| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 26, 2014 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation |
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| Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of our majority owned subsidiaries, which we control, and a consolidated variable interest entity (“VIE”). Our fiscal year end is the last Friday of the calendar year or the first Friday subsequent to the end of the calendar year, whichever is closest to the end of the calendar year. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates |
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| The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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| We classify as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Also included in cash and cash equivalents are certificates of deposits for which the aggregate amount are foreign deposits. |
| Trade Receivables and Concentrations of Credit Risk | Trade Receivables and Concentrations of Credit Risk |
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| Trade receivables less allowances are recognized on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at net realizable value, which approximates fair value. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and customers’ credit worthiness, as determined by our review of their current credit information. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience, specific customer collection issues that we have identified and reviews of the aging of trade receivables based on contractual terms. We generally do not require collateral on trade accounts receivable. Write-off of accounts receivable is done only when all collection efforts have been exhausted without success. No single customer’s receivable balance is considered to be large enough to pose a significant credit risk to us, except trade accounts receivable from one customer, which represents approximately 10% of trade accounts receivable, net of allowance. This customer is current with its payments. |
| Other Accounts Receivable | Other Accounts Receivable |
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| Other accounts receivable less allowances are recognized on our accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at net realizable value, which approximates fair value. Other accounts receivable includes value-added taxes (“VAT”) receivables, seasonal advances to growers and suppliers, which are usually short-term in nature, and other financing receivables. |
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| VAT are primarily related to purchases by production units and will be refunded by the taxing authorities. As of December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, $28.8 million and $22.6 million net of allowance of $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of these amounts were classified as current in other accounts receivable and $10.8 million and $10.1 million, net of allowance of $12.1 million and $10.2 million, respectively, were classified as noncurrent in other noncurrent assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
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| Advances to growers and suppliers are generally repaid to us as produce is harvested and sold. We require property liens and pledges of the current season’s produce as collateral to support the advances. Occasionally, we agree to a payment plan or take steps to recover advances through the liens or pledges. Refer to Note 8, “Financing Receivables” for further discussion on advances to growers and suppliers. |
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| Allowances against VAT and advances to growers and suppliers are established based on our knowledge of the financial condition of the paying party and historical loss experience. Allowances are recorded and charged to expense when an account is deemed to be uncollectible. Recoveries of VAT and advances to growers and suppliers previously reserved in the allowance are credited to operating income. |
| Inventories | Inventories |
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| Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using the weighted average cost or first-in first-out methods for finished goods, which includes fresh produce and prepared food and the first-in first-out, actual cost or average cost methods for raw materials and packaging supplies. Raw materials and packaging supplies inventory consists primarily of agricultural supplies, containerboard, packaging materials and spare parts. |
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| Inventories consisted of the following (U.S. dollars in millions): |
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| December 26, 2014 | | December 27, 2013 |
| Finished goods | $ | 198.7 | | | $ | 215.7 | |
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| Raw materials and packaging supplies | 152.6 | | | 156.5 | |
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| Growing crops | 164.8 | | | 160.9 | |
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| Total inventories | $ | 516.1 | | | $ | 533.1 | |
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| Growing Corps | Growing Crops |
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| Expenditures on pineapple, melon, tomato and non-tropical fruit growing crops are valued at the lower of cost or market and are deferred and charged to cost of products sold when the related crop is harvested and sold. The deferred growing costs included in inventories in our Consolidated Balance Sheets consist primarily of land preparation, cultivation, irrigation and fertilization costs. Expenditures related to banana crops are expensed in the year incurred due to the continuous nature of the crop. |
| Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities | Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities |
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| We account for planned major maintenance activities, such as vessel dry-dock activities, consistent with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ™ (the “Codification” or “ASC”) guidance related to “Other Assets and Deferred Costs”. We utilize the deferral method of accounting for vessel dry-dock activities whereby actual costs incurred are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period until the next scheduled dry-dock activity. |
| Investments in Unconsolidated Companies | Investments in Unconsolidated Companies |
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| Investments in unconsolidated companies are accounted for under the equity method of accounting for investments of 20% or more in companies over which we do not have control, except for one VIE. See Note 4, “Investments in Unconsolidated Companies” and Note 5, “Variable Interest Entities”. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Definite-Lived or Long-Lived Assets | Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Definite-Lived or Long-Lived Assets |
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| Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 10 to 40 years for buildings, five to 20 years for ships and containers, three to 20 years for machinery and equipment, three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and office equipment and five to 10 years for automotive equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease, or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is shorter. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful lives with a weighted average amortization period of 21.5 years. Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $0.8 million, $0.8 million, and $0.7 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in cost of products sold. |
