WHITEWAVE FOODS (WWAV) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	WWAV
Entity Registrant Name	WHITEWAVE FOODS Co
Entity Central Index Key	1555365
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		175,117,342

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,940	$50,240
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	212,348	192,692
Inventories	223,292	215,669
Deferred income taxes	29,585	30,263
Income tax receivable	6,123	14,455
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,130	35,868
Total current assets	536,418	539,187
Investment in equity method investments	38,625	43,160
Property, plant, and equipment, net	1,021,430	993,207
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	717,061	729,011
Goodwill	1,051,347	1,068,276
Total Assets	3,364,881	3,372,841
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	447,080	469,764
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	21,177	21,158
Income tax payable	2,400	496
Total current liabilities	470,657	491,418
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,506,888	1,495,822
Deferred income taxes	266,461	267,010
Other long-term liabilities	42,057	42,104
Total liabilities	2,286,063	2,296,354
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 170,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	890,469	878,549
Retained earnings	290,659	257,312
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-104,061	-61,118
Total shareholders’ equity	1,078,818	1,076,487
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,364,881	3,372,841
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock	$1,751	$1,744

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade receivables, allowance (in shares)	$2,978	$2,343
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	170,000,000	170,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,700,000,000	1,700,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	175,104,761	174,388,132
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	175,104,761	174,388,132
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	175,000,000	175,000,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$911,142	$830,223
Cost of goods sold	602,567	557,009
Gross profit	308,575	273,214
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	167,761	147,391
General and administrative	70,744	72,286
Exit costs related to asset disposals	0	-648
Total operating expenses	238,505	219,029
Operating income	70,070	54,185
Other expense:
Interest expense	8,667	5,722
Other expense, net	3,801	808
Total other expense	12,468	6,530
Income before income taxes	57,602	47,655
Income tax expense	20,182	15,295
Income before loss in equity method investments	37,420	32,360
Loss in equity method investments	4,073	0
Net income	$33,347	$32,360
Weighted average common shares:
Basic (in shares)	174,693,383	173,623,354
Diluted (in shares)	179,152,184	176,763,409
Net income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.19
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.18

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$33,347	$32,360
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Change in defined benefit pension plan, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($116) and ($14)	231	41
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-43,670	1,216
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of ($256) and $317	496	-532
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-42,943	725
Comprehensive income (loss)	($9,596)	$33,085

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in minimum pension liability, net of tax benefit (expense)	($116)	($14)
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense)	($256)	$317

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$961,439	$1,735	$851,017	$117,127	($8,440)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		173,452,896
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	32,360			32,360
Share-based compensation	9,625		9,625
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	914		914
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation (in shares)		383,479
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation	2,418	3	2,415
Minimum tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units	-2,547		-2,547
Conversion of phantom shares into restricted stock units (Note 9)	956		956
Other comprehensive loss	725				725
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	1,005,890	1,738	862,380	149,487	-7,715
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014		173,836,375
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,076,487	1,744	878,549	257,312	-61,118
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		174,388,132
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	33,347			33,347
Share-based compensation	12,796		12,796
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,778		4,778
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation (in shares)		716,629
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation	1,837	7	1,830
Minimum tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units	-7,484		-7,484
Other comprehensive loss	-42,943				-42,943
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$1,078,818	$1,751	$890,469	$290,659	($104,061)
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		175,104,761

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$33,347	$32,360
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	27,530	27,133
Share-based compensation expense	12,796	9,625
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,015	724
Exit costs related to asset disposals	0	-648
(Gain) loss on fixed asset disposal	-108	820
Deferred income taxes	5,051	752
Mark-to-market on derivative instruments	2,979	802
Noncash patronage dividends received	-1,270	-410
Loss in equity method investments	4,073	0
Other	-284	450
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition/divestitures	-20,713	-4,017
Net cash provided by operating activities	64,416	67,591
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments	0	-47,285
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $0 and $5,638	0	-603,373
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	346	0
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-91,703	-65,017
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	1,589	49
Net cash used in investing activities	-89,768	-715,626
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	0	500,000
Repayment of debt	-5,000	-5,000
Payments of capital lease obligations	-290	-253
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	83,125	295,100
Payments on revolver line of credit	-66,750	-182,310
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,830	2,415
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	-7,484	-2,547
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,778	1,028
Payment of deferred financing costs	-39	-3,372
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,170	605,061
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4,118	468
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-19,300	-42,506
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	50,240	101,105
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	30,940	58,599
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Non-cash activity - Unpaid purchases of plant and equipment	13,177	5,851
Non-cash activity - Conversion of phantom shares to restricted stock units	$0	$956

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash acquired from acquisition	$0	$5,638

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	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, organic greens and produce, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy products throughout North America and Europe. We also hold a 49% ownership interest in a joint venture that manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells branded plant-based beverages in China. Our brands distributed in North America include Silk and So Delicious plant-based foods and beverages, Earthbound Farm organic salads, fruits and vegetables, International Delight and LAND O LAKES coffee creamers and beverages, and Horizon Organic premium dairy products and branded macaroni and cheese and snack foods, while our European brands of plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro and Provamel, and plant-based beverages in China are sold under the Silk ZhiPuMoFang brand.
	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, 2014, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 27, 2015.
	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 annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, unaudited condensed consolidated statements of shareholders' equity and Note 15 “Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information.” These reclassifications did not impact previously reported amounts on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and statements of cash flows.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606, to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. In April 2015, the FASB voted for a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The new guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. Early adoption will be permitted as of the December 31, 2015 original effective date. We are currently evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period which amends the guidance in ASC 718 and clarifies that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. Accordingly, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The ASU’s guidance is effective for reporting periods (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption will not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, to provide guidance on management's responsibility to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosure requirements. This guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The adoption will not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, to eliminate from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption will not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The guidance in the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effects adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, which permits an entity with a fiscal year-end that does not fall on a month-end to measure defined benefit plan obligations and assets as of the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year-end, and apply that methodology consistently from year to year. The ASU also requires an entity to adjust the measurement of defined benefit plan obligations and assets to reflect contributions or significant events that occur between the month-end date used to measure defined benefit plan obligations and assets and the entity’s fiscal year-end. ASU 2015-04 is effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU requires prospective application and permits earlier application for all entities. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisition_and_Divestitures

Acquisition and Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations, Discontinued Operations, and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Acquisition and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures
	Acquisitions
	Earthbound Farm
	On January 2, 2014, the Company acquired Earthbound Farm, one of the largest organic produce brands in North America, from the existing shareholders in accordance with an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 8, 2013. The acquisition added to our focus on high-growth product categories that are aligned with emerging customer trends. The total consideration for the acquisition was approximately $608.7 million in cash. The acquisition was funded by approximately $615 million in borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities.
	The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition have been recorded at their fair values. The fair values were determined by management based in part on an independent valuation of assets acquired, which includes intangible assets of $255.6 million. Intangible assets subject to amortization of $104.9 million are being amortized over a weighted average period of 15 years and relate primarily to customer and supplier relationships. We have completed the purchase price allocation related to the Earthbound acquisition, however, certain negotiations regarding the final purchase price adjustments are ongoing. Any future adjustments will be recorded in earnings in the period such adjustments are determined. Earthbound Farm’s results of operations have been included in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and the results of operations of our Americas Fresh Foods segment from the date of acquisition.
	The following table summarizes allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired.
		January 2, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Assets acquired:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,638
	Inventories	22,299
	Other current assets	54,260
	Property, plant and equipment	147,390
	Trademarks	150,700
	Intangible assets with finite lives	104,900
	Liabilities assumed:
	Accounts payable and other accruals	58,328
	Income taxes and deferred taxes, net	26,857
	Obligations under capital leases	22,646
	Total identifiable net assets	377,356
	Goodwill	231,309
	Total purchase price	$	608,665
	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of consideration paid over the net assets acquired and represents synergies, organic growth and other benefits that are expected to arise from integrating the Earthbound Farm assets into our operations. Goodwill was recorded in the Americas Fresh Foods segment. The amount of goodwill expected to be tax deductible is approximately $88.4 million.
	So Delicious Dairy Free
	On October 31, 2014, the Company acquired the company that owns So Delicious® Dairy Free ("So Delicious") from its existing shareholders for total consideration of approximately $196.6 million in cash. So Delicious manufactures, markets and distributes plant-based beverages, creamers, cultured products and frozen desserts and is based in Springfield, Oregon. So Delicious’ results of operations have been included in our statements of income and the results of operations of our Americas Foods & Beverages segment from the date of acquisition.
	The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with the acquisition have been recorded at their fair values. The fair values were determined by management based in part on an independent valuation of assets acquired, which includes intangible assets of $83.0 million. Intangible assets subject to amortization of $29.8 million are being amortized over a weighted average period of 15 years and relate primarily to customer relationships. Certain estimated values for the So Delicious acquisition are not yet finalized pending the final purchase price allocations and are subject to change as additional information is obtained. We expect to finalize the allocation of the purchase price in 2015.
	The following table summarizes allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocation of the purchase price in the table below is preliminary and subject to change based on the finalization of the purchase price.
		October 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Assets acquired:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,552
	Inventories	21,528
	Other current assets	8,834
	Property, plant and equipment	8,504
	Trademarks	53,216
	Intangible assets with finite lives	29,768
	Liabilities assumed:
	Accounts payable and other accruals	11,036
	Other long-term liabilities	429
	Total identifiable net assets	111,937
	Goodwill	84,688
	Total purchase price	$	196,625
	Goodwill is calculated as the excess of consideration paid over the net assets acquired and represents synergies, organic growth and other benefits that are expected to arise from integrating the So Delicious assets into our operations. Goodwill is recorded in the Americas Foods & Beverages segment. All of the goodwill is tax deductible.
	Divestitures
	SoFine
	On March 31, 2014, we completed the sale of SoFine Foods BV (“SoFine”), a wholly-owned subsidiary that operated a soy-based meat-alternatives business in the Netherlands. Management’s intention to pursue a sale was based on the strategic decision to exit this non-core business of the Europe Foods & Beverages segment. In the fourth quarter of 2013, a write-down of $9.8 million was recorded and included in operating expenses in our financial statements.
	Idaho Dairy Farm
	In 2013, management approved a plan to sell the assets of its dairy farm located in Idaho which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2013. Management’s decision to sell the Idaho dairy farm was based on the strategic decision to focus on Americas Foods & Beverages' core processing, marketing and distribution capabilities. In conjunction with the sale of the Idaho dairy farm, we recorded an impairment charge of $11.1 million included in asset disposal and exit costs in our financial statements. Cash received at the time of sale in the fourth quarter of 2013 was $31.0 million, net of disposal costs. In addition, we recorded a note receivable for $6.4 million which was fully collected by the second quarter of 2014.
	In addition to the impairment charge, we recorded a charge of $3.3 million related to lease liabilities, severance and related costs in connection with the Idaho dairy farm sale. Liabilities recorded and the changes therein for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Accrued charges at December 31, 2013		Costs paid or otherwise settled			Reversal of prior expense			Accrued charges at March 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Lease liability	$	2,674	$	(583	)	$	(351	)	$	1,740
	Severance and related costs	632		(545		)	—			87
	Total	$	3,306	$	(1,128	)	$	(351	)	$	1,827
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recorded a reversal of $0.7 million of the prior period expenses of which $0.3 million related to the impairment charge and $0.4 million related to the lease liability and severance costs. All liabilities were fully settled as of December 31, 2014.

