CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 29,463	$ 238,313	$ 255,031	$ 584,242
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(20,385)	22,378	(60,516)	89,153
Income tax effect	0	3,211	1,624	3,211
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Gains (losses) arising during the period	131	(779)	28	(137)
Reclassification to net earnings for losses realized	143	0	329	9
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	70	0	1,302	0
Income tax effect	(17)	0	(317)	0
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	(364)	0	(1,263)	0
Income tax effect	89	0	307	0
Defined benefit plans
Gains (losses) arising during the period	566	393	7,158	(4,078)
Income tax effect	(138)	(148)	(1,743)	1,539
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	301	233	902	699
Income tax effect	(73)	(88)	(219)	(264)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,677)	25,200	(52,408)	90,132
Comprehensive income	9,786	263,513	202,623	674,374
Less: Comprehensive income for Granite Holdings Sàrl prior to acquisition by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	0	460	0	88,050
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	153	(460)	(238)	514
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 9,633	$ 263,513	$ 202,861	$ 585,810