CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 718,167	$ 480,117	$ 662,972
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Gains (losses) arising during the period	100,081	(233,232)	(32,482)
Income tax effect	3,137	0	0
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Gains (losses) arising during the period	60	(151)	(56)
Reclassification to net earnings for losses (gains) realized	(639)	311	(5)
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	132	443	533
Income tax effect	(50)	(167)	(201)
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	(34)	(552)	(475)
Income tax effect	13	209	179
Defined benefit plans
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(8,738)	(9,085)	5,054
Income tax effect	968	3,429	(1,908)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	932	659	689
Income tax effect	(353)	(249)	(260)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	95,509	(238,385)	(28,932)
Comprehensive income	813,676	241,732	634,040
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) for Granite Holdings Sàrl prior to acquisition by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	88,050	(192,684)	(15,533)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	102	(803)	48
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 725,524	$ 435,219	$ 649,525