STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 27, 2016
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	$ 302	$ 693
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(1,805,287)	(1,725,375)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(62,853)	(48,788)
Total before tax	(233)	61
Tax benefit (expense)	88	(23)
Net income	(145)	38
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	0	226
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(6)	(5)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Legacy Gold Kist Plans
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(71)	(50)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (156)	$ (110)