Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses		$ (598,893)	$ (684,521)
Amortization of prior service cost		7	(20)
Amortization of actuarial loss		1,168	1,285
Total before tax		4,526	3,939
Income taxes		(1,863)	(2,115)
Net income attributable to Darling		1,079	109
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling		176	(626)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax		1,474	234
Income taxes		(572)	(91)
Net income attributable to Darling		902	143
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		(1,474)	(234)
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	[1]	(7)	20
Amortization of actuarial loss	[1]	(1,168)	(1,285)
Total before tax		(1,175)	(1,265)
Income taxes		449	496
Net income attributable to Darling		$ (726)	$ (769)

[1] These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 11 Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.