscal quarter;
	•	In the case of the Fixed Asset Sub-Line, a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin from 2.25% to 2.75%, or Base Rate plus a margin of from 0.75% to 1.25%, determined based on levels of borrowing availability reset each fiscal quarter; and
	•	In the case of the ABL Term Loan, a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin from 2.75% to 3.25%, or Base Rate plus a margin of from 1.25% to 1.75%, determined based on levels of borrowing availability reset each fiscal quarter.
	At September 30, 2014, the weighted average interest rate for the ABL Facility was LIBOR plus 2.75%, or 2.91%.
	The ABL Facility contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant that did not apply at September 30, 2014 because it is only applicable when excess availability (as defined under such facility) is less than $20 million. The ABL Facility also contains a covenant requiring CBII and its subsidiaries to maintain substantially all of its cash in accounts that are subject to the control of the collateral agent under the ABL Facility that did not apply at September 30, 2014 because it is only applicable when (a) an event of default under the facility occurs and is continuing or (b) excess availability (as defined under such facility) is less than $25 million.
	The ABL facility also contains other customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on CBII and its subsidiaries' ability to incur indebtedness, create or permit the existence of liens over their assets, engage in certain mergers, asset sales and liquidations, prepay certain indebtedness, pay dividends and other "restricted payments," and engage in transactions with their affiliates, in each case subject to customary exceptions. At September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with the ABL and its other agreements and expect to remain in compliance for at least the next twelve months.
	BUILD-TO-SUIT LEASE FOR MIDWEST SALAD PLANT CONSOLIDATION
	In June 2012, we entered into a 20-year lease agreement for a salad production and warehousing facility in the Midwest that replaced three existing facilities in the region. The lease agreement contains two 5-year extension periods. The plant was phased into service during 2013, and the construction costs were finalized on March 31, 2014 resulting in an interest rate of 6.3% to calculate the capital lease liability and future payments. Lease payments will increase annually based on CPI. The total liability related to this facility was $42 million, $38 million and $38 million at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively, of which approximately $1 million was current at each of those dates. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, this liability was included as a capital lease obligation on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2013, $31 million was included as a capital lease obligation corresponding to the portion of the leased facility that was placed into service and $1 million and $6 million obligations corresponding to the construction in progress of the leased facility were included in "Accrued liabilities" and "Other liabilities", respectively. Though the construction costs were financed by the lessor, we acted as the construction agent and were responsible for all construction activity during the construction period because of the specialized nature of the facility. As a result, we were treated as the owner for accounting purposes during the construction period.
	OTHER DEBT
	In the first quarter of 2014, we purchased a group of banana farms in Honduras that were adjacent to farms that we already owned. The purchase included approximately 700 hectares of land, of which nearly 450 hectares are in production, as well as related buildings and equipment. The purchase price was $10 million, of which $3 million was paid at closing and is included in "Investing: Other, net" in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The remaining $7 million was financed by the sellers and is payable in annual installments over four years. The agreement did not specify an interest rate, and we calculated the debt balance using the effective rate method and an estimated interest rate of 8%.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is the price to hypothetically sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly manner in the principal market for that asset or liability. Accounting standards prioritize the use of observable inputs in measuring fair value. The level of a fair value measurement is determined entirely by the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement. The three levels are (from highest to lowest):
	Level 1 – observable prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2 – observable inputs other than quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market and market-corroborated inputs; and
	Level 3 – unobservable inputs.
	The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value, including derivative instruments on a gross basis, and the location of these instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
			Assets (Liabilities)			Fair Value Measurements Using
	(In thousands)		at Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	30-Sep-14
	Derivatives recorded in "Other current assets":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized assets	$	22,593		$	—	$	22,593		$	—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(750		)	—		(750		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(3,373		)	—		(3,373		)	—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts of recognized assets	502			—		502			—
	Net amount recorded in other current assets		18,972			—		18,972			—
	September 30, 2014		$	18,972		$	—	$	18,972		$	—
	31-Dec-13
	Derivatives recorded in "Investments & other assets, net":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	$	(220	)	—		$	(220	)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized assets	953			—		953			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(100		)	—		(100		)	—
	Net amount recorded in investments & other assets, net		633			—		633			—
	Derivatives recorded in "Accrued liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	1,250			—		1,250			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(5,947		)	—		(5,947		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	778			—		778			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(643		)	—		(643		)	—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	245			—		245			—
	Net amount recorded in accrued liabilities		(4,317		)	—		(4,317		)	—
	Derivatives recorded in "Other liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	833			—		833			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(930		)	—		(930		)	—
	Net amount recorded in other liabilities		(97		)	—		(97		)	—
	December 31, 2013		$	(3,781	)	$	—	$	(3,781	)	$	—
			Assets (Liabilities)			Fair Value Measurements Using
	(In thousands)		at Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	30-Sep-13
	Derivatives recorded in "Investments & other assets, net":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized assets	515			—		515			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(465		)	—		(465		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized assets	196					196
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(137		)			(137		)
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts of recognized assets	22			—		22			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(70		)	—		(70		)	—
	Net amount recorded in investments & other assets, net		61			—		61			—
	Derivatives recorded in "Accrued liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	1,163			—		1,163			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(10,913		)	—		(10,913		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	1,212			—		1,212			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(611		)	—		(611		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	282			—		282			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(203		)	—		(203		)	—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	17			—		17			—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(108		)	—		(108		)	—
		Net amount recorded in accrued liabilities	(9,161		)	—		(9,161		)	—
	Derivatives recorded in "Other liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	196			—		196			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(233		)	—		(233		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	145					145
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(835		)			(835		)
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	12			—		12			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(236		)	—		(236		)	—
	Net amount recorded in other liabilities		(951		)	—		(951		)	—
September 30, 2013		$	(10,051	)	$	—	$	(10,051	)	$	—
1 Bunker fuel forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
2 Bunker fuel forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments.
Except as described in Note 7, currency hedge portfolio and bunker fuel forward contracts are designated as hedging instruments. 30-day euro forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. To the extent derivatives in an asset position and derivatives in a liability position are with the same counterparty, they are netted in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets because we enter into master netting arrangements with each of our hedging partners.
We value fuel hedging positions by applying an observable discount rate to the current forward prices of identical hedge positions. We value currency hedging positions by utilizing observable or market-corroborated inputs such as exchange rates, volatility and forward yield curves. We trade only with counterparties that meet certain liquidity and creditworthiness standards and do not anticipate non-performance by any of these counterparties. We do not require collateral from our counterparties, nor are we obligated to provide collateral when contracts are in a liability position. However, consideration of non-performance risk is required when valuing derivative instruments, and we include an adjustment for non-performance risk in the recognized measure of derivative instruments to reflect the full credit default spread ("CDS") applied to a net exposure for each counterparty. When there is a net asset position, we use the counterparty's CDS; when there is a net liability position, we use our own estimated CDS. CDS is generally not a significant input in measuring fair value and was not significant for any of our derivative instruments in any period presented. See further discussion and tabular disclosure of hedging activity in Note 7.
Financial instruments not carried at fair value consist of our debt. See further fair value discussion and tabular disclosure related to debt in Note 6.
Fair value measurements of benefit plan assets included in net benefit plan liabilities are based on quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) or quoted prices in inactive markets (Level 2). The carrying amounts of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables including current and non-current finance receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value. Level 3 fair value measurements are used in certain non-recurring items, including the impairment reviews of goodwill and intangible assets, which take place annually during the fourth quarter, or as circumstances indicate the possibility of impairment. Level 3 fair value measurements are also used in measuring non-recurring items, including impairments related to long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

Pension_and_Severance_Benefits

Pension and Severance Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Severance Benefits	'
	Pension and Severance Benefits
	Net pension expense from our defined benefit and severance plans are primarily comprised of severance plans covering Central American employees and consists of the following:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1,855		$	1,864		$	5,565		$	5,592
	Interest on projected benefit obligation	1,411			1,300			4,241			3,894
	Expected return on plan assets	(334		)	(333		)	(1,005		)	(996		)
	Recognized actuarial loss	265			310			797			922
	Amortization of prior service cost	32			32			96			96
	Defined benefit and severance plan expense	$	3,229		$	3,173		$	9,694		$	9,508

Reclassifications_from_Accumul

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Gains and losses deferred in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" ("AOCI") are reclassified and recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations when they are realized. The items in the table below do not have an income tax effect because they are either permanent differences in the income tax calculation or they relate to jurisdictions where we have established full valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets. Amounts of (income) expense reclassified from AOCI are as follows (in thousands):
	AOCI Component		Line Items Affected by Reclassifications from AOCI in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		(Income) / expense reclassified from AOCI for the quarter ended September 30,								(Income) / expense reclassified from AOCI for the nine months ended September 30,
					2014				2013				2014				2013
	Currency translation		Other income (expense), net		$	—			$	—			$	252			$	—
	Available-for-sale investment		Other income (expense), net		—				—				—				(561		)
	Currency hedge portfolio derivatives		Net sales		(1,543		)		6,114				504				21,328
	Bunker fuel forward contracts		Cost of sales		822				(2,277		)		586				(7,267		)
	Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions*				297				342				893				1,018
	* These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 for further details.
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(202	)		$	(448	)		$	(19,969	)		$	(20,619	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1				19,072				—				19,073
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				(721		)		297				(424		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1				18,351				297				18,649
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(201	)		$	17,903			$	(19,672	)		$	(1,970	)
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(469	)		$	(5,654	)		$	(19,660	)		$	(25,783	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16				22,467				(905		)		21,578
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	252				1,090				893				2,235
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	268				23,557				(12		)		23,813
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(201	)		$	17,903			$	(19,672	)		$	(1,970	)
	(1) Net of deferred tax liability of $271, $271, and $530 as of September 30, 2014, June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	252			$	(8,463	)		$	—			$	(24,977	)		$	(33,188	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(753		)		(6,183		)		—				(42		)		(6,978		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				3,837				—				342				4,179
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(753		)		(2,346		)		—				300				(2,799		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(501	)		$	(10,809	)		$	—			$	(24,677	)		$	(35,987	)
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(120	)		$	(16,562	)		$	404			$	(24,247	)		$	(40,525	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(381		)		(8,308		)		157				(1,448		)		(9,980		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				14,061				(561		)		1,018				14,518
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(381		)		5,753				(404		)		(430		)		4,538
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(501	)		$	(10,809	)		$	—			$	(24,677	)		$	(35,987	)
	(1) Net of deferred tax liability of $150, $153 and $283 as of September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rates were (3.0)% and (27.1)% for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and (73.7)% and 20.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We record income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate for interim reporting. Under the annual effective tax rate method, jurisdictions with a projected loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the calculation of the estimated annual effective tax rate.
	The effective tax rates for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were impacted by the mix in earnings among domestic and foreign jurisdictions, losses in various jurisdictions and certain discrete items. Many of these foreign jurisdictions have tax rates that are lower than the U.S. statutory rate, and we continue to maintain full valuation allowances on net deferred tax assets in certain of these foreign jurisdictions. The effective tax rates for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were also impacted by our continuing to maintain a full valuation allowance on U.S. net deferred tax assets. The company recorded out of period adjustments in the second quarter of 2013 that resulted in $3 million of income tax benefit related to 2012 and 2011.
	As previously disclosed, the tax authority in Ecuador is challenging the transfer pricing practices of major banana exporters and has assessed $23 million of income taxes, penalties and interest related to transfer pricing from 2008 through 2010 and $5 million of statutorily required profit sharing related to transfer pricing from 2010. Other tax years remain open and under audit and may result in additional assessments before the matter is resolved. We believe appropriate transfer pricing was used and that more likely than not, we will succeed upon appeal. Therefore, we do not have unrecognized tax benefits related to this matter included in our September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 or September 30, 2013 balance sheets.

Advertising_and_Promotion_Expe

Advertising and Promotion Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]	'
Advertising and Promotion Expense	'
	Advertising and Promotion Expense
	Advertising and certain promotion expenses are included in "Selling, general and administrative" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and were $5 million and $7 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $19 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense totaled $4 million and $2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $8 million and $7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 . Stock-based compensation expense relates primarily to our performance-based long-term incentive program ("LTIP"), stock options and restricted stock unit ("RSU") awards. LTIP awards cover three-year performance cycles and are measured partly on performance criteria (cumulative earnings per share and/or cumulative free cash flow generation) and partly on market criteria (total shareholder return relative to a peer group of companies). The fair value of LTIP awards containing performance criteria are based on our expectations of performance achievement and the closing stock price on the measurement date. The fair value of LTIP awards based on market criteria are measured using a Monte-Carlo simulation using publicly available data.
	Our LTIP awards are liability-classified awards, which do not affect "Capital surplus" until and if these awards are paid in shares. All other stock-based compensation is equity-classified, and therefore affects "Capital surplus." Changes in "Capital surplus" are primarily a result of stock compensation:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Stock-based compensation	$	1,818		$	1,713		$	5,493		$	5,541
	Shares withheld for taxes	(683		)	(1,508		)	(940		)	(1,840		)
	Capital surplus increase	$	1,135		$	205		$	4,553		$	3,701

