Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2021	Mar. 28, 2020
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,046,716	$ 852,842
Cost of sales and operating expenses	772,784	646,908
Income taxes	(28,708)	(18,300)
Amortization of prior service cost	5	8
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,052	854
Net income attributable to Darling	151,766	85,510
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling	(3,656)	(590)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(3,864)	112
Income taxes	1,000	(54)
Net income attributable to Darling	(2,864)	58
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	(224)	412
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Corn Option
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	(3,920)	(300)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Soybean Meal
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	280	0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(1,057)	(862)
Income taxes	265	214
Amortization of prior service cost	(5)	(8)
Amortization of actuarial loss	(1,052)	(854)
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (792)	$ (648)