2.2.0.7 false BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policy) 20102 - Disclosure - BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policy) true false false false 1 USD false false Unit12 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit13 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Unit1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit14 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 0 us-gaap_GeneralPoliciesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 3 Cash and Cash Equivalents 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents consist of investments in short-term, highly liquid securities having original maturities of three months or less, which are made as part of our cash management activity. The carrying values of these assets approximate their fair values. We primarily utilize a cash management system with a series of separate accounts consisting of lockbox accounts for receiving cash, concentration accounts where funds are moved to, and several zero-balance disbursement accounts for funding payroll, accounts payable, livestock procurement, grower payments, etc. As a result of our cash management system, checks issued, but not presented to the banks for payment, may result in negative book cash balances. These negative book cash balances are included in accounts payable and other current liabilities. At October 2, 2010, and October 3, 2009, checks outstanding in excess of related book cash balances totaled approximately $267 million and $254 million, respectively. </div> Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents consist of investments in short-term, highly liquid securities having original maturities of three months or less, false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock A description of a company's cash and cash equivalents accounting policy. An entity shall disclose its policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carrying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the customer may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. In addition, cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. For a bank, may include explanation and amount of requirement to maintain reserves against deposits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 203 -Paragraph 02-03 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Technical Practice Aid (TPA) -Number 2110 -Paragraph 6 false 4 Accounts Receivable 1 us-gaap_ReceivablesPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Accounts Receivable: We record accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect any loss anticipated on the accounts receivable balances and charged to the provision for doubtful accounts. We calculate this allowance based on our history of write-offs, level of past due accounts and relationships with and economic status of our customers. At October 2, 2010, and October 3, 2009, our allowance for uncollectible accounts was $32 million and $33 million, respectively. We generally do not have collateral for our receivables, but we do periodically evaluate the credit worthiness of our customers. </div> Accounts Receivable: We record accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an appropriate allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivable, and finance, loan and lease receivables, including those classified as held for investment and held for sale. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the valuation allowance for receivables is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatment of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions (8) the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3-5 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 114 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 92-5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 01-6 -Paragraph 13 false 5 Inventories 1 us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Inventories: Processed products, livestock and supplies and other are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes purchased raw materials, live purchase costs, growout costs (primarily feed, contract grower pay and catch and haul costs), labor and manufacturing and production overhead, which are related to the purchase and production of inventories.   <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" align="center"> <tr><td width="84%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="3%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="3%"> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2">    in millions</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="right">2010</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" colspan="2" align="right">2009</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top">   Processed products:</td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#c3f9f5"><td valign="top">         Weighted-average method – chicken and prepared foods</td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">$721</td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">$629</td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td></tr> <tr><td valign="top">         First-in, first-out method – beef and pork</td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">462</td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">414</td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#c3f9f5"><td valign="top">   Livestock – first-in, first-out method</td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">759</td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td valign="bottom" align="right">631</td> <td valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="top">   Supplies and other – weighted-average method</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" align="right">332</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" align="right">335</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid;" valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td></tr> <tr bgcolor="#c3f9f5"><td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="top">   Total inventory, net</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom" align="right">$2,274</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom">  </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom"> </td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom" align="right">$2,009</td> <td style="border-bottom: #000000 2px solid;" valign="bottom" nowrap="nowrap">  </td></tr></table>   </div> Inventories: Processed products, livestock and supplies and other are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes purchased raw materials, live false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policies covering its major classes of inventories, bases of stating inventories (for example lower of cost or market), methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes (for example FIFO, LIFO, or average cost), loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. If inventory is carried at cost, this description includes the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 206 -Chapter 2 -Paragraph b -Subparagraph i, ii Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 4 -Paragraph 3, 5-10, 15, 16, 17 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 81-1 -Paragraph 69-75 false 6 Property, Plant and Equipment 1 us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line method, using estimated lives for buildings and leasehold improvements of 10 to 33 years, machinery and equipment of three to 12 years and land improvements and other of three to 20 years. Major repairs and maintenance costs that significantly extend the useful life of the related assets are capitalized. Normal repairs and maintenance costs are charged to operations. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets at each balance sheet date if indication of impairment exists. Recoverability is assessed using undiscounted cash flows based on historical results and current projections of earnings before interest and taxes. We measure impairment as the excess of carrying cost over the fair value of an asset. The fair value of an asset is measured using discounted cash flows including market participant assumptions of future operating results and discount rates. </div> Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line method, using estimated lives for buildings false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for property, plant and equipment which may include the basis of such assets, depreciation methods used and estimated useful lives, the entity's capitalization policy, including its accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities, whether such asset balances include capitalized interest and the method by which such is calculated, how disposals of such assets are accounted for and how impairment of such assets is assessed and recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 9 -Section C -Paragraph 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 12, 13 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph d false 7 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 1 tsn_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTextBlock tsn false na duration Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> <div> Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value and not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Our goodwill is allocated by reporting unit, and we follow a two-step process to evaluate if a potential impairment exists. The first step is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount, then goodwill is not considered impaired. However, if the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination (i.e., the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities, including any unrecognized intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit). We have elected to make the first day of the fourth quarter the annual impairment assessment date for goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets. We have estimated the fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis, which uses significant unobservable inputs, or Level 3 inputs, as defined by the fair value hierarchy. This analysis requires us to make various judgmental estimates and assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount factors and are believed to reflect market participant views which would exist in an exit transaction. Generally, we utilize normalized operating margin assumptions based on long-term expectations and operating margins historically realized in the reporting units' industries. For our fiscal 2010 impairment test, none of our material reporting units' operating margin assumptions were in excess of the annual margins realized in the most recent year. Some of the inherent estimates and assumptions used in determining fair value of the reporting units are outside the control of management, including interest rates, cost of capital, tax rates, and credit ratings. While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, we may be required to perform the second step in future years, which could result in material impairments of our goodwill. During fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, all of our reporting units passed the first step of the goodwill impairment analysis, with the exception of an immaterial Chicken segment reporting unit in fiscal 2010 and the Beef reporting unit in fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2010, we recorded a non-cash $29 million full impairment of an immaterial Chicken segment reporting unit's goodwill. In fiscal 2009, we recorded a $560 million partial impairment of our Beef reporting unit's goodwill, which was driven by an increase in our discount rate used in the 2009 annual goodwill impairment analysis as a result of disruptions in global credit and other financial markets and deterioration of economic conditions. For our other indefinite life intangible assets, if the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The fair value of trademarks is determined using a royalty rate method based on expected revenues by trademark. </div> </div> Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value and not amortized, but are reviewed false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets No authoritative reference available. false 8 Investments 1 us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Investments: We have investments in joint ventures and other entities. We use the cost method of accounting when our voting interests are less than 20 percent. We use the equity method of accounting when our voting interests are in excess of 20 percent and we do not have a controlling interest or a variable interest in which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in joint ventures and other entities are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other Assets. We also have investments in marketable debt securities. We have determined all of our marketable debt securities are available-for-sale investments. These investments are reported at fair value based on quoted market prices as of the balance sheet date, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in other comprehensive income. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization is recorded in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized gains and losses on the sale of debt securities and declines in value judged to be other than temporary are recorded on a net basis in other income. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in interest income. </div> Investments: We have investments in joint ventures and other entities. We use the cost method of accounting when our voting interests are less than 20 percent. false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policies for investments in financial assets, including marketable securities (debt and equity securities with readily determinable fair values), investments accounted for under the equity method and cost method, securities borrowed and loaned, and repurchase and resale agreements. For marketable securities, the description may include the entity's accounting treatment for transfers between investment categories and how the fair values for such securities are determined. Also, for all investments, an entity may describe its policy for assessing, recognizing and measuring impairment of the investment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 7-16 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 2, 12 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section M Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7-18 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 107 -Paragraph 10, 11 false 9 Accrued Self Insurance 1 tsn_AccruedSelfInsuranceTextBlock tsn false na duration Accrued Self Insurance false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Accrued Self Insurance: We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms in an effort to mitigate the potential liabilities for health and welfare, workers' compensation, auto liability and general liability risks. Liabilities associated with our risks retained are estimated, in part, by considering claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. </div> Accrued Self Insurance: We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms in an effort to mitigate the potential liabilities for health and false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Accrued Self Insurance No authoritative reference available. false 10 Financial Instruments 1 us-gaap_DerivativesPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Financial Instruments: We purchase certain commodities, such as grains and livestock in the course of normal operations. As part of our commodity risk management activities, we use derivative financial instruments, primarily futures and options, to reduce our exposure to various market risks related to these purchases, as well as to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Contract terms of a financial instrument qualifying as a hedge instrument closely mirror those of the hedged item, providing a high degree of risk reduction and