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We report three business segments:
	•	Bananas: Includes the sourcing (purchase and production), transportation, marketing and distribution of bananas.
	•	Salads and Healthy Snacks: Includes ready-to-eat, packaged salads, referred to in the industry as "value-added salads" and other value-added products, such as healthy snacking items, fresh vegetable and fruit ingredients used in food service; and processed fruit ingredients.
	•	Other Produce: Includes the sourcing, marketing and distribution of whole fresh produce other than bananas. The primary product of the Other Produce segment is pineapples.
	Certain corporate expenses are not allocated to the reportable segments and are included in "Corporate costs". Inter-segment transactions are eliminated.
	Financial information for each segment follows:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales:
	Bananas	$	477,472		$	455,981		$	1,516,343		$	1,481,625
	Salads and Healthy Snacks1	234,235			239,102			713,163			739,392
	Other Produce	26,844			27,979			96,882			88,468
		$	738,551		$	723,062		$	2,326,388		$	2,309,485
	Operating income (loss):
	Bananas2	$	18,138		$	18,039		$	82,159		$	101,438
	Salads and Healthy Snacks3	6,236			(5,155		)	9,978			4,595
	Other Produce4	(4,788		)	2,325			(4,663		)	1,904
	Corporate costs5	(21,024		)	(14,056		)	(51,591		)	(41,070		)
		$	(1,438	)	$	1,153		$	35,883		$	66,867
	1	In the second quarter of 2013, we sold one of our European healthy snacking businesses which represented approximately $12 million in annual net sales and had an insignificant effect on operating income. In the first quarter of 2014, we disposed of another non-core healthy snacking business in Europe which represented approximately $2 million in annual net sales. Both disposals had insignificant effects on operating income (loss).
	2	Includes $5 million of cost related to the changeover of vessels at the end of the respective leases and a $1 million gain on the sale of a ripening facility in Europe in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	3	Includes $2 million and $5 million of cost in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to severance, product resizing, product discontinuation, equipment write-downs and a legal settlement. Includes $1 million of "Cost of sales" in 2013 for severance costs related to a fruit ingredient business.
	4	Includes $3 million in the third quarter of 2014 related to a claim settlement with a former supplier of other produce products that were discontinued in previous periods.
	5	Includes $4 million and $13 million of costs for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, for the proposed combination with Fyffes. Includes $4 million of costs in the third quarter of 2014 for the due diligence related to the unsolicited offer from the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	We had an accrual of $4 million, related to contingencies and legal proceedings in Europe at each of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013. While other contingent liabilities described below may be material to the financial statements, we have determined that losses in these matters are not probable and have not accrued any other amounts. Regardless of their outcomes, we have paid, and will likely continue to incur, significant legal and other fees to defend ourselves in these proceedings, which may significantly affect our financial statements.
	COLOMBIA-RELATED MATTERS
	Tort Lawsuits. Between June 2007 and March 2011, nine civil tort lawsuits were filed against us by Colombian nationals in U.S. federal courts. These lawsuits assert claims under various state and federal laws, including the Alien Tort Statute (the "ATS lawsuits"). The over 6,000 plaintiffs in the ATS lawsuits claim to be persons injured, or family members or legal heirs of individuals allegedly killed or injured, by armed groups that received payments from the company's former Colombian subsidiary. We had voluntarily disclosed these payments to the U.S. Department of Justice as having been made by the subsidiary to protect its employees from risks to their safety if the payments were not made. This self-disclosure led to our 2007 plea to one count of Engaging in Transactions with a Specially-Designated Global Terrorist Group without having first obtained a license from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. The plaintiffs claim that, as a result of such payments, we should be held legally responsible for the alleged injuries. Eight of the ATS lawsuits seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees and costs, with one seeking treble damages and disgorgement of profits without explanation. The other ATS lawsuit contains a specific demand of $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages for each of the several hundred alleged victims in that suit. We also have received requests to participate in mediation in Colombia concerning similar claims, which could be followed by litigation in Colombia. All of the ATS lawsuits have been centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings ("MDL Proceeding"). We believe the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and are defending ourselves vigorously.
	Between June 2011 and March 2012, the court dismissed certain of the plaintiffs' claims, but allowed the plaintiffs to move forward with some ATS claims and claims asserted under Colombian law. We believe we have strong defenses to the remaining claims. In March 2012, the court granted our motion for interlocutory appeal of legal questions raised by the court's refusal to dismiss certain ATS claims, and, in September 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit granted permission to pursue the interlocutory appeal. In July 2014, the Eleventh Circuit reversed the district court's denial of the company's motion to dismiss and remanded the case for entry of an order dismissing the ATS claims.
	In addition to the ATS lawsuits, between March 2008 and March 2011, four tort lawsuits were filed against us by American citizens who allege that they were kidnapped and held hostage by an armed group in Colombia, or that they are the survivors or the estate of a survivor of American nationals kidnapped and/or killed by the same group in Colombia. The plaintiffs in these cases make claims under the Antiterrorism Act and state tort laws (the "ATA lawsuits") and contend that we are liable because our former Colombian subsidiary allegedly provided material support to the armed group. The ATA lawsuits, which also have been centralized in the MDL Proceeding, seek unspecified compensatory damages, treble damages, attorneys' fees and costs and punitive damages. We believe the plaintiffs' claims are without merit and are defending ourselves vigorously.
	In February 2010, our motion to dismiss one of the ATA lawsuits was granted in part and denied in part and in March 2012, our motions to dismiss the other ATA lawsuits were denied. In November 2012, one of the ATA lawsuits was dismissed after the parties reached a confidential settlement agreement. In July 2013, we filed a motion for reconsideration of the court's order denying our motions to dismiss the ATA lawsuits and that motion is pending. We believe we have strong defenses to the remaining claims in the ATA lawsuits.
	Insurance Recovery. We have provided notice of the ATS and ATA lawsuits to the insurers that issued primary and excess general liability insurance policies during the relevant years. The insurers have either reserved the right to deny coverage or denied coverage for these lawsuits. In 2008, we commenced litigation in state court in Ohio against three of our primary insurers seeking coverage for defense costs incurred in connection with the ATA and ATS lawsuits; a fourth primary insurer was later joined to that lawsuit. We entered into settlement agreements under which three of our primary insurers agreed to pay, in total, approximately 40 percent of our defense costs in the ATA and ATS lawsuits. In late 2012, one of these settling insurers paid the full amount of a settlement in an ATA lawsuit. In June 2013, we received notice that the two other settling insurers, which had been paying approximately 1 percent of our defense costs, had been placed in liquidation. The fourth primary insurer, National Union, did not settle. In March 2013, the Ohio Court of Appeals held that National Union is not obligated to provide coverage for defense costs in the ATS and ATA lawsuits. The Ohio Supreme Court declined to accept the case for review.
	As of September 30, 2014, National Union had paid us $12 million as reimbursement for defense costs. This sum, and an additional $1 million of interest, is being deferred in "Accrued Liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet because National Union asserts that it is entitled to obtain reimbursement of this amount from us based on the outcome of its appeal in the coverage case. In June 2014, after remand from the Ohio Court of Appeals, the trial court ruled that National Union is entitled to reimbursement of the defense costs that it has already paid. The company has appealed that ruling and secured a stay of the judgment ordering us to reimburse National Union pending the appeal.
	In August 2013, one of the settling primary insurers, Federal, filed a lawsuit in state court in Ohio seeking a declaratory judgment that, based on the Ohio Court of Appeals’ March 2013 decision regarding National Union’s defense obligations, Federal has no obligation to provide coverage for any settlements or judgments that may be incurred by us in the ATS and ATA lawsuits. In February 2014, a group of insurers that are affiliated with Travelers and that issued umbrella and excess policies to us filed a lawsuit in state court in Ohio seeking a declaratory judgment that they have no obligation to provide coverage for defense costs or settlements or judgments that may be incurred by us in the ATS and ATA lawsuits. In May 2014, the trial court ruled that Federal's lawsuit is premature and granted the company's motion to stay until the underlying tort lawsuits are resolved. Federal has not appealed that ruling. In June 2014, we filed a motion to dismiss or stay the Travelers' insurers complaint, and in August the parties filed a joint motion for a stay of proceedings. We believe that Travelers' lawsuit is also premature and will defend ourselves vigorously.
	Neither the Ohio Court of Appeals' ruling nor Federal's lawsuit impacts Federal's obligation to reimburse 40 percent of defense costs pursuant to the terms of its settlement agreement with Chiquita. There can be no assurance that the insurers will provide any additional coverage for these claims.
	Colombia Investigation. The Colombian Attorney General's Office has been conducting an investigation into payments made by companies in the banana industry to paramilitary groups in Colombia. Included within the scope of the investigation are the payments that were the subject of the 2007 plea in the United States. In March 2012, the prosecutor in charge of the investigation issued a decision which concluded that our former Colombian subsidiary had made payments in response to extortion demands and that the payments were not illegal under Colombian law. Based on these findings, the prosecutor closed the investigation. As provided for under Colombian law, the prosecutor's decision was reviewed by senior officials in the Colombian Attorney General's office pursuant to a legal standard specifying that any evidence in the record suggesting that a crime may have occurred is sufficient to justify the reopening of the investigation. Applying this standard, in December 2012, the Colombian Attorney General's Office determined that the investigation should continue and not be closed. The Attorney General's office did not make any finding that persons connected with our former Colombian subsidiary committed wrongdoing of any kind, only that the matter warrants further investigation. We believe that we have at all times complied with Colombian law.
	ITALIAN CUSTOMS AND TAX CASES
	1998-2000 Cases. In October 2004, our Italian subsidiary, Chiquita Italia, received the first of several notices from various customs authorities in Italy stating that it is potentially liable for additional duties and taxes on the import of bananas by Socoba S.r.l. ("Socoba") from 1998 to 2000 for sale to Chiquita Italia. The customs authorities claim that (i) the amounts are due because these bananas were imported with licenses (purportedly issued by Spain) that were subsequently determined to have been forged and (ii) Chiquita Italia should be jointly liable with Socoba because (a) Socoba was controlled by a former general manager of Chiquita Italia and (b) the import transactions benefited Chiquita Italia, which arranged for Socoba to purchase the bananas from another subsidiary of ours and, after customs clearance, sell them to Chiquita Italia. Chiquita Italia is contesting these claims, principally on the basis of its good faith belief at the time the import licenses were obtained and used that they were valid.
	Separate civil customs proceedings were ultimately brought against Chiquita Italia in four Italian jurisdictions, Genoa, Trento, Aosta and Alessandria. In Genoa the Court of Cassation, the highest level of appeal in Italy, issued a decision in favor of Chiquita Italia in September 2013. In Trento the Court of Cassation issued a decision during the fourth quarter of 2013 in favor of Chiquita Italia as to approximately €5.5 million of the €6.6 million total claim including interest, with the remaining amount ruled payable by Chiquita Italia from the deposits already made in these matters. In April 2014, the Italian customs authority filed a request for revocation of this Court of Cassation decision, a request which we do not believe is permitted under Italian law. In Alessandria, Chiquita Italia lost at the trial level, appealed and a favorable decision was published in April 2014. The authorities have the right to appeal this decision. In Aosta, Chiquita Italia lost at the trial level, appealed and the decision is pending. Socoba brought a claim in Rome trial court (and Chiquita Italia intervened voluntarily) on the issue of whether the forged Spanish licenses used by Socoba should be regarded as genuine in view of the apparent inability to distinguish between genuine and forged licenses. In an October 2010 decision, the Rome trial court rejected Socoba's claim that the licenses should be considered genuine on the basis that Socoba had not sufficiently demonstrated how similar the forged licenses were to genuine Spanish licenses. Socoba has appealed this decision. In an unrelated case addressing similar forged Spanish licenses used in Belgium, the EU Commission advised the customs authorities the same types of licenses challenged in Italy appeared valid on their face and should be treated as genuine.
	Under Italian law, the amounts claimed in the Trento, Alessandria, Aosta and Genoa cases became due and payable notwithstanding the pending appeals. Deposits made in these cases are deferred in "Investments and other assets, net" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets pending resolution of the appeals process. A summary of claims and deposits paid as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:
		Claim	Interest and Penalties Claimed	Total Claim	Deposits Paid Pending Appeal
		(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)
	Trento	€ 3.30	€ 3.30	€ 6.60	€ 6.60	Following the decisions in Trento, Chiquita Italia is entitled to claim reimbursement of approximately €5.5 million of the deposited amounts plus interest (or to apply to deposit requirements in other matters).
	Alessandria	€ 0.30	€ 0.20	€ 0.50	€ 0.50	Deposits paid in 36 equal installments ended March 2012.
	Aosta	€ 1.20	€ 1.20	€ 2.40	€ 2.30	Monthly deposit payments of €34 thousand began in November 2012. In December 2013 €589 thousand was applied from the Tax assessment of 2004 payments.
	Genoa (Resolved favorably)	€ 7.40	€ 1.00	€ 8.40	€ 0.00	Following the decision in Genoa in favor of Chiquita Italia, Chiquita Italia was entitled to claim reimbursement of deposited amounts plus interest. The deposited amounts (€1.6 million) have been used to offset deposit requirements in the Customs Tax Assessment for 2004/2005.
	2004-2005 Cases. In 2008, Chiquita Italia was required to provide documents and information to the Italian fiscal police in connection with a criminal investigation into imports of bananas by Chiquita Italia during 2004 and 2005, and the payment of customs duties on these imports. The focus of the investigation was an importation process whereby we sold some of our bananas to holders of import licenses who imported the bananas and resold them to Chiquita Italia (indirect import challenge), a practice we believe was legitimate under both Italian and EU law and which was widely accepted by authorities across the EU and by the EC. In June 2012, the Italian courts acquitted Chiquita Italia parties of all charges relating to 2004, and in December 2013 relating to 2005. There are no further criminal charges pending.
	Tax authorities issued assessment notices for 2004 and 2005, which we appealed to the first level Rome tax court. In June 2011, the court rejected our appeal for the 2004 assessment. Chiquita Italia again appealed this decision and, in October 2012, the appeals court ruled in favor of Chiquita Italia with respect to 2004. A significant portion of the 2005 income tax assessment has been withdrawn by the tax authorities and an appeal for the remaining portion is pending. Separately, customs authorities have also issued assessments for these cases. Chiquita Italia's appeals of these customs assessments were rejected by the first level Rome tax court and the regional court. Chiquita Italia has appealed the decisions to the Court of Cassation, the highest level of appeal in Italy. In each case, Chiquita Italia has received payment notifications from the tax and customs authorities, but the 2004 tax assessment has been annulled based on the October 2012 appeals court ruling and the company is claiming reimbursement of payments made. Deposits made under these cases are deferred in "Investments and other assets, net" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets pending resolution of the appeals process. If Chiquita Italia ultimately prevails in its appeals, all amounts deposited will be reimbursed with interest. A summary of assessments and deposits paid is as follows:
		Assessment	Interest and Penalties Assessed	Total Assessment	Deposits Paid Pending Appeal
		(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)
	Income Tax Assessment for 2004/2005	€ 12.00	€ 19.10	€ 31.10	€ 0.90	Monthly deposit payments of €113 thousand began in March 2012. The appeals court ruled in favor of Chiquita Italia in October 2012 for the 2004 assessments and a significant portion of the 2005 assessments have been withdrawn. The company has requested relief from these payments and reimbursement.
	Customs Tax Assessment for 2004/2005	€ 19.40	€ 10.20	€ 29.60	€ 16.70	Monthly deposit payments of €350 thousand began in September 2011 and will continue through September 2017, unless a successful appeals process is completed sooner. In June 2014 we received an additional assessment for a total value of €1.2M, for which a full deposit was made.
	The fiscal police investigation also challenged the involvement of an entity of ours incorporated in Bermuda in the sale of bananas directly to Chiquita Italia (direct import challenge), as a result of which the tax authorities claimed additional taxes of €13 million ($17 million) for 2004 and €19 million ($24 million) for 2005, plus interest and penalties. In order to avoid a long and costly tax dispute, in April 2011, Chiquita Italia reached an agreement in principle with the Italian tax authorities to settle the dispute and recorded expense for the settlements at that time. Under the settlement, the tax authorities agreed that the Bermuda corporation's involvement in the importation of bananas was appropriate and Chiquita Italia agreed to an adjustment to the intercompany price paid by Chiquita Italia for the imported bananas it purchased from this company, resulting in a higher income tax liability for those years. Chiquita Italia paid a settlement of €3 million ($4 million) of additional income tax for 2004 and 2005, including interest and penalties, which was significantly below the amounts originally claimed. The portion of the settlement for 2005 is still subject to approval by the Rome tax court which is expected in due course. As part of the settlement, Chiquita Italia also agreed to an adjustment to its intercompany purchases of bananas for years 2006 through 2009, resulting in payments in June and July 2011 of €2 million ($3 million) of additional tax and interest to fully settle those years. The indirect import challenge described above is not part of the settlement.
	Chiquita Italia continues to believe that it acted properly and that all the transactions for which it has received assessment notices were legitimate and reported appropriately, and, aside from those issues already settled, continues to vigorously defend the transactions at issue.
	CONSUMPTION TAX REFUNDS
	We have and have had several open cases seeking the refund of certain consumption taxes paid between 1980 and 1990 in various Italian jurisdictions. As gain contingencies, these refunds and any related interest are recognized when realized and all gain contingencies have been removed. In January 2012, we received €20 million ($26 million) related to a favorable decision from a court in Salerno, Italy. The claim is not considered resolved or realized, as the decision has been appealed to a higher court. Consequently, the receipt of cash has been deferred in "Other liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Decisions in one jurisdiction have no binding effect on pending claims in other jurisdictions and all unresolved claims may take years to resolve. If we were to lose on appeal, we may be required to repay the consumption tax refunds received with interest.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards	'
	New Accounting Standards
	New accounting standards that could significantly affect our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are summarized as follows:
	Standard Name	Issued	Description	Effective Date	Effect on Chiquita's Condensed Consolidated
				for Chiquita	Financial Statements
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers	May 2014 ASU 2014-09	Requires additional considerations for timing and amount of revenue recognition for contract sales with customers.	Retrospective, beginning December 2016. Early adoption is not permitted.	The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and will evaluate the effect of the standard on our sales contracts with customers, evaluate methods of adoption and monitor other future potential effects.
	Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity	April 2014 ASU 2014-08	Requires additional disclosures about changing the criteria for reporting discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations	Prospectively, beginning January 1, 2015; early adoption permitted.	We have opted for early adoption, which did not have a significant impact on our financial results. We will continue to monitor the potential impact of this early adoption on future filings.
	Income Taxes: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists	July 2013 ASU 2013-11	Requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a decrease in net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met.	Prospectively, beginning January 1, 2014; early adoption permitted.	Adoption did not have a significant effect on the disclosure of our deferred taxes.

