CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2013		Dec. 30, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 330,316		$ 68,180
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	407,002		384,930
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	4,454		1,514
Inventories	911,086		950,296
Income taxes receivable	66,649		54,719
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	72,825		56,047
Assets held for sale	25,320		27,042
Total current assets	1,817,652		1,542,728
Deferred tax assets	59,620		97,431
Other long-lived assets	38,831		45,523
Identified intangible assets, net	33,960		38,266
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,159,358		1,189,921
Total assets	3,109,421		2,913,869
Accounts payable	370,034		312,365
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC	5,893		13,436
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	302,095		283,540
Income taxes payable	0		468
Current deferred tax liabilities	80,849		104,482
Current maturities of long-term debt	396		15,886
Total current liabilities	759,267		730,177
Long-term debt, less current maturities	912,019		1,148,870
Other long-term liabilities	84,566		125,825
Total liabilities	1,755,852		2,004,872
Common stock	2,590		2,590
Additional paid-in capital	1,644,418		1,642,003
Accumulated deficit	(263,507)		(669,711)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32,397)	[1]	(68,511)	[1]
Total Pilgrims Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	1,351,104		906,371
Noncontrolling interest	2,465		2,626
Total stockholders' equity	1,353,569		908,997
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,109,421		$ 2,913,869

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