Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2016	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
Net income	$ 85,279	$ 68,311	$ 108,967
Other comprehensive income (Loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(162,436)	(119,684)	(14,502)
Pension adjustments	4,202	(20,381)	15,140
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	(156,467)	(141,437)	1,906
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	(71,188)	(73,126)	110,873
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9,139	10,296	0
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling	(80,327)	(83,422)	110,873
Natural Gas Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (Loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	0	(113)	127
Corn Option [Member]
Other comprehensive income (Loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	$ 1,767	$ (1,259)	$ 1,141