Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015		Mar. 29, 2014
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	$ (684,521)		$ (775,206)
Amortization of prior service cost	(20)		4
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,285		519
Total before tax	3,939		(69,296)
Income taxes	(2,115)		18,290
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling	109		(52,803)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling	(626)		689
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	234		1,649
Income taxes	(91)		(640)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling	143		1,009
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	0		(357)
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	(234)		(1,292)
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	20	[1]	(4)	[1]
Amortization of actuarial loss	(1,285)	[1]	(519)	[1]
Total before tax	(1,265)		(523)
Income taxes	496		203
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling	$ (769)		$ (320)

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