Cavendish_Agreement_Cavendish_

Cavendish Agreement Cavendish Agreement (Notes) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 03, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
							Corporate costs	Corporate costs	Corporate costs	Corporate costs	Corporate costs
							Fyffes transaction	Fyffes transaction	Fyffes transaction	Cutrale Safra transaction	Cutrale Safra transaction
							General and administrative expense	General and administrative expense	General and administrative expense	General and administrative expense	General and administrative expense
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable [Table Text Block]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
			Note 3 - Strategic Combination with Fyffes and Cutrale-Safra Definitive Merger Agreement
			On March 10, 2014, we announced our intention to combine with Fyffes plc ("Fyffes") and entered into a transaction agreement for the proposed combination, the terms of which were amended on September 25, 2014. A special meeting of our shareholders was held on October 24, 2014 in which the shareholders did not approve the amended transaction agreement with Fyffes, therefore Fyffes delivered a notice of termination of the transaction agreement. In connection with the now terminated Fyffes strategic combination, we have incurred legal, advisory and other expenses totaling $4 million and $13 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. In addition, under the terms of the amended transaction agreement and expenses reimbursement agreement, we will pay Fyffes a termination fee of approximately $23 million in November 2014.
			On October 26, 2014, Chiquita entered into a Definitive Merger Agreement (the "Merger Agreement") with Cavendish Global Limited ("Cavendish"), a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. Cavendish is an affiliate of the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things: Cavendish commenced a tender offer on November 4, 2014 to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Chiquita, subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, at a purchase price of $14.50 per share.  Chiquita's board of directors has unanimously approved the transaction. Pending regulatory approval, the transaction is expected to be finalized by the end of 2014 or in early 2015. In connection with the Merger Agreement, we have incurred legal, advisory and other expenses totaling $4 million for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
			In connection with the Merger Agreement with Cavendish, we made customary representations and warranties and agreed to customary covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, issue shares of capital stock; pay dividends; repurchase, redeem or acquire capital stock; redeem, repurchase, prepay or incur indebtedness; enter into, terminate or amend existing material contracts; enter into employment or severance agreements with certain employees; acquire equity interests or assets of third parties; sell or otherwise dispose of assets; and conduct restructuring or reorganization activities.
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business combination, acquisition related costs	$8,235,000	$0	$16,907,000	$0	'	'	'	$4,000,000	$13,000,000	$4,000,000	$4,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination	'	'	'	'	'	'	$23,000,000	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01	'	$0.01	'	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Share Price	'	'	'	'	$14.50	'	'	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share ("EPS") are calculated as follows:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net income (loss)	$	(17,956	)	$	(17,814	)	$	(24,723	)	$	15,663
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (used to calculate basic EPS)	46,981			46,633			46,915			46,495
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards	—			—			—			940
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (used to calculate diluted EPS)	46,981			46,633			46,915			47,435
	Earnings (loss) per common share – basic	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.53	)	$	0.34
	Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.38	)	$	(0.53	)	$	0.33

Trade_and_Finance_Receivables_

Trade and Finance Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	'
	Finance receivables were as follows:
		September 30, 2014					December 31, 2013					September 30, 2013
	(In thousands)	Grower			Seller		Grower			Seller		Grower			Seller
		Receivables			Financing		Receivables			Financing		Receivables			Financing
	Gross receivable	$	39,724		$	24,401	$	35,761		$	27,127	$	36,092		$	28,001
	Reserve	(32,653		)	—		(32,877		)	—		(32,927		)	—
	Net receivable	$	7,071		$	24,401	$	2,884		$	27,127	$	3,165		$	28,001
	Current portion, net	$	7,071		$	4,229	$	2,884		$	3,990	$	3,165		$	3,913
	Long-term portion, net	—			20,172		—			23,137		—			24,088
	Net receivable	$	7,071		$	24,401	$	2,884		$	27,127	$	3,165		$	28,001

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
	Inventories consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		September 30, 2013
	Finished goods	$	69,244	$	69,450	$	79,706
	Growing crops	73,068		74,985		79,899
	Raw materials, supplies and other	66,619		66,129		75,178
		$	208,931	$	210,564	$	234,783

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O1

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	'
	On or before February 1, 2016, CBII and CBL may redeem on one or more occasions up to 35% of the aggregate principal amounts with cash proceeds from certain equity sales at a redemption price of 107.875% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 7.875% Notes remains outstanding after each such redemption. Also, on or before February 5, 2016, CBII and CBL may redeem a portion of the 7.875% Notes at a redemption price of 103% of the principal amount plus accrued interest, provided that no more than $42.5 million aggregate principal amount may be redeemed each year. CBII and CBL may also redeem the 7.875% Notes as follows:
	If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1,		Redemption Price
	2016		105.91%
	2017		103.94%
	2018		101.97%
	2019 and thereafter		100.00%
	Upon a change of control of CBII, CBII and CBL (or a third party on their behalf) will be required to make an offer to purchase the notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest.
Schedule of carrying values and estimated fair values of debt instruments	'
	The carrying values of our debt represent amortized cost and are summarized below with estimated fair values:
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013					September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value1			Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value1		Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value1
	(In thousands)
	7.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2021	$	412,403		$	449,000		$	422,174		$	459,000	$	422,100		$	453,000
	4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2016	173,194			200,000			164,050			194,000		161,182			196,000
	ABL Term Loan	5,250			5,000			6,375			6,000		6,750			6,000
	Capital lease obligations2	42,142			42,000			39,025			39,000		32,171			32,000
	Other debt	6,541			6,000			—			—		—			—
	Less current portion	(4,648		)				(2,271		)			(2,191		)
	Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$	634,882					$	629,353				$	620,012
	1	The fair value of the senior notes is based on observable inputs, which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market and market-corroborated inputs (Level 2). All other debt may be traded on the secondary loan market, and the fair value is based on either the last available trading price, if recent, or trading prices of comparable debt (Level 3). See Note 8 for further discussion of fair value.
	2	Capital lease obligations include the borrowings for the salad production and warehousing facility in the Midwest. See further description of the build-to-suit lease below.
Carrying amounts of convertible debt and equity components	'
	The carrying amounts of the debt and equity components of the Convertible Notes are as follows:
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			September 30, 2013
	Principal amount of debt component1	$	200,000		$	200,000		$	200,000
	Unamortized discount	(26,806		)	(35,950		)	(38,818		)
	Net carrying amount of debt component	$	173,194		$	164,050		$	161,182
	Equity component	$	84,904		$	84,904		$	84,904
	Issuance costs and income taxes	(3,210		)	(3,210		)	(3,210		)
	Equity component, net of issuance costs and income taxes	$	81,694		$	81,694		$	81,694
	1	As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the Convertible Notes' "if-converted" value did not exceed their principal amount because our common stock price was below the conversion price of the Convertible Notes.
	The interest expense related to the Convertible Notes was as follows:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	4.25% coupon interest	$	2,125		$	2,125		$	6,375		$	6,375
	Amortization of deferred financing fees	117			117			352			352
	Amortization of discount on the debt component	3,141			2,782			9,144			8,100
	Total interest expense related to the Convertible Notes	$	5,383		$	5,024		$	15,871		$	14,827

Hedging_Tables

Hedging (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Cash Flow Hedge Accounting Discontinued	'
	M
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	'
		Quarter ended September 30,							Nine months ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013				2014			2013
	Gains (losses) on 30-day euro forward contracts	$	5,351		$	(3,288	)		$	5,610		$	(3,024	)
	Gains (losses) from fluctuations in the value of the net monetary assets exposed to euro exchange rates	(8,095		)	5,384				(12,041		)	332
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	'
	At September 30, 2014, our hedge portfolio was comprised of the following outstanding positions:
		Notional		Contract Average	Settlement
		Amount		Rate/Price	Period
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Currency derivatives:
	Purchased euro put options	€60 million		$1.34/€	2014
	Sold euro call options	€60 million		$1.38/€	2014
	Average rate forward contracts	€19 million		$1.36/€	2014
	Purchased euro put options	€147 million		$1.35/€	20151
	Sold euro call options	€147 million		$1.40/€	20151
	Average rate forward contracts	€20 million		$1.38/€	20151
	3.5% Rotterdam Barge fuel derivatives:
	Bunker fuel forward contracts	20,640 mt		$588/mt	2014
	Bunker fuel forward contracts	59,800 mt		$556/mt	20151
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	30-day euro forward contracts	€54 million		$1.27/€	Oct-14
	1	Settlement periods for bunker fuel forward contracts and currency derivatives are through September 2015
Schedule of Change in Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities Designated as Hedging Instruments	'
	Activity related to our derivative assets and liabilities designated as hedging instruments is as follows:
		2014							2013
	(In thousands)	Currency			Bunker Fuel				Currency			Bunker Fuel
		Hedge			Forward				Hedge			Forward
		Portfolio			Contracts				Portfolio			Contracts
	Balance at beginning of year	$	(5,014	)	$	988			$	(23,215	)	$	8,572
	Realized (gains) losses included in net income	1,229			(175		)		5,601			(2,839		)
	Transfers1	—			—				7,638			—
	Purchases (sales), net2	277			—				541			—
	Changes in fair value	(323		)	(1,447		)		6,310			1,888
	Balance at March 31	$	(3,831	)	$	(634	)		$	(3,125	)	$	7,621
	Realized (gains) losses included in net income	1,414			(61		)		4,766			(2,151		)
	Purchases (sales), net 2	—			—				62			—
	Changes in fair value	1,906			1,641				(5,142		)	(7,673		)
	Balance at June 30	$	(511	)	$	946			$	(3,439	)	$	(2,203	)
	Realized (gains) losses included in net income	(1,308		)	822				3,568			(1,908		)
	Transfers1	—			—				—			193
	Purchases (sales), net 2	149			—				314			—
	Changes in fair value	23,513			(5,141		)		(10,180		)	3,888
	Balance at September 30	$	21,843		$	(3,373	)		$	(9,737	)	$	(30	)
	1	Represents the fair value at the transfer date of positions where hedge accounting was terminated. See discussion above.
	2	Purchases (sales) represent the cash premiums paid upon the purchase of euro put options or received upon the sale of euro call options. Bunker fuel and currency forward contracts require no up-front cash payment and have an initial fair value of zero; settlements on the forward contracts (swaps) occur upon their maturity.
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Deferred net gains (losses) in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" at September 30, 2014 are expected to be reclassified into income as follows (in thousands):
	Expected Period of Recognition		Currency			Bunker				Total
			Hedge			Fuel
			Portfolio			Forward
						Contracts
	2014		$	6,609		$	(1,294	)		$	5,315
	2015		14,470			(1,882		)		12,588
			$	21,079		$	(3,176	)		$	17,903
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables summarize the effect of our derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments on OCI and earnings:
		Quarter ended September 30, 2014										Quarter ended September 30, 2013
	(In thousands)	Currency			Bunker Fuel				Total			Currency			Bunker Fuel			Total
		Hedge			Forward							Hedge			Forward
		Portfolio			Contracts							Portfolio			Contracts
	Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	$	23,983		$	(4,911	)		$	19,072		$	(10,201	)	$	4,018		$	(6,183	)
	Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)1	1,543			(822		)		721			(6,114		)	1,908			(4,206		)
	Loss recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)1	—			(230		)		(230		)	—			(130		)	(130		)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2014										Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	(In thousands)	Currency			Bunker Fuel				Total			Currency			Bunker Fuel			Total
		Hedge			Forward							Hedge			Forward
		Portfolio			Contracts							Portfolio			Contracts
	Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	$	26,757		$	(4,290	)		$	22,467		$	(8,518	)	$	210		$	(8,308	)
	Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)1	(504		)	(586		)		(1,090		)	(21,328		)	6,898			(14,430		)
	Loss recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)1	—			(657		)		(657		)	—			(2,107		)	(2,107		)
	1	Both the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) and the gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion, if any) are included in "Net sales" for the currency hedge portfolio and "Cost of sales" for bunker fuel forward contracts.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value, including derivative instruments on a gross basis, and the location of these instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013:
			Assets (Liabilities)			Fair Value Measurements Using
	(In thousands)		at Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	30-Sep-14
	Derivatives recorded in "Other current assets":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized assets	$	22,593		$	—	$	22,593		$	—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(750		)	—		(750		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(3,373		)	—		(3,373		)	—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts of recognized assets	502			—		502			—
	Net amount recorded in other current assets		18,972			—		18,972			—
	September 30, 2014		$	18,972		$	—	$	18,972		$	—
	31-Dec-13
	Derivatives recorded in "Investments & other assets, net":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	$	(220	)	—		$	(220	)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized assets	953			—		953			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(100		)	—		(100		)	—
	Net amount recorded in investments & other assets, net		633			—		633			—
	Derivatives recorded in "Accrued liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	1,250			—		1,250			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(5,947		)	—		(5,947		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	778			—		778			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(643		)	—		(643		)	—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	245			—		245			—
	Net amount recorded in accrued liabilities		(4,317		)	—		(4,317		)	—
	Derivatives recorded in "Other liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	833			—		833			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(930		)	—		(930		)	—
	Net amount recorded in other liabilities		(97		)	—		(97		)	—
	December 31, 2013		$	(3,781	)	$	—	$	(3,781	)	$	—
			Assets (Liabilities)			Fair Value Measurements Using
	(In thousands)		at Fair Value			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	30-Sep-13
	Derivatives recorded in "Investments & other assets, net":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized assets	515			—		515			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(465		)	—		(465		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized assets	196					196
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(137		)			(137		)
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts of recognized assets	22			—		22			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	(70		)	—		(70		)	—
	Net amount recorded in investments & other assets, net		61			—		61			—
	Derivatives recorded in "Accrued liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	1,163			—		1,163			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(10,913		)	—		(10,913		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	1,212			—		1,212			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(611		)	—		(611		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	282			—		282			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(203		)	—		(203		)	—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	17			—		17			—
	30-day euro forward contracts	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(108		)	—		(108		)	—
		Net amount recorded in accrued liabilities	(9,161		)	—		(9,161		)	—
	Derivatives recorded in "Other liabilities":
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	196			—		196			—
	Currency hedge portfolio	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(233		)	—		(233		)	—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	145					145
	Bunker fuel forward contracts1	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(835		)			(835		)
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	12			—		12			—
	Bunker fuel forward contracts2	Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	(236		)	—		(236		)	—
	Net amount recorded in other liabilities		(951		)	—		(951		)	—
	September 30, 2013		$	(10,051	)	$	—	$	(10,051	)	$	—
	1 Bunker fuel forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
	2 Bunker fuel forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments.

