CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 98,527	$ 137,095	$ 369,580	$ 582,912
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $43, $(41) and $30, respectively	0	70	(67)	50
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $1,139, $(6,206), $(4,155) and $(2,129), respectively	1,878	(10,234)	(6,851)	(3,511)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,878	(10,164)	(6,918)	(3,461)
Comprehensive income	100,405	126,931	362,662	579,451
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(130)	33	(334)	146
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 100,535	$ 126,898	$ 362,996	$ 579,305