CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013		Dec. 30, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 78,231		$ 68,180
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	390,461		384,930
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	3,892		1,514
Inventories	952,191		950,296
Income taxes receivable	60,388		54,719
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	71,166		56,047
Assets held for sale	28,830		27,042
Total current assets	1,585,159		1,542,728
Deferred tax assets	97,434		97,431
Other long-lived assets	38,941		45,523
Identified intangible assets, net	35,395		38,266
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,166,985		1,189,921
Total assets	2,923,914		2,913,869
Accounts payable	327,185		312,365
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC	5,793		13,436
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	285,075		283,540
Income taxes payable	10,592		468
Current deferred tax liabilities	104,486		104,482
Current maturities of long-term debt	393		15,886
Total current liabilities	733,524		730,177
Long-term debt, less current maturities	911,939		1,148,870
Other long-term liabilities	87,031		125,825
Total liabilities	1,732,494		2,004,872
Common stock	2,590		2,590
Additional paid-in capital	1,643,606		1,642,003
Accumulated deficit	(424,424)		(669,711)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32,710)	[1]	(68,511)	[1]
Total Pilgrims Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	1,189,062		906,371
Noncontrolling interest	2,358		2,626
Total stockholders' equity	1,191,420		908,997
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,923,914		$ 2,913,869

[1] All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.