STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 01, 2018
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	$ 2,505,736	$ 2,459,013
Interest income	(3,340)	(1,590)
Miscellaneous, net	357	1,617
Total before tax	28	(379)
Tax benefit	46	31
Net income	74	(348)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	221	(250)
Interest income	135	172
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Miscellaneous, net	(18)	(12)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Legacy Gold Kits Plans
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Miscellaneous, net	(97)	(90)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Legacy Gold Kist Plans
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Miscellaneous, net	$ (213)	$ (199)