Joint_Venture_with_China_Mengn

Joint Venture with China Mengniu Dairy Company	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Joint Venture with China Mengniu Dairy Company	Joint Venture with China Mengniu Dairy Company
	On January 5, 2014, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited (“Mengniu”), a leading Chinese dairy company. The joint venture manufactures, markets and sells a range of premium plant-based beverage products and other nutritious products in China. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company owns a 49% stake in the venture while Mengniu owns a 51% stake. In the second quarter of 2014, the joint venture completed its purchase of Yashili Zhengzhou (“Zhengzhou”), a subsidiary of Yashili International Holdings, Ltd (“Yashili”). Zhengzhou’s primary asset is a production facility in China, where the joint venture manufactures its products. Mengniu was the majority owner of Yashili. The purchase price for Zhengzhou was approximately $80.9 million (Chinese RMB 504 million), including $60.3 million (Chinese RMB 376.7 million) for the purchase of equity and the balance for the repayment and assumption of debt and other obligations.
	Based on the joint venture agreement, the Company has the ability to exert significant influence over the operations and financial policies of the joint venture and has in-substance common stock in the joint venture. Thus, the joint venture is accounted for as an equity-method investment. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we contributed $47.3 million of cash to the joint venture. No contributions were made during the three months ended March 31, 2015 as the joint venture entered into a credit facility with Mengniu up to Chinese RMB 120 million ($19.4 million USD) that is expected to support its liquidity requirements for 2015. We guarantee up to 49% on the total commitment amount of this credit facility or Chinese RMB 58.8 million ($9.5 million USD). As of March 31, 2015, the joint venture had borrowed Chinese RMB 40 million ($6.5 million) under the facility.
	In connection with the formation of the joint venture, we incurred $0.3 million in expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014, related to due diligence, investment advisors and regulatory matters. The expenses have been recorded in general and administrative expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and have not been allocated to our segments and are reflected entirely within corporate and other.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials and supplies	$	111,267	$	101,418
	Finished goods	112,025		114,251
	Total	$	223,292	$	215,669

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:
		Americas Foods & Beverages			Americas Fresh Foods			Europe Foods & Beverages			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	685,173		$	231,309		$	151,794		$	1,068,276
	Purchase adjustment	(169		)	—			—			(169		)
	Foreign currency translation	—			—			(16,760		)	(16,760		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	685,004		$	231,309		$	135,034		$	1,051,347
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets, other than goodwill, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		31-Mar-15									31-Dec-14
		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)	$	537,639		$	—		$	537,639		$	547,072		$	—		$	547,072
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Customer-related and other	157,500			(28,583		)	128,917			158,302			(26,677		)	131,625
	Supplier relationships	12,000			(1,200		)	10,800			12,000			(960		)	11,040
	Non-compete agreements	600			(250		)	350			600			(200		)	400
	Trademarks	968			(964		)	4			968			(964		)	4
	Total	$	708,707		$	(30,997	)	$	677,710		$	718,942		$	(28,801	)	$	690,141
	(1) The change in the carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite lives is the result of foreign currency translation adjustments.
	Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate finite-lived intangible asset amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in millions):
	2015	$	12.1
	2016	11.8
	2017	11.6
	2018	11.6
	2019	10.4

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	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 before income taxes for the period. Additionally, the Company records discrete income tax items in the period in which they are incurred.
	The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 35.0% compared to 32.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a reduction in our deferred tax liabilities recognized in the first quarter of 2014, as a result of lower state apportionment driven by the sale of the Idaho dairy farm. 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_Capital_Lease_Obligat

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Our outstanding debt and capital lease obligations as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:

31-Mar-15

31-Dec-14

Amount

Interest

Amount

Interest

outstanding

rate

outstanding

rate

(In thousands, except percentages)

Senior secured credit facilities

$

1,006,375

2.11

%

*

$

995,000

2.11

%

*

Senior unsecured notes

500,000

5.38

%

500,000

5.38

%

Capital lease obligations

21,690

21,980

Less current portion

(21,177

)

(21,158

)

Total long-term debt

$

1,506,888

$

1,495,822

*

Represents a weighted average rate, including applicable interest rate margins.

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”). The Credit Agreement governs our senior secured credit facilities, consisting 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. We capitalized $12.4 million of deferred financing fees, which were being amortized over the respective revolving and term loan commitments up until the Amendment on August 29, 2014 as described below.

In conjunction with the January 2, 2014 acquisition of Earthbound Farm, under the terms of the Credit Agreement, we entered into an Incremental Term Loan Agreement to establish a new incremental seven-year term loan A-3 facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500.0 million (the “Incremental Term Loan Agreement”). We capitalized $3.3 million of financing fees, which were being amortized over the term of the term loan facility up until the amendment on August 29, 2014 as described below. We also amended the Credit Agreement on January 2, 2014, to, among other things, reset an accordion feature that allows for our senior secured credit facilities to be increased by up to $500.0 million, subject to lenders commitments, and increased the limit of swing line loans to $85.0 million.

On August 29, 2014, we entered into the Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the subsidiary guarantors, lenders and voting participants party thereto (the “Third Amendment”). The Third Amendment extended maturity dates, reset amortization requirements, increased liquidity and added additional operating flexibility under the Credit Agreement. The applicable interest rates and fees under the Credit Agreement were not modified in the Third Amendment. As a result of the Third Amendment, we expensed $0.8 million of deferred financing fees related to the Credit Agreement. We capitalized $4.8 million of new deferred financing fees related to the Third Amendment which, in conjunction with $10.1 million of deferred financing fees remaining related to the Credit Agreement, are being amortized over the term of the revolving and term loan commitments as described below. Deferred financing fees are included in identifiable intangible and other assets in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As of March 31, 2015, we had outstanding borrowings of $1.0 billion under our original $2.0 billion senior secured credit facilities, which consisted of $990.0 million of term loan borrowings and $16.4 million borrowed under our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility commitment. We further had $5.9 million in outstanding letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facility, based on our current commitment level and subject to financial covenant requirements. As of March 31, 2015, the revolving credit facility and term loan A-1 bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% and the term loan A-2 at a rate of LIBOR plus 2.00%.

Alpro Revolving Credit Facility

In the three months ended March 31, 2015, Alpro maintained a revolving credit facility not to exceed €20 million ($21.5 million USD) 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 €20 million letters of credit ($21.5 million USD) or its currency equivalent. As of March 31, 2015, there were no outstanding borrowings under this facility. Principal payments, if any, are due under the subsidiary revolving credit facility upon maturity on May 29, 2015. We intend to extend or replace this facility upon maturity.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On September 17, 2014, we issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior notes. The notes mature on October 1, 2022 and bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, which began on April 1, 2015. The net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the notes, after deducting underwriting discounts and commission and offering expenses, was approximately $490.7 million. We utilized the proceeds of the issuance to pay down all outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving commitment, with the remaining proceeds increasing our cash balances.

Capital Lease Obligations

We are party to leases of certain operating facilities and equipment under capital lease arrangements which bear interest at rates from 3.1% to 8.0% and have expiration dates through 2033. These assets are included in property, plant, and equipment, net, on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement	Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement
	Interest Rates
	We maintain an interest rate swaps portfolio with a total notional value of $650 million and all with a maturity date of March 31, 2017 (the “2017 swaps”). We are the counterparty to the financial institutions under these swap agreements and are responsible for any required settlements, and the sole beneficiary of any 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 March 31, 2015:
	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 $3.8 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Gains and losses are recorded in other expense in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. A summary of these open swap agreements recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 any financial benefits of these arrangements.
	Commodities
	We are exposed to commodity and raw material price fluctuations, including organic and conventional milk, butterfat, almonds, organic and non-genetically modified (“non-GMO”) soybeans, 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, but can be longer in some cases. 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 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. These contracts are recorded as an asset or liability in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss to the extent the hedge is effective. Derivative gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified into earnings as the underlying transaction occurs. Any ineffectiveness in our commodity hedges is recorded as an adjustment to distribution expense or cost of goods sold, depending on commodity type, in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.
	Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to commodity price risk but do not meet the authoritative guidance for hedge accounting. From time to time, the Company enters into commodity forward contracts to fix the price of natural gas and diesel fuel purchases and other commodities at a future delivery date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are allocated to cost of goods sold and selling, distribution, and marketing expenses in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recorded a $0.8 million gain related to our commodities contracts.
	There was no material hedge ineffectiveness related to our commodities contracts designated as hedging instruments during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. A summary of our open commodities contracts recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 17.9% and 18.6% of our long-lived assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and 18.8% and 19.7% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 primary exposures to foreign exchange rates are the Euro, the British Pound, the Canadian dollar, and the Chinese RMB against the U.S. dollar. We employ derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency rates related to the purchase of raw materials. We have foreign exchange contracts through March 2016. These contracts are recorded as an asset or liability in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss to the extent the hedge is effective. Derivative gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified into earnings as the underlying transaction occurs. Any ineffectiveness in our foreign currency exchange hedges is recorded as an adjustment to cost of goods sold in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. There was no material hedge ineffectiveness related to our foreign currency exchange contracts designated as hedging instruments during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Fair Value - Derivatives
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, derivatives recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
		Derivative assets							Derivative liabilities
		March 31,				December 31,			March 31,		December 31,
		2015				2014			2015		2014
		(In thousands)
	Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
	Foreign currency contracts - current (1)	$	1,588			$	1,159		$	—	$	—
	Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap contracts - current (1)	—				—			17,542		17,562
	Commodities contracts - current (1)	—				—			9,063		9,886
	Interest rate swap contracts - noncurrent (2)	—				—			13,069		13,853
	Total derivatives	$	1,588			$	1,159		$	39,674	$	41,301
	-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 loss into income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Losses/(gains) on foreign currency contracts (1)	$	(12	)		$	160
	Losses/(gains) on commodities contracts (2)	—				(823		)
	-1	Recorded in cost of goods sold in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.
	-2	Recorded in distribution expense or cost of goods sold, depending on commodity type, in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.
	Based on current exchange rates, we estimate that $1.6 million of hedging activity related to our foreign currency contracts will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 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 financial assets and liabilities subject to recurring fair value measurements and the basis for that measurement according to the levels in the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Fair value as of March 31, 2015				Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	22			$	22		$	—	$	—
	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan investments	2,635				2,635			—		—
	Foreign currency contracts	1,588				—			1,588		—
	Deferred compensation investments	4,205				—			4,205		—
		$	8,450			$	2,657		$	5,793	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Senior unsecured notes	$	539			$	539		$	—	$	—
	Commodities contracts	9,063				—			9,063		—
	Interest rate swap contracts	30,611				—			30,611		—
		$	40,213			$	539		$	39,674	$	—
	As of March 31, 2015, we had no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. New derivative contracts transacted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were included in Level 2.
		Fair value as of December 31, 2014				Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
Cash equivalents	$	25			$	25		$	—	$	—
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan investments	2,635				2,635			—		—
Foreign currency contracts	1,159				—			1,159		—
Deferred compensation investments	4,674				—			4,674		—
	$	8,493			$	2,660		$	5,833	$	—
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured notes	$	516			$	516		$	—	$	—
Commodities contracts	9,886				—			9,886		—
Interest rate swap contracts	31,415				—			31,415		—
	$	41,817			$	516		$	41,301	$	—
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, forward currency prices and the forward LIBOR curve. We did not significantly change our valuation techniques from prior periods.
The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) investments are classified as trading securities and are primarily invested in money market funds and held at fair value. We classify these assets as Level 1 as fair value can be corroborated based on quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets.
The deferred compensation investments are primarily invested in mutual funds and are held at fair value. We classify these assets as Level 2 as fair value can be corroborated based on quoted market prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active.
The fair value of the senior unsecured notes is based on fair value and is determined using Level 1 inputs. We classify the senior notes as Level 1 as fair value can be corroborated based on quoted market prices in active markets.
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.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	Twenty million shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 SIP”) upon the exercise of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance stock units ("PSUs") or restricted stock awards that may be issued to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. 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 to our employees 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, except for PSUs and all equity awards granted in and after 2015 to the Company’s executive officers. Unvested awards vest immediately in the following additional circumstances: (i) an employee retires after reaching the age of 65, (ii) in certain cases upon an employee’s death or qualified disability, and (iii) except for awards granted in connection with the Company’s initial public offering, an employee with 10 years of service retires after reaching the age of 55.
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s equity and liability classified plans in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense:
	Stock options	$	4,676			$	4,540
	RSUs	5,953				5,085
	PSUs	2,167				—
	Phantom shares	364				1,943
	SARs	779				171
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	13,939			$	11,739
	Stock Options
	Under the terms of the 2012 SIP, options may be granted to purchase our common stock at a price equal to the market price on the date the option is granted. Our employee options vest one-third on each of the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date.
	Share-based compensation expense for stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting period within general and administrative expense. The expense totaled $4.7 million and $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Expected volatility	28% - 29%		28% - 29%
	Expected dividend yield	0%		0%
	Expected option term	6 years		6 years
	Risk-free rate of return	1.45% to 1.79%		1.82% to 2.10%
	Forfeiture rate	—%		—%
	Since the Company’s common stock did not have a long history of being publicly traded at grant date, the expected term was determined under the simplified method, using an average of the contractual term and vesting period of the stock options. The expected volatility assumption was calculated based on a compensation peer group analysis of stock price volatility with a six-year look back period ending on the grant date. The risk-free rates were based on the average implied yield available on five-year and seven-year U.S. Treasury issues. We have not paid, and do not anticipate paying, a cash dividend on our common stock.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Number of options			Weighted average			Weighted average	Aggregate
					exercise price			contractual life	intrinsic value
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2015	11,349,286			$	18.03
	Granted	653,328			38.86
	Forfeited, cancelled and expired (1)	(11,874	)		24.56
	Exercised	(821,895	)		23.97
	Options outstanding at March 31, 2015	11,168,845			$	18.81		6.3	$	285,187,178
	Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015	11,168,845			$	18.81		6.3	$	285,187,178
	Options exercisable at March 31, 2015	8,555,054			$	17.01		5.61	$	233,831,425
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, options that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we received $1.8 million of cash from stock option exercises. At March 31, 2015, there was $13.1 million of unrecognized stock option expense, all of which is related to non-vested awards. This compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.54 years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	RSUs are issued to certain senior employees under the 2012 SIP as part of the long-term incentive program. An RSU represents the right to receive one share of common stock in the future. RSUs have no exercise price. RSUs granted to employees vest ratably over three years.
	The following table summarizes RSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	RSUs outstanding January 1, 2015	1,347,855
	RSUs issued	322,200
	Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs	(542,633		)
	RSUs cancelled or forfeited (1)	(6,863		)
	RSUs outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,120,559
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	26.97
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, RSUs are withheld by the Company to cover the employee's minimum statutory tax withholding when shares are issued. RSUs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	Compensation expense for RSUs is recognized ratably over the vesting period. RSU expense totaled $6.0 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015, there was $21.3 million of total unrecognized RSU expense, all of which is related to unvested awards. This compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 1.67 years.
	Performance Stock Units
	In February 2015, we granted PSUs to our executive officers under the 2012 SIP as part of our long-term incentive compensation program. PSUs vest based on a comparison of the Company’s EPS growth over the three-year performance period to the EPS growth of companies in the S&P 500 over the same period. In the first year, one third of the PSUs will vest based on our EPS growth in that year compared to the one-year EPS growth of S&P 500 companies. In the second year, one third of the PSUs will vest based on our cumulative EPS growth over the past two years compared to the cumulative two-year EPS growth of S&P 500 companies. In the third year, one third of the PSUs will vest based on our cumulative EPS growth over the past three years compared to the cumulative three-year EPS growth of S&P 500 companies. PSUs will be converted to common stock upon vesting and the payout range is 0 to 200%.
	We will recognize share-based compensation expense within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income over the three year performance period based on the Company’s estimated relative performance for each vesting tranche. Accordingly, in 2015 we will recognize 100% of the estimated first year expense, 50% of the estimated second year expense and 33.3% of the estimated third year expense. As of March 31, 2015, we have expensed based upon a target payout assumption of 100%.
	The following table summarizes PSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	PSUs outstanding January 1, 2015	—
	PSUs issued	107,358
	Shares issued upon vesting of PSUs	—
	PSUs cancelled or forfeited (1)	—
	PSUs outstanding at March 31, 2015	107,358
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	38.96
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, PSUs will be withheld to cover the employee's minimum statutory tax withholding when shares are issued. PSUs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
	PSU expense totaled $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. At March 31, 2015, there was $2.0 million of total unrecognized PSU expense, all of which is related to unvested awards. This compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average remaining vesting period of 2.14 years.
	Phantom Shares
	We previously granted 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 stock and vest ratably over a three-year period, but are cash-settled based upon the value of WhiteWave stock at each vesting period. The fair value of the awards is re-measured at each reporting period. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period, which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income.
	Compensation expense for phantom shares totaled $0.4 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. A corresponding liability has been recorded in current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet totaling $1.1 million and $0.8 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The 2015 cash settlement of WhiteWave phantom shares was $0.3 million.
	The following table summarizes the phantom share activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Shares			Weighted-average
				grant date fair value
				per share
Outstanding at January 1, 2015	32,146			$	16.19
Granted	—			—
Converted/paid	(7,081	)		15.16
Forfeited	—			—
Outstanding at March 31, 2015	25,065			$	16.48
Stock Appreciation Rights
We previously granted 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 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 consolidated statements of income. The expense totaled $0.8 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A corresponding liability has been recorded in current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets totaling $1.9 million and $1.1 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The following table summarizes SAR activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	Number of			Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
	SARs			average			average	intrinsic value
				exercise price			contractual life
SARs outstanding at January 1, 2015	263,520			$	16.49
Granted	—			—
Forfeited and cancelled (1)	—			—
Exercised	—			—
SARs outstanding at March 31, 2015	263,520			$	16.49		7.66	$	7,339,441
SARs vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015	263,520			$	16.49		7.66	$	7,339,441
SARs exercisable at March 31, 2015	172,706			$	16.49		7.66	$	4,809,373
-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, SARs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (net of tax):
		Derivative			Defined benefit pension plan (2)			Foreign currency translation adjustment			Total
		instruments (1)
					(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	774		$	(2,050	)	$	(59,842	)	$	(61,118	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	484			255			(43,670		)	(42,931		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	12			(24		)	—			(12		)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax expense of $372	496			231			(43,670		)	(42,943		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	1,270		$	(1,819	)	$	(103,512	)	$	(104,061	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of goods sold. See Note 8 “Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.”
	-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 11 “Employee Retirement Plans.”
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows (net of tax):
		Derivative			Defined benefit pension plan (2)			Foreign currency translation adjustment			Total
		instruments (1)
					(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	205		$	(793	)	$	(7,852	)	$	(8,440	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(1,195		)	45			1,216			66
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	663			(4		)	—			659
	Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax benefit of $303	(532		)	41			1,216			725
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(327	)	$	(752	)	$	(6,636	)	$	(7,715	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of goods sold. See Note 8 “Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.”
	-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 11 “Employee Retirement Plans.”

