CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 549,713	$ 174,042	$ (495,690)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0 in each of the three periods	62	(12)	(1,160)
Gains (losses) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax of $13,774, $0 and $0, respectively	22,714	(22,429)	(21,273)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	22,776	(22,441)	(22,433)
Comprehensive income (loss)	572,489	151,601	(518,123)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	158	(192)	1,082
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 572,331	$ 151,793	$ (519,205)