EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010
Cost of sales	$ 216	$ 0	$ 0
Operational restructuring charges	0	1,958	4,318
Selling, general and administrative expense	0	328	0
Administrative restructuring charges	8,449	26,911	66,022
Total exit or disposal costs	$ 8,665	$ 29,197	$ 70,340

Amount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	ppc_OperationalRestructuringCharges
Namespace Prefix:	ppc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration