WHITEWAVE FOODS (WWAV) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'WWAV	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WHITEWAVE FOODS Co	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001555365	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	173,426,738

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$87,145	$69,373
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $1,512 and $1,171	149,118	105,592
Related party receivables	'	17,912
Inventories	156,275	146,647
Deferred income taxes	20,900	21,044
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	22,647	22,253
Assets held for sale	40,548	'
Total current assets	476,633	382,821
Property, plant, and equipment, net	635,781	624,642
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	394,318	394,962
Goodwill	769,536	765,586
Total Assets	2,276,268	2,168,011
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	316,926	295,864
Current portion of debt	15,000	15,000
Income taxes payable	3,095	11,678
Total current liabilities	335,021	322,542
Long-term debt	707,550	765,550
Deferred income taxes	242,428	218,285
Other long-term liabilities	59,059	76,678
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 170,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	850,914	792,828
Retained earnings	97,587	18,086
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-18,023	-27,688
Total equity	932,210	784,956
Total Liabilities and Equity	2,276,268	2,168,011
Common Stock - Class A [Member]	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	1,732	230
Common Stock - Class B [Member]	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock	'	$1,500

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade receivables, allowance	$1,512	$1,171
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	170,000,000	170,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock - Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,700,000,000	1,700,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	173,212,355	23,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	173,212,355	23,000,000
Common Stock - Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	150,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	150,000,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$638,518	$550,507	$1,823,854	$1,601,391
Net sales to related parties	'	24,346	37,062	79,936
Transitional sales fees	'	'	1,837	'
Total net sales	638,518	574,853	1,862,753	1,681,327
Cost of sales	412,066	370,215	1,193,544	1,089,098
Gross profit	226,452	204,638	669,209	592,229
Related party license income	'	10,727	'	32,043
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling and distribution	131,548	125,551	395,833	368,408
General and administrative	45,364	46,456	139,888	121,435
Write-down of assets held for sale	7,400	'	7,400	'
Total operating expenses	184,312	172,007	543,121	489,843
Operating income	42,140	43,358	126,088	134,429
Other (income) expense:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,459	990	13,920	3,600
Other (income) expense, net	4,129	97	-4,265	780
Total other (income) expense	8,588	1,087	9,655	4,380
Income before income taxes	33,552	42,271	116,433	130,049
Income tax expense	9,259	15,979	36,932	46,066
Net income	$24,293	$26,292	$79,501	$83,983
Average common shares:	'	'	'	'
Basic	173,097,361	150,000,000	173,035,973	150,000,000
Diluted	175,203,342	150,000,000	174,149,095	150,000,000
Basic earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$0.14	$0.18	$0.46	$0.56
Diluted earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$0.14	$0.18	$0.46	$0.56

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$24,293	$26,292	$79,501	$83,983
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	'	'
Net change in minimum pension liability	-72	-59	-44	-41
Foreign currency translation adjustment	19,688	7,784	9,572	1,366
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	52	55	137	-67
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	19,668	7,780	9,665	1,258
Comprehensive income	$43,961	$34,072	$89,166	$85,241

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock - Class A [Member]	Common Stock - Class A [Member]	Common Stock - Class B [Member]	Common Stock - Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Dean Foods [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified			Stock Held by Dean Foods [Member]		Stock Held by Dean Foods [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,140,686	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,172,254	($36,335)	$4,767
Net income	83,983	'	'	'	'	'	'	83,983	'	'
Change in Dean Foods' net investment	-121,779	'	'	'	'	'	'	-121,779	'	'
Share-based compensation	6,848	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,848	'	'
Wind-down of joint venture	-4,767	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,767
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit	-41	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-41	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,366	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,366	'
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax / benefit	-67	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-67	'
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012	1,106,229	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,141,306	-35,077	'
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	784,956	230	'	1,500	'	792,828	18,086	'	-27,688	'
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	23,000,000	'	150,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	79,501	'	'	'	'	'	79,501	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of tax impact of share-based compensation	60	2	'	'	'	58	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of tax impact of share-based compensation, shares	'	213,045	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	14,317	'	'	'	'	14,317	'	'	'	'
Contributions to equity	43,711	'	'	'	'	43,711	'	'	'	'
Cancellation of shares	'	'	'	-690	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock (Note 1)	'	679	821	-679	-821	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock (Note 1), shares	'	67,913,310	82,086,000	-67,913,310	-82,086,000	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit	-44	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	9,572	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,572	'
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax / benefit	137	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	137	'
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$932,210	$1,732	'	'	'	$850,914	$97,587	'	($18,023)	'
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	173,212,355	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Tax effect due to Change in minimum pension liability	$22	$26
Tax effect due to Change in fair value of derivative instruments - expense (benefit)	91	-43
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	'	'
Tax effect due to Change in minimum pension liability	22	26
Tax effect due to Change in fair value of derivative instruments - expense (benefit)	$91	($43)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$79,501	$83,983
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	60,552	54,723
Share-based compensation expense	14,317	6,848
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,810	628
Loss on disposals and other, net	-528	8,361
Write-down of assets held for sale	7,400	'
Deferred income taxes	11,025	2,552
Other	-4,024	2,870
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions/divestitures:	'	'
Trade receivables, net	-42,644	-18,530
Related party receivables	17,912	354
Inventories	-22,629	-14,627
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,507	1,783
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other long-term liabilities	5,403	19,756
Income taxes payable	-10,269	-209
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	115,319	148,492
Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	115,319	148,492
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-103,144	-66,821
Proceeds from recoveries	'	3,356
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	62,166	1,802
Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	-40,978	-61,663
Net cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	'	-129
Net cash used in investing activities	-40,978	-61,792
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Distributions to Dean Foods, net	-871	-117,270
Repayment of debt	-11,250	'
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	438,450	'
Payments for revolver line of credit	-485,200	'
Proceeds from receivables-backed facility	'	150,734
Payments for receivables-backed facility	'	-166,650
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	300	'
Tax savings on shared-based compensation	324	'
Payment of deferred financing costs	-16	'
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations	-58,263	-133,186
Net cash provided by financing activities - discontinued operations	'	24
Net cash used in financing activities	-58,263	-133,162
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	1,694	419
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	17,772	-46,043
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	69,373	96,987
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	87,145	50,944
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'	'
Non-cash activity - Transfer of inventories and plant, property and equipment, net to assets held for sale	40,548	'
Non-cash activity - Distribution to Dean Foods	22,950	'
Non-cash activity - Contribution from Dean Foods	$10,797	'

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
General	'
	1. General
	Nature of Our Business — We are a leading consumer packaged food and beverage company focused on high-growth product categories that are aligned with emerging consumer trends. We manufacture, market, distribute, and sell branded plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy products throughout North America and Europe. Our brands distributed in North America include Silk plant-based foods and beverages, International Delight and LAND O LAKES coffee creamers and beverages, and Horizon Organic premium dairy products, while our European brands of plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro and Provamel.
	Basis of Presentation — The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2013. In our opinion, we have made all necessary adjustments (which generally include normal recurring adjustments) in order to present fairly, in all material respects, our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 may not be indicative of our operating results for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	For periods prior to the completion of our initial public offering on October 31, 2012, our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and derived from Dean Foods Company’s (“Dean Foods”) consolidated financial statements and accounting records using the historical results of operations, and assets and liabilities attributed to our operations, and include allocations of expenses from Dean Foods. Our consolidated and segment results are not necessarily indicative of our future performance and do not reflect what our financial performance would have been had we been a stand-alone public company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Prior to completion of our initial public offering, Dean Foods provided certain corporate services to us, and costs associated with these functions have been allocated to us. These allocations include costs related to corporate services, such as executive management, supply chain, information technology, legal, finance and accounting, investor relations, human resources, risk management, tax, treasury, and other services, as well as share-based compensation expense attributable to our employees and an allocation of share-based compensation attributable to employees of Dean Foods. The costs of such services were allocated to us based on the most relevant allocation method to the service provided, primarily based on relative percentage of total net sales, relative percentage of headcount, or specific identification. The total amount of these allocations from Dean Foods was approximately $18.5 million (which includes $8.0 million of transaction costs related to the offering) and $42.3 million (which includes $12.0 million of transaction costs related to the offering) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. These cost allocations are primarily reflected within general and administrative expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as well as classified as “Corporate and other” in Note 14 “Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information.” Management believes the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. Dean Foods continues to provide some of these services on a transitional basis for a fee.
	Upon completion of our initial public offering, we assumed responsibility for the costs of these functions. The allocations may not reflect the expense we would have incurred as a stand-alone public company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if we had been a stand-alone public company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by employees, and strategic decisions made in certain areas.
	Prior to completion of our initial public offering, total equity represented Dean Foods’ interest in our recorded net assets. Dean Foods’ net investment balance represented the cumulative net investment by Dean Foods in us through October 31, 2012, including any prior net income or loss or other comprehensive income or loss attributed to us and contributions received from or distributions made to Dean Foods. Certain transactions between us and other related parties that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Dean Foods, including allocated expenses and settlement of intercompany transactions, are also included in Dean Foods’ net investment.
	We were allocated a portion of Dean Foods’ consolidated debt based on amounts directly incurred by us to fund the acquisition of Alpro in July 2009. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, interest expense had been allocated based on the historical interest rates of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility during each period presented, as this revolver was drawn to fund the Alpro acquisition. Debt issuance costs were allocated in the same proportion as the debt. In connection with our initial public offering, the allocated portion of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility was settled as a contribution to our capital from Dean Foods. Management believes the basis of historical allocation for debt, interest expense and debt issuance costs is reasonable. However, these amounts may not be indicative of the actual amounts that we would have incurred had we been a stand-alone public company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. See Note 8 “Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods’ Debt.”
	Certain reclassifications of previously reported assets have been made to conform to the current year presentation in Note 14 “Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information.” These reclassifications did not impact previously reported amounts on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Completion of Spin-Off from Dean Foods— On May 23, 2013, Dean Foods distributed (the “Distribution”) to its stockholders an aggregate of 47,686,000 shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A common stock”), and 67,914,000 shares of our Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class B common stock”), as a pro rata dividend to Dean Foods stockholders at the close of business on May 17, 2013, the record date for the Distribution. Effective upon the Distribution, and in accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, we reduced the number of votes per share of our Class B common stock with respect to all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, other than the election and removal of directors, to one vote per share.
	Prior to the Distribution, Dean Foods converted 82,086,000 shares of our Class B common stock into 82,086,000 shares of our Class A common stock in accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, of which 47,686,000 shares of Class A common stock were distributed to Dean Foods stockholders in the Distribution. As a result of and immediately after the Distribution, Dean Foods owned 34,400,000 shares of our Class A Common stock and no shares of our Class B common stock. Under the terms of the separation and distribution agreement, Dean Foods was required to dispose of any remaining ownership interest in us within three years of the Distribution, or May 23, 2016. On July 25, 2013 Dean Foods disposed of all of its remaining 34,400,000 shares of our Class A common stock in a registered public offering. We did not receive any proceeds from this offering. As a result of and immediately after the closing of this offering, Dean Foods no longer owns any shares of our common stock and has no ownership interest in us.
	Common Stock Class Conversion — On September 24, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal to convert all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class B common stock into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. All of the 67,913,310 shares of Class B common stock outstanding were converted on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A common stock.
	The conversion had no impact on the economic interests of the holders of Class A common stock and the former holders of Class B common stock. The conversion had no impact on the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock although it increased the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding in an amount equivalent to the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding immediately prior to the conversion.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the disclosure requirements regarding the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment does not change the current requirement for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, but requires additional disclosures about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, including changes in balances by component, significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items impacted by the reclassifications. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2013. See Note 11 “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.” Other than the additional disclosure requirements, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830), clarifying the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment. ASU 2013-05 is effective for the Company in the period beginning January 1, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for the Company in the period beginning January 1, 2014 and the Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Assets_Held_for_Sale

Assets Held for Sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Assets Held for Sale	'
	2. Assets Held for Sale
	During the third quarter of 2013, management approved a plan to sell the assets of its dairy farm located in Idaho. Management’s decision to pursue a sale is based on the strategic decision to focus on the Company’s core processing, marketing and distribution capabilities. As of September 30, 2013, the assets are classified as held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at $40.5 million representing their fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. As a result, a non-cash write-down of $7.4 million was recorded during the third quarter of 2013. This charge is included in operating costs and expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Idaho dairy farm assets are included in the North America segment and the fair value was determined based on the estimated selling price.
	The following is a summary of the Idaho dairy farm assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013:
		September 30,
		2013
		(In thousands)
	Assets
	Current assets	$	13,579
	Property, plant and equipment, net		26,969
	Assets held for sale	$	40,548
	Upon disposition of the Idaho dairy farm, expected to be completed in the next 12 months, we expect to incur lease termination and other related costs currently estimated to be between $2.5 and $4.0 million.

Transactions_with_Morningstar_

Transactions with Morningstar Foods, LLC ("Morningstar")	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Transactions with Morningstar Foods, LLC ("Morningstar")	'
	3. Transactions with Morningstar Foods, LLC (“Morningstar”)
	On January 3, 2013 Dean Foods sold its wholly-owned subsidiary Morningstar to an unaffiliated third party, and therefore Morningstar is no longer considered a related party. In connection with this sale, we modified certain of the commercial agreements between us and Morningstar. These modifications, with the exception of the Morningstar Asset Purchase Agreement, are primarily timing modifications and will not have a material impact on our results of operations.
	Morningstar Asset Purchase Agreement
	In connection with Dean Foods’ sale of Morningstar, we agreed to terminate an option to purchase plant capacity and property at a Morningstar facility, sell to Morningstar certain manufacturing equipment used to produce certain WhiteWave products, and execute certain other transactions. The agreement was executed on December 2, 2012, but became effective on January 3, 2013, immediately prior to the completion of Dean Foods’ sale of Morningstar, and we received proceeds of $60 million as consideration. This transaction was accounted for as a contribution to equity and a purchase by Dean Foods. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of the outstanding balance under the senior secured credit facilities.
	Transitional Sales Agreements
	In connection with and effective as of our initial public offering, we entered into an agreement with Morningstar, a then wholly-owned Dean Foods subsidiary, pursuant to which Morningstar transferred back to us responsibility for sales and associated costs of certain WhiteWave products over a term of up to nine months after the completion of the Morningstar sale. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, Morningstar provided certain transitional services to us which included, but were not limited to, taking and filling orders, collecting receivables, and shipping products to our customers. Morningstar remitted to us the cash representing the net profit collected from these product sales until such time as the sales transitioned to us. The net effect of the agreement is reflected as transitional sales fees of $1.8 million in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The sales transition was substantially completed during the early part of the second quarter of 2013.
	We also entered into an agreement with Morningstar pursuant to which we transferred to Morningstar responsibility for the sales and associated costs of our aerosol whipped topping and other non-core products over a 15-month term. During this term, we provided certain transitional services to Morningstar which included, but were not limited to, taking and filling orders, collecting receivables and shipping products to customers. We remitted to Morningstar the net profit associated with these product sales until such time as the sales were transitioned to Morningstar. The net fees remitted for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $0.7 million. The services transition was substantially completed during the early part of the second quarter of 2013.

Discontinued_Operations_and_Di

Discontinued Operations and Divestitures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations and Divestitures	'
	4. Discontinued Operations and Divestitures
	Hero Group (“Hero”) Joint Venture
	In the second quarter of 2011, we began evaluating strategic alternatives related to our joint venture with Hero. During the third quarter of 2011, due to continued poor performance by the venture and a desire on our part to invest in core operations, the joint venture partners agreed to wind down the joint venture operations during the fourth quarter of 2011. In conjunction with this action plan, we wrote down the value of the joint venture’s long-lived assets to fair value less costs to sell as of September 30, 2011. At the end of 2012, the Hero joint venture wind down was completed.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	5. Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials and supplies	$	68,391	$	71,548
	Finished goods		87,884		75,099
	Total	$	156,275	$	146,647

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
			North		Europe			Total
			America
			(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	600,316	$	165,270		$	765,586
	Foreign currency translation			—		3,950			3,950
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	600,316	$	169,220		$	769,536
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets other than goodwill as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
			September 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
			Gross		Accumulated			Net carrying		Gross		Accumulated			Net carrying
			carrying		amortization			amount		carrying		amortization			amount
			amount							amount
			(In thousands)
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trademarks (1)		$	353,002	$	—		$	353,002	$	350,725	$	—		$	350,725
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Customer-related and other			38,844		(16,982	)		21,862		37,644		(14,714	)		22,930
	Trademarks			968		(963	)		5		968		(962	)		6
	Total		$	392,814	$	(17,945	)	$	374,869	$	389,337	$	(15,676	)	$	373,661
	-1	The increase in the carrying amount of intangible assets between December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 is the result of foreign currency translation adjustments.
	Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $0.7 million. Estimated aggregate finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in millions):
	2013		$	2.9
	2014			2.9
	2015			2.8
	2016			2.5
	2017			2.5

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	7. Income Taxes
	Our provision for income taxes has been prepared on a separate return basis as if the Company was a stand-alone entity for periods prior to the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution, the Company was included in the Dean Foods’ U.S. consolidated federal income tax return and also filed some U.S. state income tax returns on a combined basis with Dean Foods. For periods subsequent to the Distribution, the Company will file its own U.S. federal and state income tax returns. Our foreign subsidiaries file local income tax returns in the jurisdictions in which they operate.
	For each interim period, the Company estimates the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year and applies that rate to income from continuing operations before income taxes for the period. Additionally, the Company records discrete income tax items in the period in which they are incurred.
	Income tax expense was recorded at an effective rate of 27.6% and 37.8% in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Income tax expense was recorded at an effective rate of 31.7% and 35.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 was lower than the same periods in 2012 due to a decrease in deferred tax liabilities as a result of a reduction in the U.K. statutory tax rate, return to provision adjustments associated with differences between the provision calculated on a separate return basis and the filing of the Dean Foods’ U.S. consolidated federal tax return, and the impact of non-deductible transaction costs in 2012. The decrease in the effective tax rate was partially offset by an increase in uncertain tax positions in various jurisdictions. Changes in the relative profitability of our operating segments, as well as changes to federal, state, and foreign tax laws, may cause the rate to change from historical rates.

Debt_and_Allocated_Portion_of_

Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods' Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

'

Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods' Debt

'

8. Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods’ Debt

Our outstanding debt as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:

September 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

Amount

Interest

Amount

Interest

outstanding

rate

outstanding

rate

(In thousands, except percentages)

Senior secured credit facilities

$

722,550

1.77

%*

$

780,550

2.2

%*

Less current portion

(15,000

)

(15,000

)

Total long-term debt

$

707,550

$

765,550

*

Represents a weighted average rate, including applicable interest rate margins, for the senior secured revolving credit facility, Term Loan A-1, and Term Loan A-2.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

On October 12, 2012, we entered into a credit agreement, among us, the subsidiary guarantors listed therein, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as syndication agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement governs our senior secured credit facilities, which consist of a five-year revolving credit facility in a principal amount of $850 million, an original five-year $250 million term loan A-1, and an original seven-year $250 million term loan A-2. The revolving credit facility makes available up to $75 million of letters of credit and up to $75 million of swing line loans. On October 31, 2012, we incurred approximately $885 million in indebtedness under these facilities and subsequently used a portion of the net proceeds from our initial public offering to repay a portion of the revolving credit facility. We also capitalized $12.4 million of deferred financing fees, which are being amortized over the term of the respective credit or term loan facility. Deferred financing fees are included in identifiable intangible and other assets on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As of September 30, 2013, we had outstanding borrowings of $722.6 million under our $1.35 billion senior secured credit facilities, of which $488.8 million consists of term loan borrowings and $233.8 million consists of borrowings under the $850 million revolving portion of our senior secured credit facilities. We had additional borrowing capacity of $615.7 million under our senior secured credit facilities, which amount will vary over time depending on our financial covenants and operating performance.

Receivables-Backed Facility

In 2004, we began participating in Dean Foods’ receivables-backed facility. We sold certain of our accounts receivable to a wholly-owned entity that is intended to be bankruptcy-remote. The entity transferred the receivables to third-party asset-backed commercial paper conduits sponsored by major financial institutions. The securitization was treated as borrowing for accounting purposes. We were the beneficiary and obligor for all borrowings and repayments under our portion of the Dean Foods facility. On September 28, 2011, Dean Foods amended the terms of the agreement to extend the liquidity termination date to September 25, 2013, to include the ability to issue letters of credit of up to $300 million under the facility, and to amend certain other terms.

Effective September 1, 2012, we are no longer a participant in the Dean Foods receivables-backed facility. In the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we borrowed $150.7 million and subsequently repaid $166.7 million under the facility.

Alpro Revolving Credit Facility

Our Alpro operations have access to a multi-currency revolving credit facility with a borrowing capacity not to exceed €1 million (or its currency equivalent). The facility is unsecured and is guaranteed by various Alpro subsidiaries. The subsidiary revolving credit facility is available for working capital and other general corporate purposes of Alpro and for the issuance of up to €1 million (or its currency equivalent) of letters of credit. No principal payments are due under the subsidiary revolving credit facility until maturity on May 22, 2014. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were no outstanding borrowings under the facility.

Allocated Portion of Dean Foods’ Debt (Senior Secured Credit Facility)

On July 2, 2009, we were allocated $440.3 million from the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility to fund our acquisition of Alpro. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, interest expense had been allocated based on the historical interest rates of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility and totaled $2.9 million and $8.9 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Debt issuance costs were allocated in the same proportion as debt and recorded as a non-current asset included in our consolidated balance sheets. Upon completion of our initial public offering, the principal balances associated with this allocated portion of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility were settled as a contribution to our capital from Dean Foods. Our guarantee of Dean Foods’ senior secured credit facility also terminated upon completion of our initial public offering. See Note 15 “Related Party Transactions — Guarantees.”

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	9. Derivative Financial Instruments
	Interest Rates
	In connection with our initial public offering, on October 31, 2012, Dean Foods novated to us certain of its interest rate swaps (the “2017 swaps”) with a notional value of $650 million and a maturity date of March 31, 2017. We are now the sole counterparty to the financial institutions under these swap agreements and are directly responsible for any required future settlements, and the sole beneficiary of any future receipts of funds, pursuant to their terms. We are subject to market risk with respect to changes in the underlying benchmark interest rate that impact the fair value of the interest rate swaps.
	The following table summarizes the terms of the interest rate swap agreements as of September 30, 2013:
	Fixed Interest Rates		Expiration Date			Notional Amount
						(In thousands)
	2.75% to 3.19%			March 31, 2017		$	650,000
	We have not designated such contracts as hedging instruments; therefore, the interest rate swap agreements are marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period and a derivative asset or liability is recorded on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Losses on these contracts were $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and gains on these contracts were $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Gains and losses are recorded in other (income) expense in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. A summary of these open swap agreements recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is included in the table below.
	Credit risk under these arrangements is believed to be remote as the counterparties to the interest rate swap agreements are major financial institutions; however, if any of the counterparties to the swap agreements become unable to fulfill their obligation, we may lose the financial benefits of these arrangements.
	Commodities
	We are exposed to commodity price fluctuations, including milk, organic and non-genetically modified (“non-GMO”) soybeans, almonds, butterfat, sweeteners, and other commodity costs used in the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of our products, including utilities, natural gas, resin, and diesel fuel. To secure adequate supplies of materials and bring greater stability to the cost of ingredients and their related manufacturing, packaging, and distribution, we routinely enter into forward purchase contracts and other purchase arrangements with suppliers. Under the forward purchase contracts, we commit to purchasing agreed-upon quantities of ingredients and commodities at agreed-upon prices at specified future dates. The outstanding purchase commitment for these commodities at any point in time typically ranges from one month’s to one year’s anticipated requirements, depending on the ingredient or commodity. These contracts are considered normal purchases.
	In addition to entering into forward purchase contracts, from time to time we may purchase over-the-counter contracts from our qualified financial institutions for commodities associated with the production and distribution of our products. Certain of the contracts offset the risk of increases in our commodity costs and are designated as cash flow hedges when appropriate. There was no material hedge ineffectiveness related to our commodities contracts designated as hedging instruments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. A summary of our open commodities contracts recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is included in the table below.
	Although we may utilize forward purchase contracts and other instruments to mitigate the risks related to commodity price fluctuation, such strategies do not fully mitigate commodity price risk. Adverse movements in commodity prices over the terms of the contracts or instruments could decrease the economic benefits we derive from these strategies.
	Foreign Currency
	Our international operations represented approximately 25% and 17% of our long-lived assets and net sales, respectively, as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Sales in foreign countries, as well as certain expenses related to those sales, are transacted in currencies other than our reporting currency, the U.S. Dollar. Our foreign currency exchange rate risk is primarily limited to the Euro and the British Pound. We may, from time to time, employ derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates or enter into forward currency exchange contracts to hedge our net investment and intercompany payable or receivable balances in foreign operations.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, derivatives recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
			Derivative assets						Derivative liabilities
			September 30,			December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
	Foreign currency contracts - current (1)		$	—		$	—		$	482		$	489
	Commodities contracts - current (1)			489			—			61			—
	Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap contracts - current (1)			—			—			18,261			18,262
	Interest rate swap contracts - noncurrent (2)			—			—			30,789			48,669
	Total derivatives		$	489		$	—		$	49,593		$	67,420
	-1	Derivative assets and liabilities that have settlement dates equal to or less than 12 months from the respective balance sheet date were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses, respectively, in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Derivative liabilities that have settlement dates greater than 12 months from the respective balance sheet date were included in other long-term liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	(Gains)/losses on foreign currency contracts (1)		$	78		$	(193	)	$	194		$	(212	)
	(Gains)/losses on commodities contracts (2)			(427	)		(25	)		(296	)		177
	-1	Recorded in cost of sales in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	-2	Recorded in distribution expense or cost of sales, depending on commodity type, in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Based on current exchange rates and commodity prices, we estimate that $0.5 million of hedging activity related to our foreign currency contracts and $0.4 million of hedging activity related to our commodities contracts will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income within the next 12 months.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering assumptions, we follow a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
		•		Level 1 — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
		•		Level 2 — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
		•		Level 3 — Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	A summary of our derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
			Fair value as of			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			September 30, 2013
			(In thousands)
	Asset - Commodities contracts		$	489		$	—		$	489		$	—
	Liability - Commodities contracts			61			—			61			—
	Liability - Foreign currency contracts			482			—			482			—
	Liability - Interest rate swap contracts			49,050			—			49,050			—
			Fair value as of			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			December 31, 2012
			(In thousands)
	Asset - Commodities contracts		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Liability - Commodities contracts			—			—			—			—
	Liability - Foreign currency contracts			489			—			489			—
	Liability - Interest rate swap contracts			66,931			—			66,931			—
	The fair value of our interest rate swaps is determined based on the notional amounts of the swaps and the forward LIBOR curve relative to the fixed interest rates under the swap agreements. The fair value of our commodities contracts is based on the quantities and fixed prices under the agreements and quoted forward commodity prices. The fair value of our foreign currency contracts is based on the notional amounts and rates under the contracts and observable market forward exchange rates. We classify these instruments in Level 2 because quoted market prices can be corroborated utilizing observable benchmark market rates at commonly quoted intervals and observable market transactions of spot currency rates and forward currency prices. We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods.
	Due to their near-term maturities, the carrying amounts of trade accounts receivable and accounts payable are considered equivalent to fair value. In addition, because the interest rates on our senior secured credit facilities are variable, their fair values approximate their carrying values.

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation	'
	10. Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation
	On August 7, 2012, the Dean Foods Compensation Committee, the Dean Foods board of directors, and our board of directors approved the terms of our 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 SIP”). In connection with our initial public offering, 20 million shares of our Class A common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2012 SIP upon the exercise of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), or restricted stock awards that will be issued to our employees and non-employee directors. The 2012 SIP also includes awards of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and phantom shares as part of our long-term incentive compensation program. In general, awards granted under the 2012 SIP vest one-third on the first anniversary of the grant date, one-third on the second anniversary of the grant date, and one-third on the third anniversary of the grant date. Unvested awards vest immediately upon a change of control and in the following additional circumstances: (i) an employee retires after reaching the age of 65, (ii) in certain cases upon death or qualified disability, and (iii) with the exception of the awards granted in connection with the initial public offering, an employee with 10 years of service retires after reaching the age of 55.
	Prior to the Distribution, certain of the Company’s employees participated in share-based compensation plans sponsored by Dean Foods. These plans provided employees with RSUs, options to purchase shares of Dean Foods’ common stock, and other stock-based awards. Given that the Company’s employees directly benefit from participation in these plans, the expense incurred by Dean Foods for stock and options granted specifically to our employees has been reflected in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. These amounts were based on the awards and terms previously granted to our employees, but may not reflect the equity awards or results that we would have experienced or expect to experience as a stand-alone public company. No new grants of Dean Foods’ equity were made to our employees after completion of our initial public offering. Prior to completion of the initial public offering, expenses related to the corporate employees of Dean Foods were allocated based on the Company’s percentage of Dean Foods’ total sales and totaled $1.2 million and $3.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	For the Dean Foods plans, the share and unit data presented in the tables below only reflect the costs that were directly attributable to the Company’s employees and none of the allocated expenses of Dean Foods’ corporate employees. On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by 162 of our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock. These Dean Foods equity-based awards included Dean Foods stock options (whether vested or unvested), unvested RSUs and unvested Dean Foods restricted stock awards held by our non-employee directors on the date of the Distribution. The options to purchase Dean Foods common stock held by our directors and employees were converted to options to purchase our Class A common stock in a manner that preserved the life and aggregate intrinsic value in the converted stock option and continued the same proportionate relationship between the exercise price and the value of our Class A common stock as existed with respect to the Dean Foods common stock immediately prior to the Distribution. The adjustment was effected based on a formula using the volume weighted average price of Dean Foods common stock and our Class A common stock during the five trading day period ended on the second trading day preceding the Distribution. The unvested Dean Foods RSUs held by our directors and employees were converted to WhiteWave RSUs in a manner that, on a unit-by-unit basis, preserved the life and intrinsic value of each outstanding Dean Foods RSU (determined using the same volume weighted average values as described above). The unvested Dean Foods phantom shares held by our employees were converted to WhiteWave phantom shares in a manner that, on a unit-by-unit basis, preserved the life and intrinsic value of each outstanding Dean Foods phantom share (determined using the same volume weighted average values as described above). Dean Foods restricted stock awards held by our directors on the date of the Distribution were converted into restricted stock awards with respect to our Class A common stock by (i) applying the same volume weighted average values as described above and (ii) subtracting any shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock received by our directors in the Distribution in respect of such Dean Foods restricted stock awards. We did not recognize any incremental expense in connection with the conversion of Dean Foods’ equity-based awards into WhiteWave awards.
	WhiteWave Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			options			average		average		intrinsic value
						exercise price		contractual life
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2013			2,445,327		$	16.98
	Granted			1,254,273			15.19
	Forfeited and cancelled (1)			(53,897	)		18.96
	Exercised			(717,477	)		16.53
	Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution (2)			8,308,857			17.45
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2013			11,237,083			17.15		6.45	$	45,040,362
	Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013			11,092,173			17.17		6.42		44,405,808
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013			6,274,312		$	18.94		4.51	$	19,797,076
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, options that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
	Share-based compensation expense for stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting period. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, using the following assumptions:
			Nine months ended
			September 30, 2013
	Expected volatility		28%
	Expected dividend yield		0%
	Expected option term		6 years
	Risk-free rate of return		1.13% to 1.66%
	Forfeiture rate		3%
	Dean Foods Stock Options
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted
			options			average
						exercise price
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2013			6,845,250		$	18.45
	Granted			—			—
	Forfeited and cancelled			(227,424	)		18.09
	Exercised			(111,031	)		13.04
	Transferred (1)			1,135,399			21.38
	Converted to WhiteWave stock options at Distribution (2)			(7,642,194	)		18.98
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2013			—		$	—
	-1	Transferred options are attributable to employees that transferred to or from other Dean Foods’ divisions.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
	Share-based compensation expense for stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting period. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, using the following assumptions:
			Nine months ended
			September 30,
			2013 (1)			2012
	Expected volatility			—		44%
	Expected dividend yield			—		0%
	Expected option term			—		5 years
	Risk-free rate of return			—		0.62% to 0.89%
	Forfeiture rate			—		3%
	-1	Dean Foods did not grant any Dean Foods stock options to WhiteWave non-employee directors, executive officers, and employees during 2013.
	WhiteWave Restricted Stock Units
	The following table summarizes RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	RSUs outstanding January 1, 2013			674,681
	RSUs issued			354,305
	Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs			(9,175	)
	RSUs cancelled or forfeited (1)			(4,333	)
	RSUs converted from Dean Foods at Distribution (2)			464,768
	RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013			1,480,246
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share		$	17.11
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, employees have the option of forfeiting RSUs to cover their minimum statutory tax withholding when shares are issued. RSUs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
	Dean Foods Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
RSUs outstanding January 1, 2013			786,710
RSUs issued			20,235
RSUs cancelled or forfeited			(60,747	)
Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs			(352,352	)
RSUs transferred (1)			33,636
RSUs converted to WhiteWave RSUs at Distribution (2)			(427,482	)
RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013			—
-1	Transferred RSUs are attributable to employees that transferred to or from other Dean Foods’ divisions.
-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Dean Foods Cash Performance Units
In 2010, Dean Foods began granting cash performance units (“CPUs”) to employees as part of its long-term incentive compensation program under the terms of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The CPU awards are cash-settled awards and are designed to link compensation of certain executive officers and other key employees to Dean Foods’ performance over a three-year period. The performance metric, as defined in the awards, is the performance of the Dean Foods stock price relative to that of a peer group of companies. The range of payout under the awards is between 0% and 200% and is payable in cash at the end of each respective performance period. The fair value of the awards is measured at each reporting period. Compensation expense related to the Company’s direct employees is recognized over the vesting period which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, a liability related to these units was not reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as the payout was funded by Dean Foods and subsequent to completion of our initial public offering, a corresponding liability has been recorded in other long-term liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
In connection with our initial public offering, Dean Foods valued the 2011 and 2012 CPU awards for our executives based on performance as of December 31, 2012, instead of at the end of the originally scheduled 36-month performance periods. The cash value of these awards was paid out on a prorated basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
The following table summarizes CPU activity with respect to the 2011 and 2012 CPU awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Units
Outstanding at January 1, 2013			6,105,000
Granted			—
Converted/paid			(6,105,000	)
Forfeited			—
Outstanding at September 30, 2013			—
WhiteWave Phantom Shares
We grant phantom shares under the 2012 SIP as part of our long-term incentive compensation program, which are similar to RSUs in that they are based on the price of WhiteWave Class A common stock and vest ratably over a three-year period, but are cash-settled based upon the value of WhiteWave Class A common stock at each vesting period. The fair value of the awards is re-measured at each reporting period. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. A corresponding liability has been recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the phantom share activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares			Weighted-average
					grant date fair value
					per share
Outstanding at January 1, 2013			225,771		$	17
Granted			214,391			15.24
Converted/paid			(6,787	)		18.79
Forfeited			(18,915	)		17.09
Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution (1)			256,806			18.79
Outstanding at September 30, 2013			671,266		$	17.1
(1)	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods phantom awards held by our employees were converted into phantom awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Dean Foods Phantom Shares
In 2011, Dean Foods began granting phantom shares as part of its long-term incentive compensation program, which are similar to RSUs in that they are based on the price of Dean Foods’ stock and vest ratably over a three-year period, but are cash-settled based upon the value of Dean Foods’ stock at each vesting period. The fair value of the awards is re-measured at each reporting period. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, a liability related to these units has not been reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as the payout was funded by Dean Foods and subsequent to completion of our initial public offering, a corresponding liability has been recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the phantom share activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
					Weighted-average
					grant date fair value
		Shares			per share
Outstanding at January 1, 2013			397,618		$	11.43
Granted			—			—
Converted/paid			(156,247	)		11.09
Forfeited			(7,442	)		11.45
Transferred (1)			2,360			11.9
Converted to WhiteWave phantom shares at Distribution (2)			(236,289	)		11.31
Outstanding at September 30, 2013			—		$	—
-1	Transferred phantom shares are attributable to employees that transferred to or from other Dean Foods’ divisions.
-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods phantom awards held by our employees were converted into phantom awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
WhiteWave SARs
We grant SARs under the 2012 SIP as part of our long-term incentive compensation program, which are similar to stock options in that they are based on the price of WhiteWave Class A common stock and vest ratably over a three-year period, but are cash-settled based upon the value of WhiteWave stock at the exercise date. The fair value of the awards is re-measured at each reporting period. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period, which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. A corresponding liability has been recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes SAR activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
		SARs			average		average		intrinsic value
					exercise price		contractual life
SARs outstanding at January 1, 2013			211,111		$	17
Granted			82,582			15.16
Forfeited and cancelled (1)			—			—
Exercised			—			—
SARs outstanding at September 30, 2013			293,693			16.48		9.16	$	1,024,219
SARs exercisable at September 30, 2013			—		$	—		—	$	—
-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, SARs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
The fair value of each SAR is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
		Nine months ended
		September 30, 2013
Expected volatility		28%
Expected dividend yield		0%
Expected option term		6 years
Risk-free rate of return		1.13% to 1.66%
Forfeiture rate		3%
Share-Based Compensation Expense
The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s direct participants in the Dean Foods long-term incentive compensation plan in periods prior to completion of our initial public offering:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
Share-based compensation expense funded Dean Foods
Dean Foods stock options		$	—		$	276	$	—	$	905
Dean Foods RSUs			—			737		—		2,190
Dean Foods CPUs			—			1,336		—		1,945
Dean Foods phantom shares			—			138		—		1,808
Total share-based compensation expense funded by Dean Foods		$	—		$	2,487	$	—	$	6,848
The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s direct participants in the Dean Foods equity classified plans, as well as, expense related to the Company’s equity classified plans, in periods after the completion of our initial public offering:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
Share-based compensation expense
Dean Foods stock options		$	219		$	—	$	739	$	—
Dean Foods RSUs			401			—		1,187		—
Dean Foods phantom shares			746			—		2,479		—
WhiteWave stock options			1,172			—		5,502		—
WhiteWave RSUs			1,337			—		5,633		—
WhiteWave phantom shares			975			—		2,195		—
WhiteWave SARs			267			—		664		—
Total share-based compensation expense		$	5,117		$	—	$	18,399	$	—
Share-based compensation expense shown above for the Dean Foods equity plans reflect expenses for those legacy plans that have converted to equivalent WhiteWave equity plans upon the spin-off transaction.
Share Repurchase Program
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program, under which the Company may repurchase up to $150 million of its common stock. The primary purpose of the program will be to offset dilution from the Company’s equity compensation plans, but the Company also may make discretionary purchases. Shares may be repurchased under the program from time to time in one or more open market or other transactions, at the discretion of the Company, subject to market conditions and other factors. The authorization to repurchase shares will end when the Company has repurchased the maximum amount of shares authorized, or the Company’s Board of Directors has determined to discontinue such repurchases.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows (net of tax):
			Derivative			Pension			Cumulative			Total
			instruments (1)			adjustment (2)			translation
									adjustment
			(In thousands)
	Balance at July 1, 2013		$	(209	)	$	(1,790	)	$	(35,692	)	$	(37,691	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			(297	)		(50	)		19,688			19,341
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)			349			(22	)		—			327
	Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $19			52			(72	)		19,688			19,668
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	(157	)	$	(1,862	)	$	(16,004	)	$	(18,023	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of sales. See Note 9 “Derivative Financial Instruments.”
	-2	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components are related to amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service costs which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 “Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans.”
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows (net of tax):
			Derivative			Pension			Cumulative			Total
			instruments (1)			adjustment (2)			translation
									adjustment
			(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	(294	)	$	(1,818	)	$	(25,576	)	$	(27,688	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			35			22			9,572			9,629
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)			102			(66	)		—			36
	Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $69			137			(44	)		9,572			9,665
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	(157	)	$	(1,862	)	$	(16,004	)	$	(18,023	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of sales. See Note 9 “Derivative Financial Instruments.”
	-2	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components are related to amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service costs which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 “Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans.”

