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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Mar. 01, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name LIFEWAY FOODS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000814586    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer No    
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   16,154,095  
Entity Public Float     $ 44,803,227
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016