STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	$ 2,527,863	$ 2,315,301	$ 7,549,367	$ 6,815,701
Interest income	(4,241)	(2,128)	(10,665)	(3,600)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ 84,138	$ 102,191	257,396	284,009
Total before tax			32	(708)
Tax benefit			(88)	264
Net income			(56)	(444)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(329)	(9)
Interest income			1,263	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales			(36)	(18)
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			(270)	(212)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses			$ (596)	$ (469)