Segment, Geographic and Customers Information - Segment Profit or Loss Other Than Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Facility closing and reorganization costs	$ (27,008)	$ (55,787)	$ (45,688)
Litigation settlements	1,019		(131,300)
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	(43,441)		(2,075,836)
Other operating income (loss)	(2,494)	57,459	13,785
Operating income (loss)	130,796	260,685	(2,076,425)
Interest expense	200,558	150,589	177,449
Loss on early retirement of debt	(63,387)
Gain on disposition of WhiteWave common stock	(415,783)
Other income, net	(400)	(1,664)	(2,037)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	283,034	111,760	(2,251,837)
Ongoing Dean Foods
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income	202,720	259,013	162,614
Facility closing and reorganization costs	(27,008)	(55,787)	(45,688)
Litigation settlements	1,019		(131,300)
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	(43,441)		(2,075,836)
Other operating income (loss)	(2,494)	57,459	13,785
Operating income (loss)	130,796	260,685	(2,076,425)
Interest expense	200,558	150,589	177,449
Loss on early retirement of debt	63,387
Gain on disposition of WhiteWave common stock	(415,783)
Other income, net	(400)	(1,664)	(2,037)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 283,034	$ 111,760	$ (2,251,837)