CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 119,224	$ 100,738
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Gains arising during the period	52,565	13,827
Income tax effect	(37)	0
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(15)	78
Reclassification to net earnings for losses realized	250	49
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	374	0
Income tax effect	(91)	0
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	(172)	0
Income tax effect	42	0
Defined benefit plans
Gains arising during the period	5,899	1,891
Income tax effect	(1,434)	(714)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	301	233
Income tax effect	(73)	(88)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	57,609	15,276
Comprehensive income	176,833	116,014
Less: Comprehensive income for Granite Holdings Sàrl prior to acquisition by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	0	20,228
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(194)	542
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 177,027	$ 95,244