Pension_and_Severance_Benefits1

Pension and Severance Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	'
	Net pension expense from our defined benefit and severance plans are primarily comprised of severance plans covering Central American employees and consists of the following:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	1,855		$	1,864		$	5,565		$	5,592
	Interest on projected benefit obligation	1,411			1,300			4,241			3,894
	Expected return on plan assets	(334		)	(333		)	(1,005		)	(996		)
	Recognized actuarial loss	265			310			797			922
	Amortization of prior service cost	32			32			96			96
	Defined benefit and severance plan expense	$	3,229		$	3,173		$	9,694		$	9,508

Reclassifications_from_Accumul1

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Amounts of (income) expense reclassified from AOCI are as follows (in thousands):
	AOCI Component		Line Items Affected by Reclassifications from AOCI in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		(Income) / expense reclassified from AOCI for the quarter ended September 30,								(Income) / expense reclassified from AOCI for the nine months ended September 30,
					2014				2013				2014				2013
	Currency translation		Other income (expense), net		$	—			$	—			$	252			$	—
	Available-for-sale investment		Other income (expense), net		—				—				—				(561		)
	Currency hedge portfolio derivatives		Net sales		(1,543		)		6,114				504				21,328
	Bunker fuel forward contracts		Cost of sales		822				(2,277		)		586				(7,267		)
	Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions*				297				342				893				1,018
	* These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 for further details.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	(202	)		$	(448	)		$	(19,969	)		$	(20,619	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1				19,072				—				19,073
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				(721		)		297				(424		)
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1				18,351				297				18,649
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(201	)		$	17,903			$	(19,672	)		$	(1,970	)
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(469	)		$	(5,654	)		$	(19,660	)		$	(25,783	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	16				22,467				(905		)		21,578
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	252				1,090				893				2,235
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	268				23,557				(12		)		23,813
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(201	)		$	17,903			$	(19,672	)		$	(1,970	)
	(1) Net of deferred tax liability of $271, $271, and $530 as of September 30, 2014, June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	252			$	(8,463	)		$	—			$	(24,977	)		$	(33,188	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(753		)		(6,183		)		—				(42		)		(6,978		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				3,837				—				342				4,179
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(753		)		(2,346		)		—				300				(2,799		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(501	)		$	(10,809	)		$	—			$	(24,677	)		$	(35,987	)
	(In thousands)	Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)				Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges				Unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment				Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans (1)				Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	(120	)		$	(16,562	)		$	404			$	(24,247	)		$	(40,525	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(381		)		(8,308		)		157				(1,448		)		(9,980		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—				14,061				(561		)		1,018				14,518
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(381		)		5,753				(404		)		(430		)		4,538
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(501	)		$	(10,809	)		$	—			$	(24,677	)		$	(35,987	)
	(1) Net of deferred tax liability of $150, $153 and $283 as of September 30, 2013, June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Capital Surplus	'
	Changes in "Capital surplus" are primarily a result of stock compensation:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Stock-based compensation	$	1,818		$	1,713		$	5,493		$	5,541
	Shares withheld for taxes	(683		)	(1,508		)	(940		)	(1,840		)
	Capital surplus increase	$	1,135		$	205		$	4,553		$	3,701

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Financial information for each segment follows:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net sales:
	Bananas	$	477,472		$	455,981		$	1,516,343		$	1,481,625
	Salads and Healthy Snacks1	234,235			239,102			713,163			739,392
	Other Produce	26,844			27,979			96,882			88,468
		$	738,551		$	723,062		$	2,326,388		$	2,309,485
	Operating income (loss):
	Bananas2	$	18,138		$	18,039		$	82,159		$	101,438
	Salads and Healthy Snacks3	6,236			(5,155		)	9,978			4,595
	Other Produce4	(4,788		)	2,325			(4,663		)	1,904
	Corporate costs5	(21,024		)	(14,056		)	(51,591		)	(41,070		)
		$	(1,438	)	$	1,153		$	35,883		$	66,867
	1	In the second quarter of 2013, we sold one of our European healthy snacking businesses which represented approximately $12 million in annual net sales and had an insignificant effect on operating income. In the first quarter of 2014, we disposed of another non-core healthy snacking business in Europe which represented approximately $2 million in annual net sales. Both disposals had insignificant effects on operating income (loss).
	2	Includes $5 million of cost related to the changeover of vessels at the end of the respective leases and a $1 million gain on the sale of a ripening facility in Europe in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	3	Includes $2 million and $5 million of cost in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to severance, product resizing, product discontinuation, equipment write-downs and a legal settlement. Includes $1 million of "Cost of sales" in 2013 for severance costs related to a fruit ingredient business.
	4	Includes $3 million in the third quarter of 2014 related to a claim settlement with a former supplier of other produce products that were discontinued in previous periods.
	5	Includes $4 million and $13 million of costs for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, for the proposed combination with Fyffes. Includes $4 million of costs in the third quarter of 2014 for the due diligence related to the unsolicited offer from the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
1998-2000 cases	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency	'
	A summary of claims and deposits paid as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:
		Claim	Interest and Penalties Claimed	Total Claim	Deposits Paid Pending Appeal
		(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)
	Trento	€ 3.30	€ 3.30	€ 6.60	€ 6.60	Following the decisions in Trento, Chiquita Italia is entitled to claim reimbursement of approximately €5.5 million of the deposited amounts plus interest (or to apply to deposit requirements in other matters).
	Alessandria	€ 0.30	€ 0.20	€ 0.50	€ 0.50	Deposits paid in 36 equal installments ended March 2012.
	Aosta	€ 1.20	€ 1.20	€ 2.40	€ 2.30	Monthly deposit payments of €34 thousand began in November 2012. In December 2013 €589 thousand was applied from the Tax assessment of 2004 payments.
	Genoa (Resolved favorably)	€ 7.40	€ 1.00	€ 8.40	€ 0.00	Following the decision in Genoa in favor of Chiquita Italia, Chiquita Italia was entitled to claim reimbursement of deposited amounts plus interest. The deposited amounts (€1.6 million) have been used to offset deposit requirements in the Customs Tax Assessment for 2004/2005.
2004 - 2005 cases	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency	'
	A summary of assessments and deposits paid is as follows:
		Assessment	Interest and Penalties Assessed	Total Assessment	Deposits Paid Pending Appeal
		(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)	(In millions)
	Income Tax Assessment for 2004/2005	€ 12.00	€ 19.10	€ 31.10	€ 0.90	Monthly deposit payments of €113 thousand began in March 2012. The appeals court ruled in favor of Chiquita Italia in October 2012 for the 2004 assessments and a significant portion of the 2005 assessments have been withdrawn. The company has requested relief from these payments and reimbursement.
	Customs Tax Assessment for 2004/2005	€ 19.40	€ 10.20	€ 29.60	€ 16.70	Monthly deposit payments of €350 thousand began in September 2011 and will continue through September 2017, unless a successful appeals process is completed sooner. In June 2014 we received an additional assessment for a total value of €1.2M, for which a full deposit was made.

New_Accounting_Standards_Table

New Accounting Standards (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	'
	New accounting standards that could significantly affect our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are summarized as follows:
	Standard Name	Issued	Description	Effective Date	Effect on Chiquita's Condensed Consolidated
				for Chiquita	Financial Statements
	Revenue from Contracts with Customers	May 2014 ASU 2014-09	Requires additional considerations for timing and amount of revenue recognition for contract sales with customers.	Retrospective, beginning December 2016. Early adoption is not permitted.	The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and will evaluate the effect of the standard on our sales contracts with customers, evaluate methods of adoption and monitor other future potential effects.
	Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity	April 2014 ASU 2014-08	Requires additional disclosures about changing the criteria for reporting discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations	Prospectively, beginning January 1, 2015; early adoption permitted.	We have opted for early adoption, which did not have a significant impact on our financial results. We will continue to monitor the potential impact of this early adoption on future filings.
	Income Taxes: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists	July 2013 ASU 2013-11	Requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a decrease in net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met.	Prospectively, beginning January 1, 2014; early adoption permitted.	Adoption did not have a significant effect on the disclosure of our deferred taxes.

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Statement of Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014																			Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	'																			'
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.																			Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Unaudited)																			Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2014																			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)																			(in thousands)
		CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company				CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated				(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	217,299		$	299,667		$	463,861		$	(242,276	)	$	738,551		Net sales	$	—		$	587,278		$	939,662		$	1,470,619		$	(688,074	)	$	2,309,485
	Cost of sales	—			205,854			265,903			434,059			(242,280		)	663,536			Cost of sales	—			557,444			835,099			1,313,194			(688,070		)	2,017,667
	Selling, general and administrative	9,788			4,193			20,378			19,299			—			53,658			Selling, general and administrative	31,851			10,696			67,203			67,477			—			177,227
	Transaction costs	8,235			—			—			—			—			8,235			Depreciation	—			3,599			20,397			16,521			—			40,517
	Depreciation	—			1,219			6,212			4,892			—			12,323			Amortization	—			—			7,007			18			—			7,025
	Amortization	—			—			2,335			7			—			2,342			Equity in losses (earnings) of investees and subsidiaries	(67,760		)	(85,792		)	(43		)	(72		)	153,595			(72		)
	Equity in losses (earnings) of investees and subsidiaries	(6,134		)	(9,576		)	289			(105		)	15,421			(105		)	Restructuring and relocation costs	(15		)	264			8			(3		)	—			254
	Operating income (loss)	(11,889		)	15,609			4,550			5,709			(15,417		)	(1,438		)	Operating income (loss)	35,924			101,067			9,991			73,484			(153,599		)	66,867
	Interest income	—			—			(1		)	601			—			600			Interest income	—			12			128			2,057			—			2,197
	Interest expense	(5,549		)	(9,162		)	(724		)	(129		)	—			(15,564		)	Interest expense	(16,405		)	(27,563		)	(701		)	(29		)	—			(44,698		)
	Other income (expense), net	—			(313		)	602			(1,321		)	(4		)	(1,036		)	Loss on debt extinguishment	(843		)	(5,432		)	—			—			—			(6,275		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(17,438		)	6,134			4,427			4,860			(15,421		)	(17,438		)	Other income (expense), net	1,037			(324		)	250			655			4			1,622
	Income tax expense	(518		)	792			(1,752		)	(634		)	1,594			(518		)	Income (loss) before income taxes	19,713			67,760			9,668			76,167			(153,595		)	19,713
	Net income (loss)	$	(17,956	)	$	6,926		$	2,675		$	4,226		$	(13,827	)	$	(17,956	)	Income tax expense	(4,050		)	(2,643		)	(3,547		)	267			5,923			(4,050		)
																				Net income (loss)	$	15,663		$	65,117		$	6,121		$	76,434		$	(147,672	)	$	15,663
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	651,515		$	911,465		$	1,504,218		$	(740,810	)	$	2,326,388
	Cost of sales	—			625,157			805,599			1,374,743			(740,404		)	2,065,095
	Selling, general and administrative	24,816			12,704			64,194			60,830			—			162,544
	Transaction costs	16,907			—			—			—			—			16,907
	Depreciation	—			3,589			19,230			16,092			—			38,911
	Amortization	—			—			7,006			19			—			7,025
	Equity in losses (earnings) of investees and subsidiaries	(43,502		)	(61,741		)	4,540			(437		)	100,703			(437		)
	Restructuring and relocation costs	460			—			—			—			—			460
	Operating income (loss)	1,319			71,806			10,896			52,971			(101,109		)	35,883
	Interest income	—			2			33			1,870			—			1,905
	Interest expense	(16,136		)	(27,568		)	(2,291		)	(336		)	—			(46,331		)
	Loss on debt extinguishment	—			(521		)	—			—			—			(521		)
	Other income (expense), net	581			(217		)	235			(6,177		)	406			(5,172		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(14,236		)	43,502			8,873			48,328			(100,703		)	(14,236		)
	Income tax expense	(10,487		)	(5,620		)	(3,512		)	(4,039		)	13,171			(10,487		)
	Net income (loss)	$	(24,723	)	$	37,882		$	5,361		$	44,289		$	(87,532	)	$	(24,723	)
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of (Operations) (Unaudited)
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)
		CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	200,307		$	302,625		$	447,080		$	(226,950	)	$	723,062
	Cost of sales	—			190,790			271,950			409,395			(226,965		)	645,170
	Selling, general and administrative	12,446			1,955			23,775			22,790			—			60,966
	Depreciation	—			1,140			6,741			5,554			—			13,435
	Amortization	—			—			2,336			6			—			2,342
	Equity in losses (earnings) of investees and subsidiaries	(3,448		)	(6,878		)	(16		)	—			10,342			—
	Restructuring and relocation costs	(15		)	111			(100		)	—			—			(4		)
	Operating income (loss)	(8,983		)	13,189			(2,061		)	9,335			(10,327		)	1,153
	Interest income	—			1			26			663			—			690
	Interest expense	(5,031		)	(9,743		)	(576		)	(6		)	—			(15,356		)
	Other income (expense), net	—			1			85			(572		)	(15		)	(501		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(14,014		)	3,448			(2,526		)	9,420			(10,342		)	(14,014		)
	Income tax expense	(3,800		)	(3,249		)	1,289			(391		)	2,351			(3,800		)
	Net income (loss)	$	(17,814	)	$	199		$	(1,237	)	$	9,029		$	(7,991	)	$	(17,814	)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin1

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014																			Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Statement Of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'																			'
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.																			Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)																			Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2013																			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)																			(in thousands)
		CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company				CBII			CBLLC		Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated				(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)		Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net income (loss)	$	(17,814	)	$	199		$	(1,237	)	$	9,029		$	(7,991	)	$	(17,814	)	Net income (loss)	$	15,663		$	65,117	$	6,121	$	76,434		$	(147,672	)	$	15,663
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	—			—			—			(753		)	—			(753		)	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	—			—		—		(381		)	—			(381		)
	Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	—			—			—			—			—			—			Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	—			—		—		—			—			—
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	—			—			—			(753		)	—			(753		)	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	—			—		—		(381		)	—			(381		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	—			—			—			(6,183		)	—			(6,183		)	Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	157			—		—		—			—			157
	Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	—			—			—			6,114			—			6,114			Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	(561		)	—		—		—			—			(561		)
	Derivative gains reclassified into Cost of sales	—			—			—			(2,277		)	—			(2,277		)	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	(404		)	—		—		—			—			(404		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	—			—			—			(2,346		)	—			(2,346		)
																				Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	—			—		—		(8,308		)	—			(8,308		)
	Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	—			—			—			(42		)	—			(42		)	Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	—			—		—		21,328			—			21,328
	Amortization included in pension cost	—			124			—			218			—			342			Derivative gains reclassified into Cost of sales	—			—		—		(7,267		)	—			(7,267		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	—			124			—			176			—			300			Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	—			—		—		5,753			—			5,753
	Other comprehensive income (loss) of investments in subsidiaries	(2,799		)	(2,923		)	—			—			5,722			—			Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	—			841		—		(2,289		)	—			(1,448		)
																				Amortization included in pension cost	—			372		—		646			—			1,018
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(20,613	)	$	(2,600	)	$	(1,237	)	$	6,106		$	(2,269	)	$	(20,613	)
																				Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	—			1,213		—		(1,643		)	—			(430		)
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.																			Other comprehensive income (loss) of investments in subsidiaries	4,942			3,729		—		—			(8,671		)	—
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)																			Comprehensive income (loss)	$	20,201		$	70,059	$	6,121	$	80,163		$	(156,343	)	$	20,201
		CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net income (loss)	$	(24,723	)	$	37,882		$	5,361		$	44,289		$	(87,532	)	$	(24,723	)
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	—			—			—			16			—			16
	Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	—			—			—			252			—			252
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	—			—			—			268			—			268
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	—			—			—			22,467			—			22,467
	Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	—			—			—			504			—			504
	Derivative gains reclassified into Cost of sales	—			—			—			586			—			586
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	—			—			—			23,557			—			23,557
	Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	—			(564		)	—			(341		)	—			(905		)
	Amortization included in pension cost	—			308			—			585			—			893
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	—			(256		)	—			244			—			(12		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) of investments in subsidiaries	23,813			24,069			—			—			(47,882		)	—
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(910	)	$	61,695		$	5,361		$	68,358		$	(135,414	)	$	(910	)
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
	Quarter September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
		CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-issuer)			(Co-issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net income (loss)	$	(17,956	)	$	6,926		$	2,675		$	4,226		$	(13,827	)	$	(17,956	)
	Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	—			—			—			1			—			1
	Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	—			—			—			1			—			1
	Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	—			—			—			19,072			—			19,072
	Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	—			—			—			(1,543		)	—			(1,543		)
	Derivative gains reclassified into Cost of sales	—			—			—			822			—			822
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	—			—			—			18,351			—			18,351
	Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	—			1			—			(1		)	—			—
	Amortization included in pension cost	—			102			—			195			—			297
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	—			103			—			194			—			297
	Other comprehensive income (loss) of investments in subsidiaries	18,649			18,546			—			—			(37,195		)	—
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	693		$	25,575		$	2,675		$	22,772		$	(51,022	)	$	693

