STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total reclassification for the period	$ (16)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total before tax	26		(250)
Tax benefit (expense)	(10)
Total reclassification for the period	16		(250)
Realized gain on sale of securities	40
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Union Plan [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total before tax		[1],[2]	(9)	[1],[2]
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total before tax	$ (14)	[1],[3]	$ (241)	[1],[3]

[1] These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See "Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

[2] The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the "Union Plan"), a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.

[3] The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors , and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the "Legacy Gold Kist Plans").