Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of AOCI) (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
Jul. 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	(23,442)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	9,059
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(14,383)
Noncontrolling interest	1,938
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss July 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(268,754)
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	(15,838)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(15,838)
Noncontrolling interest	1,938
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss July 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(228,678)
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	(7,604)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,475
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(129)
Noncontrolling interest	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss July 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(3,343)
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	1,584
Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,584
Noncontrolling interest	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive loss July 3, 2021, attributable to Darling, net of tax	$ (36,733)

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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