Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2024	Apr. 01, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,420,299	$ 1,791,172
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	1,116,666	1,366,973
Gain on sale of assets	(574)	(327)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	139,143	135,466
Restructuring and asset impairment charges	0	4,524
Acquisition and integration costs	4,054	7,022
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	(25,249)	0
Depreciation and amortization	127,509	116,006
Total costs and expenses	1,361,549	1,629,664
Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel	78,419	94,337
Operating income	137,169	255,845
Other expense:
Interest expense	(62,876)	(50,299)
Foreign currency gain	236	5,004
Other income, net	8,656	6,159
Total other expense	(53,984)	(39,136)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries	2,310	120
Income before income taxes	85,495	216,829
Income tax expense	3,907	26,974
Net income	81,588	189,855
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(431)	(4,054)
Net income attributable to Darling	$ 81,157	$ 185,801
Basic income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 1.16
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 1.14