LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011
Maturity	28-Dec-14
Long-term debt	$ 1,230,236	$ 1,473,612
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(15,617)	(15,611)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,214,619	1,408,001
Holding Company, Jbs Usa [Member]
Maturity	2015
Long-term debt	0	50,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Maturity	2018
Long-term debt	500,000	496,846
Us Credit Facility Term Notes Payable B1 [Member]
Maturity	2014
Long-term debt	275,443	275,443
Us Credit Facility Term Notes Payable B2 [Member]
Maturity	2014
Long-term debt	291,396	299,145
Us Credit Facility Revolving Note Payable [Member]
Maturity	2014
Long-term debt	161,500	347,300
Mexico Credit Facility Notes Payable [Member]
Maturity	2014
Long-term debt	0	0
Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Maturity	Various
Long-term debt	$ 4,824	$ 4,878