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| When assets are retired or disposed of, the costs and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the respective accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant expenditures, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Interest is capitalized as part of the cost of construction. |
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| We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the asset’s fair value, we measure and record an impairment loss for the excess. The fair value of an asset is measured by either determining the expected future undiscounted cash flow of the asset or by independent appraisal. For long-lived assets held for sale, we record impairment losses when the carrying amount is greater than the fair value less the cost to sell. We discontinue depreciation of long-lived assets when these assets are classified as held for sale and include the net book value of these assets in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Our long-lived assets are primarily composed of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. See Note 6, “Property, Plant and Equipment” and Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. |
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| We recorded charges related to impairment of long-lived assets in 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $2.2 million, $22.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Such charges are included in asset impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 26, 2014, December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012 and as described further in Note 3, “Asset Impairment and Other Charges, Net”. |
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| There are numerous uncertainties and inherent risks in conducting business, such as but not limited to general economic conditions, actions of competitors, ability to manage growth, actions of regulatory authorities, natural disasters such as earthquakes, crop disease, severe weather such as floods, pending investigations and/or litigation, customer demand and risk relating to international operations. Adverse effects from these risks may result in adjustments to the carrying value of our assets and liabilities in the future, including, but not necessarily limited to, long-lived assets. |
| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets | Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Definite-Lived or Long-Lived Assets |
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| Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 10 to 40 years for buildings, five to 20 years for ships and containers, three to 20 years for machinery and equipment, three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and office equipment and five to 10 years for automotive equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease, or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is shorter. Definite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful lives with a weighted average amortization period of 21.5 years. Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets totaled $0.8 million, $0.8 million, and $0.7 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in cost of products sold. |
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| When assets are retired or disposed of, the costs and accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the respective accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant expenditures, which extend the useful lives of assets, are capitalized. Interest is capitalized as part of the cost of construction. |
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| We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the asset’s fair value, we measure and record an impairment loss for the excess. The fair value of an asset is measured by either determining the expected future undiscounted cash flow of the asset or by independent appraisal. For long-lived assets held for sale, we record impairment losses when the carrying amount is greater than the fair value less the cost to sell. We discontinue depreciation of long-lived assets when these assets are classified as held for sale and include the net book value of these assets in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Our long-lived assets are primarily composed of property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. See Note 6, “Property, Plant and Equipment” and Note 7, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. |
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| We recorded charges related to impairment of long-lived assets in 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $2.2 million, $22.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Such charges are included in asset impairment and other charges, net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 26, 2014, December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012 and as described further in Note 3, “Asset Impairment and Other Charges, Net”. |
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| There are numerous uncertainties and inherent risks in conducting business, such as but not limited to general economic conditions, actions of competitors, ability to manage growth, actions of regulatory authorities, natural disasters such as earthquakes, crop disease, severe weather such as floods, pending investigations and/or litigation, customer demand and risk relating to international operations. Adverse effects from these risks may result in adjustments to the carrying value of our assets and liabilities in the future, including, but not necessarily limited to, long-lived assets |
| Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets | Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets |
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| Our goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We assess goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis as of the first day of our fourth quarter, or sooner if events indicate such a review is necessary. Potential impairment exists if the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill has been allocated, or the fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets, is less than their respective carrying values. The amount of the impairment to recognize, if any, is calculated as the amount by which the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied value or the amount of the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value. Future changes in the estimates used to conduct the impairment review, including revenue projections, market values and changes in the discount rate used could cause the analysis to indicate that our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired in subsequent periods and result in a write-down of a portion or all of goodwill. The discount rate used is based on independently calculated risks, our capital mix and an estimated market premium. |