Employee_Retirement_Plans

Employee Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Retirement Plans	Employee Retirement Plans
	We have employee benefit plans including a 401(k) plan and European pension plans. Additionally, we contribute to one multiemployer pension plan on behalf of our employees. We have separate, stand-alone defined benefit pension plans for Alpro. The benefits under our Alpro defined benefit plans are based on years of service and employee compensation.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are detailed below:
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	444		$	452
	Interest cost		84			158
	Expected return on plan assets		(68		)	(117		)
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		—			3
	Unrecognized net loss		24			1
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	484		$	497

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease and Purchase Obligations
	We lease certain property, plant, and equipment used in our operations under both capital and operating lease agreements. Such leases, which are primarily for operating facilities, office space, machinery, and equipment, have lease terms ranging from one to 20 years. Rent expense was $5.6 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company leases certain operating facilities and equipment under capital lease arrangements. These assets are included in property, plant, and equipment, net, on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	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, that 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information	Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information
	For the first three quarters of 2014, we reported operating results through two reportable segments:  North America and Europe.  In the fourth quarter of 2014, we determined that the Earthbound Farm business, which we acquired in January 2014, would be operated largely autonomously and would continue to be led by its own President for the foreseeable future.  As a result, we reported results of operations through three reportable segments:  Americas Foods & Beverages, Americas Fresh Foods and Europe Foods & Beverages.
	Our business is organized into three operating and reportable segments, Americas Foods & Beverages, Americas Fresh Foods and Europe Foods & Beverages, based on our go-to-markets 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 Americas Foods & Beverages segment offers products in the plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy product categories throughout North America, our Americas Fresh Foods segment offers organic greens and produce throughout North America, and our Europe Foods & Beverages 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 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 and distributors. We utilize nine manufacturing plants, multiple distribution centers, and three strategic co-packers across the United States. Additionally, we have three plants across Europe in the United Kingdom, Belgium and France, each supported by an integrated supply chain. We also utilize third-party co-packers across Europe for certain products.
	We evaluate the performance of our segments based on sales and operating income. 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.
	In addition, the results of the China joint venture and the expense related to share-based compensation, which has not been allocated to our segments, are reflected entirely within the caption “Corporate and other”.
	The following table presents the summarized income statement amounts by segment:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	640,726		$	558,510
	Americas Fresh Foods	139,648			146,091
	Europe Foods & Beverages	130,768			125,622
	Total	$	911,142		$	830,223
	Operating income:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	73,942		$	66,037
	Americas Fresh Foods	7,763			8,537
	Europe Foods & Beverages	14,364			10,397
	Total reportable segment operating income	$	96,069		$	84,971
	Corporate and other	(25,999		)	(30,786		)
	Total operating income	$	70,070		$	54,185
	Other expense:
	Interest expense	$	8,667		$	5,722
	Other expense, net	3,801			808
	Income before taxes	$	57,602		$	47,655
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	16,493		$	14,928
	Americas Fresh Foods	6,032			6,256
	Europe Foods & Beverages	4,441			5,672
	Corporate and other	564			277
	Total	$	27,530		$	27,133
	The following tables present sales amounts by product categories:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	Americas Foods & Beverages
	Plant-based food and beverages	$	206,326		$	171,499
	Coffee creamers and beverages	257,769			233,166
	Premium dairy	176,631			153,845
	Americas Foods & Beverages net sales	640,726			558,510
	Americas Fresh Foods
	Organic greens and produce	139,648			146,091
	Americas Fresh Foods net sales	139,648			146,091
	Europe Foods & Beverages
	Plant-based food and beverages	130,768			125,622
	Europe Foods & Beverages net sales	130,768			125,622
	Total net sales	$	911,142		$	830,223
	The following tables present assets and capital expenditures by segment:
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	1,977,137		$	1,935,524
	Americas Fresh Foods	717,383			713,211
	Europe Foods & Beverages	524,718			563,963
	Corporate	145,643			160,143
	Total	$	3,364,881		$	3,372,841
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Capital expenditures:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	46,731		$	35,010
	Americas Fresh Foods	5,998			3,270
Europe Foods & Beverages	20,378			7,987
Corporate	128			760
Total	$	73,235		$	47,027
Significant Customers
The Company had a single customer that represented 14.4% and 14.6% of our consolidated net sales in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sales to this customer are primarily included in our Americas Foods & Beverages segment.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	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 following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the computations of both basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	33,347	$	32,360
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares	174,693,383		173,623,354
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.19	$	0.19
	Diluted earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	33,347	$	32,360
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares - basic	174,693,383		173,623,354
	Stock option conversion (1)	3,889,110		2,592,072
	Stock units (2)	569,691		547,983
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	179,152,184		176,763,409
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.19	$	0.18
	(1) Anti-dilutive options excluded	306,268		1,341,572
	(2) Anti-dilutive RSUs excluded	428		42,935