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin2

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Balance Sheet (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
	30-Sep-14
	(in thousands)
			CBII		CBLLC		Guarantor		Non-Guarantor		Consolidating			Company
			(Co-Issuer)		(Co-issuer)		Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and equivalents		$	—	$	10,682	$	—	$	34,410	$	—		$	45,092
	Trade receivables, less allowances		—		54,729		54,525		139,363		—			248,617
	Other receivables, net		—		2,066		5,412		61,267		(577		)	68,168
	Inventories		—		10,702		30,246		167,983		—			208,931
	Prepaid expenses		438		5,095		8,144		28,716		—			42,393
	Due from affiliates		58,317		2,244,947		1,481,248		577,543		(4,362,055		)	—
	Other current assets		—		21,672		12,520		—		(8,800		)	25,392
	Total current assets		58,755		2,349,893		1,592,095		1,009,282		(4,371,432		)	638,593
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—		16,808		195,940		187,612		—			400,360
	Investments and other assets, net		21,795		11,769		4,196		75,116		(6,437		)	106,439
	Trademarks		—		208,085		38,500		179,500		—			426,085
	Goodwill		—		—		18,095		—		—			18,095
	Other intangible assets, net		—		—		79,846		41		—			79,887
	Investments in and accounts with subsidiaries		1,465,047		1,155,566		1,246		—		(2,621,859		)	—
	Total assets		$	1,545,597	$	3,742,121	$	1,929,918	$	1,451,551	$	(6,999,728	)	$	1,669,459
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		$	—	$	1,500	$	1,662	$	1,486	$	—		$	4,648
	Accounts payable		8,533		5,558		92,875		141,764		—			248,730
	Accrued liabilities		30,386		14,319		66,468		53,844		(9,377		)	155,640
	Due to affiliates		936,986		1,761,741		1,286,745		376,583		(4,362,055		)	—
	Total current liabilities		975,905		1,783,118		1,447,750		573,677		(4,371,432		)	409,018
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion		173,194		416,153		40,373		5,162		—			634,882
	Accrued pension and other employee benefits		14,665		2,760		4		63,965		—			81,394
	Deferred tax liabilities		244		66,987		46,524		—		(6,437		)	107,318
	Other liabilities		3,506		8,056		9,619		37,583		—			58,764
	Total liabilities		1,167,514		2,277,074		1,544,270		680,387		(4,377,869		)	1,291,376
	Commitments and contingencies		—		—		—		—		—			—
	Total shareholders' equity		378,083		1,465,047		385,648		771,164		(2,621,859		)	378,083
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	1,545,597	$	3,742,121	$	1,929,918	$	1,451,551	$	(6,999,728	)	$	1,669,459
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)
			CBII		CBLLC		Guarantor		Non-Guarantor		Consolidating			Company
			(Co-Issuer)		(Co-issuer)		Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and equivalents		$	—	$	15,851	$	—	$	38,166	$	—		$	54,017
	Trade receivables, less allowances		—		49,325		51,189		151,554		—			252,068
	Other receivables, net		1,061		402		5,140		49,670		—			56,273
	Inventories		—		15,567		34,831		160,166		—			210,564
	Prepaid expenses		1,024		3,661		11,040		34,008		—			49,733
	Due from affiliates1		71,604		2,060,284		1,270,479		490,208		(3,892,575		)	—
	Other current assets		—		2,751		12,753		—		(8,964		)	6,540
	Total current assets		73,689		2,147,841		1,385,432		923,772		(3,901,539		)	629,195
	Property, plant and equipment, net		—		20,258		201,346		169,169		—			390,773
	Investments and other assets, net1		20,999		13,994		3,644		75,218		(5,778		)	108,077
	Trademarks		—		208,085		38,500		179,500		—			426,085
	Goodwill		—		—		18,095		—		—			18,095
	Other intangible assets, net		—		—		86,853		60		—			86,913
	Investments in and accounts with subsidiaries		1,402,089		1,073,711		3,186		—		(2,478,986		)	—
	Total assets		$	1,496,777	$	3,463,889	$	1,737,056	$	1,347,719	$	(6,386,303	)	$	1,659,138
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		$	—	$	1,500	$	726	$	45	$	—		$	2,271
Accounts payable		1,126		8,150		89,352		149,645		—			248,273
Accrued liabilities1		36,511		27,420		57,984		45,083		(8,964		)	158,034
Due to affiliates1		903,865		1,520,539		1,122,258		345,913		(3,892,575		)	—
Total current liabilities		941,502		1,557,609		1,270,320		540,686		(3,901,539		)	408,578
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion		164,050		427,049		38,147		107		—			629,353
Accrued pension and other employee benefits		15,223		2,818		—		59,025		—			77,066
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet		—		—		—		6,290		—			6,290
Deferred tax liabilities		115		66,142		42,539		661		(5,778		)	103,679
Other liabilities		1,449		8,182		8,885		41,218		—			59,734
Total liabilities		1,122,339		2,061,800		1,359,891		647,987		(3,907,317		)	1,284,700
Commitments and contingencies		—		—		—		—		—			—
Total shareholders' equity		374,438		1,402,089		377,165		699,732		(2,478,986		)	374,438
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	1,496,777	$	3,463,889	$	1,737,056	$	1,347,719	$	(6,386,303	)	$	1,659,138
1.	We revised the December 31, 2013 condensed consolidating balance sheet presented above to correct for items of classification between CBII and CBLLC, the Co-Issuers. These classification items affected the line items indicated in amounts representing less than 1% of both total assets and total liabilities of CBII and CBLLC.
Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
30-Sep-13
(in thousands)
		CBII		CBLLC		Guarantor		Non-Guarantor		Consolidating			Company
		(Co-Issuer)		(Co-issuer)		Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents		$	—	$	8,121	$	—	$	63,645	$	—		$	71,766
Trade receivables, less allowances		—		50,964		59,197		159,731		—			269,892
Other receivables, net		—		808		5,161		60,633		—			66,602
Inventories		—		9,814		40,373		184,596		—			234,783
Prepaid expenses		664		2,591		8,637		35,278		—			47,170
Due from affiliates		90,543		2,022,139		1,216,321		473,315		(3,802,318		)	—
Other current assets		—		—		17,096		10,197		(9,830		)	17,463
Total current assets		91,207		2,094,437		1,346,785		987,395		(3,812,148		)	707,676
Property, plant and equipment, net		—		21,211		205,755		165,918		—			392,884
Investments and other assets, net		15,245		27,077		2,393		57,445		(13,171		)	88,989
Trademarks		—		208,085		38,500		179,500		—			426,085
Goodwill		—		—		18,095		—		—			18,095
Other intangible assets, net		—		—		89,189		65		—			89,254
Investments in and accounts with subsidiaries		1,388,598		1,063,602		3,205		—		(2,455,405		)	—
Total assets		$	1,495,050	$	3,414,412	$	1,703,922	$	1,390,323	$	(6,280,724	)	$	1,722,983
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		$	—	$	1,500	$	639	$	52	$	—		$	2,191
Accounts payable		1,536		6,011		101,442		174,652		—			283,641
Accrued liabilities		25,657		34,674		53,633		44,212		(9,830		)	148,346
Due to affiliates		895,730		1,460,459		1,075,060		371,069		(3,802,318		)	—
Total current liabilities		922,923		1,502,644		1,230,774		589,985		(3,812,148		)	434,178
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion		161,182		427,453		31,264		113		—			620,012
Accrued pension and other employee benefits		15,016		7,363		—		59,916		—			82,295
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet		—		—		—		9,823		—			9,823
Deferred tax liabilities		115		79,701		39,415		5,882		(13,171		)	111,942
Other liabilities		1,505		8,653		19,168		41,098		—			70,424
Total liabilities		1,100,741		2,025,814		1,320,621		706,817		(3,825,319		)	1,328,674
Commitments and contingencies		—		—		—		—		—			—
Total shareholders' equity		394,309		1,388,598		383,301		683,506		(2,455,405		)	394,309
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	1,495,050	$	3,414,412	$	1,703,922	$	1,390,323	$	(6,280,724	)	$	1,722,983

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin3

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014																		Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	'																		'
	Chiquita Brands International, Inc.																		Chiquita Brands International, Inc.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)																		Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014																		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)																		(in thousands)
		CBII		CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company				CBII			CBLLC			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Company
		(Co-Issuer)		(Co-Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated				(Co-Issuer)			(Co-Issuer)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Cash provided (used) by:																		Cash provided (used) by:
	Operating cash flow	$	—	$	14,674		$	3,243		$	22,754		$	—		$	40,671		Operating cash flow	$	(4,420	)	$	30,523		$	11,469		$	54,166		$	—		$	91,738
	Capital expenditures	—		(2,689		)	(8,748		)	(27,399		)	—			(38,836		)	Capital expenditures	—			(1,984		)	(14,751		)	(19,430		)	—			(36,165		)
	Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	—		—			1,167			4,089			—			5,256			Contribution to equity method investment	—			—			—			(13,102		)	—			(13,102		)
	Investing activity with subsidiaries	—		(5,463		)	(570		)	—			6,033			—			Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	1,819			—			7,222			2,710			—			11,751
	Other, net	—		—			—			(3,736		)	—			(3,736		)	Investing activity with subsidiaries	—			—			(3,786		)	—			3,786			—
	Investing cash flow	—		(8,152		)	(8,151		)	(27,046		)	6,033			(37,316		)	Other, net	—			—			—			3,559			—			3,559
																			Investing cash flow	1,819			(1,984		)	(11,315		)	(26,263		)	3,786			(33,957		)
	Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	—		(11,125		)	(555		)	(34		)	—			(11,714		)
	Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	—		24,000			—			—			—			24,000			Issuances of long-term debt	—			429,415			—			—			—			429,415
	Repayments of the ABL Revolver	—		(24,000		)	—			—			—			(24,000		)	Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	—			(412,425		)	(154		)	(67		)	—			(412,646		)
	Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	—		(266		)	—			—			—			(266		)	Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	—			36,590			—			—			—			36,590
	Payments of debt extinguishment costs	—		(300		)	—			—			—			(300		)	Repayments of the ABL Revolver	—			(36,590		)	—			—			—			(36,590		)
	Financing activity with subsidiaries	—		—			5,463			570			(6,033		)	—			Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	—			(40,000		)	—			—			—			(40,000		)
	Financing cash flow	—		(11,691		)	4,908			536			(6,033		)	(12,280		)	Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	—			(13,810		)	—			—			—			(13,810		)
	Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	—		(5,169		)	—			(3,756		)	—			(8,925		)	Financing activity with subsidiaries	—			3,698			—			88			(3,786		)	—
	Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	—		15,851			—			38,166			—			54,017			Financing cash flow	—			(33,122		)	(154		)	21			(3,786		)	(37,041		)
	Cash and equivalents, end of period	$	—	$	10,682		$	—		$	34,410		$	—		$	45,092		Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	(2,601		)	(4,583		)	—			27,924			—			20,740
																			Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	2,601			12,704			—			35,721			—			51,026
																			Cash and equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	8,121		$	—		$	63,645		$	—		$	71,766

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Shares that would be added to EPS calculation if the Company had generated net income

Shares that would be added to EPS calculation if the Company had generated net income

Shares that would be added to EPS calculation if the Company had generated net income

Stock options and other stock awards

Stock options and other stock awards

Stock options and other stock awards

Stock options and other stock awards

4.25% Convertible Senior Notes

4.25% Convertible Senior Notes

4.25% Convertible Senior Notes

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

($17,956)

($17,814)

($24,723)

$15,663

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average common shares outstanding (used to calculate basic EPS) (in shares)

46,981,000

46,633,000

46,915,000

46,495,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards (in shares)

0

0

0

940,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average common shares outstanding (used to calculate diluted EPS) (in shares)

46,981,000

46,633,000

46,915,000

47,435,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (loss) per common share - basic (in dollars per share)

($0.38)

($0.38)

($0.53)

$0.34

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted (in dollars per share)

($0.38)

($0.38)

($0.53)

$0.33

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Antidilutive shares of stock options and other stock awards excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares)

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

1,200,000

1,300,000

100,000

200,000

100,000

1,300,000

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.25%

4.25%

4.25%

Conversion price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$22.45

'

$22.45

Restructuring_Disposition_of_N

Restructuring Disposition of Non-Core Healthy Snacking Business (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net sales	$738,551	$723,062	$2,326,388	$2,309,485

Restructuring_Restructuring_De

Restructuring Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring costs	$0	($4)	$460	$254

Trade_and_Finance_Receivables_1

Trade and Finance Receivables - Trade Receivables (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				Iranian customers	Iranian customers	Iranian customers	Iranian customers	Iranian customers
							Customer not able to find acceptable methods of payment	Customer not able to find acceptable methods of payment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Trade receivables, less allowances with Iranian customers	$248,617	$269,892	$252,068	$9,000	$17,000	$17,000	'	'
Trade receivables reserved amounts related to customers	$5,085	$3,141	'	'	'	'	$2,000	$9,000

Trade_and_Finance_Receivables_2

Trade and Finance Receivables - Finance Receivables (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Grower Receivables	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery	$1,000,000	'	'
Gross receivable	36,092,000	39,724,000	35,761,000
Reserve	-32,927,000	-32,653,000	-32,877,000
Net receivable	3,165,000	7,071,000	2,884,000
Current portion, net	3,165,000	7,071,000	2,884,000
Long-term portion, net	0	0	0
Seller Financing	'	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross receivable	28,001,000	24,401,000	27,127,000
Reserve	0	0	0
Net receivable	28,001,000	24,401,000	27,127,000
Current portion, net	3,913,000	4,229,000	3,990,000
Long-term portion, net	$24,088,000	$20,172,000	$23,137,000

Trade_and_Finance_Receivables_3

Trade and Finance Receivables - Finance Receivables Allowance (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Grower receivables	Grower receivables	Grower receivables	Grower receivables
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reserve for trade receivables	$5,085,000	$3,141,000	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reserve at beginning of period	'	'	'	'	32,653,000	32,877,000
Recoveries	'	'	-1,000,000	'	'	'
Write-offs	'	'	'	-3,000,000	'	'
Reserve at end of period	'	'	$32,927,000	'	$32,653,000	$32,877,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finished goods	$69,244	$69,450	$79,706
Growing crops	73,068	74,985	79,899
Raw materials, supplies and other	66,619	66,129	75,178
Inventory, net	$208,931	$210,564	$234,783

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O2

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations - Carrying and Estimated Fair Value Table (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Capital Lease Obligations	$42,142	[1]	$39,025	[1]	$32,171	[1]
Estimated Fair Value - Capital lease obligations	42,000	[1],[2]	39,000	[1],[2]	32,000	[1],[2]
Less current portion	-4,648		-2,271		-2,191
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations	634,882		629,353		620,012
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Carrying Value	173,194		164,050		161,182
Estimated Fair Value	200,000	[2]	194,000	[2]	196,000	[2]
Other debt [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Carrying Value	6,541		'		'
Estimated Fair Value	6,000	[2]	'		'
Senior Secured Notes, 7 Point 875 Percent, Due 2021 [Member] | Senior notes	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Carrying Value	412,403		422,174		422,100
Estimated Fair Value	449,000	[2]	459,000	[2]	453,000	[2]
ABL Credit Facility, Term Loan [Member] | ABL Term Loan	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Carrying Value	5,250		6,375		6,750
Estimated Fair Value	$5,000	[2]	$6,000	[2]	$6,000	[2]
[1]	Capital lease obligations include the borrowings for the salad production and warehousing facility in the Midwest. See further description of the build-to-suit lease below
[2]	The fair value of the senior notes is based on observable inputs, which include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market and market-corroborated inputs (Level 2). All other debt may be traded on the secondary loan market, and the fair value is based on either the last available trading price, if recent, or trading prices of comparable debt (Level 3). See Note 8 for further discussion of fair value.

