Employee Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans - Information Regarding Contribution in Multiemployer Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	$ 27,181	$ 29,231	$ 30,073
Dean Foods Company
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	27,200	29,200	30,100
Dean Foods Company | Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	$ 14,000	13,200	13,800
Surcharge Imposed	No
Dean Foods Company | Central States Southeast And Southwest Areas Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	$ 9,500	9,500	8,600
Surcharge Imposed	No
Dean Foods Company | Retail Wholesale Department Store International Union And Industry Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	$ 1,300	1,300	1,800
Surcharge Imposed	No
Dean Foods Company | Dairy Industry Union Pension Plan For Philadelphia Vicinity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	$ 2,100	2,100	1,900
Surcharge Imposed	No
Dean Foods Company | All Other Multiemployer Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total contribution	$ 300	$ 3,100	$ 4,000