Supplemental_Guarantor_Financi

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information	Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
	In September of 2014, we issued debt securities that are guaranteed by certain of our 100% owned subsidiaries. In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, the following condensed consolidating financial statements present the balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and cash flows for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 for The WhiteWave Foods Company (referred to as “Parent” for the purpose of this note only), the combined guarantor subsidiaries, the combined non-guarantor subsidiaries and elimination adjustments necessary to arrive at the information for the Parent, guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method for this presentation. All guarantors of our debt securities are also guarantors for our senior secured credit facilities. Our senior secured credit facilities are secured by security interest and liens on substantially all of our assets and the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and is presented in the Parent column of the accompanying condensed consolidating balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		31-Mar-15
		Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—			$	1,045			$	29,895			$	—			$	30,940
	Trade receivables, net of allowance	2,419				140,641				69,288				—				212,348
	Inventories	—				191,065				32,227				—				223,292
	Deferred income taxes	12,462				15,453				1,670				—				29,585
	Income tax receivable	6,123				—				—				—				6,123
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,017				20,293				10,820				—				34,130
	Intercompany receivables	996,108				392,579				—				(1,388,687		)		—
	Total current assets	1,020,129				761,076				143,900				(1,388,687		)		536,418
	Investment in unconsolidated entity	2,865				—				35,760				—				38,625
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,970,399				400,949				—				(2,371,348		)		—
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	7,593				826,018				187,819				—				1,021,430
	Deferred income taxes	20,223				—				—				(20,223		)		—
	Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	32,192				599,144				85,725				—				717,061
	Goodwill	—				916,313				135,034				—				1,051,347
	Total Assets	$	3,053,401			$	3,503,500			$	588,238			$	(3,780,258	)		$	3,364,881
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	45,214			$	299,175			$	102,691			$	—			$	447,080
	Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	20,000				1,177				—				—				21,177
	Income tax payable	—				—				2,400				—				2,400
	Intercompany payables	392,579				969,331				26,777				(1,388,687		)		—
	Total current liabilities	457,793				1,269,683				131,868				(1,388,687		)		470,657
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,486,375				20,513				—				—				1,506,888
	Deferred income taxes	—				241,096				45,588				(20,223		)		266,461
	Other long-term liabilities	30,415				1,809				9,833				—				42,057
	Total liabilities	1,974,583				1,533,101				187,289				(1,408,910		)		2,286,063
	Total shareholders' equity	1,078,818				1,970,399				400,949				(2,371,348		)		1,078,818
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	3,053,401			$	3,503,500			$	588,238			$	(3,780,258	)		$	3,364,881
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		31-Dec-14
		Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—			$	524			$	49,716			$	—			$	50,240
	Trade receivables, net of allowance	317				134,352				58,023				—				192,692
	Inventories	—				182,770				32,899				—				215,669
	Deferred income taxes	12,305				15,742				2,216				—				30,263
	Income tax receivable	13,382				—				1,073				—				14,455
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,632				18,318				12,918				—				35,868
	Intercompany receivables	1,087,095				504,442				—				(1,591,537		)		—
	Total current assets	1,117,731				856,148				156,845				(1,591,537		)		539,187
	Equity method investments	—				3,000				40,160				—				43,160
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,968,899				438,832				—				(2,407,731		)		—
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	7,953				795,696				189,558				—				993,207
	Deferred income taxes	20,835				—				—				(20,835		)		—
	Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	31,803				600,592				96,616				—				729,011
	Goodwill	—				916,482				151,794				—				1,068,276
	Total Assets	$	3,147,221			$	3,610,750			$	634,973			$	(4,020,103	)		$	3,372,841
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	41,478			$	319,247			$	109,039			$	—			$	469,764
	Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	20,000				1,158				—				—				21,158
	Income taxes payable	—				—				496				—				496
	Intercompany payables	504,442				1,062,081				25,014				(1,591,537		)		—
	Total current liabilities	565,920				1,382,486				134,549				(1,591,537		)		491,418
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,475,000				20,822				—				—				1,495,822
Deferred income taxes	—				236,983				50,862				(20,835		)		267,010
Other long-term liabilities	29,814				1,560				10,730				—				42,104
Total liabilities	2,070,734				1,641,851				196,141				(1,612,372		)		2,296,354
Total shareholders' equity	1,076,487				1,968,899				438,832				(2,407,731		)		1,076,487
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	3,147,221			$	3,610,750			$	634,973			$	(4,020,103	)		$	3,372,841
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
	(In thousands)
Net sales	$	—			$	780,374			$	130,768			$	—			$	911,142
Cost of goods sold	—				528,005				74,562				—				602,567
Gross profit	—				252,369				56,206				—				308,575
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	—				137,711				30,050				—				167,761
General and administrative	24,187				32,952				13,605				—				70,744
Total operating expenses	24,187				170,663				43,655				—				238,505
Operating (loss) income	(24,187		)		81,706				12,551				—				70,070
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	8,337				263				67				—				8,667
Other expense (income), net	(30,514		)		34,312				3				—				3,801
Total other expense (income)	(22,177		)		34,575				70				—				12,468
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(2,010		)		47,131				12,481				—				57,602
Income tax expense	(73		)		17,364				2,891				—				20,182
Income (loss) before loss in equity method investments and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(1,937		)		29,767				9,590				—				37,420
Loss in equity method investments	135				—				3,938				—				4,073
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	35,419				5,652				—				(41,071		)		—
Net income	33,347				35,419				5,652				(41,071		)		33,347
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	(42,943		)		(42,943		)		(43,669		)		86,612				(42,943		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	$	(9,596	)		$	(7,524	)		$	(38,017	)		$	45,541			$	(9,596	)
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
	(In thousands)
Total net sales	$	—			$	704,601			$	125,622			$	—			$	830,223
Cost of goods sold	—				483,095				73,914				—				557,009
Gross profit	—				221,506				51,708				—				273,214
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	—				118,130				29,261				—				147,391
General and administrative	30,074				29,451				12,761				—				72,286
Asset disposal and exit costs	—				(648		)		—				—				(648		)
Total operating expenses	30,074				146,933				42,022				—				219,029
Operating (loss) income	(30,074		)		74,573				9,686				—				54,185
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	5,365				321				36				—				5,722
Other expense (income), net	(32,854		)		33,655				7				—				808
Total other expense (income)	(27,489		)		33,976				43				—				6,530
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(2,585		)		40,597				9,643				—				47,655
Income tax expense	373				13,242				1,680				—				15,295
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(2,958		)		27,355				7,963				—				32,360
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	35,318				7,963				—				(43,281		)		—
Net income	32,360				35,318				7,963				(43,281		)		32,360
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	725				725				1,234				(1,959		)		725
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	$	33,085			$	36,043			$	9,197			$	(45,240	)		$	33,085
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
				Three months ended March 31, 2015
				Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
				(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
		Net cash provided by operating activities		$	22,628			$	38,554			$	3,234			$	—			$	64,416
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Proceeds from acquisition adjustments			—				346				—				—				346
	Payments for property, plant, and equipment			(188		)		(71,504		)		(20,011		)		—				(91,703		)
	Intercompany contributions			(32,900		)		—				—				32,900				—
	Proceeds from sale of fixed assets			—				1,589				—				—				1,589
		Net cash used in investing activities		(33,088		)		(69,569		)		(20,011		)		32,900				(89,768		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Intercompany contributions			—				31,826				1,074				(32,900		)		—
	Repayment of debt			(5,000		)		—				—				—				(5,000		)
	Payments of capital lease obligations			—				(290		)		—				—				(290		)
	Proceeds from revolver line of credit			83,125				—				—				—				83,125
	Payments for revolver line of credit			(66,750		)		—				—				—				(66,750		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options			1,830				—				—				—				1,830
	Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units			(7,484		)		—				—				—				(7,484		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			4,778				—				—				—				4,778
	Payment of deferred financing costs			(39		)		—				—				—				(39		)
		Net cash provided by financing activities		10,460				31,536				1,074				(32,900		)		10,170
		Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				(4,118		)		—				(4,118		)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS				—				521				(19,821		)		—				(19,300		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				—				524				49,716				—				50,240
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period				$	—			$	1,045			$	29,895			$	—			$	30,940
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
				Three months ended March 31, 2014
				Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
				(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
		Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		$	(12,732	)		$	69,147			$	11,176			—				$	67,591
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
	Investment in equity method investment			—				—				(47,285		)		—				(47,285		)
	Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638			—				(603,373		)		—				—				(603,373		)
	Payments for property, plant, and equipment			(427		)		(57,605		)		(6,985		)		—				(65,017		)
	Intercompany contributions			(592,155		)		—				—				592,155				—
	Proceeds from sale of fixed assets			—				49				—				—				49
		Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(592,582		)		(660,929		)		(54,270		)		592,155				(715,626		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
	Intercompany contributions			—				591,812				343				(592,155		)		—
	Proceeds from the issuance of debt			500,000				—				—				—				500,000
	Repayment of debt			(5,000		)		—				—				—				(5,000		)
	Payments of capital lease obligations			—				(253		)		—				—				(253		)
	Proceeds from revolver line of credit			295,100				—				—				—				295,100
	Payments for revolver line of credit			(182,310		)		—				—				—				(182,310		)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options			2,415				—				—				—				2,415
	Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units			(2,547		)		—				—				—				(2,547		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			1,028				—				—				—				1,028
	Payment of deferred financing costs			(3,372		)		—				—				—				(3,372		)
		Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		605,314				591,559				343				(592,155		)		605,061
		Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				468				—				468
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS				—				(223		)		(42,283		)		—				(42,506		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				—				673				100,432				—				101,105
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period				$	—			$	450			$	58,149			$	—			$	58,599

General_Policies

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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, organic greens and produce, coffee creamers and beverages, and premium dairy products throughout North America and Europe. We also hold a 49% ownership interest in a joint venture that manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells branded plant-based beverages in China. Our brands distributed in North America include Silk and So Delicious plant-based foods and beverages, Earthbound Farm organic salads, fruits and vegetables, International Delight and LAND O LAKES coffee creamers and beverages, and Horizon Organic premium dairy products and branded macaroni and cheese and snack foods, while our European brands of plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro and Provamel, and plant-based beverages in China are sold under the Silk ZhiPuMoFang brand.
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, 2014, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 27, 2015.
	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 annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, unaudited condensed consolidated statements of shareholders' equity and Note 15 “Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information.” These reclassifications did not impact previously reported amounts on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of income and statements of cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Topic 606, to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for all entities. In April 2015, the FASB voted for a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The new guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. Early adoption will be permitted as of the December 31, 2015 original effective date. We are currently evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period which amends the guidance in ASC 718 and clarifies that entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award as performance conditions that affect vesting. Accordingly, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. The ASU’s guidance is effective for reporting periods (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption will not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, to provide guidance on management's responsibility to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosure requirements. This guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The adoption will not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, to eliminate from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption will not have an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the consolidation requirements in ASC 810 and significantly changes the consolidation analysis required under U.S. GAAP. The guidance in the ASU is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. We are currently evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. For public business entities, the standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effects adoption of this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, which permits an entity with a fiscal year-end that does not fall on a month-end to measure defined benefit plan obligations and assets as of the month-end that is closest to the entity’s fiscal year-end, and apply that methodology consistently from year to year. The ASU also requires an entity to adjust the measurement of defined benefit plan obligations and assets to reflect contributions or significant events that occur between the month-end date used to measure defined benefit plan obligations and assets and the entity’s fiscal year-end. ASU 2015-04 is effective for public business entities for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The ASU requires prospective application and permits earlier application for all entities. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information	We evaluate the performance of our segments based on sales and operating income. 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.
	In addition, the results of the China joint venture and the expense related to share-based compensation, which has not been allocated to our segments, are reflected entirely within the caption “Corporate and other”.

Acquisition_and_Divestitures_T

Acquisition and Divestitures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations, Discontinued Operations, and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Allocation of Purchase Price	The following table summarizes allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The allocation of the purchase price in the table below is preliminary and subject to change based on the finalization of the purchase price.
		October 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Assets acquired:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,552
	Inventories	21,528
	Other current assets	8,834
	Property, plant and equipment	8,504
	Trademarks	53,216
	Intangible assets with finite lives	29,768
	Liabilities assumed:
	Accounts payable and other accruals	11,036
	Other long-term liabilities	429
	Total identifiable net assets	111,937
	Goodwill	84,688
	Total purchase price	$	196,625
	The following table summarizes allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired.
		January 2, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Assets acquired:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,638
	Inventories	22,299
	Other current assets	54,260
	Property, plant and equipment	147,390
	Trademarks	150,700
	Intangible assets with finite lives	104,900
	Liabilities assumed:
	Accounts payable and other accruals	58,328
	Income taxes and deferred taxes, net	26,857
	Obligations under capital leases	22,646
	Total identifiable net assets	377,356
	Goodwill	231,309
	Total purchase price	$	608,665
Schedule of Liabilities Recorded	In addition to the impairment charge, we recorded a charge of $3.3 million related to lease liabilities, severance and related costs in connection with the Idaho dairy farm sale. Liabilities recorded and the changes therein for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Accrued charges at December 31, 2013		Costs paid or otherwise settled			Reversal of prior expense			Accrued charges at March 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Lease liability	$	2,674	$	(583	)	$	(351	)	$	1,740
	Severance and related costs	632		(545		)	—			87
	Total	$	3,306	$	(1,128	)	$	(351	)	$	1,827

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials and supplies	$	111,267	$	101,418
	Finished goods	112,025		114,251
	Total	$	223,292	$	215,669

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are as follows:
		Americas Foods & Beverages			Americas Fresh Foods			Europe Foods & Beverages			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	685,173		$	231,309		$	151,794		$	1,068,276
	Purchase adjustment	(169		)	—			—			(169		)
	Foreign currency translation	—			—			(16,760		)	(16,760		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	685,004		$	231,309		$	135,034		$	1,051,347
Net Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of our intangible assets, other than goodwill, as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		31-Mar-15									31-Dec-14
		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)	$	537,639		$	—		$	537,639		$	547,072		$	—		$	547,072
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Customer-related and other	157,500			(28,583		)	128,917			158,302			(26,677		)	131,625
	Supplier relationships	12,000			(1,200		)	10,800			12,000			(960		)	11,040
	Non-compete agreements	600			(250		)	350			600			(200		)	400
	Trademarks	968			(964		)	4			968			(964		)	4
	Total	$	708,707		$	(30,997	)	$	677,710		$	718,942		$	(28,801	)	$	690,141
	(1) The change in the carrying amount of intangible assets with indefinite lives 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):
	2015	$	12.1
	2016	11.8
	2017	11.6
	2018	11.6
	2019	10.4

