Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Segment Profit or Loss Other Than Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating income:
Dean Foods	$ 138,843	$ 272,387	$ 223,115
Facility closing and reorganization costs, net	(24,913)	(8,719)	(19,844)
Impairment of intangible and long-lived assets	(30,668)	0	(109,910)
Operating income	83,262	263,668	93,361
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense	64,961	66,795	66,813
Loss on early retirement of long-term debt	0	0	43,609
Other income, net	(2,942)	(5,778)	(3,751)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 21,243	$ 202,651	$ (13,310)