INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
Mar. 26, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company recorded income tax expense of $47.9 million, a 33.6% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 compared to income tax expense of $62.6 million, a 34.7% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016. The decrease in income tax expense in 2017 resulted primarily from a decrease in pre-tax income. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of March 26, 2017, the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. For the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, there is a tax effect of $(0.8) million and $4.2 million, respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income. Beginning in 2017, as a result of new FASB guidance on share-based payments, excess tax benefits are now required to be reported in income tax expense rather than in additional paid-in capital. For the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017, there is an immaterial tax effect reflected in income tax expense due to excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. For the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016, there is no tax effect reflected in additional paid-in capital due to excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. See “Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation” for additional information. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2010 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2010. The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rendered judgment in favor of the Company regarding the IRS’ amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 26, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”). See “Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.

INCOME TAXES

The Company recorded income tax expense of $47.9 million, a 33.6% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 compared to income tax expense of $62.6 million, a 34.7% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016. The decrease in income tax expense in 2017 resulted primarily from a decrease in pre-tax income.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of March 26, 2017, the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.

For the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 and March 27, 2016, there is a tax effect of $(0.8) million and $4.2 million, respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income.

Beginning in 2017, as a result of new FASB guidance on share-based payments, excess tax benefits are now required to be reported in income tax expense rather than in additional paid-in capital. For the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017, there is an immaterial tax effect reflected in income tax expense due to excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. For the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2016, there is no tax effect reflected in additional paid-in capital due to excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. See “Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation” for additional information.

With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2010 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2010.

The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rendered judgment in favor of the Company regarding the IRS’ amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 26, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”). See “Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.