CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 33,691	$ 110,096	$ 94,740	$ 364,301
Foreign currency translation adjustment:
Gains (losses) arising during the period	66,626	(50,213)	(48,921)	(50,824)
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges:
Gains (losses) arising during the period	1,281	(1,669)	3,182	(1,269)
Income tax effect	194	0	194	0
Reclassification to net earnings for losses (gains) realized	(1,619)	247	(1,039)	74
Available-for-sale securities:
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(8)	312	6	506
Income tax effect	0	(76)	(4)	(123)
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	(6)	(159)	(18)	(466)
Income tax effect	1	37	4	113
Defined benefit plans:
Losses arising during the period	1,250	(5,231)	(43,711)	(9,202)
Income tax effect	(10,094)	1,142	(930)	2,240
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	376	328	1,127	984
Income tax effect	(94)	(79)	(281)	(239)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	57,907	(55,361)	(90,391)	(58,206)
Comprehensive income	91,598	54,735	4,349	306,095
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	245	331	62	457
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 91,353	$ 54,404	$ 4,287	$ 305,638