SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 25, 2012
Net income (loss)	$ 54,228	$ 39,598
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	0	5
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	10,410	415
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	10,410	420
Comprehensive income (loss)	64,638	40,018
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(354)	425
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	64,992	39,593
Parent Company [Member]
Net income (loss)	48,898	39,458
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	0	0
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	10,410	415
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	10,410	415
Comprehensive income (loss)	63,743	39,873
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	63,743	39,873
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net income (loss)	4,528	5,573
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	0	0
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	733	5,573
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	733	5,573
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net income (loss)	39,715	28,493
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	0	5
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	5
Comprehensive income (loss)	39,345	28,498
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(354)	425
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	39,699	28,073
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Net income (loss)	(38,913)	(33,926)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	0	0
Gains associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(38,913)	(33,926)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ (38,913)	$ (33,926)