Employee_Retirement_and_Profit

Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans	'
	12. Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans
	Prior to the Distribution, our employees participated in Dean Foods’ broad-based programs generally available to all employees, including its 401(k) plan, health and dental plans and various other insurance plans, including disability and life insurance. Effective upon the Distribution, the Company implemented its own substantially similar employee benefit plans and our employees are no longer eligible to participate in Dean Foods’ plans. Additionally, we contribute to one multiemployer pension plan on behalf of our employees.
	Substantially all full-time union and non-union employees who have completed one or more years of service and have met other requirements pursuant to the plans were eligible to participate in one or more of the Dean Foods’ plans. Expenses related to our employees’ participation in Dean Foods’ plans, prior to the Distribution, were determined by specifically identifying the costs for the Company’s participants.
	We have separate, stand-alone defined benefit pension plans as a result of the acquisition of Alpro on July 2, 2009. The benefits under our Alpro defined benefit plans are based on years of service and employee compensation.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	440		$	343		$	1,320		$	1,054
	Interest cost		135			125			405			384
	Expected return on plan assets		(88	)		(46	)		(264	)		(143	)
	Amortization:
	Prior service (credit)/cost		4			4			12			12
	Unrecognized net (gain)/loss		18			1			54			3
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	509		$	427		$	1,527		$	1,310

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease and Purchase Obligations
	We lease certain property, plant, and equipment used in our operations under operating lease agreements. Such leases, which are primarily for office space, machinery, and equipment, have lease terms ranging from one to 20 years. Rent expense was $2.0 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $6.0 million and $6.1 million for the nine months September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We have entered into various contracts, in the normal course of business, obligating us to purchase minimum quantities of raw materials used in our production and distribution processes, including soybeans and organic raw milk. We enter into these contracts from time to time to ensure a sufficient supply of raw materials. In addition, we have contractual obligations to purchase various services that are part of our production process.
	Litigation, Investigations, and Audits
	The Company is involved in various litigation, investigations, and audit proceedings in the normal course of business. It is management’s opinion, after consultation with counsel and a review of the facts, a material adverse effect on the financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, or cash flows of the Company is not probable or reasonably possible.