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| As a result of our annual impairment test performed during the first day of the fourth quarter during 2013 and due to the failure of the prepared food business to meet our expectations, we recorded $99.6 million of asset impairment charges, of which $75.7 million was related to the impairment of the unit's goodwill and $23.9 million was related to the impairment of the perpetual, royalty-free licenses to use the DEL MONTE® brand trademarks. This goodwill and trademark was related to the 2004 Prepared Food acquisition in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the countries formerly part of the Soviet Union. We had no additional impairment to record during our 2014 impairment testing. |
| See Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for further discussion on the goodwill impairment charges. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition |
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| Revenue is recognized on sales of products when the customer agrees to the terms of the sale and receives title to the goods, generally upon delivery and when collectability is reasonably assured. We follow the guidance of the ASC on “Revenue Recognition” with regards to recording revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, in its presentation of net sales. This guidance requires us to assess whether we act as a principal in the transaction. Where we are the principal in the transaction and have the risks and rewards of ownership, the transactions are recorded gross in the Consolidated Statements of Income. If we do not act as a principal in the transaction, the transactions are recorded on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Income. |
| Cost of Products Sold | Cost of Products Sold |
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| Cost of products sold includes the cost of produce, packaging materials, labor, depreciation, overhead, transportation and other distribution costs, including handling costs incurred to deliver fresh produce or prepared products to customers. |
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| During 2014, we recorded a $0.5 million inventory write-down due to restructuring of the Chilean plastic business. |
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| During 2013, we recorded a $1.4 million deferred growing crop inventory write-down as a result of adverse weather conditions in our Chilean non-tropical fruit growing operations. |
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| During 2012, we recorded $0.4 million in inventory and clean-up costs related to flood damages to our Costa Rica banana farms partially offset by $0.2 million in insurance proceeds in cost of products sold. We also recorded $0.7 million in inventory write-offs related to exit activities in Brazil in the other fresh produce segment in cost of products sold. |
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| Advertising and Promotional Costs | Advertising and Promotional Costs |
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| We expense advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Advertising and promotional costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, were $18.3 million for 2014, $20.1 million for 2013, and $19.7 million for 2012. |
| Debt Issuance Costs | Debt Issuance Costs |
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| Debt issuance costs relating to long-term debt are amortized over the term of the related debt instrument because the costs are primarily related to our revolving credit facility and are included in other noncurrent assets. Debt issuance cost amortization, which is included in interest expense, was $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $1.2 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Note 11, “Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations” for further disclosure on our credit facility. |
| Income Taxes | Income Taxes |
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| Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. |
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| We account for income tax uncertainties consistent with the ASC guidance included in “Income Taxes”, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The ASC also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. |
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| See Note 10, “Income Taxes”. |
| Environmental Remediation Liabilities | Environmental Remediation Liabilities |
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| Losses associated with environmental remediation obligations are accrued when such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. See Note 17, “Litigation”. |
| Currency Translation | Currency Translation |
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| For our operations in countries where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, balance sheet amounts are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement amounts are translated monthly using the average exchange rate for the respective month. The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates from year-to-year and the effect of exchange rate changes on intercompany transactions of long-term investment nature are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss as currency translation adjustments. |
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| For our operations where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, non-monetary balance sheet amounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Other balance sheet amounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement |
| accounts, excluding those items of income and expenses that relate to non-monetary assets and liabilities, are translated at the average exchange rate for the month. These remeasurement adjustments are included in the determination of net income and are included in other income (expense), net. |
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| Other expense, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income includes a net foreign exchange loss of $10.8 million, $2.6 million, and $4.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts include the effect of foreign currency remeasurement and realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses |
| Other (Income) Expense, Net | Other (Income) Expense, Net |
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| In addition to foreign currency gains and losses described above, other (income) expense, net, also consists of equity losses (gains) of unconsolidated companies, and other items of non-operating income and expenses. |
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| During 2013, we recorded a gain of $16.6 million related to the favorable judgment awarded in litigation and $1.6 million in financial charges as a result of an unfavorable court ruling related to value added tax reporting in South America. |
| Leases | Leases |
| We lease property, plant and equipment for use in our operations. We evaluate the accounting for leases consistent with the provisions of the ASC on “Leases”. We evaluate our leases at inception or at any subsequent modification and classify them as either a capital lease or an operating lease based on lease terms. For operating leases that contain rent escalations, rent holidays or rent concessions, rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. |
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| See Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” for more information. |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements |
