CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 67,449	$ 84,125
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(96,765)	37,442
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Gains (losses) arising during the period	4,048	(898)
Reclassification to net earnings for losses (gains) realized	742	(221)
Available-for-sale securities:
Gains arising during the period	12	22
Income tax effect	(3)	(5)
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	0	(135)
Income tax effect	0	34
Defined benefit plans:
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(10,810)	3,200
Income tax effect	2,705	(779)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	376	328
Income tax effect	(93)	(80)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(99,788)	38,908
Comprehensive income (loss)	(32,339)	123,033
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	181	114
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ (32,520)	$ 122,919