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat1

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Outstanding Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	Our outstanding debt and capital lease obligations as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Amount			Interest			Amount			Interest
		outstanding			rate			outstanding			rate
		(In thousands, except percentages)
	Senior secured credit facilities	$	1,006,375		2.11	%	*	$	995,000		2.11	%	*
	Senior unsecured notes	500,000			5.38	%		500,000			5.38	%
	Capital lease obligations	21,690						21,980
	Less current portion	(21,177		)				(21,158		)
	Total long-term debt	$	1,506,888					$	1,495,822
	*	Represents a weighted average rate, including applicable interest rate margins.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015:
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, derivatives recorded at fair value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
		Derivative assets							Derivative liabilities
		March 31,				December 31,			March 31,		December 31,
		2015				2014			2015		2014
		(In thousands)
	Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
	Foreign currency contracts - current (1)	$	1,588			$	1,159		$	—	$	—
	Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments
	Interest rate swap contracts - current (1)	—				—			17,542		17,562
	Commodities contracts - current (1)	—				—			9,063		9,886
	Interest rate swap contracts - noncurrent (2)	—				—			13,069		13,853
	Total derivatives	$	1,588			$	1,159		$	39,674	$	41,301
	-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 loss into income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Losses/(gains) on foreign currency contracts (1)	$	(12	)		$	160
	Losses/(gains) on commodities contracts (2)	—				(823		)
	-1	Recorded in cost of goods sold in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.
	-2	Recorded in distribution expense or cost of goods sold, depending on commodity type, in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.
Summary of Derivatives Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	A summary of our financial assets and liabilities subject to recurring fair value measurements and the basis for that measurement according to the levels in the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Fair value as of March 31, 2015				Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	22			$	22		$	—	$	—
	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan investments	2,635				2,635			—		—
	Foreign currency contracts	1,588				—			1,588		—
	Deferred compensation investments	4,205				—			4,205		—
		$	8,450			$	2,657		$	5,793	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Senior unsecured notes	$	539			$	539		$	—	$	—
	Commodities contracts	9,063				—			9,063		—
	Interest rate swap contracts	30,611				—			30,611		—
		$	40,213			$	539		$	39,674	$	—
	As of March 31, 2015, we had no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. New derivative contracts transacted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 were included in Level 2.
		Fair value as of December 31, 2014				Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	25			$	25		$	—	$	—
	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan investments	2,635				2,635			—		—
	Foreign currency contracts	1,159				—			1,159		—
	Deferred compensation investments	4,674				—			4,674		—
		$	8,493			$	2,660		$	5,833	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Senior unsecured notes	$	516			$	516		$	—	$	—
	Commodities contracts	9,886				—			9,886		—
	Interest rate swap contracts	31,415				—			31,415		—
		$	41,817			$	516		$	41,301	$	—

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense	The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expense recognized for the Company’s equity and liability classified plans in the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation expense:
	Stock options	$	4,676			$	4,540
	RSUs	5,953				5,085
	PSUs	2,167				—
	Phantom shares	364				1,943
	SARs	779				171
	Total share-based compensation expense	$	13,939			$	11,739
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 with the following assumptions:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Expected volatility	28% - 29%		28% - 29%
	Expected dividend yield	0%		0%
	Expected option term	6 years		6 years
	Risk-free rate of return	1.45% to 1.79%		1.82% to 2.10%
	Forfeiture rate	—%		—%
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Number of options			Weighted average			Weighted average	Aggregate
					exercise price			contractual life	intrinsic value
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2015	11,349,286			$	18.03
	Granted	653,328			38.86
	Forfeited, cancelled and expired (1)	(11,874	)		24.56
	Exercised	(821,895	)		23.97
	Options outstanding at March 31, 2015	11,168,845			$	18.81		6.3	$	285,187,178
	Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015	11,168,845			$	18.81		6.3	$	285,187,178
	Options exercisable at March 31, 2015	8,555,054			$	17.01		5.61	$	233,831,425
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, options that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes RSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	RSUs outstanding January 1, 2015	1,347,855
	RSUs issued	322,200
	Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs	(542,633		)
	RSUs cancelled or forfeited (1)	(6,863		)
	RSUs outstanding at March 31, 2015	1,120,559
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	26.97
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, RSUs are withheld by the Company to cover the employee's minimum statutory tax withholding when shares are issued. RSUs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
Schedule of PSU Activity	The following table summarizes PSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
	PSUs outstanding January 1, 2015	—
	PSUs issued	107,358
	Shares issued upon vesting of PSUs	—
	PSUs cancelled or forfeited (1)	—
	PSUs outstanding at March 31, 2015	107,358
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	38.96
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, PSUs will be withheld to cover the employee's minimum statutory tax withholding when shares are issued. PSUs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.
Summary of Phantom Share Activity	The following table summarizes the phantom share activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Shares			Weighted-average
					grant date fair value
					per share
	Outstanding at January 1, 2015	32,146			$	16.19
	Granted	—			—
	Converted/paid	(7,081	)		15.16
	Forfeited	—			—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2015	25,065			$	16.48
WhiteWave Stock Appreciation Rights Activity	The following table summarizes SAR activity during the three months ended March 31, 2015:
		Number of			Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		SARs			average			average	intrinsic value
					exercise price			contractual life
	SARs outstanding at January 1, 2015	263,520			$	16.49
	Granted	—			—
	Forfeited and cancelled (1)	—			—
	Exercised	—			—
	SARs outstanding at March 31, 2015	263,520			$	16.49		7.66	$	7,339,441
	SARs vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015	263,520			$	16.49		7.66	$	7,339,441
	SARs exercisable at March 31, 2015	172,706			$	16.49		7.66	$	4,809,373
	-1	Pursuant to the terms of the 2012 SIP, SARs that are cancelled or forfeited may be available for future grants.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows (net of tax):
		Derivative			Defined benefit pension plan (2)			Foreign currency translation adjustment			Total
		instruments (1)
					(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2015	$	774		$	(2,050	)	$	(59,842	)	$	(61,118	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	484			255			(43,670		)	(42,931		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	12			(24		)	—			(12		)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax expense of $372	496			231			(43,670		)	(42,943		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	1,270		$	(1,819	)	$	(103,512	)	$	(104,061	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of goods sold. See Note 8 “Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.”
	-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 11 “Employee Retirement Plans.”
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were as follows (net of tax):
		Derivative			Defined benefit pension plan (2)			Foreign currency translation adjustment			Total
		instruments (1)
					(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	205		$	(793	)	$	(7,852	)	$	(8,440	)
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(1,195		)	45			1,216			66
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	663			(4		)	—			659
	Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax benefit of $303	(532		)	41			1,216			725
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	(327	)	$	(752	)	$	(6,636	)	$	(7,715	)
	-1	The accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassification components affect cost of goods sold. See Note 8 “Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement.”
	-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 11 “Employee Retirement Plans.”

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Tabl

Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension plans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are detailed below:
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost		$	444		$	452
	Interest cost		84			158
	Expected return on plan assets		(68		)	(117		)
	Amortization:
	Prior service cost		—			3
	Unrecognized net loss		24			1
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	484		$	497

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome1

Segment, Geographic, and Customer Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized Income Statement Amounts by Segment	The following table presents the summarized income statement amounts by segment:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	640,726		$	558,510
	Americas Fresh Foods	139,648			146,091
	Europe Foods & Beverages	130,768			125,622
	Total	$	911,142		$	830,223
	Operating income:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	73,942		$	66,037
	Americas Fresh Foods	7,763			8,537
	Europe Foods & Beverages	14,364			10,397
	Total reportable segment operating income	$	96,069		$	84,971
	Corporate and other	(25,999		)	(30,786		)
	Total operating income	$	70,070		$	54,185
	Other expense:
	Interest expense	$	8,667		$	5,722
	Other expense, net	3,801			808
	Income before taxes	$	57,602		$	47,655
	Depreciation and amortization:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	16,493		$	14,928
	Americas Fresh Foods	6,032			6,256
	Europe Foods & Beverages	4,441			5,672
	Corporate and other	564			277
	Total	$	27,530		$	27,133
Sales Amounts by Product Categories	The following tables present sales amounts by product categories:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales:
	Americas Foods & Beverages
	Plant-based food and beverages	$	206,326		$	171,499
	Coffee creamers and beverages	257,769			233,166
	Premium dairy	176,631			153,845
	Americas Foods & Beverages net sales	640,726			558,510
	Americas Fresh Foods
	Organic greens and produce	139,648			146,091
	Americas Fresh Foods net sales	139,648			146,091
	Europe Foods & Beverages
	Plant-based food and beverages	130,768			125,622
	Europe Foods & Beverages net sales	130,768			125,622
	Total net sales	$	911,142		$	830,223
Summarized Balance Sheet Amounts by Segment	The following tables present assets and capital expenditures by segment:
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Assets:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	1,977,137		$	1,935,524
	Americas Fresh Foods	717,383			713,211
	Europe Foods & Beverages	524,718			563,963
	Corporate	145,643			160,143
	Total	$	3,364,881		$	3,372,841
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Capital expenditures:
	Americas Foods & Beverages	$	46,731		$	35,010
	Americas Fresh Foods	5,998			3,270
	Europe Foods & Beverages	20,378			7,987
	Corporate	128			760
	Total	$	73,235		$	47,027

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31,
		2015		2014
		(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	33,347	$	32,360
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares	174,693,383		173,623,354
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.19	$	0.19
	Diluted earnings per share computation:
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	33,347	$	32,360
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares - basic	174,693,383		173,623,354
	Stock option conversion (1)	3,889,110		2,592,072
	Stock units (2)	569,691		547,983
	Weighted average common shares - diluted	179,152,184		176,763,409
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.19	$	0.18
	(1) Anti-dilutive options excluded	306,268		1,341,572
	(2) Anti-dilutive RSUs excluded	428		42,935

