diff --git a/modules/file/file.field.inc b/modules/file/file.field.inc
index 35696dd..3002911 100644
--- a/modules/file/file.field.inc
+++ b/modules/file/file.field.inc
@@ -952,6 +952,10 @@ function theme_file_upload_help($variables) {
 function file_field_formatter_view($entity_type, $entity, $field, $instance, $langcode, $items, $display) {
   $element = array();
 
+  if (empty($items)) {
+    return;
+  }
+
   switch ($display['type']) {
     case 'file_default':
       foreach ($items as $delta => $item) {