STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain (loss) on settlement of derivative financial instruments classified as cash flow hedges	$ 639	$ (311)	$ 5
Interest income	7,730	2,301	3,828
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - cost of goods sold	(9,296,249)	(8,774,581)	(7,453,948)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - selling, general and administrative expense	(389,517)	(310,832)	$ (231,838)
Total before tax	(259)	(418)
Tax benefit	340	40
Total reclassification for the period	81	(378)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Interest income	34	552
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 - cost of goods sold	(24)	(20)
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 - cost of goods sold	(283)	(199)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - selling, general and administrative expense	$ (625)	$ (440)