Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 01, 2017	Jul. 02, 2016
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	$ 700,764	$ 677,115	$ 1,390,391	$ 1,276,008
Total before tax	18,070	41,974	27,286	46,500
Income taxes	(7,742)	(7,983)	(9,560)	(9,846)
Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit	9	7	18	14
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,203	1,166	2,406	2,334
Amortization of settlement	0	(123)	0	(123)
Net income attributable to Darling	9,149	31,999	14,978	33,078
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling	(17)	(119)	(51)	57
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	1,213	869	2,398	2,343
Income taxes	(470)	(337)	(930)	(909)
Net income attributable to Darling	743	532	1,468	1,434
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	1,213	869	2,398	2,343
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(1,212)	(1,050)	(2,424)	(2,225)
Income taxes	452	399	905	848
Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit	(9)	(7)	(18)	(14)
Amortization of actuarial loss	(1,203)	(1,166)	(2,406)	(2,334)
Amortization of settlement	0	123	0	123
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (760)	$ (651)	$ (1,519)	$ (1,377)