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Document And Entity Information - shares
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Aug. 03, 2017
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name LIFEWAY FOODS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000814586  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2017  
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   16,068,430
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017