FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 30, 2012		Dec. 25, 2011
Commodity derivative assets	$ 1,821		$ 2,870
Commodity derivative liabilities	(1,530)		(2,723)
Long-term Debt	(1,164,756)	[1]	(1,473,612)	[1]
Notes Payable, Related Parties	0		(50,000)
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	(1,208,730)	[1]	(1,421,517)	[1]
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Investments in available- for-sale securities, Carrying amount	0		157
Investments in available- for-sale securities, Fair value	0		157
Long Term Investments [Member]
Investments in available- for-sale securities, Carrying amount	0		497
Investments in available- for-sale securities, Fair value	0		497
Future [Member]
Commodity derivative assets	1,821	[2]	2,870	[2]
Commodity derivative liabilities	(1,530)	[3]	(2,120)	[3]
Future [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Commodity derivative assets	1,821	[2]	2,870	[2]
Commodity derivative liabilities	(1,530)	[3]	(2,120)	[3]
Options Held [Member]
Commodity derivative liabilities	0	[3]	(603)	[3]
Options Held [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Commodity derivative liabilities	0	[3]	(603)	[3]
Jbs Usa Holdings Inc [Member]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0		$ (50,077)

[1] The fair values of the Company's long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were estimated by calculating the net present value of future payments for each debt obligation or borrowing by: (i) using a risk-free rate applicable for an instrument with a life similar to the remaining life of each debt obligation or borrowing plus the current estimated credit risk spread for the Company or (ii) using the quoted market price at December 30, 2012 or December 25, 2011, as applicable.

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

[3] Commodity derivative liabilities are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.