Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Segment Profit or Loss Other Than Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating income:
Dean Foods		$ 26,777	$ 202,720	$ 259,013
Facility closing and reorganization costs		(4,460)	(27,008)	(55,787)
Litigation settlements		2,521	1,019	0
Impairment other long-lived assets		(20,820)	(43,441)	0
Other operating income (loss)		4,535	(2,494)	57,459
Operating income		8,553	130,796	260,685
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense		61,019	200,558	150,589
Loss on early retirement of long-term debt	63,300	1,437	63,387	0
Gain on disposition of WhiteWave common stock		0	(415,783)	0
Other income, net		(1,620)	(400)	(1,664)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		$ (52,283)	$ 283,034	$ 111,760