CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 110,096	$ 29,463	$ 364,301	$ 255,031
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Losses arising during the period	(50,213)	(20,385)	(50,824)	(60,516)
Income tax effect	0	0	0	1,624
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(1,669)	131	(1,269)	28
Reclassification to net earnings of losses (gains) realized	247	(144)	74	329
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	312	70	506	1,302
Income tax effect	(76)	(17)	(123)	(317)
Reclassification to net earnings of gains realized	(159)	(364)	(466)	(1,263)
Income tax effect	37	89	113	307
Defined benefit plans
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(5,231)	566	(9,202)	7,158
Income tax effect	1,142	(138)	2,240	(1,743)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	328	301	984	902
Income tax effect	(79)	(73)	(239)	(219)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(55,361)	(19,964)	(58,206)	(52,408)
Comprehensive income	54,735	9,499	306,095	202,623
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	331	153	457	(238)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 54,404	$ 9,346	$ 305,638	$ 202,861