CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 118,011	$ 204,193
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(18) and $12, respectively	30	(19)
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $4,176 and $1,255, respectively	(6,885)	(2,069)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(6,855)	(2,088)
Comprehensive income	111,156	202,105
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(360)	(22)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 111,516	$ 202,127