CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jul. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jul. 01, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 170,080	$ 106,344	$ 254,205	$ 225,568
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Losses arising during the period	(38,053)	(92,696)	(611)	(40,131)
Income tax effect	0	1,661	0	1,624
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Gains (losses) arising during the period	1,298	(88)	400	(103)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses (gains) realized	48	222	(173)	472
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	172	858	194	1,232
Income tax effect	(42)	(209)	(47)	(300)
Reclassification to net earnings of gains realized	(172)	(727)	(307)	(899)
Income tax effect	42	177	76	219
Defined benefit plans
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(7,171)	693	(3,971)	6,592
Income tax effect	1,877	(171)	1,098	(1,605)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	328	300	656	601
Income tax effect	(80)	(73)	(160)	(146)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(41,753)	(90,053)	(2,845)	(32,444)
Comprehensive income	128,327	16,291	251,360	193,124
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	12	(197)	126	(391)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 128,315	$ 16,488	$ 251,234	$ 193,515