CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Net income	$ 98,187	$ 54,228
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $(17) and $0, respectively	(36)
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $3,509 and $0, respectively	(5,786)	10,410
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(5,822)	10,410
Comprehensive income	92,365	64,638
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	70	(354)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 92,295	$ 64,992