STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 27, 2015
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	$ 125	$ 319	$ 1,501	$ 3,086
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(1,821,504)	(1,827,985)	(5,289,063)	(5,125,640)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (46,116)	$ (52,620)	(144,424)	(150,961)
Total before tax			40	(403)
Tax benefit (expense)			(15)	152
Net income			25	(251)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities			534	133
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Union Plan [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses			(15)	(19)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses			(149)	(161)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses			$ (330)	$ (356)