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O3

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations - 7.875% Senior Secured Notes (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 05, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Cash Proceeds from Equity Offerings [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Cash Proceeds from Equity Offerings [Member]

If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1, 2016

If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1, 2016

If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1, 2017

If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1, 2018

If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1, 2019

Redemption option upon change of control

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Description

'If redeemed during the 12-month period commencing February 1,

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on debt instrument

'

7.88%

7.88%

7.88%

7.88%

7.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal amount of debt component

'

'

'

'

$425,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt discount rate

'

'

'

'

99.27%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

8.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

107.90%

0.00%

100.00%

105.90%

103.90%

102.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Debt instrument, Maximum Annual Redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$42,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, redemption, percentage of principal amount to remain outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O4

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations - 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Interest Expense, Debt [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'
Amortization of discount on the debt component	'		'		$9,144,000		$8,100,000		'
4.25% Convertible Senior Notes	'		'		'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Stated interest rate on debt instrument	4.25%		4.25%		4.25%		4.25%		4.25%
Conversion rate of debt into equity	'		'		0.0445524		'		'
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$22.45		$22.45		$22.45		$22.45		'
Principal amount of debt component	200,000,000	[1]	200,000,000	[1]	200,000,000	[1]	200,000,000	[1]	200,000,000	[1]
Unamortized discount	-26,806,000		-38,818,000		-26,806,000		-38,818,000		-35,950,000
Net carrying amount of debt component	173,194,000		161,182,000		173,194,000		161,182,000		164,050,000
Equity component	84,904,000		84,904,000		84,904,000		84,904,000		84,904,000
Issuance costs and income taxes	-3,210,000		-3,210,000		-3,210,000		-3,210,000		-3,210,000
Equity component, net of issuance costs and income taxes	81,694,000		81,694,000		81,694,000		81,694,000		81,694,000
Interest Expense, Debt [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'
4.25% coupon interest	2,125,000		2,125,000		6,375,000		6,375,000		'
Amortization of deferred financing fees	117,000		117,000		352,000		352,000		'
Amortization of discount on the debt component	3,141,000		2,782,000		9,144,000		8,100,000		'
Total interest expense related to the Convertible Notes	$5,383,000		$5,024,000		$15,871,000		$14,827,000		'
[1]	As of SeptemberB 30, 2014, DecemberB 31, 2013 and SeptemberB 30, 2013, the Convertible Notes' "if-converted" value did not exceed their principal amount because our common stock price was below the conversion price of the Convertible Notes.

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O5

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations - Asset-Based Lending Facility (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Feb. 05, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 05, 2013

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Facility

ABL Term Loan

ABL Term Loan

ABL Term Loan

ABL Term Loan

ABL Term Loan

ABL Term Loan

ABL Term Loan

ABL Revolver

Fixed asset sub-line

Fixed asset sub-line

Fixed asset sub-line

Fixed asset sub-line

Fixed asset sub-line

Fixed asset sub-line

ABL Facility, letter of credit

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

Senior notes

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Base Rate

Base Rate

Base Rate

fixed charge coverage ratio [Domain]

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Base Rate

Base Rate

Base Rate

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Base Rate

Base Rate

Base Rate

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

7.875% Senior Notes

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ABL Facility term

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.88%

7.88%

7.88%

7.88%

7.88%

ABL Facility maturity period prior to maturity of the 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes

'

'60 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ABL maximum borrowings capacity

'

$150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ABL Term Loan periodic payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ABL amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity of the Facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$84,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'

'

'Base Rate

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'Base Rate

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'Base Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

2.75%

1.75%

2.25%

'

0.25%

0.75%

'

'

'

2.75%

3.25%

'

1.25%

1.75%

'

'

2.25%

2.75%

'

0.75%

1.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate

'

'

2.91%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms

'

'25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O6

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations - Build-to-suit Lease (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
							Midwest [Member]	Midwest [Member]	Midwest [Member]	Midwest [Member]	Midwest [Member]
							Salad production and warehousing facility	Salad production and warehousing facility	Warehouse In Service [Member]	Warehouse In Service [Member]	Warehouse In Service [Member]
							renewal_option		Long-term Debt [Member]	Long-term Debt [Member]	Long-term Debt [Member]
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]	'		'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Capital Lease Obligations, Current	'		'		'		'	'	$1,000,000	$1,000,000	$1,000,000
Lease term	'		'		'		'20 years	'	'	'	'
Number of lease extensions	'		'		'		2	'	'	'	'
Lease extension term	'		'		'		'5 years	'	'	'	'
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases, Discount Rate	'		'		'		'	6.30%	'	'	'
Carrying Value - Capital lease obligations	$42,142,000	[1]	$39,025,000	[1]	$32,171,000	[1]	'	'	$42,000,000	$38,000,000	$38,000,000
[1]	Capital lease obligations include the borrowings for the salad production and warehousing facility in the Midwest. See further description of the build-to-suit lease below

Debt_Including_Capital_Lease_O7

Debt Including Capital Lease Obligations - Other Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
	ha
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Hectares of land	700
Farms purchase price	$10,000,000
Cash paid for farms	3,000,000
Other debt [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Amount financed for farms purchase	$6,541,000
Effective interest rate	8.00%
Land [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Hectares of land	450

Hedging_Foreign_Currency_and_F

Hedging - Foreign Currency and Fuel Derivatives Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Amount of unrealized net gains on foreign currency cash flow hedging portfolio that would be reclassified to net income, if realized in the next twelve months	$21
Bunker fuel forward contracts	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Maximum period for which the company locks in fuel purchase prices	'3 years
Amount of unrealized net losses on bunker fuel hedging portfolio that would be reclassified to net income, if realized in the next twelve months	($3)

Hedging_Derivatives_No_Longer_

Hedging - Derivatives No Longer Qualifying as Hedging Instruments (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	USD ($)	Transferred from Hedging to Non-hedging Instruments	Foreign exchange option, settled in Q1 2013	Foreign exchange option, settled in Q1 2013	Foreign exchange option, settled in Q2 2013	Foreign exchange option, settled in Q2 2013	Foreign exchange option, settled in Q3 2013	Foreign exchange option, settled in Q3 2013
		Euro call and put option contracts	Purchased	Sold	Purchased	Sold	Purchased	Sold
		EUR (€)	Euro put option	Euro call option	Euro put option	Euro call option	Euro put option	Euro call option
			EUR (€)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amount of currency derivatives included in transferred positions	'	€ 71,000,000	€ 25,000,000	€ 25,000,000	€ 19,000,000	€ 19,000,000	€ 27,000,000	€ 27,000,000
Deferred net gains (losses) in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be reclassified into income	$17,903,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Hedging_Derivatives_Not_Design

Hedging - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) (30-day euro forward contracts, settlement period - July 2014, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cost of sales	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Gains) losses on 30 day euro forward contracts	$5,351	($3,288)	$5,610	($3,024)
Gains (losses) from fluctuations in the value of the net monetary assets exposed to euro exchange rates	($8,095)	$5,384	($12,041)	$332
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative, Term of Contract	'	'	'30 days	'

Hedging_Hedge_Portfolio_Table_

Hedging - Hedge Portfolio Table (Details)

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Average rate forward, settlement period - 2014

Average rate forward, settlement period - 2014

Average rate forward, settlement period - 2015

Average rate forward, settlement period - 2015

Commodity forward contract, settlement period - 2014

Commodity forward contract, settlement period - 2015

30-day euro forward contracts

30-day euro forward contracts

Purchased

Purchased

Purchased

Purchased

Purchased

Purchased

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

30-day euro forward contracts, settlement period - July 2014

30-day euro forward contracts, settlement period - July 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2015

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2015

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2015

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2014

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2015

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2015

Foreign exchange option, settlement period - 2015

Average rate forward contracts

Average rate forward contracts

Average rate forward contracts

Average rate forward contracts

Bunker fuel forward contracts

Bunker fuel forward contracts

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Euro put option

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Euro put option

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Euro call option

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Euro call option

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Mg

Mg

EUR (€)

Euro put option

Euro put option

EUR (€)

Euro put option

Euro put option

EUR (€)

Euro call option

Euro call option

EUR (€)

Euro call option

Euro call option

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Currency derivatives - Notional Amount

'

€ 19,000,000

'

€ 20,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

€ 54,000,000

€ 25,000,000

'

€ 60,000,000

€ 19,000,000

'

€ 147,000,000

€ 25,000,000

'

€ 60,000,000

€ 19,000,000

'

€ 147,000,000

Fuel derivatives - Notional Amount

'

'

'

'

20,640

59,800

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Currency derivatives - Contract Average Rate/Price (in $ per EUR)

1.36

'

1.38

[1]

'

'

'

1.27

'

'

1.34

'

'

1.35

'

'

1.38

'

'

1.4

'

Fuel derivatives - Contract Average Rate/Price (in $ per mt)

'

'

'

'

588

556

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Settlement periods for bunker fuel forward contracts and currency derivatives are through September 2015

Hedging_Derivative_Assets_and_

Hedging - Derivative Assets and Liabilities Table (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013
Currency Hedge Portfolio	'		'		'		'		'		'
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	($511)		($3,831)		($5,014)		($3,439)		($3,125)		($23,215)
Realized (gains) losses included in net income	1,308		1,414		1,229		-3,568		4,766		5,601
Transfers	0		'		0		0		'		7,638	[1]
Purchases, net	149	[2]	0	[2]	277	[2]	314	[2]	62	[2]	541	[2]
Changes in fair value	23,513		1,906		-323		-10,180		-5,142		6,310
Balance at end of year	21,843		-511		-3,831		-9,737		-3,439		-3,125
Bunker Fuel Forward Contracts	'		'		'		'		'		'
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	946		-634		988		-2,203		7,621		8,572
Realized (gains) losses included in net income	-822		-61		-175		1,908		-2,151		-2,839
Transfers	0		'		0		193	[1]	'		0
Purchases, net	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Changes in fair value	-5,141		1,641		-1,447		3,888		-7,673		1,888
Balance at end of year	($3,373)		$946		($634)		($30)		($2,203)		$7,621
[1]	Represents the fair value at the transfer date of positions where hedge accounting was terminated. See discussion above.
[2]	Purchases (sales) represent the cash premiums paid upon the purchase of euro put options or received upon the sale of euro call options. Bunker fuel and currency forward contracts require no up-front cash payment and have an initial fair value of zero; settlements on the forward contracts (swaps) occur upon their maturity

Hedging_Deferred_Net_Gains_Los

Hedging - Deferred Net Gains (Losses) in AOCI Expected to Be Reclassed into Income (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred, Year One	$5,315
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred, Year Two	12,588
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	17,903
Cash flow hedging instruments | Currency Hedge Portfolio	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred, Year One	6,609
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred, Year Two	14,470
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	21,079
Cash flow hedging instruments | Bunker Fuel Forward Contracts	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred, Year One	-1,294
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred, Year Two	-1,882
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	($3,176)

Hedging_Cash_Flow_Hedging_Inst

Hedging - Cash Flow Hedging Instruments (Details) (Cash flow hedging instruments, USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	$19,072		($6,183)		$22,467		($8,308)
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)	721	[1]	-4,206	[1]	-1,090	[1]	-14,430	[1]
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	-230	[1]	-130	[1]	-657	[1]	-2,107	[1]
Currency Hedge Portfolio	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	23,983		-10,201		26,757		-8,518
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)	1,543	[1]	-6,114	[1]	-504	[1]	-21,328	[1]
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Bunker Fuel Forward Contracts	'		'		'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	-4,911		4,018		-4,290		210
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion)	-822	[1]	1,908	[1]	-586	[1]	6,898	[1]
Gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion)	($230)	[1]	($130)	[1]	($657)	[1]	($2,107)	[1]
[1]	Both the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) and the gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion, if any) are included in "Net sales" for the currency hedge portfolio and "Cost of sales" for bunker fuel forward contracts.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	$18,972		($3,781)		($10,051)
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other current assets	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded assets	18,972		'		'
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other current assets | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	22,593		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	-750		'		'
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other current assets | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	-3,373	[1]	'		'
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other current assets | Designated as cash flow hedges | 30-day euro forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	502		'		'
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Investments & other assets, net	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded assets	'		633		61
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Investments & other assets, net | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	'		'		515
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		-220		-465
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Investments & other assets, net | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	'		953	[1]	196
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		-100	[1]	-137
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Investments & other assets, net | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	'		'		22
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		-70
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Accrued liabilities	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded liabilities	'		-4,317		-9,161
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Accrued liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		1,250		1,163
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		-5,947		-10,913
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Accrued liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		778	[1]	1,212	[1]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		-643	[1]	-611	[1]
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Accrued liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		282	[2]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-203	[2]
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Accrued liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | 30-day euro forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		245		17
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-108
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other liabilities	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded liabilities	'		-97		-951
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		833		196
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		-930		-233
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		145	[1]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-835	[1]
Assets (Liabilties) at Fair Value | Other liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		12	[2]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-236	[2]
Level 2	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Assets (liabilities) at fair value	18,972		-3,781		-10,051
Level 2 | Other current assets	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded assets	18,972		'		'
Level 2 | Other current assets | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	22,593		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	-750		'		'
Level 2 | Other current assets | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	-3,373	[1]	'		'
Level 2 | Other current assets | Designated as cash flow hedges | 30-day euro forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	502		'		'
Level 2 | Investments & other assets, net	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded assets	'		633		61
Level 2 | Investments & other assets, net | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	'		'		515
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		-220		-465
Level 2 | Investments & other assets, net | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	'		953	[1]	196
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		-100	[1]	-137
Level 2 | Investments & other assets, net | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts of recognized assets	'		'		22
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		-70
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded liabilities	'		-4,317		-9,161
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		1,250		1,163
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		-5,947		-10,913
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		778	[1]	1,212	[1]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		-643	[1]	-611	[1]
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		282	[2]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-203	[2]
Level 2 | Accrued liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | 30-day euro forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		245		17
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-108
Level 2 | Other liabilities	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Net amount of recorded liabilities	'		-97		-951
Level 2 | Other liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Currency hedge portfolio	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		833		196
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		-930		-233
Level 2 | Other liabilities | Designated as cash flow hedges | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		145	[1]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		-835	[1]
Level 2 | Other liabilities | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Bunker fuel forward contracts	'		'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gross amounts offset in the balance sheets	'		'		12	[2]
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities	'		'		($236)	[2]
[1]	Bunker fuel forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
[2]	Bunker fuel forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments.

Pension_and_Severance_Benefits2

Pension and Severance Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$1,855	$1,864	$5,565	$5,592
Interest on projected benefit obligation	1,411	1,300	4,241	3,894
Expected return on plan assets	-334	-333	-1,005	-996
Recognized actuarial loss	265	310	797	922
Amortization of prior service cost	32	32	96	96
Defined benefit and severance plan expense	$3,229	$3,173	$9,694	$9,508

Reclassifications_from_Accumul2

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Amounts Reclassified from AOCI (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]

Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]

Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]

Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]

Available-for-sale investment

Available-for-sale investment

Available-for-sale investment

Available-for-sale investment

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Accumulated net gain (loss) from designated or qualifying cash flow hedges

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Currency hedge portfolio

Currency hedge portfolio

Currency hedge portfolio

Currency hedge portfolio

Bunker fuel forward contracts

Bunker fuel forward contracts

Bunker fuel forward contracts

Bunker fuel forward contracts

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$271

$530

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

Other income (expense), net

1,036

501

5,172

-1,622

0

0

252

0

0

0

0

-561

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

-738,551

-723,062

-2,326,388

-2,309,485

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,543

6,114

504

21,328

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of sales

-663,536

-645,170

-2,065,095

-2,017,667

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

822

-2,277

586

-7,267

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prior service cost and recognized actuarial loss amortization related to pensions

($297)

($342)

($893)

($1,018)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$297

[1]

$342

[1]

$893

[1]

$1,018

[1]

[1]

These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 for further details.

