| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 08, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Primo Water Corp /CN/ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000884713 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 8, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | Z4 |
| Entity File Number | 001-31410 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0154711 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Corporate Center III |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tampa |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Country | US |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 33607 |
| City Area Code | (813) |
| Local Phone Number | 313-1732 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common shares without nominal or par value |
| Trading Symbol | PRMW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