Supplemental_Guarantor_Financi1

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		31-Mar-15
		Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—			$	1,045			$	29,895			$	—			$	30,940
	Trade receivables, net of allowance	2,419				140,641				69,288				—				212,348
	Inventories	—				191,065				32,227				—				223,292
	Deferred income taxes	12,462				15,453				1,670				—				29,585
	Income tax receivable	6,123				—				—				—				6,123
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,017				20,293				10,820				—				34,130
	Intercompany receivables	996,108				392,579				—				(1,388,687		)		—
	Total current assets	1,020,129				761,076				143,900				(1,388,687		)		536,418
	Investment in unconsolidated entity	2,865				—				35,760				—				38,625
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,970,399				400,949				—				(2,371,348		)		—
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	7,593				826,018				187,819				—				1,021,430
	Deferred income taxes	20,223				—				—				(20,223		)		—
	Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	32,192				599,144				85,725				—				717,061
	Goodwill	—				916,313				135,034				—				1,051,347
	Total Assets	$	3,053,401			$	3,503,500			$	588,238			$	(3,780,258	)		$	3,364,881
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	45,214			$	299,175			$	102,691			$	—			$	447,080
	Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	20,000				1,177				—				—				21,177
	Income tax payable	—				—				2,400				—				2,400
	Intercompany payables	392,579				969,331				26,777				(1,388,687		)		—
	Total current liabilities	457,793				1,269,683				131,868				(1,388,687		)		470,657
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,486,375				20,513				—				—				1,506,888
	Deferred income taxes	—				241,096				45,588				(20,223		)		266,461
	Other long-term liabilities	30,415				1,809				9,833				—				42,057
	Total liabilities	1,974,583				1,533,101				187,289				(1,408,910		)		2,286,063
	Total shareholders' equity	1,078,818				1,970,399				400,949				(2,371,348		)		1,078,818
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	3,053,401			$	3,503,500			$	588,238			$	(3,780,258	)		$	3,364,881
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
		31-Dec-14
		Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—			$	524			$	49,716			$	—			$	50,240
	Trade receivables, net of allowance	317				134,352				58,023				—				192,692
	Inventories	—				182,770				32,899				—				215,669
	Deferred income taxes	12,305				15,742				2,216				—				30,263
	Income tax receivable	13,382				—				1,073				—				14,455
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,632				18,318				12,918				—				35,868
	Intercompany receivables	1,087,095				504,442				—				(1,591,537		)		—
	Total current assets	1,117,731				856,148				156,845				(1,591,537		)		539,187
	Equity method investments	—				3,000				40,160				—				43,160
	Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,968,899				438,832				—				(2,407,731		)		—
	Property, plant, and equipment, net	7,953				795,696				189,558				—				993,207
	Deferred income taxes	20,835				—				—				(20,835		)		—
	Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	31,803				600,592				96,616				—				729,011
	Goodwill	—				916,482				151,794				—				1,068,276
	Total Assets	$	3,147,221			$	3,610,750			$	634,973			$	(4,020,103	)		$	3,372,841
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	41,478			$	319,247			$	109,039			$	—			$	469,764
	Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	20,000				1,158				—				—				21,158
	Income taxes payable	—				—				496				—				496
	Intercompany payables	504,442				1,062,081				25,014				(1,591,537		)		—
	Total current liabilities	565,920				1,382,486				134,549				(1,591,537		)		491,418
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,475,000				20,822				—				—				1,495,822
	Deferred income taxes	—				236,983				50,862				(20,835		)		267,010
Other long-term liabilities	29,814				1,560				10,730				—				42,104
Total liabilities	2,070,734				1,641,851				196,141				(1,612,372		)		2,296,354
Total shareholders' equity	1,076,487				1,968,899				438,832				(2,407,731		)		1,076,487
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	3,147,221			$	3,610,750			$	634,973			$	(4,020,103	)		$	3,372,841
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Three months ended March 31, 2015
		Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	—			$	780,374			$	130,768			$	—			$	911,142
	Cost of goods sold	—				528,005				74,562				—				602,567
	Gross profit	—				252,369				56,206				—				308,575
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, distribution, and marketing	—				137,711				30,050				—				167,761
	General and administrative	24,187				32,952				13,605				—				70,744
	Total operating expenses	24,187				170,663				43,655				—				238,505
	Operating (loss) income	(24,187		)		81,706				12,551				—				70,070
	Other expense (income):
	Interest expense	8,337				263				67				—				8,667
	Other expense (income), net	(30,514		)		34,312				3				—				3,801
	Total other expense (income)	(22,177		)		34,575				70				—				12,468
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(2,010		)		47,131				12,481				—				57,602
	Income tax expense	(73		)		17,364				2,891				—				20,182
	Income (loss) before loss in equity method investments and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(1,937		)		29,767				9,590				—				37,420
	Loss in equity method investments	135				—				3,938				—				4,073
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	35,419				5,652				—				(41,071		)		—
	Net income	33,347				35,419				5,652				(41,071		)		33,347
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	(42,943		)		(42,943		)		(43,669		)		86,612				(42,943		)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	$	(9,596	)		$	(7,524	)		$	(38,017	)		$	45,541			$	(9,596	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Three months ended March 31, 2014
		Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
		(In thousands)
	Total net sales	$	—			$	704,601			$	125,622			$	—			$	830,223
	Cost of goods sold	—				483,095				73,914				—				557,009
	Gross profit	—				221,506				51,708				—				273,214
	Operating expenses:
	Selling, distribution, and marketing	—				118,130				29,261				—				147,391
	General and administrative	30,074				29,451				12,761				—				72,286
	Asset disposal and exit costs	—				(648		)		—				—				(648		)
	Total operating expenses	30,074				146,933				42,022				—				219,029
	Operating (loss) income	(30,074		)		74,573				9,686				—				54,185
	Other expense (income):
	Interest expense	5,365				321				36				—				5,722
	Other expense (income), net	(32,854		)		33,655				7				—				808
	Total other expense (income)	(27,489		)		33,976				43				—				6,530
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(2,585		)		40,597				9,643				—				47,655
	Income tax expense	373				13,242				1,680				—				15,295
	Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(2,958		)		27,355				7,963				—				32,360
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	35,318				7,963				—				(43,281		)		—
	Net income	32,360				35,318				7,963				(43,281		)		32,360
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	725				725				1,234				(1,959		)		725
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The WhiteWave Foods Company	$	33,085			$	36,043			$	9,197			$	(45,240	)		$	33,085
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
					Three months ended March 31, 2015
					Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
					(In thousands)
	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
			Net cash provided by operating activities		$	22,628			$	38,554			$	3,234			$	—			$	64,416
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
		Proceeds from acquisition adjustments			—				346				—				—				346
		Payments for property, plant, and equipment			(188		)		(71,504		)		(20,011		)		—				(91,703		)
		Intercompany contributions			(32,900		)		—				—				32,900				—
		Proceeds from sale of fixed assets			—				1,589				—				—				1,589
			Net cash used in investing activities		(33,088		)		(69,569		)		(20,011		)		32,900				(89,768		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
		Intercompany contributions			—				31,826				1,074				(32,900		)		—
		Repayment of debt			(5,000		)		—				—				—				(5,000		)
		Payments of capital lease obligations			—				(290		)		—				—				(290		)
		Proceeds from revolver line of credit			83,125				—				—				—				83,125
		Payments for revolver line of credit			(66,750		)		—				—				—				(66,750		)
		Proceeds from exercise of stock options			1,830				—				—				—				1,830
		Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units			(7,484		)		—				—				—				(7,484		)
		Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			4,778				—				—				—				4,778
		Payment of deferred financing costs			(39		)		—				—				—				(39		)
			Net cash provided by financing activities		10,460				31,536				1,074				(32,900		)		10,170
			Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				(4,118		)		—				(4,118		)
	INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS				—				521				(19,821		)		—				(19,300		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				—				524				49,716				—				50,240
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period				$	—			$	1,045			$	29,895			$	—			$	30,940
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
					Three months ended March 31, 2014
					Parent				Guarantor Subsidiaries				Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries				Eliminations				Consolidated Total
					(In thousands)
	CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
			Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		$	(12,732	)		$	69,147			$	11,176			—				$	67,591
	CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
		Investment in equity method investment			—				—				(47,285		)		—				(47,285		)
		Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638			—				(603,373		)		—				—				(603,373		)
		Payments for property, plant, and equipment			(427		)		(57,605		)		(6,985		)		—				(65,017		)
		Intercompany contributions			(592,155		)		—				—				592,155				—
		Proceeds from sale of fixed assets			—				49				—				—				49
			Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(592,582		)		(660,929		)		(54,270		)		592,155				(715,626		)
	CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
		Intercompany contributions			—				591,812				343				(592,155		)		—
		Proceeds from the issuance of debt			500,000				—				—				—				500,000
		Repayment of debt			(5,000		)		—				—				—				(5,000		)
		Payments of capital lease obligations			—				(253		)		—				—				(253		)
		Proceeds from revolver line of credit			295,100				—				—				—				295,100
		Payments for revolver line of credit			(182,310		)		—				—				—				(182,310		)
		Proceeds from exercise of stock options			2,415				—				—				—				2,415
		Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units			(2,547		)		—				—				—				(2,547		)
		Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation			1,028				—				—				—				1,028
		Payment of deferred financing costs			(3,372		)		—				—				—				(3,372		)
			Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		605,314				591,559				343				(592,155		)		605,061
			Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—				468				—				468
	DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS				—				(223		)		(42,283		)		—				(42,506		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period				—				673				100,432				—				101,105
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period				$	—			$	450			$	58,149			$	—			$	58,599

General_Additional_Information

General - Additional Information (Detail) (Zhengzhou [Member])	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 05, 2014
Zhengzhou [Member]
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	49.00%	49.00%

Acquisition_and_Divestitures_A

Acquisition and Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 02, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 02, 2014
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired		$255,600,000
Amortization of intangible assets		104,900,000	2,800,000	2,600,000
Amortization period of intangible assets	15 years	15 years
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of disposal cost			1,589,000	49,000
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Total impairment charge					11,100,000
Proceeds from sale of assets, net of disposal cost					31,000,000
Note receivable					6,400,000
Lease termination and other related costs					3,300,000
Asset disposal and exit costs				700,000
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member] | Impairment Charges [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Asset disposal and exit costs				300,000
Idaho Dairy Farm [Member] | Lease Liability [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Asset disposal and exit costs				400,000
Earthbound Farm [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred						608,700,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount		88,400,000				88,400,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net		608,665,000				608,665,000
Earthbound Farm [Member] | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Borrowing of senior secured credit facilities		615,000,000
So Delicious Dairy Free [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired	83,000,000
Amortization of intangible assets	29,800,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	196,625,000
Sofine Foods Bv [Member]
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of					$9,800,000

Acquisition_and_Divestitures_S

Acquisition and Divestitures - Schedule of Allocation of Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 02, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities assumed:
Goodwill	$1,051,347	$1,068,276
Earthbound Farm [Member]
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents			5,638
Inventories			22,299
Other current assets			54,260
Property, plant and equipment			147,390
Trademarks			150,700
Intangible assets with finite lives			104,900
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and other accruals			58,328
Income taxes and deferred taxes, net			26,857
Obligations under capital leases			22,646
Total identifiable net assets			377,356
Goodwill			231,309
Total purchase price			608,665
So Delicious Dairy Free [Member]
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents				1,552
Inventories				21,528
Other current assets				8,834
Property, plant and equipment				8,504
Trademarks				53,216
Intangible assets with finite lives				29,768
Liabilities assumed:
Accounts payable and other accruals				11,036
Other long-term liabilities				429
Total identifiable net assets				111,937
Goodwill				84,688
Total purchase price				$196,625

Acquisition_and_Divestitures_S1

Acquisition and Divestitures - Schedule of Liabilities Recorded (Detail) (Idaho Dairy Farm [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued charges at December 31, 2013	$3,306
Costs paid or otherwise settled	-1,128
Reversal of prior expense	-351
Accrued charges at March 31, 2014	1,827
Lease Liability [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued charges at December 31, 2013	2,674
Costs paid or otherwise settled	-583
Reversal of prior expense	-351
Accrued charges at March 31, 2014	1,740
Severance and related costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued charges at December 31, 2013	632
Costs paid or otherwise settled	-545
Reversal of prior expense	0
Accrued charges at March 31, 2014	$87

Joint_Venture_with_China_Mengn1

Joint Venture with China Mengniu Dairy Company - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 05, 2014	Jan. 05, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 05, 2014	Jan. 05, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Zhengzhou [Member]	Zhengzhou [Member]	Zhengzhou [Member]	Zhengzhou [Member]	Zhengzhou [Member]	Zhengzhou [Member]	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]	Foreign Line of Credit [Member]
			USD ($)	CNY	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CNY	Zhengzhou [Member]	Zhengzhou [Member]
									USD ($)	CNY
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's stake in the joint venture					49.00%		49.00%	49.00%
Partner's stake in the joint venture							51.00%	51.00%
Purchase price			$80,900,000	504,000,000
Equity of joint venture							60,300,000	376,700,000
Cash contribution to the joint venture	0	47,285,000			0	47,300,000
Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity									19,400,000	120,000,000
Percentage of the line of credit facility that the company has guaranteed									49.00%	49.00%
Amount of the line of credit that the company has guaranteed									9,500,000	58,800,000
Amount outstanding on the line of credit									6,500,000	40,000,000
Due diligence, investment advisors and regulatory matters expenses						$300,000

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$111,267	$101,418
Finished goods	112,025	114,251
Total	$223,292	$215,669

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
31-Dec-14	$1,068,276
Purchase adjustment	-169
Foreign currency translation	-16,760
31-Mar-15	1,051,347
Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
31-Dec-14	685,173
Purchase adjustment	-169
Foreign currency translation	0
31-Mar-15	685,004
Americas Fresh Foods [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
31-Dec-14	231,309
Purchase adjustment	0
Foreign currency translation	0
31-Mar-15	231,309
Europe Foods and Beverages [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
31-Dec-14	151,794
Purchase adjustment	0
Foreign currency translation	-16,760
31-Mar-15	$135,034

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Net Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	$708,707	$718,942
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-30,997	-28,801
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	677,710	690,141
Customer-related and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	157,500	158,302
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-28,583	-26,677
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	128,917	131,625
Supplier relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	12,000	12,000
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-1,200	-960
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	10,800	11,040
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	600	600
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-250	-200
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	350	400
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives, Gross carrying amount	968	968
Intangible assets with finite lives, Accumulated amortization	-964	-964
Intangible assets with finite lives, Net carrying amount	4	4
Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, Net carrying amount	$537,639	$547,072

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 02, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense on finite-lived intangible assets	$104.90	$2.80	$2.60

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Aggregate Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$12.10
2016	11.8
2017	11.6
2018	11.6
2019	$10.40

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate	35.00%	32.10%

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat2

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Summary of Outstanding Debt and Capital Lease Obligation (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	2.11%	2.11%
Interest rate	5.38%	5.38%
Capital lease obligations	$21,690	$21,980
Less current portion	-21,177	-21,158
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,506,888	1,495,822
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	500,000	500,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$1,006,375	$995,000

