Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of AOCI) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Apr. 03, 2021 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss January 2, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	$ (252,433)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(45,485)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	3,656
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(41,829)
Noncontrolling interest	1,534
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss April 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(295,796)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss January 2, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(210,902)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(38,222)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(38,222)
Noncontrolling interest	1,534
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss April 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(250,658)
Derivative Instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss January 2, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(3,214)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(7,263)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,864
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(4,399)
Noncontrolling interest	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss April 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(7,613)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss January 2, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(38,317)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	792
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	792
Noncontrolling interest	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss April 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	$ (37,525)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Reclassification, Net Of Tax

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Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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