Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 27,559	$ 13,705	$ 59,433	$ 32,138
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1	(4)	(3)	(4)
Defined benefit plans reclassification included in pension costs:
Actuarial loss	490	277	1,467	795
Prior service costs	7	5	18	16
Postretirement benefits reclassification included in benefits costs:
Actuarial loss	442	344	1,323	1,035
Prior service costs	(518)	(231)	(1,550)	(696)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	422	391	1,255	1,146
Comprehensive income	27,981	14,096	60,688	33,284
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,006	1,573	4,722	3,774
Comprehensive income attributable to Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated	$ 25,975	$ 12,523	$ 55,966	$ 29,510