Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,934,997	$ 1,937,620	$ 1,926,722	$ 1,995,686	$ 2,018,009	$ 1,964,601	$ 1,848,788	$ 1,878,828	$ 7,795,025	$ 7,710,226	$ 8,121,661
Gross profit	446,432	441,740	467,380	462,125	501,420	488,775	493,253	504,068	1,817,677	1,987,516	1,974,409
Income (loss) from continuing operations	49,507	(9,973)	17,647	(9,759)	33,519	14,526	33,371	39,201	47,422	120,617	(8,081)
Net income (loss)	$ 52,318	$ 1,382	$ 17,647	$ (9,759)	$ 32,831	$ 14,526	$ 33,371	$ 39,201	$ 61,588	$ 119,929	$ (8,508)
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Basic (USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ (0.11)	$ 0.19	$ (0.11)	$ 0.37	$ 0.16	$ 0.37	$ 0.43	$ 0.68	$ 1.32	$ (0.09)
Diluted (USD per share)	$ 0.54	$ (0.11)	$ 0.19	$ (0.11)	$ 0.37	$ 0.16	$ 0.36	$ 0.43	$ 0.67	$ 1.31	$ (0.09)
Facility closing and reorganization costs, net of tax	$ 1,200	$ 4,800	$ 3,600	$ 5,700	$ (200)	$ 5,700	$ (900)	$ 700
Income tax benefit related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	(43,700)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		11,400							$ 11,291	$ (312)	$ (1,095)
WhiteWave Foods
Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Impairments of plant, property and equipment	$ 5,700	$ 25,000