CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 26, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 153,042	$ 241,624	$ 271,053	$ 445,817
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit of $59, $1, $41 and $13, respectively	(97)	(1)	(67)	(20)
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1,118, $(5,331), $5,294 and $(4,077), respectively	(1,844)	8,792	(8,729)	6,723
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(1,941)	8,791	(8,796)	6,703
Comprehensive income	151,101	250,415	262,257	452,520
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	156	135	(204)	113
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 150,945	$ 250,280	$ 262,461	$ 452,407