Reclassifications_from_Accumul3

Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - AOCI Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	($20,619)		($33,188)	($25,783)		($40,525)	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	19,073		-6,978	21,578		-9,980	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-424		4,179	2,235		14,518	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	18,649		-2,799	23,813		4,538	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	-1,970		-35,987	-1,970		-35,987	'	'	'	'
Net cumulative currency translation gains (losses)	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-202		252	-469		-120	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1		-753	16		-381	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0		0	252		0	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	1		-753	268		-381	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	-201		-501	-201		-501	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized losses on qualifying cash flow hedges	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-448		-8,463	-5,654		-16,562	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	19,072		-6,183	22,467		-8,308	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-721		3,837	1,090		14,061	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	18,351		-2,346	23,557		5,753	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	17,903		-10,809	17,903		-10,809	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	'		0	'		404	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		0	'		157	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		0	'		-561	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		0	'		-404	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	'		0	'		0	'	'	'	'
Net unrecognized losses related to pension and severance plans	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	-19,969	[1]	-24,977	-19,660		-24,247	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0		-42	-905		-1,448	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	297		342	893		1,018	'	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	297		300	-12		-430	'	'	'	'
Balance at end of period	-19,672	[1]	-24,677	-19,672	[1]	-24,677	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income	$0		$0	$0		$0	$271	$530	$0	$0
[1]	Net of deferred tax liability of $271, $271, and $530 as of September 30, 2014, June 30, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate	0.00%	-30.00%	-70.00%	20.00%
2008 through 2010 [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income taxes, penalties and interest to transfer pricing	'	'	23	'
2010 [Domain] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Statutorily required profit sharing related to transfer pricing	'	'	5	'

Income_Taxes_Out_of_Period_Adj

Income Taxes - Out of Period Adjustments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$518	$3,800	($3,000)	$10,487	$4,050

Advertising_and_Promotion_Expe1

Advertising and Promotion Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Advertising and certain promotion expenses	$5	$7	$19	$19

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$4	$2	$8	$7
LTIP	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Performance cycle covered by award	'	'	'3 years	'

StockBased_Compensation_Change

Stock-Based Compensation - Changes in Capital Surplus (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$1,818	$1,713	$5,493	$5,541
Shares withheld for taxes	-683	-1,508	-940	-1,840
Capital surplus increase	$1,135	$205	$4,553	$3,701

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Corporate costs

Bananas [Member]

Bananas [Member]

Bananas [Member]

Bananas [Member]

Bananas [Member]

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Other Produce

Other Produce

Other Produce

Other Produce

European

European

European

Fyffes transaction

Fyffes transaction

Cutrale Safra transaction

Cutrale Safra transaction

Cost of sales

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense

Fruit ingredient business

Bananas [Member]

Salads and Healthy Snacks

Salads and Healthy Snacks

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense

Cost of sales

General and administrative expense

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

$738,551,000

$723,062,000

$2,326,388,000

$2,309,485,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$477,472,000

$455,981,000

$1,516,343,000

$1,481,625,000

'

$234,235,000

$239,102,000

[1]

$713,163,000

$739,392,000

[1]

'

'

'

$26,844,000

$27,979,000

$96,882,000

$88,468,000

'

$2,000,000

$12,000,000

Operating income

-1,438,000

1,153,000

35,883,000

66,867,000

-21,024,000

[2]

-14,056,000

-51,591,000

[3]

-41,070,000

'

'

'

'

18,138,000

18,039,000

82,159,000

[4]

101,438,000

'

6,236,000

[3]

-5,155,000

9,978,000

[3]

4,595,000

'

'

'

-4,788,000

[2]

2,325,000

-4,663,000

1,904,000

'

'

'

Loss from Changeover of Vessels

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

inventory and equipment write downs and severance expense related to product resizing, product discontinuation and overhead savings initiatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Severance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business combination, acquisition related costs

$8,235,000

$0

$16,907,000

$0

'

'

'

'

$4,000,000

$13,000,000

$4,000,000

$4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Includes $5 million of cost related to the changeover of vessels at the end of the respective leases and a $1 million gain on the sale of a ripening facility in Europe in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

[2]

Includes $4 million and $13 million of costs for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, for the proposed combination with Fyffes. Includes $4 million of costs in the third quarter of 2014 for the due diligence related to the unsolicited offer from the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group.

[3]

Includes $3 million in the third quarter of 2014 related to a claim settlement with a former supplier of other produce products that were discontinued in previous periods.

[4]

Includes $2 million and $5 million of cost in the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to severance, product resizing, product discontinuation, equipment write-downs and a legal settlement. Includes $1 million of "Cost of sales" in 2013 for severance costs related to a fruit ingredient business.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Contingency Accruals (Details) (Proceedings in Europe, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Proceedings in Europe	'	'	'
Accrual related to contingencies and legal proceedings	$4	$4	$4

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Colombia-Related - Tort Lawsuits (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

46 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

37 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2007

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2010

Mar. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2011

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

ATS lawsuits

ATA lawsuits

ATA lawsuits

Pending litigation

Pending litigation

Pending litigation

Pending litigation

Pending litigation

Pending litigation

count

lawsuit

lawsuit

ATS lawsuits

ATS lawsuits

Unspecified compensatory and punitive damages and attorney's fees and costs

Treble damages and disgorgement of profits without explanation

Specific demand

ATA lawsuits

lawsuit

Minimum

lawsuit

lawsuit

lawsuit

plaintiff

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest income

$600,000

$690,000

$1,905,000

$2,197,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of new claims filed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

'

'

'

'

4

Minimum number of alleged victims

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000

'

'

'

'

Number of lawsuits plead or dismissed after the parties reached a confidential settlement agreement

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of pending lawsuits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

1

'

'

Specific demand for compensatory damages

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

Specific demand for punitive damages

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10,000,000

'

Number of lawsuits for which the motion to dismiss was granted in part and denied in part

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Colombia-Related Matters - Insurance Recovery (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2009

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2009

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Colombia

Insurance recovery coverage suit

Insurance recovery coverage suit

Insurance recovery coverage suit

Insurance recovery coverage suit

Two insurers who had been placed in liquidation

Two insurers who had been placed in liquidation

Defendant seeking a declaratory judgment relieving coverage obligation

Defendant seeking a declaratory judgment relieving coverage obligation

insurer

insurer

insurer

insurer

insurer

Gain Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial number of primary general liability insurers involved in coverage suit

'

'

'

'

1

'

3

'

2

'

1

'

Number of primary insurers with which the company reached settlement agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

Percent of defense costs in the ATA and ATS lawsuits to be paid by primary insurers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

1.00%

'

40.00%

Expense reimbursement received to date which is deferred in Other liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

$12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest income

$600,000

$690,000

$1,905,000

$2,197,000

'

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Italian Customs and Tax Cases (Details)

1 Months Ended

81 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

81 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

111 Months Ended

120 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

120 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

120 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

120 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Nov. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2011

Apr. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

USD ($)

Indirect import challenge - income tax assessment

Indirect import challenge - income tax assessment

Indirect import challenge - customs tax assessment

Indirect import challenge - customs tax assessment

Trento

Trento

Trento

Alessandria

Alessandria

Aosta

Aosta

Genoa

Genoa

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Chiquita Italy

Insurance recovery coverage suit

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

1998-2000 cases

2004 - 2005 cases

2004 - 2005 cases

2004 - 2005 cases

2004 - 2005 cases

2004 cases - direct import challenge

2004 cases - direct import challenge

2005 cases - direct import challenge

2005 cases - direct import challenge

Trento

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

jurisdiction

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

1998-2000 cases

EUR (€)

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Payment Term

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years 6 months

'

'

'36 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments

$1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of jurisdictions in which claims were originated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Litigation Settlement, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000

Claim / Assessment

'

'

12,000,000

'

19,400,000

'

'

3,300,000

'

300,000

'

1,200,000

'

7,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

17,000,000

13,000,000

24,000,000

19,000,000

'

Interest and Penalties Claimed / Assessed

'

'

19,100,000

'

10,200,000

'

'

3,300,000

'

200,000

'

1,200,000

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Claim / Assessment

'

'

31,100,000

'

29,600,000

'

'

6,600,000

'

500,000

'

2,400,000

'

8,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deposits Paid Pending Appeal

'

'

900,000

'

16,700,000

'

6,600,000

6,600,000

'

500,000

'

2,300,000

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax settlement paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pricing adjustment paid for 2006 through 2009

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Periodic Payment

'

€ 113,000

'

€ 350,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$34,000

'

€ 118,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_5

Commitments and Contingencies - Consumption Tax Refunds (Details) (Salerno)	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Other Liabilities	$26	€ 20

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin4

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net sales	$738,551	$723,062	'	$2,326,388	$2,309,485
Cost of sales	663,536	645,170	'	2,065,095	2,017,667
Selling, general and administrative	53,658	60,966	'	162,544	177,227
Depreciation	12,323	13,435	'	38,911	40,517
Amortization	2,342	2,342	'	7,025	7,025
Equity in earnings of investees	-105	0	'	-437	-72
Restructuring and relocation costs	0	-4	'	460	254
Operating income	-1,438	1,153	'	35,883	66,867
Interest income	600	690	'	1,905	2,197
Interest expense	-15,564	-15,356	'	-46,331	-44,698
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	'	-521	-6,275
Other income (expense), net	-1,036	-501	'	-5,172	1,622
Income before income taxes	-17,438	-14,014	'	-14,236	19,713
Income tax benefit (expense)	-518	-3,800	3,000	-10,487	-4,050
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	'	-24,723	15,663
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	0	0	'	0	0
Cost of sales	0	0	'	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	9,788	12,446	'	24,816	31,851
Depreciation	0	0	'	0	0
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-6,134	3,448	'	-43,502	-67,760
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	-15	'	460	-15
Operating income	-11,889	-8,983	'	1,319	35,924
Interest income	0	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	-5,549	-5,031	'	-16,136	-16,405
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	-843
Other income (expense), net	0	0	'	581	1,037
Income before income taxes	-17,438	-14,014	'	-14,236	19,713
Income tax benefit (expense)	-518	-3,800	'	-10,487	-4,050
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	'	-24,723	15,663
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	217,299	200,307	'	651,515	587,278
Cost of sales	205,854	190,790	'	625,157	557,444
Selling, general and administrative	4,193	1,955	'	12,704	10,696
Depreciation	1,219	1,140	'	3,589	3,599
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-9,576	6,878	'	-61,741	-85,792
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	111	'	0	264
Operating income	15,609	13,189	'	71,806	101,067
Interest income	0	1	'	2	12
Interest expense	-9,162	-9,743	'	-27,568	-27,563
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	-521	-5,432
Other income (expense), net	-313	1	'	-217	-324
Income before income taxes	6,134	3,448	'	43,502	67,760
Income tax benefit (expense)	792	-3,249	'	-5,620	-2,643
Net income (loss)	6,926	199	'	37,882	65,117
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	299,667	302,625	'	911,465	939,662
Cost of sales	265,903	271,950	'	805,599	835,099
Selling, general and administrative	20,378	23,775	'	64,194	67,203
Depreciation	6,212	6,741	'	19,230	20,397
Amortization	2,335	2,336	'	7,006	7,007
Equity in earnings of investees	289	16	'	4,540	-43
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	-100	'	0	8
Operating income	4,550	-2,061	'	10,896	9,991
Interest income	-1	26	'	33	128
Interest expense	-724	-576	'	-2,291	-701
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	602	85	'	235	250
Income before income taxes	4,427	-2,526	'	8,873	9,668
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,752	1,289	'	-3,512	-3,547
Net income (loss)	2,675	-1,237	'	5,361	6,121
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	463,861	447,080	'	1,504,218	1,470,619
Cost of sales	434,059	409,395	'	1,374,743	1,313,194
Selling, general and administrative	19,299	22,790	'	60,830	67,477
Depreciation	4,892	5,554	'	16,092	16,521
Amortization	7	6	'	19	18
Equity in earnings of investees	-105	0	'	-437	-72
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	0	'	0	-3
Operating income	5,709	9,335	'	52,971	73,484
Interest income	601	663	'	1,870	2,057
Interest expense	-129	-6	'	-336	-29
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-1,321	-572	'	-6,177	655
Income before income taxes	4,860	9,420	'	48,328	76,167
Income tax benefit (expense)	-634	-391	'	-4,039	267
Net income (loss)	4,226	9,029	'	44,289	76,434
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	-242,276	-226,950	'	-740,810	-688,074
Cost of sales	-242,280	-226,965	'	-740,404	-688,070
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	'	0	0
Depreciation	0	0	'	0	0
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	15,421	-10,342	'	100,703	153,595
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	0	'	0	0
Operating income	-15,417	-10,327	'	-101,109	-153,599
Interest income	0	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	'	0	0
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-4	-15	'	406	4
Income before income taxes	-15,421	-10,342	'	-100,703	-153,595
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,594	2,351	'	13,171	5,923
Net income (loss)	($13,827)	($7,991)	'	($87,532)	($147,672)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin5

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income (loss)	($17,956)	($17,814)	($24,723)	$15,663
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	1	-753	16	-381
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	-252	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	1	-753	268	-381
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	0	0	0	157
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	-561
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	0	0	0	-404
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	19,072	-6,183	22,467	-8,308
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	-1,543	6,114	504	21,328
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	822	-2,277	586	-7,267
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	18,351	-2,346	23,557	5,753
Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	0	-42	-905	-1,448
Amortization included in pension cost	297	342	893	1,018
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	297	300	-12	-430
Other comprehensive income (loss)of investments in subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	693	-20,613	-910	20,201
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	-24,723	15,663
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	0	0	0	0
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	0	0	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	157
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	-561
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	-404
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	0	0	0	0
Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Amortization included in pension cost	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)of investments in subsidiaries	18,649	-2,799	23,813	4,942
Comprehensive income (loss)	693	-20,613	-910	20,201
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Subsidiary Issuer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	6,926	199	37,882	65,117
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	0	0	0	0
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	0	0	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	0	0	0	0
Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	1	0	-564	841
Amortization included in pension cost	102	124	308	372
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	103	124	-256	1,213
Other comprehensive income (loss)of investments in subsidiaries	18,546	-2,923	24,069	3,729
Comprehensive income (loss)	25,575	-2,600	61,695	70,059
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	2,675	-1,237	5,361	6,121
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	0	0	0	0
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	0	0	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	0	0	0	0
Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Amortization included in pension cost	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)of investments in subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,675	-1,237	5,361	6,121
Reportable Legal Entities [Member] | Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	4,226	9,029	44,289	76,434
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	1	-753	16	-381
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	-252	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	1	-753	268	-381
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	19,072	-6,183	22,467	-8,308
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	-1,543	6,114	504	21,328
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	822	-2,277	586	-7,267
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	18,351	-2,346	23,557	5,753
Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	-1	-42	-341	-2,289
Amortization included in pension cost	195	218	585	646
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	194	176	244	-1,643
Other comprehensive income (loss)of investments in subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	22,772	6,106	68,358	80,163
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-13,827	-7,991	-87,532	-147,672
Unrealized foreign currency translation gains	0	0	0	0
Realized gains for foreign currency translation on business disposal reclassified into Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to foreign currency translation	0	0	0	0
Change in fair value of available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Realized gains of available-for-sale investment reclassified into Other income (expense), net	'	'	'	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to available-for-sale investment	'	'	'	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives for the period	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Net sales	0	0	0	0
Derivative (gains) losses reclassified into Cost of sales	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives	0	0	0	0
Actuarial gains (losses) for the period, net of tax	0	0	0	0
Amortization included in pension cost	0	0	0	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) related to defined benefit pension and severance plans	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)of investments in subsidiaries	-37,195	5,722	-47,882	-8,671
Comprehensive income (loss)	($51,022)	($2,269)	($135,414)	($156,343)