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome

Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information	'
	14. Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information
	Our business is organized into two operating segments, North America and Europe, based on our go-to-market strategies, customer bases, and the objectives of our businesses. Our segments align with how our chief operating decision maker, our CEO, monitors operating performance, allocates resources, and deploys capital.
	The North America segment offers products in the plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy product categories throughout North America, and our Europe segment offers plant-based food and beverage products throughout Europe. We sell our products to a variety of customers, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and convenience stores, as well as various away-from-home channels, including restaurants and foodservice outlets, across North America and Europe. We sell our products in North America and Europe primarily through our direct sales force and independent brokers. We utilize five manufacturing plants, two distribution centers, and three strategic co-packers across the United States. Additionally, we have four plants across Europe in the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, each supported by an integrated supply chain. We also utilize a limited number of third party co-packers across Europe for plant-based beverages other than soy, such as almond and hazelnut, and for more specialized, low-volume products.
	We evaluate the performance of our segments based on sales and operating income or loss before gains and losses on the sale of businesses, write downs related to the wind down of our joint venture, foreign exchange gains and losses and income tax. The amounts in the following tables are obtained from reports used by our chief operating decision maker. There are no significant non-cash items reported in segment profit or loss other than depreciation and amortization.
	The reporting segments do not include the costs allocated to us by Dean Foods or costs incurred by us for certain corporate and shared service functions. In addition, the expense related to share-based compensation has not been allocated to our segments and is reflected entirely within the caption “Corporate and other.” Related party license income, further described in Note 15 “Related Party Transactions,” has also been excluded. Therefore, the measure of segment profit or loss presented below is before such items.
	The following table presents the summarized income statement amounts by segment:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	North America	$	534,176		$	486,899		$	1,555,023		$	1,408,370
	Europe		104,342			87,954			307,730			272,957
	Total	$	638,518		$	574,853		$	1,862,753		$	1,681,327
	Operating income:
	North America	$	51,366		$	44,986		$	157,266		$	127,805
	Europe		7,558			6,166			22,109			16,856
	Total reportable segment operating income		58,924			51,152			179,375			144,661
	Related party license income		—			10,727			—			32,043
	Corporate and other		(16,784	)		(18,521	)		(53,287	)		(42,275	)
	Total operating income	$	42,140		$	43,358		$	126,088		$	134,429
	Other expense:
	Interest expense		4,459			990			13,920			3,600
	Other (income) expense, net		4,129			97			(4,265	)		780
	Income before income taxes	$	33,552		$	42,271		$	116,433		$	130,049
	Depreciation and amortization:
	North America	$	15,270		$	12,455		$	44,908		$	40,195
	Europe		5,169			6,024			15,365			14,528
	Corporate		138			—			279			—
	Total	$	20,577		$	18,479		$	60,552		$	54,723
	The following tables present sales amounts by product categories:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	North America
	Plant-based foods and beverages	$	164,748		$	142,859		$	470,598		$	412,018
	Coffee creamers and beverages		222,778			202,408			654,926			589,445
	Premium dairy		146,650			141,632			429,499			406,907
	North America net sales		534,176			486,899			1,555,023			1,408,370
	Europe
	Plant-based foods and beverages		104,342			87,954			307,730			272,957
	Total net sales	$	638,518		$	574,853		$	1,862,753		$	1,681,327
	The following tables present assets, long-lived assets, and capital expenditures by segment:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	North America	$	1,598,805		$	1,549,030
	Europe		611,953			577,599
	Corporate		65,510			41,382
	Total	$	2,276,268		$	2,168,011
	Long-lived Assets:
	North America	$	1,324,751		$	1,323,108
	Europe		446,418			444,539
	Corporate		28,466			17,543
	Total	$	1,799,635		$	1,785,190
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Capital expenditures:
	North America	$	41,168		$	23,076		$	84,378		$	60,253
	Europe		5,440			2,615			12,774			6,568
	Corporate		3,515			—			5,992			—
	Total	$	50,123		$	25,691		$	103,144		$	66,821
Significant Customers
The Company had a single customer that represented approximately 17.2% and 19.6% of our consolidated net sales in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The same customer represented approximately 17.7% and 18.7% of our consolidated net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Sales to this customer are primarily included in our North America segment.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	15. Related Party Transactions
	Allocated Expenses
	As of July 25, 2013, Dean Foods disposed of its remaining shares of the Company’s common stock in a registered public offering. As a result of and immediately following this offering, Dean Foods has no ownership interest in us and therefore is no longer a related party. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, Dean Foods provided certain corporate services to us, and costs associated with these functions were allocated to us. These allocations include costs related to corporate services, such as executive management, supply chain, information technology, legal, finance and accounting, investor relations, human resources, risk management, tax, treasury, and other services, as well as stock-based compensation expense attributable to our employees and an allocation of stock-based compensation attributable to employees of Dean Foods. The costs of such services were allocated to us based on the most relevant allocation method to the service provided, primarily based on relative percentage of total net sales, relative percentage of headcount, or specific identification. The total amount of these allocations from Dean Foods was approximately $18.5 million and $42.3 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. These allocations include approximately $8.0 and $12.0 million of transaction costs related to our initial public offering for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. These cost allocations are primarily reflected within general and administrative expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as well as classified as “Corporate and other” in Note 14 “Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information.” Management believes the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. Dean Foods continues to provide many of these services on a transitional basis for a fee.
	Upon completion of our initial public offering, we assumed responsibility for the costs of these functions. The allocations may not reflect the expense we would have incurred as a stand-alone public company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Actual costs that may have been incurred if we had been a stand-alone public company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by employees, and strategic decisions made in certain areas.
	We were allocated a portion of Dean Foods’ consolidated debt based on amounts directly incurred by us to fund the acquisition of Alpro in July 2009. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, interest expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 had been allocated based on the historical interest rates of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility during the three and nine month periods. Debt issuance costs were allocated in the same proportion as the debt. In connection with our initial public offering, the allocated portion of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility was settled as a contribution to our capital from Dean Foods. Management believes the basis of historical allocation for debt, interest expense, and debt issuance costs is reasonable. However, these amounts may not be indicative of the actual amounts that we would have incurred had we been a stand-alone public company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Cash Management
	We use a centralized approach to cash management and financing of operations. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, Dean Foods provided financing, cash management, and other treasury services to us. Our North American cash balances were regularly swept by Dean Foods, and we received funding from Dean Foods for our operating and investing cash needs. Cash transferred to and from Dean Foods was historically recorded as intercompany payables and receivables that were reflected as a component of Dean Foods’ net investment in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Since completion of our initial public offering, we have maintained separate cash management and financing functions for our operations.
	Related Party Arrangements
	Historically, related party transactions and activities involving Dean Foods and its wholly-owned subsidiaries were not always consummated on terms equivalent to those that would prevail in an arm’s-length transaction where conditions of competitive, free-market dealing may exist.
	Prior to completion of our initial public offering, certain related party transactions were settled by either non-cash capital contributions from Dean Foods to us or non-cash capital distributions from us to Dean Foods and included as part of Dean Foods’ net investment. Other related party transactions that are settled in cash are reflected as related party receivables in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we utilized manufacturing facilities and resources managed by affiliates of Dean Foods to conduct our business. The expenses associated with these transactions, which primarily relate to co-packing certain of our products, are included in cost of sales in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	In connection with and effective as of our initial public offering, we entered into agreements that formalize ongoing commercial arrangements we have with Dean Foods and Morningstar, which are described below. Certain terms of these agreements were modified in connection with Dean Foods’ sale of Morningstar. These agreements are described in Note 3, “Transactions with Morningstar.”
	Agreements with Fresh Dairy Direct
	Fresh Dairy Direct (“FDD”) Sales and Distribution Agreement — We entered into an agreement with two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Dean Foods, Suiza Dairy Group, LLC (“Suiza Dairy”) and Dean Dairy Holdings, LLC (“Dean Dairy”), pursuant to which those subsidiaries continue to sell and distribute certain WhiteWave products for a fixed initial term of up to 18 months, depending on the product and customer. This agreement modifies our historical intercompany arrangements and reflects new pricing.
	FDD Co-Packing Agreement — Additionally, we entered into a separate manufacturing agreement with Suiza Dairy and Dean Dairy pursuant to which those subsidiaries continue manufacturing WhiteWave fresh organic milk products on our behalf for a term of 18 months. The agreement formalizes our historical intercompany arrangements.
	FDD Cream Supply Agreement — We also entered into a supply agreement with Suiza Dairy and Dean Dairy pursuant to which we continue to purchase cream from such subsidiaries for an initial term ending December 31, 2013, with an option for us to renew for up to four one-year terms. This agreement formalizes our historical intercompany arrangements.
	Termination of Intellectual Property License Agreement
	Historically, the Company was party to a license agreement with Morningstar, pursuant to which Morningstar had the right to use the Company’s intellectual property in the manufacture of certain products for a fee. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, related party license income was recorded within operating income in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations in the amount of $10.7 million and $32.0 million, respectively.
	In conjunction with the license agreement, a loan agreement was entered into, pursuant to which the Company extended a line of credit to Morningstar related to the license income under the license agreement. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, there were no repayments of this loan and no future plans to settle the outstanding balance; therefore, the principal and associated accrued interest was shown in Dean Foods’ net investment as of December 31, 2011. The interest term on the loan to Morningstar was LIBOR plus 2% and recorded in interest income in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $2.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively.
	In connection with our initial public offering, we and Morningstar agreed to terminate this license agreement and related loan. We no longer receive license income or related interest income associated with these historical agreements. In addition, we entered into an agreement and transferred the intellectual property subject to the license agreement to Morningstar, so that Morningstar has the requisite intellectual property and manufacturing know-how to produce and sell its products and brands. All intellectual property related to and necessary for the production of our products and brands was retained.
	License Agreement with Dean Foods
	We entered into an agreement with Dean Foods pursuant to which we have an exclusive license to manufacture and sell shelf stable aseptic flavored and white milk under Dean Foods’ TruMoo brand in certain retail channels and to designated foodservice accounts throughout North America in exchange for payment of a royalty. The initial term of the agreement is December 2012 through December 31, 2017, with automatic one-year renewals thereafter so long as we achieve specified volume thresholds and minimum royalties. We incurred immaterial royalty obligations under this agreement during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Transition Services Agreement
	We and Dean Foods also entered into a transition services agreement to cover certain continued corporate services provided by us and Dean Foods to each other following completion of our initial public offering. Our services consist primarily of marketing and research and development, while Dean Foods’ has provided supply chain, information technology, legal, finance and accounting, human resources, risk management, tax, treasury, and other transitional services. Both Dean Foods’ and our services continue for a specified initial term, which vary with the types of services provided, unless terminated earlier or extended according to the terms of the transition services agreement. We pay Dean Foods mutually agreed-upon fees for their services and Dean Foods pays us mutually agreed-upon fees for our services. Dean Foods has charged us $1.3 million and $18.0 million and we have charged Dean Foods $0.3 million and $2.8 million for services rendered under the transition services agreement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	Guarantees
	We have historically guaranteed debt issued by Dean Foods, including the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility and the Dean Foods senior notes, on a joint and several basis. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, as this was an intercompany guarantee, the Company had not recognized an indemnification liability or any income associated with this guarantee in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Our guarantees of Dean Foods’ debt, including the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility and the Dean Foods senior notes, terminated upon completion of our initial public offering.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	16. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and the effect of all dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during each period. The contribution of WWF Operating Company (“WWF Opco”) to WhiteWave was treated as a reorganization of entities under common control under Dean Foods. As a result, we are retrospectively presenting the shares outstanding for WhiteWave and WWF Opco for all periods presented. For the period prior to completion of our initial public offering, the same number of Class B shares is being used for basic and diluted earnings per share, as no WhiteWave Class A common stock or equity awards were outstanding. The outstanding shares of Class B common stock give effect to Dean Foods’ contribution of WWF Opco’s capital stock to WhiteWave and Dean Foods’ subsequent conversion of a portion of their Class B common stock to Class A common stock prior to the Distribution.
	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the computations of both basic and diluted earnings per share:
			Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
			(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income		$	24,293	$	26,292	$	79,501	$	83,983
	Denominator:
	Average common shares			173,097,361		150,000,000		173,035,973		150,000,000
	Basic earnings per share		$	0.14	$	0.18	$	0.46	$	0.56
	Diluted earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income		$	24,293	$	26,292	$	79,501	$	83,983
	Denominator:
	Average common shares - basic			173,097,361		150,000,000		173,035,973		150,000,000
	Stock option conversion(1)			1,259,608		—		586,887		—
	Stock units(2)			846,373		—		526,235		—
	Average common shares - diluted			175,203,342		150,000,000		174,149,095		150,000,000
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.14	$	0.18	$	0.46	$	0.56
	-1	5,206,482 and 3,761,414 anti-dilutive options were excluded from the calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	-2	6,311 and 303 anti-dilutive RSUs were excluded from the calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Our Business	'
	Nature of Our Business — We are a leading consumer packaged food and beverage company focused on high-growth product categories that are aligned with emerging consumer trends. We manufacture, market, distribute, and sell branded plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy products throughout North America and Europe. Our brands distributed in North America include Silk plant-based foods and beverages, International Delight and LAND O LAKES coffee creamers and beverages, and Horizon Organic premium dairy products, while our European brands of plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro and Provamel.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation — The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2013. In our opinion, we have made all necessary adjustments (which generally include normal recurring adjustments) in order to present fairly, in all material respects, our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 may not be indicative of our operating results for the full year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	For periods prior to the completion of our initial public offering on October 31, 2012, our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and derived from Dean Foods Company’s (“Dean Foods”) consolidated financial statements and accounting records using the historical results of operations, and assets and liabilities attributed to our operations, and include allocations of expenses from Dean Foods. Our consolidated and segment results are not necessarily indicative of our future performance and do not reflect what our financial performance would have been had we been a stand-alone public company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Prior to completion of our initial public offering, Dean Foods provided certain corporate services to us, and costs associated with these functions have been allocated to us. These allocations include costs related to corporate services, such as executive management, supply chain, information technology, legal, finance and accounting, investor relations, human resources, risk management, tax, treasury, and other services, as well as share-based compensation expense attributable to our employees and an allocation of share-based compensation attributable to employees of Dean Foods. The costs of such services were allocated to us based on the most relevant allocation method to the service provided, primarily based on relative percentage of total net sales, relative percentage of headcount, or specific identification. The total amount of these allocations from Dean Foods was approximately $18.5 million (which includes $8.0 million of transaction costs related to the offering) and $42.3 million (which includes $12.0 million of transaction costs related to the offering) in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. These cost allocations are primarily reflected within general and administrative expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations as well as classified as “Corporate and other” in Note 14 “Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information.” Management believes the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. Dean Foods continues to provide some of these services on a transitional basis for a fee.
	Upon completion of our initial public offering, we assumed responsibility for the costs of these functions. The allocations may not reflect the expense we would have incurred as a stand-alone public company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if we had been a stand-alone public company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, what functions were outsourced or performed by employees, and strategic decisions made in certain areas.
	Prior to completion of our initial public offering, total equity represented Dean Foods’ interest in our recorded net assets. Dean Foods’ net investment balance represented the cumulative net investment by Dean Foods in us through October 31, 2012, including any prior net income or loss or other comprehensive income or loss attributed to us and contributions received from or distributions made to Dean Foods. Certain transactions between us and other related parties that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Dean Foods, including allocated expenses and settlement of intercompany transactions, are also included in Dean Foods’ net investment.
	We were allocated a portion of Dean Foods’ consolidated debt based on amounts directly incurred by us to fund the acquisition of Alpro in July 2009. Prior to completion of our initial public offering, interest expense had been allocated based on the historical interest rates of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility during each period presented, as this revolver was drawn to fund the Alpro acquisition. Debt issuance costs were allocated in the same proportion as the debt. In connection with our initial public offering, the allocated portion of the Dean Foods senior secured credit facility was settled as a contribution to our capital from Dean Foods. Management believes the basis of historical allocation for debt, interest expense and debt issuance costs is reasonable. However, these amounts may not be indicative of the actual amounts that we would have incurred had we been a stand-alone public company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. See Note 8 “Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods’ Debt.”
	Certain reclassifications of previously reported assets have been made to conform to the current year presentation in Note 14 “Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information.” These reclassifications did not impact previously reported amounts on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	Completion of Spin-Off from Dean Foods— On May 23, 2013, Dean Foods distributed (the “Distribution”) to its stockholders an aggregate of 47,686,000 shares of our Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A common stock”), and 67,914,000 shares of our Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class B common stock”), as a pro rata dividend to Dean Foods stockholders at the close of business on May 17, 2013, the record date for the Distribution. Effective upon the Distribution, and in accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, we reduced the number of votes per share of our Class B common stock with respect to all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, other than the election and removal of directors, to one vote per share.
	Prior to the Distribution, Dean Foods converted 82,086,000 shares of our Class B common stock into 82,086,000 shares of our Class A common stock in accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, of which 47,686,000 shares of Class A common stock were distributed to Dean Foods stockholders in the Distribution. As a result of and immediately after the Distribution, Dean Foods owned 34,400,000 shares of our Class A Common stock and no shares of our Class B common stock. Under the terms of the separation and distribution agreement, Dean Foods was required to dispose of any remaining ownership interest in us within three years of the Distribution, or May 23, 2016. On July 25, 2013 Dean Foods disposed of all of its remaining 34,400,000 shares of our Class A common stock in a registered public offering. We did not receive any proceeds from this offering. As a result of and immediately after the closing of this offering, Dean Foods no longer owns any shares of our common stock and has no ownership interest in us.
	Common Stock Class Conversion — On September 24, 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal to convert all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class B common stock into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. All of the 67,913,310 shares of Class B common stock outstanding were converted on a one-for-one basis into shares of Class A common stock.
	The conversion had no impact on the economic interests of the holders of Class A common stock and the former holders of Class B common stock. The conversion had no impact on the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock although it increased the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding in an amount equivalent to the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding immediately prior to the conversion.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the disclosure requirements regarding the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment does not change the current requirement for reporting net income or other comprehensive income, but requires additional disclosures about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, including changes in balances by component, significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items impacted by the reclassifications. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2013. See Note 11 “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.” Other than the additional disclosure requirements, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830), clarifying the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment. ASU 2013-05 is effective for the Company in the period beginning January 1, 2014. The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. ASU 2013-11 is effective for the Company in the period beginning January 1, 2014 and the Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Segment, Geographic and Customer Information	'
	We evaluate the performance of our segments based on sales and operating income or loss before gains and losses on the sale of businesses, write downs related to the wind down of our joint venture, foreign exchange gains and losses and income tax. The amounts in the following tables are obtained from reports used by our chief operating decision maker. There are no significant non-cash items reported in segment profit or loss other than depreciation and amortization.
	The reporting segments do not include the costs allocated to us by Dean Foods or costs incurred by us for certain corporate and shared service functions. In addition, the expense related to share-based compensation has not been allocated to our segments and is reflected entirely within the caption “Corporate and other.” Related party license income, further described in Note 15 “Related Party Transactions,” has also been excluded. Therefore, the measure of segment profit or loss presented below is before such items.

