CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (61,827)	$ (265)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Pension and other postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax	2,128	1,624
Other comprehensive income	2,128	1,624
Reclassification of stranded tax effects related to the Tax Act	0	(16,847)
Comprehensive loss	(59,699)	(15,488)
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	253	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Dean Foods Company	$ (59,446)	$ (15,488)