STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Jul. 01, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	$ 2,562,491	$ 2,277,454	$ 5,021,504	$ 4,500,410
Interest income	(4,834)	(1,104)	(6,424)	(1,472)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ 87,975	$ 92,148	173,258	181,808
Total before tax			(174)	(399)
Tax benefit			(73)	176
Net income			(247)	(223)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(472)	67
Interest income			899	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(24)	(12)
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			(180)	(142)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses			$ (397)	$ (312)