Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	$ (677,115)	$ (668,276)	$ (1,276,008)	$ (1,352,797)
Amortization of prior service cost	7	(20)	14	(40)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,166	1,284	2,334	2,569
Amortization of settlement	(123)	0	(123)	0
Total before tax	41,974	9,602	46,500	13,541
Income taxes	(7,983)	(4,665)	(9,846)	(6,780)
Net income attributable to Darling	31,999	3,080	33,078	3,189
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling	(119)	(565)	57	(1,191)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	869	347	2,343	581
Income taxes	(337)	(134)	(909)	(225)
Net income attributable to Darling	532	213	1,434	356
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	(869)	(347)	(2,343)	(581)
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	(7)	20	(14)	40
Amortization of actuarial loss	(1,166)	(1,284)	(2,334)	(2,569)
Amortization of settlement	123	0	123	0
Total before tax	(1,050)	(1,264)	(2,225)	(2,529)
Income taxes	399	486	848	982
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (651)	$ (778)	$ (1,377)	$ (1,547)