Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,006,959	$ 423,593	$ 1,938,394	$ 869,015
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	747,966	309,922	1,492,945	632,608
Selling, general and administrative expenses	111,845	40,793	217,248	83,086
Acquisition and integration costs	4,165	0	20,113	0
Depreciation and amortization	67,498	22,076	133,167	43,943
Total costs and expenses	931,474	372,791	1,863,473	759,637
Operating income	75,485	50,802	74,921	109,378
Other expense:
Interest expense	(26,571)	(5,669)	(85,428)	(11,294)
Foreign currency gain/ (loss)	11	0	(13,803)	0
Other income/ (expense), net	(887)	(418)	(2,025)	649
Total other expense	(27,447)	(6,087)	(101,256)	(10,645)
Equity in net income/ (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,040	(1,962)	7,117	(3,157)
Income/ (loss) before income taxes	50,078	42,753	(19,218)	95,576
Income tax expense/ (benefit)	15,503	16,335	(2,787)	36,753
Net income/ (Loss)	34,575	26,418	(16,431)	58,823
Net (income)/ loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,818)	0	(3,615)	0
Net income/ (loss) attributable to Darling	$ 32,757	$ 26,418	$ (20,046)	$ 58,823
Basic income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ (0.12)	$ 0.50
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ (0.12)	$ 0.50