correlation. Contracts designated and highly effective at meeting risk reduction and correlation criteria are recorded using hedge accounting. If a derivative instrument is accounted for as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the instrument will be offset either against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of an instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings as a component of cost of sales. Instruments we hold as part of our risk management activities that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting are marked to fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported currently in earnings. Changes in market value of derivatives used in our risk management activities relating to forward sales contracts are recorded in sales, while changes surrounding inventories on hand or anticipated purchases of inventories or supplies are recorded in cost of sales. We generally do not hedge anticipated transactions beyond 18 months. </div> Financial Instruments: We purchase certain commodities, such as grains and livestock in the course of normal operations. As part of our commodity risk false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policies for its derivative instruments and hedging activities. Disclosure may include: (1) Each method used to account for derivative financial instruments and derivative commodity instruments ("derivatives"); (2) the types of derivatives accounted for under each method; (3) the criteria required to be met for each accounting method used, including a discussion of the criteria required to be met for hedge or deferral accounting and accrual or settlement accounting (for example: whether and how risk reduction, correlation, designation, and effectiveness tests are applied); (4) the accounting method used if the criteria specified for hedge accounting are not met; (5) the method used to account for termination of derivatives designated as hedges or derivatives used to affect directly or indirectly the terms, fair values, or cash flows of a designated item; (6) the method used to account for derivatives when the designated item matures, is sold, is extinguished, or is terminated. In addition, the method used to account for derivatives designated to an anticipated transaction, when the anticipated transaction is no longer likely to occur; and (7) where and when derivatives, and their related gains (losses) are reported in the statement of financial position, cash flows, and results of operations and (8) an accounting policy decision to offset fair value amounts with counterparties. An entity should also consider describing its embedded derivatives, and the method(s) used to determine the fair values of derivatives and any significant assumptions used in such valuations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph n -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 39 -Paragraph 10 false 11 Revenue Recognition 1 us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue when title and risk of loss are transferred to customers, which is generally on delivery based on terms of sale. Revenue is recognized as the net amount estimated to be received after deducting estimated amounts for discounts, trade allowances and product terms. </div> Revenue Recognition: We recognize revenue when title and risk of loss are transferred to customers, which is generally on delivery based on terms of sale. false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction should be disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 13 -Section B -Paragraph Question 1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8, 12, 13 false 12 Litigation Reserves 1 us-gaap_LegalCostsPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false terselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Litigation Reserves: There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against us. Accruals are recorded when it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law, progress of each case, opinions and views of legal counsel and other advisers, our experience in similar matters and intended response to the litigation. These amounts, which are not discounted and are exclusive of claims against third parties, are adjusted periodically as assessment efforts progress or additional information becomes available. We expense amounts for administering or litigating claims as incurred. Accruals for legal proceedings are included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. </div> Litigation Reserves: There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against us. Accruals are recorded when it is probable a liability has been false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for legal costs incurred to protect or defend the entity's assets and rights, or to obtain assets, including monetary damages, or to obtain rights. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 false 13 Freight Expense 1 us-gaap_ShippingAndHandlingCostPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Freight Expense: Freight expense associated with products shipped to customers is recognized in cost of sales. </div> Freight Expense: Freight expense associated with products shipped to customers is recognized in cost of sales. false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Description of the accounting policy associated with the classification of shipping and handling costs including whether the costs are included in cost of sales or included in other income statement accounts. If shipping and handling fees are significant and are not included in cost of sales, disclosure includes both the amounts of such costs and the line item on the income statement which includes such costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 22 -Paragraph 8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 00-10 -Paragraph 6 false 14 Advertising and Promotion Expenses 1 us-gaap_AdvertisingCostsPolicyTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Advertising and Promotion Expenses: Advertising and promotion expenses are charged to operations in the period incurred. Customer incentive and trade promotion activities are recorded as a reduction to sales based on amounts estimated as being due to customers, based primarily on historical utilization and redemption rates, while other advertising and promotional activities are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising and promotion expenses for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $505 million, $491 million and $495 million, respectively. </div> Advertising and Promotion Expenses: Advertising and promotion expenses are charged to operations in the period incurred. Customer incentive and trade promotion false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Describes an entity's accounting policy for advertising costs. For those costs that cannot be capitalized, discloses whether such costs are expensed as incurred or the first period in which the advertising takes place. For direct response advertising costs that are capitalized, describes those assets and the accounting policy used, including a description of the qualifying activity, the types of costs capitalized and the related amortization period. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for cooperative advertising arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 93-7 -Paragraph 49 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 02-16 -Paragraph 6 false 15 Research and Development 1 tsn_ResearchAndDevelopmentTextBlock tsn false na duration Research And Development false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 <div> Research and Development: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $38 million, $33 million and $30 million in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. </div> Research and Development: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $38 million, $33 million and $30 false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock Research And Development No authoritative reference available. false 1 14 false UnKnown UnKnown UnKnown false true