STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	$ 2,315,301	$ 2,242,221	$ 6,815,701	$ 6,632,568
Interest income	(2,128)	(253)	(3,600)	(2,000)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ 102,191	$ 75,933	284,009	229,786
Total before tax			(708)	75
Tax benefit (expense)			264	(15)
Net income			(444)	60
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(9)	35
Interest income			0	534
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(18)	(15)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Legacy Gold Kist Plans
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(212)	(149)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses			$ (469)	$ (330)