DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 23, 2012		Dec. 25, 2011
Fair values:
Commodity derivative assets	$ 7,689	[1]	$ 2,870	[1]
Commodity derivative liabilities	(1,106)		(2,723)
Cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers	(6,288)		3,271
Foreign currency derivative liabilities	(266)	[2]	0	[2]
Corn [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	0.00%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Derivative, Maturity Date	Sep. 30, 2013
Soybeanmeal [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	0.10%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Derivative, Maturity Date	Oct. 31, 2013
Sorghum [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	50.70%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Derivative, Maturity Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Put Options Written [Member]
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Fair value	$ 0	[3]	$ (603)	[3]
Number of contracts:
Open Option Contracts Written, Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2012	[3]	Mar. 31, 2012	[3]
Put Options Written [Member] | Corn [Member]
Number of contracts:
Open Option Contracts Written, Number of Contracts	0	[3]	500	[3]
Put Options Written [Member] | Sorghum [Member]
Number of contracts:
Open Option Contracts Written, Number of Contracts	699	[3]	0	[3]

[1] Commodity derivative assets are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

[2] Foreign currency derivative liabilities are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

[3] A written put option is an option that the Company has sold that grants the holder the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying asset at a certain price for a specified period of time. When the Company takes a short position on a futures derivative instrument, it agrees to sell the underlying asset in the future at a price established on the contract date. The Company writes put options and takes short positions on futures derivative instruments to minimize the impact of feed ingredients price volatility on its operating results.