CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 190,791	$ 69,153	$ 245,019	$ 108,751
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax		(5)
Gains (losses) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net	25,391	(11,440)	35,801	(11,025)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	25,391	(11,445)	35,801	(11,025)
Comprehensive income	216,182	57,708	280,820	97,726
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	86	(205)	(268)	220
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 216,096	$ 57,913	$ 281,088	$ 97,506