Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 25, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Machinery and plant equipment	$ 137,357	$ 123,932
Kegs	43,737	43,706
Land	24,249	24,463
Building and building improvements	25,220	25,645
Office equipment and furniture	11,047	12,367
Leasehold improvements	3,717	3,899
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	245,327	234,012
Less accumulated depreciation	101,741	91,123
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 143,586	$ 142,889