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat3

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Senior Secured Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 29, 2014	Oct. 12, 2012	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 02, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Financing costs		$12,400,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	800,000
Deferred Finance Costs, Gross	10,100,000
Amended Senior Credit Facility Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred Finance Costs, Gross	4,800,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt facility		5 years
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities		850,000,000
Outstanding borrowings			16,400,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings			5,900,000
Term Loan A-1 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt facility		5 years
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities		250,000,000
Incremental borrowing rate over LIBOR			1.75%
Term Loan A-2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt facility		7 years
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities		250,000,000
Incremental borrowing rate over LIBOR			2.00%
Term Loan A-3 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt facility				7 years
Debt issued				500,000,000
Capitalized financing fees				3,300,000
Accordion Feature [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional borrowings capacity				500,000,000
Swing Line Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities				85,000,000
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities			2,000,000,000
Outstanding borrowings			1,000,000,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings			990,000,000

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat4

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Alpro Revolving Credit Facility (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	Alpro [Member]	Alpro [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]	Subsidiary Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	Alpro [Member]	Alpro [Member]	Alpro [Member]
				USD ($)	EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of senior secured credit facilities	$21,500,000	€ 20,000,000		$21,500,000	€ 20,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	$0		$5,900,000
Debt instrument, maturity date						29-May-15

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat5

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Senior Unsecured Notes and Capital Lease Obligations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 17, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		5.38%	5.38%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issued	$500,000,000
Interest rate	5.38%
Repayment of debt	$490,700,000
Earthbound Farm [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease expiration date		2033
Minimum [Member] | Earthbound Farm [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on capital lease arrangements		3.10%
Maximum [Member] | Earthbound Farm [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate on capital lease arrangements		8.00%

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivative contracts	($2,979,000)	($802,000)
Term of purchase commitment, minimum	1 month
Term of purchase commitment, maximum	1 year
Foreign currency contract hedging activity to be reclassified within next 12 months	1,600,000
International [Member] | Long Lived Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of international operations	17.90%		18.60%
International [Member] | Net Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of international operations	18.80%		19.70%
Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps value	650,000,000
Interest rate swaps maturity date	31-Mar-17
Gains (losses) on derivative contracts	-3,800,000	-800,000
Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Dean Foods Net Investment [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps value	650,000,000
Interest rate swaps maturity date	31-Mar-17
Commodities contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain	$800,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Detail) (Interest rate swap contracts [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Interest rate swap contracts [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 and Fair Value Measurement - Derivatives Recorded at Fair Value in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$1,588	$1,159
Derivative liabilities	39,674	41,301
Current [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,588	1,159
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Current [Member] | Commodities contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	9,063	9,886
Current [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	17,542	17,562
Non Current [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	$13,069	$13,853

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement - Gains and Losses on Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Losses on foreign currency contracts	($12)	$160
(Gains)/losses on commodities contracts	$0	($823)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen6

Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Derivatives Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$22	$25
Assets	8,450	8,493
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured notes	539	516
Liabilities	40,213	41,817
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	2,635	2,635
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	4,205	4,674
Commodities contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets	1,588
Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets		1,159
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	9,063	9,886
Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	30,611	31,415
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	22	25
Assets	2,657	2,660
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured notes	539	516
Liabilities	539	516
Level 1 [Member] | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	2,635	2,635
Level 1 [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Commodities contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets	0
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets		0
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Assets	5,793	5,833
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured notes	0	0
Liabilities	39,674	41,301
Level 2 [Member] | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	4,205	4,674
Level 2 [Member] | Commodities contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets	1,588
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets		1,159
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	9,063	9,886
Level 2 [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	30,611	31,415
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured notes	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Assets:
Investments	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Commodities contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets	0
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Assets:
Derivative assets		0
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$0	$0

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$13,939,000	$11,739,000
Equity Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	4,676,000	4,540,000
Look back period of stock price volatility	6 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash received from stock option exercises	1,800,000
Total unrecognized stock option expense	13,100,000
Unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized period, years	1 year 6 months 14 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	5,953,000	5,085,000
Total unrecognized stock option expense	21,300,000
Unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized period, years	1 year 8 months 1 day
Stock units vesting period	3 years
Phantom Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	364,000	1,943,000
Stock units vesting period	3 years
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent	1,100,000		800,000
Share based compensation, cash settlement	300,000
Phantom Shares [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	400,000	1,900,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	779,000	171,000
Stock units vesting period	3 years
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent	1,900,000		1,100,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	2,167,000	0
Total unrecognized stock option expense	$2,000,000
Unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized period, years	2 years 1 month 20 days
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Expected Payout Percentage	100.00%
2012 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of award vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date	33.33%
Percentage of award vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date	33.33%
Percentage of award vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date	33.33%
Service period after reaching the age of 55	10 years
Age Requirement For Vesting Provision After Service Period	55
2012 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for issuance	20,000,000
Former Parent [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout Range Cash Performance Units	0.00%
Former Parent [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payout Range Cash Performance Units	200.00%
Vesting Tranche 1 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Percentage of Award Recognized	100.00%
Vesting Tranche 2 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Percentage of Award Recognized	50.00%
Vesting Tranche 3 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Percentage of Award Recognized	33.30%

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based compensation expense:
Share-based compensation expense	$13,939	$11,739
Equity Option [Member]
Share-based compensation expense:
Share-based compensation expense	4,676	4,540
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based compensation expense:
Share-based compensation expense	5,953	5,085
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based compensation expense:
Share-based compensation expense	2,167	0
Phantom Shares [Member]
Share-based compensation expense:
Share-based compensation expense	364	1,943
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based compensation expense:
Share-based compensation expense	$779	$171

ShareBased_Compensation_Weight

Share-Based Compensation - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of WhiteWave Stock Options Grants Issued (Detail) (WhiteWave Foods [Member], Employee Stock Option [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
WhiteWave Foods [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility minimum	28.00%	28.00%
Expected volatility maximum	29.00%	29.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected option term	6 years	6 years
Risk-free rate of return minimum	1.45%	1.82%
Risk-free rate of return maximum	1.79%	2.10%
Forfeiture rate	0.00%	0.00%

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of WhiteWave Foods Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in shares)	11,349,286
Granted (in shares)	653,328
Forfeited, canceled and expired (in shares)	-11,874
Exercised (in shares)	-821,895
Options outstanding at March 31, 2015 (in shares)	11,168,845
Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015 (in shares)	11,168,845
Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015 (in shares)	8,555,054
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$18.03
Granted (in dollars per share)	$38.86
Forfeited, canceled and expired (in dollars per share)	$24.56
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$23.97
Options outstanding at March 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$18.81
Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$18.81
Options exercisable at March 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$17.01
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Options outstanding at March 31, 2015 (Weighted average contractual life)	6 years 3 months 18 days
Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015 (Weighted average contractual life)	6 years 3 months 18 days
Options exercisable at March 31, 2015 (Weighted average contractual life)	5 years 7 months 10 days
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Options outstanding at March 31, 2015 (Aggregate intrinsic value)	$285,187,178
Options vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2015 (Aggregate intrinsic value)	285,187,178
Options exercisable at March 31, 2015 (Aggregate intrinsic value)	$233,831,425

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar2

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of WhiteWave Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares)	1,347,855
RSUs issued (in shares)	322,200
Shares issued upon vesting of RSUs (in shares)	-542,633
RSUs cancelled or forfeited (in shares)	-6,863
Outstanding ending balance (in shares)	1,120,559
Weighted average grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$26.97

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation - Schedule of PSU Activity (Details) (Performance Shares [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares)	0
PSUs issued (in shares)	107,358
Shares issued upon vesting of PSUs (in shares)	0
PSUs cancelled or forfeited (in shares)	0
Outstanding ending balance (in shares)	107,358
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$38.96

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar3

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of WhiteWave Phantom Share Activity (Detail) (Phantom Shares [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Phantom Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares)	32,146
Granted (in shares)	0
Converted/paid (in shares)	-7,081
Forfeited and canceled (in shares)	0
Outstanding ending balance (in shares)	25,065
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$16.19
Granted, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0
Converted/paid, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$15.16
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$16.48

ShareBased_Compensation_WhiteW

Share-Based Compensation - WhiteWave Stock Appreciation Rights Activity (Detail) (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding beginning balance (in shares)	263,520
Granted (in shares)	0
Exercised (in shares)	0
Outstanding ending balance (in shares)	263,520
SARs vested and expected to vest (in shares)	263,520
SARs exercisable, ending balance (in shares)	172,706
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Outstanding Weighted average exercise price, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$16.49
Granted, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited and canceled, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$0
Outstanding, Weighted average exercise price, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$16.49
SARs vested and expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$16.49
SARs exercisable, Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$16.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
SARs outstanding, Weighted average contractual life	7 years 7 months 28 days
SARs vested and expected to vest, Weighted average contractual life	7 years 7 months 28 days
SARs exercisable, Weighted average contractual life	7 years 7 months 28 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
SARs outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value	$7,339,441
SARs vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	7,339,441
SARs exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	$4,809,373

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning	($61,118)	($8,440)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-42,931	66
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	-12	659
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-42,943	725
Other comprehensive income/(loss), tax expense (benefit)	372	-303
Balance, Ending	-104,061	-7,715
Derivative instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning	774	205
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	484	-1,195
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	12	663
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	496	-532
Balance, Ending	1,270	-327
Minimum pension liability adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning	-2,050	-793
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	255	45
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	-24	-4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	231	41
Balance, Ending	-1,819	-752
Foreign currency translation adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning	-59,842	-7,852
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-43,670	1,216
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-43,670	1,216
Balance, Ending	($103,512)	($6,636)

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Addi

Employee Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	MultiEmployerPensionPlan
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of multiemployer pension plans	1

Employee_Retirement_Plans_Sche

Employee Retirement Plans - Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$444	$452
Interest cost	84	158
Expected return on plan assets	-68	-117
Prior service cost	0	3
Unrecognized net loss	24	1
Net periodic benefit cost	$484	$497

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Contingencies And Commitments [Line Items]
Rent expense	$5.60	$4.40
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)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	Facility
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Number Of Manufacturing Plants	9
Segment Geographical North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number Of Strategic Co Packers	3
Segment Geographical Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number Of Manufacturing Plants	3
Sales [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		14.40%	14.60%

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome3

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Summarized Income Statement Amounts by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Total net sales:
Total net sales	$911,142	$830,223
Operating income:
Total operating income	70,070	54,185
Other expense:
Interest expense	8,667	5,722
Other expense, net	3,801	808
Income before taxes	57,602	47,655
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	27,530	27,133
Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	640,726	558,510
Americas Fresh Foods [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	139,648	146,091
Europe Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	130,768	125,622
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	70,070	54,185
Other expense:
Interest expense	8,667	5,722
Income before taxes	57,602	47,655
Operating Segments [Member] | Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	73,942	66,037
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	16,493	14,928
Operating Segments [Member] | Americas Fresh Foods [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	7,763	8,537
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	6,032	6,256
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe Foods and Beverages [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	14,364	10,397
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	4,441	5,672
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	96,069	84,971
Corporate [Member]
Operating income:
Total operating income	-25,999	-30,786
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	$564	$277

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome4

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Sales Amounts by Product Categories (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Total net sales:
Total net sales	$911,142	$830,223
Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	640,726	558,510
Americas Fresh Foods [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	139,648	146,091
Europe Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	130,768	125,622
Plantbased Food And Beverages [Member] | Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	206,326	171,499
Coffee Creamers And Beverages [Member] | Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	257,769	233,166
Premium Dairy [Member] | Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	176,631	153,845
Organic Salads, Fruits, and Vegetables [Member] | Americas Fresh Foods [Member]
Total net sales:
Total net sales	$139,648	$146,091

Segment_Geographic_and_Custome5

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Summarized Balance Sheet Amounts by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Assets	$3,364,881		$3,372,841
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures	73,235	47,027
Operating Segments [Member]
Assets:
Assets	3,364,881		3,372,841
Operating Segments [Member] | Americas Foods and Beverages [Member]
Assets:
Assets	1,977,137		1,935,524
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures	46,731	35,010
Operating Segments [Member] | Americas Fresh Foods [Member]
Assets:
Assets	717,383		713,211
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures	5,998	3,270
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe Foods and Beverages [Member]
Assets:
Assets	524,718		563,963
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures	20,378	7,987
Corporate [Member]
Assets:
Assets	145,643		160,143
Capital expenditures:
Capital expenditures	$128	$760

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
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Basic earnings per share computation:
Net income	$33,347	$32,360
Weighted average common shares - basic (in shares)	174,693,383	173,623,354
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.19
Diluted earnings per share computation:
Net income	$33,347	$32,360
Weighted average common shares - basic (in shares)	174,693,383	173,623,354
Weighted average common shares - diluted (in shares)	179,152,184	176,763,409
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.18
Equity Option [Member]
Diluted earnings per share computation:
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount ( in shares)	306,268	1,341,572
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Diluted earnings per share computation:
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount ( in shares)	428	42,935
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Diluted earnings per share computation:
Stock option conversion and Stock units (in shares)	3,889,110	2,592,072
Stock Units [Member]
Diluted earnings per share computation:
Stock option conversion and Stock units (in shares)	569,691	547,983

