| Cover | Mar. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 27, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-12755 |
| Entity Registrant Name | DEAN FOODS COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000931336 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 75-2559681 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2711 North Haskell Ave. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 3400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75204 |
| City Area Code | 214 |
| Local Phone Number | 303-3400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
