CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 137,095	$ 255,803	$ 582,912	$ 544,435
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $43, $10, $30 and $30, respectively	70	17	50	(12)
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $6,206, $396, $2,129 and $6,105, respectively	(10,234)	(653)	(3,511)	(10,068)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(10,164)	(636)	(3,461)	(10,080)
Comprehensive income	126,931	255,167	579,451	534,355
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	(181)	146	(26)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 126,898	$ 255,348	$ 579,305	$ 534,381