Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2022	Apr. 03, 2021
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,366,334	$ 1,046,716
Cost of sales and operating expenses	1,020,577	772,784
Income taxes	(26,083)	(28,708)
Amortization of prior service cost	5	5
Amortization of actuarial loss	570	1,052
Net income attributable to Darling	188,053	151,766
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling	(2,453)	(3,656)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(2,595)	(3,864)
Income taxes	571	1,000
Net income attributable to Darling	(2,024)	(2,864)
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	1,071	(224)
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	(4,107)	(3,920)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Soybean Meal
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	441	280
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(575)	(1,057)
Income taxes	146	265
Amortization of prior service cost	(5)	(5)
Amortization of actuarial loss	(570)	(1,052)
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (429)	$ (792)