Assets_Held_for_Sale_Tables

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Summary of Assets Held for Sale	'
	The following is a summary of the Idaho dairy farm assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013:
		September 30,
		2013
		(In thousands)
	Assets
	Current assets	$	13,579
	Property, plant and equipment, net		26,969
	Assets held for sale	$	40,548

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories, Net of Reserves	'
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials and supplies	$	68,391	$	71,548
	Finished goods		87,884		75,099
	Total	$	156,275	$	146,647

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
			North		Europe			Total
			America
			(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	600,316	$	165,270		$	765,586
	Foreign currency translation			—		3,950			3,950
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	600,316	$	169,220		$	769,536
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill	'
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets other than goodwill as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
			September 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
			Gross		Accumulated			Net carrying		Gross		Accumulated			Net carrying
			carrying		amortization			amount		carrying		amortization			amount
			amount							amount
			(In thousands)
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Trademarks (1)		$	353,002	$	—		$	353,002	$	350,725	$	—		$	350,725
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Customer-related and other			38,844		(16,982	)		21,862		37,644		(14,714	)		22,930
	Trademarks			968		(963	)		5		968		(962	)		6
	Total		$	392,814	$	(17,945	)	$	374,869	$	389,337	$	(15,676	)	$	373,661
	-1	The increase in the carrying amount of intangible assets between December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 is the result of foreign currency translation adjustments.
Estimated Aggregate Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated aggregate finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in millions):
	2013		$	2.9
	2014			2.9
	2015			2.8
	2016			2.5
	2017			2.5

Debt_and_Allocated_Portion_of_1

Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods' Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

'

Summary of Outstanding Debt

'

Our outstanding debt as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following:

September 30, 2013

December 31, 2012

Amount

Interest

Amount

Interest

outstanding

rate

outstanding

rate

(In thousands, except percentages)

Senior secured credit facilities

$

722,550

1.77

%*

$

780,550

2.2

%*

Less current portion

(15,000

)

(15,000

)

Total long-term debt

$

707,550

$

765,550

*

Represents a weighted average rate, including applicable interest rate margins, for the senior secured revolving credit facility, Term Loan A-1, and Term Loan A-2.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Interest Rate Swap Agreements	'
	The following table summarizes the terms of the interest rate swap agreements as of September 30, 2013:
	Fixed Interest Rates		Expiration Date		Notional Amount
					(In thousands)
	2.75% to 3.19%		March 31, 2017		$	650,000
Derivatives Recorded at Fair Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, derivatives recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
			Derivative assets							Derivative liabilities
			September 30,				December 31,			September 30,			December 31,
			2013				2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
	Foreign currency contracts - current (1)		$	—			$	—		$	482		$	489
	Commodities contracts - current (1)			489				—			61			—
	Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap contracts - current (1)			—				—			18,261			18,262
	Interest rate swap contracts - noncurrent (2)			—				—			30,789			48,669
	Total derivatives		$	489			$	—		$	49,593		$	67,420
	-1	Derivative assets and liabilities that have settlement dates equal to or less than 12 months from the respective balance sheet date were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses, respectively, in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Derivative liabilities that have settlement dates greater than 12 months from the respective balance sheet date were included in other long-term liabilities in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Gains and Losses on Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	'
	Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
			Three months ended							Nine months ended
			September 30,							September 30,
			2013				2012			2013			2012
			(In thousands)
	(Gains)/losses on foreign currency contracts (1)		$	78			$	(193	)	$	194		$	(212	)
	(Gains)/losses on commodities contracts (2)			(427	)			(25	)		(296	)		177
	-1	Recorded in cost of sales in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	-2	Recorded in distribution expense or cost of sales, depending on commodity type, in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Summary of Derivatives Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	A summary of our derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is as follows:
			Fair value as of				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			September 30, 2013
			(In thousands)
	Asset - Commodities contracts		$	489			$	—		$	489		$	—
	Liability - Commodities contracts			61				—			61			—
	Liability - Foreign currency contracts			482				—			482			—
	Liability - Interest rate swap contracts			49,050				—			49,050			—
			Fair value as of				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			December 31, 2012
			(In thousands)
	Asset - Commodities contracts		$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—
	Liability - Commodities contracts			—				—			—			—
	Liability - Foreign currency contracts			489				—			489			—
	Liability - Interest rate swap contracts			66,931				—			66,931			—

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co1

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s direct participants in the Dean Foods equity classified plans, as well as, expense related to the Company’s equity classified plans, in periods after the completion of our initial public offering:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013		2012
			(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense
	Dean Foods stock options		$	219		$	—	$	739	$	—
	Dean Foods RSUs			401			—		1,187		—
	Dean Foods phantom shares			746			—		2,479		—
	WhiteWave stock options			1,172			—		5,502		—
	WhiteWave RSUs			1,337			—		5,633		—
	WhiteWave phantom shares			975			—		2,195		—
	WhiteWave SARs			267			—		664		—
	Total share-based compensation expense		$	5,117		$	—	$	18,399	$	—
WhiteWave Foods [Member]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			options			average		average		intrinsic value
						exercise price		contractual life
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2013			2,445,327		$	16.98
	Granted			1,254,273			15.19
	Forfeited and cancelled (1)			(53,897	)		18.96
	Exercised			(717,477	)		16.53
	Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution (2)			8,308,857			17.45
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2013			11,237,083			17.15		6.45	$	45,040,362
	Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013			11,092,173			17.17		6.42		44,405,808
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013			6,274,312		$	18.94		4.51	$	19,797,076
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, options that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Award Grants Issued	'
	The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, using the following assumptions:
			Nine months ended
			September 30, 2013
	Expected volatility		28%
	Expected dividend yield		0%
	Expected option term		6 years
	Risk-free rate of return		1.13% to 1.66%
	Forfeiture rate		3%
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
	The following table summarizes RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	RSUs outstanding January 1, 2013			674,681
	RSUs issued			354,305
	Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs			(9,175	)
	RSUs cancelled or forfeited (1)			(4,333	)
	RSUs converted from Dean Foods at Distribution (2)			464,768
	RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013			1,480,246
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share		$	17.11
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, employees have the option of forfeiting RSUs to cover their minimum statutory tax withholding when shares are issued. RSUs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Summary of Phantom Share Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the phantom share activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Shares			Weighted-average
						grant date fair value
						per share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			225,771		$	17
	Granted			214,391			15.24
	Converted/paid			(6,787	)		18.79
	Forfeited			(18,915	)		17.09
	Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution (1)			256,806			18.79
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			671,266		$	17.1
	(1)	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods phantom awards held by our employees were converted into phantom awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
WhiteWave Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	'
	The following table summarizes SAR activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			SARs			average		average		intrinsic value
						exercise price		contractual life
	SARs outstanding at January 1, 2013			211,111		$	17
	Granted			82,582			15.16
	Forfeited and cancelled (1)			—			—
	Exercised			—			—
	SARs outstanding at September 30, 2013			293,693			16.48		9.16	$	1,024,219
	SARs exercisable at September 30, 2013			—		$	—		—	$	—
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, SARs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Award Grants Issued	'
	The fair value of each SAR is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
			Nine months ended
			September 30, 2013
	Expected volatility		28%
	Expected dividend yield		0%
	Expected option term		6 years
	Risk-free rate of return		1.13% to 1.66%
	Forfeiture rate		3%
Dean Foods [Member]	'
Summary of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Number of			Weighted
			options			average
						exercise price
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2013			6,845,250		$	18.45
	Granted			—			—
	Forfeited and cancelled			(227,424	)		18.09
	Exercised			(111,031	)		13.04
	Transferred (1)			1,135,399			21.38
	Converted to WhiteWave stock options at Distribution (2)			(7,642,194	)		18.98
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2013			—		$	—
	-1	Transferred options are attributable to employees that transferred to or from other Dean Foods’ divisions.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
	The following table summarizes RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	RSUs outstanding January 1, 2013			786,710
	RSUs issued			20,235
	RSUs cancelled or forfeited			(60,747	)
	Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs			(352,352	)
	RSUs transferred (1)			33,636
	RSUs converted to WhiteWave RSUs at Distribution (2)			(427,482	)
	RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013			—
	-1	Transferred RSUs are attributable to employees that transferred to or from other Dean Foods’ divisions.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods equity-based awards held by our non-employee directors and employees were converted into equity-based awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Summary of Cash Performance Units Activity	'
	The following table summarizes CPU activity with respect to the 2011 and 2012 CPU awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
			Units
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			6,105,000
	Granted			—
	Converted/paid			(6,105,000	)
	Forfeited			—
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			—
Summary of Phantom Share Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the phantom share activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
						Weighted-average
						grant date fair value
			Shares			per share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013			397,618		$	11.43
	Granted			—			—
	Converted/paid			(156,247	)		11.09
	Forfeited			(7,442	)		11.45
	Transferred (1)			2,360			11.9
	Converted to WhiteWave phantom shares at Distribution (2)			(236,289	)		11.31
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013			—		$	—
	-1	Transferred phantom shares are attributable to employees that transferred to or from other Dean Foods’ divisions.
	-2	On May 23, 2013 and in connection with the Distribution, all Dean Foods phantom awards held by our employees were converted into phantom awards with respect to our Class A common stock.
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense	'
	The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s direct participants in the Dean Foods long-term incentive compensation plan in periods prior to completion of our initial public offering:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013		2012
			(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense funded Dean Foods
	Dean Foods stock options		$	—		$	276	$	—	$	905
	Dean Foods RSUs			—			737		—		2,190
	Dean Foods CPUs			—			1,336		—		1,945
	Dean Foods phantom shares			—			138		—		1,808
	Total share-based compensation expense funded by Dean Foods		$	—		$	2,487	$	—	$	6,848
Dean Foods [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Stock Award Grants Issued	'
	Share-based compensation expense for stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting period. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model, using the following assumptions:
			Nine months ended
			September 30,
			2013 (1)			2012
	Expected volatility			—		44%
	Expected dividend yield			—		0%
	Expected option term			—		5 years
	Risk-free rate of return			—		0.62% to 0.89%
	Forfeiture rate			—		3%
	-1	Dean Foods did not grant any Dean Foods stock options to WhiteWave non-employee directors, executive officers, and employees during 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows (net of tax):
			Derivative			Pension			Cumulative			Total
			instruments (1)			adjustment (2)			translation
									adjustment
			(In thousands)
	Balance at July 1, 2013		$	(209	)	$	(1,790	)	$	(35,692	)	$	(37,691	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			(297	)		(50	)		19,688			19,341
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)			349			(22	)		—			327
	Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $19			52			(72	)		19,688			19,668
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	(157	)	$	(1,862	)	$	(16,004	)	$	(18,023	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of sales. See Note 9 “Derivative Financial Instruments.”
	-2	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components are related to amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service costs which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 “Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans.”
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows (net of tax):
			Derivative			Pension			Cumulative			Total
			instruments (1)			adjustment (2)			translation
									adjustment
			(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	(294	)	$	(1,818	)	$	(25,576	)	$	(27,688	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			35			22			9,572			9,629
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)			102			(66	)		—			36
	Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $69			137			(44	)		9,572			9,665
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	(157	)	$	(1,862	)	$	(16,004	)	$	(18,023	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of sales. See Note 9 “Derivative Financial Instruments.”
	-2	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components are related to amortization of unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service costs which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 “Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans.”

