Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Segment Profit or Loss Other Than Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating income:
Dean Foods	$ 223,115	$ 26,777	$ 202,720
Facility closing and reorganization costs	(19,844)	(4,460)	(27,008)
Litigation settlements	0	2,521	1,019
Impairment other long-lived assets	(109,910)	(20,820)	(43,441)
Other operating income (loss)	0	4,535	(2,494)
Operating income	93,361	8,553	130,796
Other (income) expense:
Interest expense	66,813	61,019	200,558
Loss on early retirement of long-term debt	43,609	1,437	63,387
Gain on disposition of WhiteWave common stock	0	0	(415,783)
Other income, net	(3,751)	(1,620)	(400)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ (13,310)	$ (52,283)	$ 283,034