CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (500,804)	$ (327,358)	$ 61,588
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax:
Prior service costs arising during the period	0	0	(819)
Net gain (loss) arising during the period	4,144	(9,971)	4,958
Less: amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic benefit cost	9,300	6,621	7,084
Other comprehensive income (loss)	13,444	(3,350)	11,223
Comprehensive income (loss)	(487,360)	(330,708)	72,811
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	862	458	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Dean Foods Company	$ (486,498)	$ (330,250)	$ 72,811