CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (64,863)	$ (40,094)	$ (126,690)	$ (40,359)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Pension and other postretirement liability adjustment, net of tax	2,420	1,602	4,548	3,226
Other comprehensive income	2,420	1,602	4,548	3,226
Reclassification of stranded tax effects related to the Tax Act	0	0	0	(16,847)
Comprehensive loss	(62,443)	(38,492)	(122,142)	(53,980)
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	392	0	645	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to Dean Foods Company	$ (62,051)	$ (38,492)	$ (121,497)	$ (53,980)