Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Net income	$ 133,354	$ 107,224	$ 85,279
Other comprehensive income (Loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	121,810	(5,593)	(162,436)
Pension adjustments	5,829	(1,016)	4,202
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	126,543	(5,984)	(156,467)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	259,897	101,240	(71,188)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	947	3,015	9,139
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling	258,950	98,225	(80,327)
Natural Gas Swap [Member]
Other comprehensive income (Loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	(18)	0	0
Corn Option [Member]
Other comprehensive income (Loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	$ (1,078)	$ 625	$ 1,767