CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 01, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 84,125	$ 119,224
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Gains arising during the period	37,442	52,565
Income tax effect	0	(37)
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Losses arising during the period	(898)	(15)
Reclassification to net earnings for losses (gains) realized	(221)	250
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	22	374
Income tax effect	(5)	(91)
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	(135)	(172)
Income tax effect	34	42
Defined benefit plans
Gains arising during the period	3,200	5,899
Income tax effect	(779)	(1,434)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	328	301
Income tax effect	(80)	(73)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	38,908	57,609
Comprehensive income	123,033	176,833
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	114	(194)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 122,919	$ 177,027