Employee_Retirement_and_Profit1

Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Alpro Defined Benefit Plans	'
	The benefits under our Alpro defined benefit plans are based on years of service and employee compensation.
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	440		$	343		$	1,320		$	1,054
	Interest cost		135			125			405			384
	Expected return on plan assets		(88	)		(46	)		(264	)		(143	)
	Amortization:
	Prior service (credit)/cost		4			4			12			12
	Unrecognized net (gain)/loss		18			1			54			3
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	509		$	427		$	1,527		$	1,310

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome1

Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized Income Statement Amounts by Segment	'
	The following table presents the summarized income statement amounts by segment:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	North America	$	534,176		$	486,899		$	1,555,023		$	1,408,370
	Europe		104,342			87,954			307,730			272,957
	Total	$	638,518		$	574,853		$	1,862,753		$	1,681,327
	Operating income:
	North America	$	51,366		$	44,986		$	157,266		$	127,805
	Europe		7,558			6,166			22,109			16,856
	Total reportable segment operating income		58,924			51,152			179,375			144,661
	Related party license income		—			10,727			—			32,043
	Corporate and other		(16,784	)		(18,521	)		(53,287	)		(42,275	)
	Total operating income	$	42,140		$	43,358		$	126,088		$	134,429
	Other expense:
	Interest expense		4,459			990			13,920			3,600
	Other (income) expense, net		4,129			97			(4,265	)		780
	Income before income taxes	$	33,552		$	42,271		$	116,433		$	130,049
	Depreciation and amortization:
	North America	$	15,270		$	12,455		$	44,908		$	40,195
	Europe		5,169			6,024			15,365			14,528
	Corporate		138			—			279			—
	Total	$	20,577		$	18,479		$	60,552		$	54,723
Sales Amounts by Product Categories	'
	The following tables present sales amounts by product categories:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	North America
	Plant-based foods and beverages	$	164,748		$	142,859		$	470,598		$	412,018
	Coffee creamers and beverages		222,778			202,408			654,926			589,445
	Premium dairy		146,650			141,632			429,499			406,907
	North America net sales		534,176			486,899			1,555,023			1,408,370
	Europe
	Plant-based foods and beverages		104,342			87,954			307,730			272,957
	Total net sales	$	638,518		$	574,853		$	1,862,753		$	1,681,327
Summary of Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Capital Expenditures by Segment	'
	The following tables present assets, long-lived assets, and capital expenditures by segment:
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	North America	$	1,598,805		$	1,549,030
	Europe		611,953			577,599
	Corporate		65,510			41,382
	Total	$	2,276,268		$	2,168,011
	Long-lived Assets:
	North America	$	1,324,751		$	1,323,108
	Europe		446,418			444,539
	Corporate		28,466			17,543
	Total	$	1,799,635		$	1,785,190
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Capital expenditures:
	North America	$	41,168		$	23,076		$	84,378		$	60,253
	Europe		5,440			2,615			12,774			6,568
	Corporate		3,515			—			5,992			—
	Total	$	50,123		$	25,691		$	103,144		$	66,821

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used in Computations of Both Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	'
	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the computations of both basic and diluted earnings per share:
			Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
			(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income		$	24,293	$	26,292	$	79,501	$	83,983
	Denominator:
	Average common shares			173,097,361		150,000,000		173,035,973		150,000,000
	Basic earnings per share		$	0.14	$	0.18	$	0.46	$	0.56
	Diluted earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income		$	24,293	$	26,292	$	79,501	$	83,983
	Denominator:
	Average common shares - basic			173,097,361		150,000,000		173,035,973		150,000,000
	Stock option conversion(1)			1,259,608		—		586,887		—
	Stock units(2)			846,373		—		526,235		—
	Average common shares - diluted			175,203,342		150,000,000		174,149,095		150,000,000
	Diluted earnings per share		$	0.14	$	0.18	$	0.46	$	0.56
	-1	5,206,482 and 3,761,414 anti-dilutive options were excluded from the calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	-2	6,311 and 303 anti-dilutive RSUs were excluded from the calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

General_Additional_Information

General - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 24, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 24, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 24, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 25, 2013

23-May-13

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 25, 2013

22-May-13

23-May-13

22-May-13

23-May-13

Common Stock - Class A [Member]

Common Stock - Class A [Member]

Common Stock - Class A [Member]

Common Stock - Class B [Member]

Common Stock - Class B [Member]

Common Stock - Class B [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Dean Foods [Member]

Common Stock - Class A [Member]

Common Stock - Class A [Member]

Common Stock - Class A [Member]

Common Stock - Class B [Member]

Common Stock - Class B [Member]

General [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total amount of allocation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18.50

'

$42.30

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs related to initial public offering

'

$8

$12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8

'

$12

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23-May-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares to be distributed as dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,686,000

'

67,914,000

Record date for the distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17-May-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of votes per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'One vote per share

Conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock

67,913,310

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

82,086,000

'

82,086,000

'

Shares outstanding

'

'

'

173,212,355

'

23,000,000

0

'

150,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,400,000

'

0

Period to dispose of remaining ownership interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares disposed of in public offering

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,400,000

'

'

'

'

Dean Foods' ownership interest in the Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value

'

'

'

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion basis, Class B common stock conversion into Class A common stock

'One-for-one basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset_Held_for_Sale_Additional

Asset Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	$40,548,000	$40,548,000	'
Write-down of assets held for sale	7,400,000	7,400,000	'
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	40,548,000	40,548,000	'
Write-down of assets held for sale	'	7,400,000	'
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease termination and other related costs	'	2,500,000	'
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease termination and other related costs	'	$4,000,000	'

Asset_Held_for_Sale_Summary_of

Asset Held for Sale - Summary of Assets Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'
Assets held for sale	$40,548
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member]	'
ASSETS	'
Assets held for sale	40,548
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member] | Current Assets [Member]	'
ASSETS	'
Assets held for sale	13,579
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member] | Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]	'
ASSETS	'
Assets held for sale	$26,969

Transactions_with_Morningstar_1

Transactions with Morningstar Foods, LLC ("Morningstar") - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Morningstar [Member]	Morningstar [Member]	Morningstar [Member]	Morningstar [Member]	Morningstar [Member]	Morningstar [Member]
				Transitional Sales Agreements [Member]	Transitional Sales Agreements [Member]	Transitional Sales Agreements [Member]	Transitional Sales Agreements [Member]	Transitional Sales Agreements [Member]
					Other Non-Core Products [Member]	Other Non-Core Products [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Servicing Revenue And Fees [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	$62,166,000	$1,802,000	$60,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Transitional sales fees	1,837,000	'	'	1,800,000	'	'	'	'
Transitional sales agreement term	'	'	'	'	'15 months	'15 months	'9 months	'9 months
Net fees remitted to Morningstar	'	'	'	'	$700,000	$700,000	'	'

Inventories_Inventories_Net_of

Inventories - Inventories Net of Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials and supplies	$68,391	$71,548
Finished goods	87,884	75,099
Total	$156,275	$146,647

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
		North America [Member]	North America [Member]	Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	$765,586	$600,316	$600,316	$165,270
Foreign currency translation	3,950	'	'	3,950
Goodwill, ending balance	$769,536	$600,316	$600,316	$169,220

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	$392,814	$389,337
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-17,945	-15,676
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	374,869	373,661
Customer-related and other [Member]	'	'
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	38,844	37,644
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-16,982	-14,714
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	21,862	22,930
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, Gross carrying amount	353,002	350,725
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, Accumulated amortization	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, Net carrying amount	353,002	350,725
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	968	968
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-963	-962
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	$5	$6

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets	$0.70	$0.70	$2.10	$1.90

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Aggregate Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2013	$2.90
2014	2.9
2015	2.8
2016	2.5
2017	$2.50

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate	27.60%	37.80%	31.70%	35.40%

Debt_and_Allocated_Portion_of_2

Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods' Debt - Summary of Outstanding Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Senior secured credit facilities	$722,550	$780,550
Less current portion	-15,000	-15,000
Total long-term debt	$707,550	$765,550
Interest rate	1.77%	2.20%

Debt_and_Allocated_Portion_of_3

Debt and Allocated Portion of Dean Foods' Debt - Additional Information (Detail)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 02, 2009

Oct. 12, 2012

Oct. 12, 2012

Oct. 12, 2012

Oct. 12, 2012

Oct. 12, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 28, 2011

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

WWF Operating Company [Member]

WWF Operating Company [Member]

WWF Operating Company [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Term Loan A-1 [Member]

Term Loan A-2 [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Swing Line Loan Facility [Member]

Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Secured Credit Facilities [Member]

Term Loan Borrowings [Member]

Revolving Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Receivables Securitization Facility [Member]

Receivables-Backed Facility [Member]

Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility Maturing on July 10, 2013 [Member]

Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility Maturing on July 10, 2013 [Member]

USD ($)

Alpro [Member]

Alpro [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

WWF Operating Company [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

WWF Operating Company [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Alpro [Member]

USD ($)

Alpro [Member]

WWF Operating Company [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Alpro [Member]

EUR (€)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$850,000,000

$250,000,000

$250,000,000

$75,000,000

$75,000,000

'

$1,350,000,000

'

$850,000,000

'

$300,000,000

'

€ 1,000,000

€ 1,000,000

Term of debt facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'5 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

New indebtedness

'

'

885,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Financing costs

'

'

12,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

722,550,000

780,550,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

722,600,000

488,800,000

233,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

615,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidity Termination Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'September 25, 2013

'

'

Proceeds from accounts receivable securitization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150,700,000

'

'

'

'

Repayments under Receivables-Backed Facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

166,700,000

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

'

'

'

22-May-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding borrowings

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal payments due under subsidiary revolving credit facility until maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured credit facility for acquisition

707,550,000

765,550,000

'

'

'

'

'

440,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

$2,900,000

$8,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
		Commodities Contracts [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Interest Rate Swap [Member]
					Dean Foods [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps value	'	'	$650,000,000	$650,000,000	$650,000,000
Interest rate swaps maturity date	'	'	'	31-Mar-17	31-Mar-17
Gains (losses) on derivative contracts	'	'	-4,200,000	4,000,000	'
Term of purchase commitment, minimum	'1 month	'	'	'	'
Term of purchase commitment, maximum	'1 year	'	'	'	'
Percentage of international operations representing long-lived assets	25.00%	'	'	'	'
Percentage of international operations representing net sales	17.00%	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency contract hedging activity to be reclassified within next 12 months	500,000	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency contract hedging activity to be reclassified within next 12 months	'	$400,000	'	'	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Detail) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Fixed Interest Rates, Low	2.75%
Fixed Interest Rates, High	3.19%
Expiration Date	31-Mar-17
Notional Amount	$650,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments - Derivatives Recorded at Fair Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives Assets	$489	'
Derivatives Liabilities	49,593	67,420
Current [Member] | Foreign Currency Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives Assets	'	'
Derivatives Liabilities	482	489
Current [Member] | Commodities Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives Assets	489	'
Derivatives Liabilities	61	'
Current [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives Assets	'	'
Derivatives Liabilities	18,261	18,262
Non Current [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives Assets	'	'
Derivatives Liabilities	$30,789	$48,669

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments - Gains and Losses on Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Effect Of Cash Flow Hedges On Results Of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
(Gains)/losses on foreign currency contracts	$78	($193)	$194	($212)
(Gains)/losses on commodities contracts	($427)	($25)	($296)	$177

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Derivatives Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commodities Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset, Fair Value	$489	'
Liability, Fair Value	61	'
Foreign Currency Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	482	489
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	49,050	66,931
Level 1 [Member] | Commodities Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset, Fair Value	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Currency Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	'	'
Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	'	'
Level 2 [Member] | Commodities Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset, Fair Value	489	'
Liability, Fair Value	61	'
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Currency Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	482	489
Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	49,050	66,931
Level 3 [Member] | Commodities Contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset, Fair Value	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Currency Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability, Fair Value	'	'

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co2

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
		Person
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated share based compensation expense	'	14,317,000	$6,848,000
Repurchase of common stock, amount authorized under share repurchase program	'	150,000,000	'
Cash Performance Units[Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Performance periods	'	'36 months	'
Dean Foods [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated share based compensation expense	$1,200,000	'	$3,700,000
Number of directors and employees whose equity-based awards were converted into Class A common stock	'	162	'
Dean Foods [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payout range, cash performance units	'	0.00%	'
Dean Foods [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payout range, cash performance units	'	200.00%	'
Dean Foods [Member] | Cash Performance Units[Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Performance periods	'	'3 years	'
Dean Foods [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock units vesting period	'	'3 years	'
Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Option vested on grant	'	'Awards granted under the 2012 SIP vest one-third on the first anniversary of the grant date, one-third on the second anniversary of the grant date, and one-third on the third anniversary of the grant date	'
Percentage of award vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date	'	33.00%	'
Percentage of award vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date	'	33.00%	'
Percentage of award vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date	'	33.00%	'
Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Stock - Class A [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares reserved for issuance	'	20	'
Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | 10 years of service [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service period after reaching the age of 55	'	'10 years	'
Age required for vesting provision	'	'55 years	'
Two Thousand Twelve Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Retirement [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Age required for vesting provision	'	'65 years	'
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock units vesting period	'	'3 years	'
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock units vesting period	'	'3 years	'