Supplemental_Guarantor_Financi2

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,940	$50,240	$58,599	$101,105
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	212,348	192,692
Inventories	223,292	215,669
Deferred income taxes	29,585	30,263
Income tax receivable	6,123	14,455
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,130	35,868
Total current assets	536,418	539,187
Investment in equity method investments	38,625	43,160
Property, plant, and equipment, net	1,021,430	993,207
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	717,061	729,011
Goodwill	1,051,347	1,068,276
Total Assets	3,364,881	3,372,841
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	447,080	469,764
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	21,177	21,158
Income tax payable	2,400	496
Total current liabilities	470,657	491,418
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,506,888	1,495,822
Deferred income taxes	266,461	267,010
Other long-term liabilities	42,057	42,104
Total liabilities	2,286,063	2,296,354
Total shareholders’ equity	1,078,818	1,076,487	1,005,890	961,439
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,364,881	3,372,841
Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	30,940	50,240	58,599	101,105
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	212,348	192,692
Inventories	223,292	215,669
Deferred income taxes	29,585	30,263
Income tax receivable	6,123	14,455
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	34,130	35,868
Intercompany Receivable, Net, Current	0	0
Total current assets	536,418	539,187
Investment in equity method investments	38,625	43,160
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	1,021,430	993,207
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	717,061	729,011
Goodwill	1,051,347	1,068,276
Total Assets	3,364,881	3,372,841
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	447,080	469,764
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	21,177	21,158
Income tax payable	2,400	496
Intercompany payables	0	0
Total current liabilities	470,657	491,418
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,506,888	1,495,822
Deferred income taxes	266,461	267,010
Other long-term liabilities	42,057	42,104
Total liabilities	2,286,063	2,296,354
Total shareholders’ equity	1,078,818	1,076,487
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,364,881	3,372,841
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Income tax receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Intercompany Receivable, Net, Current	-1,388,687	-1,591,537
Total current assets	-1,388,687	-1,591,537
Investment in equity method investments	0	0
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	-2,371,348	-2,407,731
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-20,223	-20,835
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Total Assets	-3,780,258	-4,020,103
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	0	0
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	0	0
Income tax payable	0	0
Intercompany payables	-1,388,687	-1,591,537
Total current liabilities	-1,388,687	-1,591,537
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-20,223	-20,835
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	-1,408,910	-1,612,372
Total shareholders’ equity	-2,371,348	-2,407,731
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	-3,780,258	-4,020,103
Parent Company [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	2,419	317
Inventories	0	0
Deferred income taxes	12,462	12,305
Income tax receivable	6,123	13,382
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,017	4,632
Intercompany Receivable, Net, Current	996,108	1,087,095
Total current assets	1,020,129	1,117,731
Investment in equity method investments	2,865	0
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	1,970,399	1,968,899
Property, plant, and equipment, net	7,593	7,953
Deferred income taxes	20,223	20,835
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	32,192	31,803
Goodwill	0	0
Total Assets	3,053,401	3,147,221
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	45,214	41,478
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	20,000	20,000
Income tax payable	0	0
Intercompany payables	392,579	504,442
Total current liabilities	457,793	565,920
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,486,375	1,475,000
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	30,415	29,814
Total liabilities	1,974,583	2,070,734
Total shareholders’ equity	1,078,818	1,076,487
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,053,401	3,147,221
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,045	524	450	673
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	140,641	134,352
Inventories	191,065	182,770
Deferred income taxes	15,453	15,742
Income tax receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,293	18,318
Intercompany Receivable, Net, Current	392,579	504,442
Total current assets	761,076	856,148
Investment in equity method investments	0	3,000
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	400,949	438,832
Property, plant, and equipment, net	826,018	795,696
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	599,144	600,592
Goodwill	916,313	916,482
Total Assets	3,503,500	3,610,750
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	299,175	319,247
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	1,177	1,158
Income tax payable	0	0
Intercompany payables	969,331	1,062,081
Total current liabilities	1,269,683	1,382,486
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	20,513	20,822
Deferred income taxes	241,096	236,983
Other long-term liabilities	1,809	1,560
Total liabilities	1,533,101	1,641,851
Total shareholders’ equity	1,970,399	1,968,899
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,503,500	3,610,750
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	29,895	49,716	58,149	100,432
Trade receivables, net of allowance of $2,978 and $2,343	69,288	58,023
Inventories	32,227	32,899
Deferred income taxes	1,670	2,216
Income tax receivable	0	1,073
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,820	12,918
Intercompany Receivable, Net, Current	0	0
Total current assets	143,900	156,845
Investment in equity method investments	35,760	40,160
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	187,819	189,558
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Identifiable intangible and other assets, net	85,725	96,616
Goodwill	135,034	151,794
Total Assets	588,238	634,973
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	102,691	109,039
Current portion of debt and capital lease obligations	0	0
Income tax payable	2,400	496
Intercompany payables	26,777	25,014
Total current liabilities	131,868	134,549
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	0	0
Deferred income taxes	45,588	50,862
Other long-term liabilities	9,833	10,730
Total liabilities	187,289	196,141
Total shareholders’ equity	400,949	438,832
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$588,238	$634,973

Supplemental_Guarantor_Financi3

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$911,142	$830,223
Cost of goods sold	602,567	557,009
Gross profit	308,575	273,214
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	167,761	147,391
General and administrative	70,744	72,286
Asset disposal and exit costs	0	-648
Total operating expenses	238,505	219,029
Operating income	70,070	54,185
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	8,667	5,722
Other expense (income), net	3,801	808
Total other expense	12,468	6,530
Income before income taxes	57,602	47,655
Income tax expense	20,182	15,295
Loss in equity method investments	4,073	0
Net income	33,347	32,360
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-42,943	725
Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	911,142	830,223
Cost of goods sold	602,567	557,009
Gross profit	308,575	273,214
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	167,761	147,391
General and administrative	70,744	72,286
Asset disposal and exit costs		-648
Total operating expenses	238,505	219,029
Operating income	70,070	54,185
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	8,667	5,722
Other expense (income), net	3,801	808
Total other expense	12,468	6,530
Income before income taxes	57,602	47,655
Income tax expense	20,182	15,295
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	37,420	32,360
Loss in equity method investments	4,073
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Net income	33,347	32,360
Net income	-42,943	725
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-9,596	33,085
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Cost of goods sold	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	0	0
General and administrative	0	0
Asset disposal and exit costs		0
Total operating expenses	0	0
Operating income	0	0
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	0	0
Other expense (income), net	0	0
Total other expense	0	0
Income before income taxes	0	0
Income tax expense	0	0
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	0	0
Loss in equity method investments	0
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	-41,071	-43,281
Net income	-41,071	-43,281
Net income	86,612	-1,959
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	45,541	-45,240
Parent Company [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Cost of goods sold	0	0
Gross profit	0	0
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	0	0
General and administrative	24,187	30,074
Asset disposal and exit costs		0
Total operating expenses	24,187	30,074
Operating income	-24,187	-30,074
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	8,337	5,365
Other expense (income), net	-30,514	-32,854
Total other expense	-22,177	-27,489
Income before income taxes	-2,010	-2,585
Income tax expense	-73	373
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	-1,937	-2,958
Loss in equity method investments	135
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	35,419	35,318
Net income	33,347	32,360
Net income	-42,943	725
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-9,596	33,085
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	780,374	704,601
Cost of goods sold	528,005	483,095
Gross profit	252,369	221,506
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	137,711	118,130
General and administrative	32,952	29,451
Asset disposal and exit costs		-648
Total operating expenses	170,663	146,933
Operating income	81,706	74,573
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	263	321
Other expense (income), net	34,312	33,655
Total other expense	34,575	33,976
Income before income taxes	47,131	40,597
Income tax expense	17,364	13,242
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	29,767	27,355
Loss in equity method investments	0
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	5,652	7,963
Net income	35,419	35,318
Net income	-42,943	725
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-7,524	36,043
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	130,768	125,622
Cost of goods sold	74,562	73,914
Gross profit	56,206	51,708
Operating expenses:
Selling, distribution, and marketing	30,050	29,261
General and administrative	13,605	12,761
Asset disposal and exit costs		0
Total operating expenses	43,655	42,022
Operating income	12,551	9,686
Other expense (income):
Interest expense	67	36
Other expense (income), net	3	7
Total other expense	70	43
Income before income taxes	12,481	9,643
Income tax expense	2,891	1,680
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	9,590	7,963
Loss in equity method investments	3,938
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Net income	5,652	7,963
Net income	-43,669	1,234
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($38,017)	$9,197

Supplemental_Guarantor_Financi4

Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$64,416,000	$67,591,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments	0	-47,285,000
Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638	0	-603,373,000
Cash acquired from acquisition	0	5,638,000
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	346,000	0
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-91,703,000	-65,017,000
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	1,589,000	49,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-89,768,000	-715,626,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from the issuance of debt	0	500,000,000
Repayment of debt	-5,000,000	-5,000,000
Payments of capital lease obligations	-290,000	-253,000
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	83,125,000	295,100,000
Payments on revolver line of credit	-66,750,000	-182,310,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,830,000	2,415,000
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	-7,484,000	-2,547,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,778,000	1,028,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-39,000	-3,372,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,170,000	605,061,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4,118,000	468,000
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-19,300,000	-42,506,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	50,240,000	101,105,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	30,940,000	58,599,000
Operating Segments [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	64,416,000	67,591,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments		-47,285,000
Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638		-603,373,000
Cash acquired from acquisition		5,638,000
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	346,000
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-91,703,000	-65,017,000
Intercompany contributions	0	0
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	1,589,000	49,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-89,768,000	-715,626,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Intercompany contributions	0	0
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		500,000,000
Repayment of debt	-5,000,000	-5,000,000
Payments of capital lease obligations	-290,000	-253,000
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	83,125,000	295,100,000
Payments on revolver line of credit	-66,750,000	-182,310,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,830,000	2,415,000
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	-7,484,000	-2,547,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,778,000	1,028,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-39,000	-3,372,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,170,000	605,061,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4,118,000	468,000
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-19,300,000	-42,506,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	50,240,000	101,105,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	30,940,000	58,599,000
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	0
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments		0
Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638		0
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	0
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	0	0
Intercompany contributions	32,900,000	592,155,000
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	32,900,000	592,155,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Intercompany contributions	-32,900,000	-592,155,000
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		0
Repayment of debt	0	0
Payments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	0	0
Payments on revolver line of credit	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	-32,900,000	-592,155,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Parent Company [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	22,628,000	-12,732,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments		0
Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638		0
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	0
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-188,000	-427,000
Intercompany contributions	-32,900,000	-592,155,000
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-33,088,000	-592,582,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Intercompany contributions	0	0
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		500,000,000
Repayment of debt	-5,000,000	-5,000,000
Payments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	83,125,000	295,100,000
Payments on revolver line of credit	-66,750,000	-182,310,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,830,000	2,415,000
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	-7,484,000	-2,547,000
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	4,778,000	1,028,000
Payment of deferred financing costs	-39,000	-3,372,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	10,460,000	605,314,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	38,554,000	69,147,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments		0
Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638		-603,373,000
Cash acquired from acquisition		5,638,000
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	346,000
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-71,504,000	-57,605,000
Intercompany contributions	0	0
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	1,589,000	49,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-69,569,000	-660,929,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Intercompany contributions	31,826,000	591,812,000
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		0
Repayment of debt	0	0
Payments of capital lease obligations	-290,000	-253,000
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	0	0
Payments on revolver line of credit	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	31,536,000	591,559,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	521,000	-223,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	524,000	673,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	1,045,000	450,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	3,234,000	11,176,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equity method investments		-47,285,000
Payments for acquisition, net of cash acquired of $5,638		0
Proceeds from acquisition adjustments	0
Payments for property, plant, and equipment	-20,011,000	-6,985,000
Intercompany contributions	0	0
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-20,011,000	-54,270,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Intercompany contributions	1,074,000	343,000
Proceeds from the issuance of debt		0
Repayment of debt	0	0
Payments of capital lease obligations	0	0
Proceeds from revolver line of credit	0	0
Payments on revolver line of credit	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for restricted stock units	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,074,000	343,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-4,118,000	468,000
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-19,821,000	-42,283,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	49,716,000	100,432,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$29,895,000	$58,149,000