GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - Jul. 26, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Total
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 1,228,933	$ 1,226,406
Purchase adjustments	6,916	10,400
Disposal		(957)
Goodwill acquired	743,058	743,058
Balance at the end of the period	1,978,907	1,978,907
Grocery Products
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	322,421	322,942
Disposal		(521)
Balance at the end of the period	322,421	322,421
Refrigerated Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	96,208	96,643
Disposal		(435)
Goodwill acquired	743,058	743,058
Balance at the end of the period	839,266	839,266
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	203,214	203,214
Balance at the end of the period	203,214	203,214
Specialty Foods
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	474,341	470,857
Purchase adjustments	6,916	10,400
Balance at the end of the period	481,257	481,257
International & Other
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	132,749	132,750
Disposal		(1)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 132,749	$ 132,749