CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 190,445	$ 190,791	$ 288,632	$ 245,019
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $(3), $0, $(20) and $0, respectively	7	0	(29)	0
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $2,200, $0, $5,709 and $0, respectively	(3,629)	25,391	(9,415)	35,801
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(3,622)	25,391	(9,444)	35,801
Comprehensive income	186,823	216,182	279,188	280,820
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	85	86	155	(268)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	85	86	155	(268)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 186,738	$ 216,096	$ 279,033	$ 281,088