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co3

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of WhiteWave Foods Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Weighted average contractual life	'
Options outstanding	'6 years 5 months 12 days
Options vested and expected to vest	'6 years 5 months 1 day
Options exercisable	'4 years 6 months 4 days
Aggregate intrinsic value	'
Options outstanding	$45,040,362
Options vested and expected to vest	44,405,808
Options exercisable	$19,797,076
WhiteWave Foods [Member]	'
Number of options	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	2,445,327
Granted	1,254,273
Forfeited and cancelled	-53,897
Exercised	-717,477
Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution	8,308,857
Options outstanding, ending balance	11,237,083
Options vested and expected to vest	11,092,173
Options exercisable, ending balance	6,274,312
Weighted average exercise price	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	$16.98
Granted	$15.19
Forfeited and cancelled	$18.96
Exercised	$16.53
Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution	$17.45
Options outstanding, ending balance	$17.15
Options vested and expected to vest	$17.17
Options exercisable, ending balance	$18.94

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co4

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of WhiteWave Stock Options Grants Issued (Detail) (WhiteWave Foods [Member], Stock Options [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expected volatility	28.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected option term	'6 years
Risk-free rate of return, Minimum	1.13%
Risk-free rate of return, Maximum	1.66%
Forfeiture rate	3.00%

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co5

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Dean Foods Stock Option Activity (Detail) (Dean Foods [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Dean Foods [Member]	'
Number of options	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	6,845,250
Granted	'
Forfeited and cancelled	-227,424
Exercised	-111,031
Transferred	1,135,399
Converted to WhiteWave stock options at Distribution	-7,642,194
Options outstanding, ending balance	'
Weighted average exercise price	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	$18.45
Granted	'
Forfeited and cancelled	$18.09
Exercised	$13.04
Transferred	$21.38
Converted to WhiteWave stock options at Distribution	$18.98
Options outstanding, ending balance	'

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co6

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Dean Foods Stock Options Grants Issued (Detail) (Dean Foods [Member], Stock Options [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Dean Foods [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected volatility	'	44.00%
Expected dividend yield	'	0.00%
Expected option term	'	'5 years
Risk-free rate of return, Minimum	'	0.62%
Risk-free rate of return, Maximum	'	0.89%
Forfeiture rate	'	3.00%

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co7

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of WhiteWave Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (WhiteWave Foods [Member], Stock Units [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding beginning balance	674,681
RSUs issued	354,305
Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs	-9,175
RSUs cancelled or forfeited	-4,333
RSUs converted from Dean Foods at Distribution	464,768
Outstanding ending balance	1,480,246
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$17.11

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co8

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Dean Foods Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (Dean Foods [Member], Stock Units [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Dean Foods [Member] | Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding beginning balance	786,710
RSUs issued	20,235
RSUs cancelled or forfeited	-60,747
Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs	-352,352
RSUs transferred	33,636
RSUs converted to WhiteWave RSUs at Distribution	-427,482
Outstanding ending balance	'

Common_Stock_and_ShareBased_Co9

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Cash Performance Units Activity (Detail) (Dean Foods [Member], Cash Performance Units[Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Dean Foods [Member] | Cash Performance Units[Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding beginning balance	6,105,000
Granted	'
Converted/paid	-6,105,000
Forfeited	'
Outstanding ending balance	'

Recovered_Sheet1

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of WhiteWave Phantom Share Activity (Detail) (WhiteWave Foods [Member], Phantom Shares [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding beginning balance	225,771
Granted	214,391
Converted/paid	-6,787
Forfeited	-18,915
Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution	256,806
Outstanding ending balance	671,266
Outstanding Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance	$17
Granted, Weighted average exercise price	$15.24
Converted/paid, Weighted average exercise price	$18.79
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price	$17.09
Converted from Dean Foods at Distribution, Weighted average exercise price	$18.79
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, ending balance	$17.10

Recovered_Sheet2

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Phantom Share Activity (Detail) (Dean Foods [Member], Phantom Shares [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Dean Foods [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding beginning balance	397,618
Granted	'
Converted/paid	-156,247
Forfeited	-7,442
Transferred	2,360
Converted to WhiteWave phantom shares at Distribution	-236,289
Outstanding ending balance	'
Outstanding Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance	$11.43
Granted, Weighted average exercise price	'
Converted/paid, Weighted average exercise price	$11.09
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price	$11.45
Transferred, Weighted average exercise price	$11.90
Converted to WhiteWave phantom shares at Distribution, Weighted average exercise price	$11.31
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, ending balance	'

Recovered_Sheet3

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - WhiteWave Stock Appreciation Rights Activity (Detail) (WhiteWave Foods [Member], Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Outstanding beginning balance	211,111
Granted	82,582
Forfeited and cancelled	'
Exercised	'
Outstanding ending balance	293,693
SARs exercisable, ending balance	'
Outstanding Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance	$17
Granted, Weighted average exercise price	$15.16
Forfeited and cancelled, Weighted average exercise price	'
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price	'
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, ending balance	$16.48
SARs exercisable, Weighted average exercise price, ending balance	'
SARs outstanding, Weighted average contractual life	'9 years 1 month 28 days
SARs exercisable, Weighted average contractual life	'
Ending balance, SARs outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$1,024,219
SARs exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value, ending balance	'

Recovered_Sheet4

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of WhiteWave Stock Appreciation Rights Grants Issued (Detail) (WhiteWave Foods [Member], Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expected volatility	28.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected option term	'6 years
Risk-free rate of return, Minimum	1.13%
Risk-free rate of return, Maximum	1.66%
Forfeiture rate	3.00%

Recovered_Sheet5

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Dean Foods Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$5,117	'	$18,399	'
Dean Foods [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	2,487	'	6,848
Dean Foods [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	276	'	905
Dean Foods [Member] | Restricted Stock Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	737	'	2,190
Dean Foods [Member] | Cash Performance Units[Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	1,336	'	1,945
Dean Foods [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	'	$138	'	$1,808

Recovered_Sheet6

Common Stock and Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$5,117	'	$18,399	'
WWF Operating Company [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	219	'	739	'
WWF Operating Company [Member] | Restricted Stock Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	401	'	1,187	'
WWF Operating Company [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	746	'	2,479	'
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	1,172	'	5,502	'
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Restricted Stock Unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	1,337	'	5,633	'
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Phantom Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	975	'	2,195	'
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$267	'	$664	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning	($37,691)	'	($27,688)	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	19,341	'	9,629	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	327	'	36	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	19,668	7,780	9,665	1,258
Balance, Ending	-18,023	'	-18,023	'
Derivative instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning	-209	'	-294	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-297	'	35	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	349	'	102	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	52	'	137	'
Balance, Ending	-157	'	-157	'
Pension adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning	-1,790	'	-1,818	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-50	'	22	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	-22	'	-66	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	-72	'	-44	'
Balance, Ending	-1,862	'	-1,862	'
Cumulative translation adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning	-35,692	'	-25,576	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	19,688	'	9,572	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	19,688	'	9,572	'
Balance, Ending	($16,004)	'	($16,004)	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Other comprehensive income/(loss), tax expense (benefit)	$19	$69

Employee_Retirement_and_Profit2

Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	MultiEmployerPensionPlan
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Minimum requisite service period	'1 year
Number of multiemployer pension plans	1

Employee_Retirement_and_Profit3

Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans - Alpro Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) (Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$440	$343	$1,320	$1,054
Interest cost	135	125	405	384
Expected return on plan assets	-88	-46	-264	-143
Prior service (credit)/cost	4	4	12	12
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss	18	1	54	3
Net periodic benefit cost	$509	$427	$1,527	$1,310

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Rent expense	$2	$2.20	$6	$6.10
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Lease term	'	'	'1 year	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Lease term	'	'	'20 years	'

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome2

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	2	'
North America [Member] | Net Sales [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Major customer, percentage of sales	17.20%	19.60%	17.70%	18.70%
North America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	'	'	5	'
Number of distribution centers	'	'	2	'
Number of co-packers	'	'	3	'
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of manufacturing facilities	'	'	4	'

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome3

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Summarized Income Statement Amounts by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$638,518	$574,853	$1,862,753	$1,681,327
Operating income:	'	'	'	'
Related party license income	'	10,727	'	32,043
Operating income (loss)	42,140	43,358	126,088	134,429
Other expense	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	4,459	990	13,920	3,600
Other (income) expense, net	4,129	97	-4,265	780
Income before income taxes	33,552	42,271	116,433	130,049
Depreciation and amortization:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	20,577	18,479	60,552	54,723
North America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	534,176	486,899	1,555,023	1,408,370
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating income:	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	58,924	51,152	179,375	144,661
Operating Segments [Member] | North America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	534,176	486,899	1,555,023	1,408,370
Operating income:	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	51,366	44,986	157,266	127,805
Depreciation and amortization:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	15,270	12,455	44,908	40,195
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	104,342	87,954	307,730	272,957
Operating income:	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	7,558	6,166	22,109	16,856
Depreciation and amortization:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	5,169	6,024	15,365	14,528
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Operating income:	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	-16,784	-18,521	-53,287	-42,275
Depreciation and amortization:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$138	'	$279	'

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome4

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Sales Amounts by Product Categories (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$638,518	$574,853	$1,862,753	$1,681,327
North America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	534,176	486,899	1,555,023	1,408,370
North America [Member] | Plant-based foods and beverages [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	164,748	142,859	470,598	412,018
North America [Member] | Coffee creamers and beverages [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	222,778	202,408	654,926	589,445
North America [Member] | Premium dairy [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	146,650	141,632	429,499	406,907
Europe [Member] | Plant-based foods and beverages [Member]	'	'	'	'
Total net sales:	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$104,342	$87,954	$307,730	$272,957

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome5

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Summary of Assets, Long-Lived Assets and Capital Expenditures by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	$2,276,268	'	$2,276,268	'	$2,168,011
Long-lived Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived Assets	1,799,635	'	1,799,635	'	1,785,190
Capital expenditures:	'	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	50,123	25,691	103,144	66,821	'
Operating Segments [Member] | North America [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	1,598,805	'	1,598,805	'	1,549,030
Long-lived Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived Assets	1,324,751	'	1,324,751	'	1,323,108
Capital expenditures:	'	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	41,168	23,076	84,378	60,253	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	611,953	'	611,953	'	577,599
Long-lived Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived Assets	446,418	'	446,418	'	444,539
Capital expenditures:	'	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	5,440	2,615	12,774	6,568	'
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	65,510	'	65,510	'	41,382
Long-lived Assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived Assets	28,466	'	28,466	'	17,543
Capital expenditures:	'	'	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	$3,515	'	$5,992	'	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 25, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Dean Foods corporate cost allocation	'	'	$18,500,000	'	$42,300,000
Transaction costs related to initial public offering	'	'	8,000,000	'	12,000,000
Number of subsidiaries involved in agreement	'	2	'	2	'
Related party license income	'	'	10,727,000	'	32,043,000
Interest income	'	'	2,000,000	'	5,800,000
Loans receivable, basis spread on variable rate	'	2.00%	'	2.00%	'
Basis for interest term on loan	'	'	'	'LIBOR plus 2%	'
Renewal of agreement	'	'	'	'1 year	'
Dean Foods [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Dean Foods' ownership interest in the Company	0.00%	'	'	'	'
Transaction costs related to initial public offering	'	'	8,000,000	'	12,000,000
Expenses related to transaction with related party	'	1,300,000	'	18,000,000	'
Service revenue related to transaction with related party	'	$300,000	'	$2,800,000	'
Suiza Dairy Group LLC and Dean Dairy Holdings LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Agreement term	'	'	'	'1 year	'
Number of renewal options	'	'	'	4	'
Suiza Dairy Group LLC and Dean Dairy Holdings LLC [Member] | Sales and Distribution Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Agreement term	'	'	'	'18 months	'
Suiza Dairy Group LLC and Dean Dairy Holdings LLC [Member] | Co-Packing Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Agreement term	'	'	'	'18 months	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used in Computations of Both Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic earnings per share computation:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$24,293	$26,292	$79,501	$83,983
Average common shares	173,097,361	150,000,000	173,035,973	150,000,000
Basic earnings per share	$0.14	$0.18	$0.46	$0.56
Diluted earnings per share computation:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$24,293	$26,292	$79,501	$83,983
Average common shares - basic	173,097,361	150,000,000	173,035,973	150,000,000
Average common shares - diluted	175,203,342	150,000,000	174,149,095	150,000,000
Diluted earnings per share	$0.14	$0.18	$0.46	$0.56
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share computation:	'	'	'	'
Stock option conversion and Stock units	1,259,608	'	586,887	'
Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share computation:	'	'	'	'
Stock option conversion and Stock units	846,373	'	526,235	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat1

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used in Computations of Both Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Anti-dilutive options and RSUs excluded	5,206,482	3,761,414
Restricted Stock Unit [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Anti-dilutive options and RSUs excluded	6,311	303