STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	$ 1,724	$ 3,673	$ 4,826
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - cost of goods sold	(7,016,763)	(6,925,727)	(7,189,370)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - selling, general and administrative expense	(199,781)	(203,881)	$ (188,594)
Total before tax	(107)	(213)
Tax benefit	40	80
Total reclassification for the period	(67)	(133)
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	552	476
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 - cost of goods sold	(20)	0
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 - cost of goods sold	(199)	(215)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - selling, general and administrative expense	$ (440)	$ (474)