STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total reclassification for the period	$ 38	$ (60)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total before tax	61	(97)
Tax benefit (expense)	(23)	37
Total reclassification for the period	38	(60)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Interest income [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	226	82
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Union Plan [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(5)	(6)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(50)	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member] | Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (110)	$ (173)