STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	$ 2,459,013	$ 2,222,805
Interest income	(1,590)	(368)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	85,283	89,811
Total before tax	(379)	(282)
Tax benefit	31	88
Net income	(348)	(194)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	(250)	(49)
Interest income	172	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	(12)	(6)
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	(90)	(71)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (199)	$ (156)