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| Fair value is measured in accordance with the ASC on “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” that defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosures about fair value measures required under other accounting pronouncements, but does not change existing guidance as to whether or not an instrument is carried at fair value. We measure fair value for financial instruments, such as derivatives on an ongoing basis. We measure fair value for non-financial assets, when a valuation is necessary, such as for impairment of long-lived and indefinite-lived assets when indicators of impairment exist. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation |
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| We account for stock-based compensation expense consistent with ASC guidance on “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. Our share-based payments are composed entirely of stock-based compensation expense as all equity awards granted to employees and members of our Board of Directors, each of whom meets the definition of an employee under the provisions of the ASC, are stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options granted. |
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| See Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation” for more information. |
| Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments |
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| We account for derivative financial instruments in accordance with the ASC guidance on “Derivatives and Hedging”. The ASC on “Derivatives and Hedging” requires us to recognize the value of derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated as a hedge and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. The accounting also depends on the type of hedging relationship, whether a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge, or hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. A fair value hedge requires that the effective portion of the change in the fair value of a derivative financial instrument be offset against the change in the fair value of the underlying asset, liability, or firm commitment being hedged through |
| earnings. A cash flow hedge requires that the effective portion of the change in the fair value of a derivative instrument be recognized in other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods |
| during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument is recognized in earnings. |
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| 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) |
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| We use derivative financial instruments primarily to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. On entry into a derivative instrument, we formally designate and document the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction. Derivatives are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value in prepaid expenses and other current assets, other noncurrent assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses or other noncurrent liabilities, depending on whether the amount is an asset or liability and is of a short-term or long-term nature. In addition, the earnings impact resulting from our derivative instruments is recorded in the same line item within the Consolidated Statements of Income as the underlying exposure being held. The fair values of derivatives used to hedge or modify our risks fluctuate over time. |
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| These fair value amounts should not be viewed in isolation, but rather in relation to the cash flows or fair value of the underlying hedged transactions or assets and other exposures and to the overall reduction in our risk relating to adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. |
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| See Note 18, “Derivative Financial Instruments” for more information. |
| Treasury Stock | Treasury Stock |
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| When stock is retired or purchased for constructive retirement, the purchase price is initially recorded as a reduction to the par value of the shares repurchased, with any excess purchase price over par value recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. |
| Retirement and Other Employee Benefits | Retirement and Other Employee Benefits |
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| Using appropriate actuarial methods and assumptions, we account for defined benefit pension plans in accordance with ASC guidance on “Compensation – Retirement Benefits”. We provide disclosures about our plan assets, including investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets, and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets consistent with the fair value hierarchy model described in the ASC on “ Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, as described in Note 19, “Fair Value Measurements”. |
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| See Note 14, “Retirement and Other Employee Benefits” for more information. |
| New Accounting Pronouncements | New Accounting Pronouncements |
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| In August 2014, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") related to how a reporting entity must report its going-concern uncertainties in their financial statements. The new standard requires that management perform interim and annual assessments of its ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of its financial statements. We would be required to provide certain disclosure if there is "substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern." According to the FASB, this update is meant to enhance the timeliness, clarity, and consistency of related disclosure and improve convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards, which emphasize management's responsibility for performing the going concern assessment. The amendment in this ASU will be effective for us for year end 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our financial disclosures, but don't expect this ASU to have a significant effect. |
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| In June 2014, the FASB issued an ASU related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. The update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for us beginning the first interim period of our 2016 fiscal year and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our financial condition, result of operations and cash flows. |
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| 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) |
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| In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU in the form of a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede existing revenue guidance. The ASU's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard outlines a five step model, whereby revenue is recognized as performance obligations within a contract are satisfied. The standard also requires new, expanded disclosures regarding revenue recognition. |
| The amendments in this ASU will be effective for us beginning the first day of our 2017 fiscal year. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method. We are evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. |