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin6

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Statement of Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net sales	$738,551	$723,062	'	$2,326,388	$2,309,485
Cost of sales	663,536	645,170	'	2,065,095	2,017,667
Selling, general and administrative	53,658	60,966	'	162,544	177,227
Transaction costs	8,235	0	'	16,907	0
Depreciation	12,323	13,435	'	38,911	40,517
Amortization	2,342	2,342	'	7,025	7,025
Equity in earnings of investees	-105	0	'	-437	-72
Restructuring and relocation costs	0	-4	'	460	254
Operating income	-1,438	1,153	'	35,883	66,867
Interest income	600	690	'	1,905	2,197
Interest expense	-15,564	-15,356	'	-46,331	-44,698
Loss on debt extinguishment	0	0	'	-521	-6,275
Other income (expense), net	-1,036	-501	'	-5,172	1,622
Income before income taxes	-17,438	-14,014	'	-14,236	19,713
Income tax benefit (expense)	-518	-3,800	3,000	-10,487	-4,050
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	'	-24,723	15,663
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	-242,276	-226,950	'	-740,810	-688,074
Cost of sales	-242,280	-226,965	'	-740,404	-688,070
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	'	0	0
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	0	0	'	0	0
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	15,421	-10,342	'	100,703	153,595
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	0	'	0	0
Operating income	-15,417	-10,327	'	-101,109	-153,599
Interest income	0	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	'	0	0
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-4	-15	'	406	4
Income before income taxes	-15,421	-10,342	'	-100,703	-153,595
Income tax benefit (expense)	1,594	2,351	'	13,171	5,923
Net income (loss)	-13,827	-7,991	'	-87,532	-147,672
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	0	0	'	0	0
Cost of sales	0	0	'	0	0
Selling, general and administrative	9,788	12,446	'	24,816	31,851
Transaction costs	8,235	'	'	16,907	'
Depreciation	0	0	'	0	0
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-6,134	3,448	'	-43,502	-67,760
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	-15	'	460	-15
Operating income	-11,889	-8,983	'	1,319	35,924
Interest income	0	0	'	0	0
Interest expense	-5,549	-5,031	'	-16,136	-16,405
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	-843
Other income (expense), net	0	0	'	581	1,037
Income before income taxes	-17,438	-14,014	'	-14,236	19,713
Income tax benefit (expense)	-518	-3,800	'	-10,487	-4,050
Net income (loss)	-17,956	-17,814	'	-24,723	15,663
Subsidiary Issuer [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	217,299	200,307	'	651,515	587,278
Cost of sales	205,854	190,790	'	625,157	557,444
Selling, general and administrative	4,193	1,955	'	12,704	10,696
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	1,219	1,140	'	3,589	3,599
Amortization	0	0	'	0	0
Equity in earnings of investees	-9,576	6,878	'	-61,741	-85,792
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	111	'	0	264
Operating income	15,609	13,189	'	71,806	101,067
Interest income	0	1	'	2	12
Interest expense	-9,162	-9,743	'	-27,568	-27,563
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	-521	-5,432
Other income (expense), net	-313	1	'	-217	-324
Income before income taxes	6,134	3,448	'	43,502	67,760
Income tax benefit (expense)	792	-3,249	'	-5,620	-2,643
Net income (loss)	6,926	199	'	37,882	65,117
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	299,667	302,625	'	911,465	939,662
Cost of sales	265,903	271,950	'	805,599	835,099
Selling, general and administrative	20,378	23,775	'	64,194	67,203
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	6,212	6,741	'	19,230	20,397
Amortization	2,335	2,336	'	7,006	7,007
Equity in earnings of investees	289	16	'	4,540	-43
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	-100	'	0	8
Operating income	4,550	-2,061	'	10,896	9,991
Interest income	-1	26	'	33	128
Interest expense	-724	-576	'	-2,291	-701
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	602	85	'	235	250
Income before income taxes	4,427	-2,526	'	8,873	9,668
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,752	1,289	'	-3,512	-3,547
Net income (loss)	2,675	-1,237	'	5,361	6,121
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	463,861	447,080	'	1,504,218	1,470,619
Cost of sales	434,059	409,395	'	1,374,743	1,313,194
Selling, general and administrative	19,299	22,790	'	60,830	67,477
Transaction costs	0	'	'	0	'
Depreciation	4,892	5,554	'	16,092	16,521
Amortization	7	6	'	19	18
Equity in earnings of investees	-105	0	'	-437	-72
Restructuring and relocation costs	'	0	'	0	-3
Operating income	5,709	9,335	'	52,971	73,484
Interest income	601	663	'	1,870	2,057
Interest expense	-129	-6	'	-336	-29
Loss on debt extinguishment	'	'	'	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-1,321	-572	'	-6,177	655
Income before income taxes	4,860	9,420	'	48,328	76,167
Income tax benefit (expense)	-634	-391	'	-4,039	267
Net income (loss)	$4,226	$9,029	'	$44,289	$76,434

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin7

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Immaterial Error Correction	'0.01		'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	$54,017		$45,092	$71,766	$51,026
Trade receivables, less allowances	252,068		248,617	269,892	'
Other receivables, net	56,273		68,168	66,602	'
Inventories	210,564		208,931	234,783	'
Prepaid expenses	49,733		42,393	47,170	'
Due from affiliates	0	[1]	0	0	'
Other current assets	6,540		25,392	17,463	'
Total current assets	629,195		638,593	707,676	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	390,773		400,360	392,884	'
Investments and other assets, net	108,077		106,439	88,989	'
Trademarks	426,085		426,085	426,085	'
Goodwill	18,095		18,095	18,095	'
Other intangible assets, net	86,913		79,887	89,254	'
Investments In, And Accounts With, Subsidiaries	0		0	0	'
Total assets	1,659,138		1,669,459	1,722,983	'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	2,271		4,648	2,191	'
Accounts payable	248,273		248,730	283,641	'
Accrued liabilities	158,034	[1]	155,640	148,346	'
Due to affiliates	0	[1]	0	0	'
Total current liabilities	408,578		409,018	434,178	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	629,353		634,882	620,012	'
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	77,066		81,394	82,295	'
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	6,290		0	9,823	'
Deferred tax liabilities	103,679		107,318	111,942	'
Other liabilities	59,734		58,764	70,424	'
Total liabilities	1,284,700		1,291,376	1,328,674	'
Commitments and contingencies	0		0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	374,438		378,083	394,309	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,659,138		1,669,459	1,722,983	'
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'		'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	0		0	0	0
Trade receivables, less allowances	0		0	0	'
Other receivables, net	0		-577	0	'
Inventories	0		0	0	'
Prepaid expenses	0		0	0	'
Due from affiliates	-3,892,575	[1]	-4,362,055	-3,802,318	'
Other current assets	-8,964		-8,800	-9,830	'
Total current assets	-3,901,539		-4,371,432	-3,812,148	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0	0	'
Investments and other assets, net	-5,778		-6,437	-13,171	'
Trademarks	0		0	0	'
Goodwill	0		0	0	'
Other intangible assets, net	0		0	0	'
Investments In, And Accounts With, Subsidiaries	-2,478,986		-2,621,859	-2,455,405	'
Total assets	-6,386,303		-6,999,728	-6,280,724	'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	0		0	0	'
Accounts payable	0		0	0	'
Accrued liabilities	-8,964	[1]	-9,377	-9,830	'
Due to affiliates	-3,892,575	[1]	-4,362,055	-3,802,318	'
Total current liabilities	-3,901,539		-4,371,432	-3,812,148	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	0		0	0	'
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	0		0	0	'
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	0		'	0	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-5,778		-6,437	-13,171	'
Other liabilities	0		0	0	'
Total liabilities	-3,907,317		-4,377,869	-3,825,319	'
Commitments and contingencies	0		0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	-2,478,986		-2,621,859	-2,455,405	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	-6,386,303		-6,999,728	-6,280,724	'
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'		'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	0		0	0	2,601
Trade receivables, less allowances	0		0	0	'
Other receivables, net	1,061		0	0	'
Inventories	0		0	0	'
Prepaid expenses	1,024		438	664	'
Due from affiliates	71,604	[1]	58,317	90,543	'
Other current assets	0		0	0	'
Total current assets	73,689		58,755	91,207	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0	0	'
Investments and other assets, net	20,999		21,795	15,245	'
Trademarks	0		0	0	'
Goodwill	0		0	0	'
Other intangible assets, net	0		0	0	'
Investments In, And Accounts With, Subsidiaries	1,402,089		1,465,047	1,388,598	'
Total assets	1,496,777		1,545,597	1,495,050	'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	0		0	0	'
Accounts payable	1,126		8,533	1,536	'
Accrued liabilities	36,511	[1]	30,386	25,657	'
Due to affiliates	903,865	[1]	936,986	895,730	'
Total current liabilities	941,502		975,905	922,923	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	164,050		173,194	161,182	'
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	15,223		14,665	15,016	'
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	0		'	0	'
Deferred tax liabilities	115		244	115	'
Other liabilities	1,449		3,506	1,505	'
Total liabilities	1,122,339		1,167,514	1,100,741	'
Commitments and contingencies	0		0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	374,438		378,083	394,309	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,496,777		1,545,597	1,495,050	'
Subsidiary Issuer [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'		'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	15,851		10,682	8,121	12,704
Trade receivables, less allowances	49,325		54,729	50,964	'
Other receivables, net	402		2,066	808	'
Inventories	15,567		10,702	9,814	'
Prepaid expenses	3,661		5,095	2,591	'
Due from affiliates	2,060,284	[1]	2,244,947	2,022,139	'
Other current assets	2,751		21,672	0	'
Total current assets	2,147,841		2,349,893	2,094,437	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	20,258		16,808	21,211	'
Investments and other assets, net	13,994		11,769	27,077	'
Trademarks	208,085		208,085	208,085	'
Goodwill	0		0	0	'
Other intangible assets, net	0		0	0	'
Investments In, And Accounts With, Subsidiaries	1,073,711		1,155,566	1,063,602	'
Total assets	3,463,889		3,742,121	3,414,412	'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,500		1,500	1,500	'
Accounts payable	8,150		5,558	6,011	'
Accrued liabilities	27,420	[1]	14,319	34,674	'
Due to affiliates	1,520,539	[1]	1,761,741	1,460,459	'
Total current liabilities	1,557,609		1,783,118	1,502,644	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	427,049		416,153	427,453	'
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	2,818		2,760	7,363	'
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	0		'	0	'
Deferred tax liabilities	66,142		66,987	79,701	'
Other liabilities	8,182		8,056	8,653	'
Total liabilities	2,061,800		2,277,074	2,025,814	'
Commitments and contingencies	0		0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	1,402,089		1,465,047	1,388,598	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	3,463,889		3,742,121	3,414,412	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'		'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	0		0	0	0
Trade receivables, less allowances	51,189		54,525	59,197	'
Other receivables, net	5,140		5,412	5,161	'
Inventories	34,831		30,246	40,373	'
Prepaid expenses	11,040		8,144	8,637	'
Due from affiliates	1,270,479	[1]	1,481,248	1,216,321	'
Other current assets	12,753		12,520	17,096	'
Total current assets	1,385,432		1,592,095	1,346,785	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	201,346		195,940	205,755	'
Investments and other assets, net	3,644		4,196	2,393	'
Trademarks	38,500		38,500	38,500	'
Goodwill	18,095		18,095	18,095	'
Other intangible assets, net	86,853		79,846	89,189	'
Investments In, And Accounts With, Subsidiaries	3,186		1,246	3,205	'
Total assets	1,737,056		1,929,918	1,703,922	'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	726		1,662	639	'
Accounts payable	89,352		92,875	101,442	'
Accrued liabilities	57,984	[1]	66,468	53,633	'
Due to affiliates	1,122,258	[1]	1,286,745	1,075,060	'
Total current liabilities	1,270,320		1,447,750	1,230,774	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	38,147		40,373	31,264	'
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	0		4	0	'
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	0		'	0	'
Deferred tax liabilities	42,539		46,524	39,415	'
Other liabilities	8,885		9,619	19,168	'
Total liabilities	1,359,891		1,544,270	1,320,621	'
Commitments and contingencies	0		0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	377,165		385,648	383,301	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,737,056		1,929,918	1,703,922	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'		'	'	'
Cash and equivalents	38,166		34,410	63,645	35,721
Trade receivables, less allowances	151,554		139,363	159,731	'
Other receivables, net	49,670		61,267	60,633	'
Inventories	160,166		167,983	184,596	'
Prepaid expenses	34,008		28,716	35,278	'
Due from affiliates	490,208	[1]	577,543	473,315	'
Other current assets	0		0	10,197	'
Total current assets	923,772		1,009,282	987,395	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	169,169		187,612	165,918	'
Investments and other assets, net	75,218		75,116	57,445	'
Trademarks	179,500		179,500	179,500	'
Goodwill	0		0	0	'
Other intangible assets, net	60		41	65	'
Investments In, And Accounts With, Subsidiaries	0		0	0	'
Total assets	1,347,719		1,451,551	1,390,323	'
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	45		1,486	52	'
Accounts payable	149,645		141,764	174,652	'
Accrued liabilities	45,083	[1]	53,844	44,212	'
Due to affiliates	345,913	[1]	376,583	371,069	'
Total current liabilities	540,686		573,677	589,985	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion	107		5,162	113	'
Accrued pension and other employee benefits	59,025		63,965	59,916	'
Deferred gain - sale of shipping fleet	6,290		'	9,823	'
Deferred tax liabilities	661		0	5,882	'
Other liabilities	41,218		37,583	41,098	'
Total liabilities	647,987		680,387	706,817	'
Commitments and contingencies	0		0	0	'
Total shareholders' equity	699,732		771,164	683,506	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,347,719		$1,451,551	$1,390,323	'
[1]	We revised the December 31, 2013 condensed consolidating balance sheet presented above to correct for items of classification between CBII and CBLLC, the Co-Issuers. These classification items affected the line items indicated in amounts representing less than 1% of both total assets and total liabilities of CBII and CBLLC

Supplemental_Consolidating_Fin8

Supplemental Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating cash flow	$40,671	$91,738
Capital expenditures	-38,836	-36,165
Contribution to equity-method investment	0	-13,102
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	5,256	11,751
Investing activity with subsidiaries	0	0
Other, net	-3,736	3,559
Investing cash flow	-37,316	-33,957
Issuances of long-term debt	'	429,415
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-11,714	-412,646
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	24,000	36,590
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	-24,000	-36,590
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	0	-40,000
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	-266	-13,810
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	-300	0
Financing activity with subsidiaries	0	0
Financing cash flow	-12,280	-37,041
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	-8,925	20,740
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	54,017	51,026
Cash and equivalents, end of period	45,092	71,766
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Operating cash flow	0	0
Capital expenditures	0	0
Contribution to equity-method investment	'	0
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	0	0
Investing activity with subsidiaries	6,033	3,786
Other, net	0	0
Investing cash flow	6,033	3,786
Issuances of long-term debt	'	0
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	0	0
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	'	0
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	0	'
Financing activity with subsidiaries	-6,033	-3,786
Financing cash flow	-6,033	-3,786
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	0	0
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and equivalents, end of period	0	0
Parent Company [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'
Operating cash flow	0	-4,420
Capital expenditures	0	0
Contribution to equity-method investment	'	0
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	0	1,819
Investing activity with subsidiaries	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Investing cash flow	0	1,819
Issuances of long-term debt	'	0
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	0	0
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	'	0
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	0	'
Financing activity with subsidiaries	0	0
Financing cash flow	0	0
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	0	-2,601
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	0	2,601
Cash and equivalents, end of period	0	0
Subsidiary Issuer [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'
Operating cash flow	14,674	30,523
Capital expenditures	-2,689	-1,984
Contribution to equity-method investment	'	0
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	0	0
Investing activity with subsidiaries	-5,463	0
Other, net	0	0
Investing cash flow	-8,152	-1,984
Issuances of long-term debt	'	429,415
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-11,125	-412,425
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	24,000	36,590
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	-24,000	-36,590
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	'	-40,000
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	-266	-13,810
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	-300	'
Financing activity with subsidiaries	0	3,698
Financing cash flow	-11,691	-33,122
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	-5,169	-4,583
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	15,851	12,704
Cash and equivalents, end of period	10,682	8,121
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'
Operating cash flow	3,243	11,469
Capital expenditures	-8,748	-14,751
Contribution to equity-method investment	'	0
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	1,167	7,222
Investing activity with subsidiaries	-570	-3,786
Other, net	0	0
Investing cash flow	-8,151	-11,315
Issuances of long-term debt	'	0
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-555	-154
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	'	0
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	0	'
Financing activity with subsidiaries	5,463	0
Financing cash flow	4,908	-154
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	0	0
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and equivalents, end of period	0	0
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Reportable Legal Entities [Member]	'	'
Operating cash flow	22,754	54,166
Capital expenditures	-27,399	-19,430
Contribution to equity-method investment	'	-13,102
Net proceeds from sale of long-term assets	4,089	2,710
Investing activity with subsidiaries	0	0
Other, net	-3,736	3,559
Investing cash flow	-27,046	-26,263
Issuances of long-term debt	'	0
Repayments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-34	-67
Borrowings under the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the ABL Revolver	0	0
Repayments of the Credit Facility Revolver	'	0
Payments for debt modification and issuance costs	0	0
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	0	'
Financing activity with subsidiaries	570	88
Financing cash flow	536	21
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents	-3,756	27,924
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period	38,166	35,721
Cash and equivalents, end of period	$34,410	$63,645