Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2022	Apr. 03, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,366,334	$ 1,046,716
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	1,020,577	772,784
Gain on sale of assets	(389)	(64)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	102,032	97,398
Restructuring and asset impairment charges	0	778
Acquisition and integration costs	3,773	0
Depreciation and amortization	79,246	78,534
Total costs and expenses	1,205,239	949,430
Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel	71,804	102,225
Operating income	232,899	199,511
Other expense:
Interest expense	(15,603)	(16,428)
Foreign currency loss	(1,100)	(410)
Other expense, net	(742)	(1,159)
Total other expense	(17,445)	(17,997)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries	1,360	612
Income before income taxes	216,814	182,126
Income tax expense	26,083	28,708
Net income	190,731	153,418
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,678)	(1,652)
Net income attributable to Darling	$ 188,053	$ 151,766
Basic income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 0.93
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.14	$ 0.90