Business Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment income from operations	$ 356,990	$ 299,730	$ 319,812
Nestle Food Company
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Percentage of net sales	10.20%	11.50%	11.10%