Net Loss Per Share - Computation of Basic Net Loss Per Share and Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2017	Apr. 03, 2016
Numerator for basic and diluted net loss per Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share:
Net loss attributable to Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated	$ (5,051)	$ (10,041)
Less dividends:
Dividends on Common Stock	1,785	1,785
Total undistributed earnings – basic	(7,379)	(12,364)
Total undistributed earnings - diluted	(7,379)	(12,364)
Numerator for basic net loss per Common Stock share:
Numerator for basic net loss per Common Stock share	(3,869)	(7,711)
Numerator for diluted net loss per Common Stock share:
Numerator for diluted net loss per Common Stock share	$ (5,051)	$ (10,041)
Denominator for basic net loss per common share:
Weighted average number of Common Stock shares outstanding	7,141	7,141
Denominator for diluted net loss per common share:
Weighted average number of Common Stock shares outstanding – assuming dilution	9,319	9,298
Basic net loss per share:
Common Stock	$ (0.54)	$ (1.08)
Diluted net loss per share:
Common Stock	$ (0.54)	$ (1.08)
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Less dividends:
Dividends on Common Stock	$ 543	$ 538
Total undistributed earnings – basic	(1,725)	(2,868)
Total undistributed earnings - diluted	(1,725)	(2,868)
Numerator for basic net loss per Common Stock share:
Numerator for basic net loss per Common Stock share	(1,182)	(2,330)
Numerator for diluted net loss per Common Stock share:
Numerator for diluted net loss per Common Stock share	$ (1,182)	$ (2,330)
Denominator for basic net loss per common share:
Weighted average number of Common Stock shares outstanding	2,178	2,157
Denominator for diluted net loss per common share:
Weighted average number of Common Stock shares outstanding – assuming dilution	2,178	2,157
Basic net loss per share:
Common Stock	$ (0.54)	$ (1.08)
Diluted net loss per share:
Common Stock	$ (0.54)	$ (1.08)
Common Stock [Member]
Less dividends:
Total undistributed earnings – basic	$ (5,654)	$ (9,496)
Total undistributed earnings - diluted	$ (5,654)	$ (9,496)