INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 788,722	$ 790,305
Live Chicken and Hens [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	366,463	363,438
Feed, Eggs and Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	199,638	198,681
Finished Chicken Products [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	222,118	227,649
Chicken Inventories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	788,219	789,768
Commercial Feed and Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 503	$ 537