CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (8,508)	$ (20,296)	$ 819,357
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Cumulative translation adjustment	(1,333)	(802)	(10,791)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax:
Change in fair value of derivative instruments	(87)	(116)	(81)
Less: reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income	0	(220)	58,784
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax:
Prior service costs arising during the period	(43)	(659)	0
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	(5,036)	(30,159)	37,621
Less: amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost	5,679	4,163	9,452
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	0	0	415,783
Less: Reclassifications to income statement related to disposition of available-for-sale securities	0	0	(415,783)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(820)	(27,793)	94,985
Comprehensive income (loss)	(9,328)	(48,089)	914,342
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	0	0	4,795
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Dean Foods Company	$ (9,328)	$ (48,089)	$ 909,547