Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013		Sep. 27, 2014		Sep. 28, 2013
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	$ (725,170)		$ (310,089)		$ (2,218,115)		$ (942,697)
Amortization of prior service cost	4		15		12		45
Amortization of actuarial loss	520		1,300		1,559		3,900
Total before tax	27,090		45,024		7,872		140,600
Income taxes	(11,136)		(17,373)		(8,349)		(54,126)
Net income/ (loss) attributable to Darling	14,318		27,651		(5,728)		86,474
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/ (loss) attributable to Darling	464		456		851		(483)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	1,282		2,060		2,963		3,155
Income taxes	(497)		(798)		(1,150)		(1,222)
Net income/ (loss) attributable to Darling	785		1,262		1,813		1,933
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Natural Gas Swap [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	(70)		95		(427)		(92)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Corn Option [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	(1,212)		(2,155)		(2,536)		(3,063)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service cost	(4)	[1]	(15)	[1]	(12)	[1]	(45)	[1]
Amortization of actuarial loss	(520)	[1]	(1,300)	[1]	(1,559)	[1]	(3,900)	[1]
Total before tax	(524)		(1,315)		(1,571)		(3,945)
Income taxes	203		509		609		1,529
Net income/ (loss) attributable to Darling	$ (321)		$ (806)		$ (962)		$ (2,416)

[1] These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 9 Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.