CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 204,193us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 98,187us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Other comprehensive income:
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit (expense) of $12 and $(17), respectively	(19)	(36)
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $1,255 and $3,509, respectively	(2,069)	(5,786)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(2,088)	(5,822)
Comprehensive income	202,105	92,365
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(22)	70
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 202,127us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 92,295us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of (increase) decrease in the value of the projected benefit obligation related to a change in an actuarial assumption and increase (decrease) in the value of the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments, of appreciation (loss) in value of unsold available-for-sale securities. Excludes amounts related to other than temporary impairment (OTTI) loss.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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