INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective tax rate, continuing operations	26.90%	34.60%	34.90%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax benefit	$ 41,500
Decrease in valuation allowance	11,100
Valuation allowance	14,479	$ 25,611
Net operating loss carry forwards					$ 547,700
Claim for refund					$ 169,700
Refunds received from Internal Revenue Service				$ 122,600
Other comprehensive income, tax (benefit) expense	(4,000)	3,200
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	1,100	0	$ 6,474
Unrecognized tax benefits	11,866	16,813	17,110
Amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce effective tax rate	6,700
Liability for interest and penalties	7,100
Decrease in accrued interest and penalty amounts related to uncertain tax positions	1,100
Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement	5,038	3,690	0
Accounts receivable from related parties	2,951	4,010
JBS USA Food Company Holding | Tax sharing agreement
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement	5,558	$ 5,038	$ 3,690
Accounts receivable from related parties	5,600
United States
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	500
Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 19,300
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 01, 2018
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 98,000
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 01, 2018
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 2,100
Tax credit carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 01, 2018
UNITED KINGDOM | Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 13,900
Mexico | Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 100