Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2024	Apr. 01, 2023
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,420,299	$ 1,791,172
Cost of sales and operating expenses	1,116,666	1,366,973
Income taxes	(3,907)	(26,974)
Amortization of prior service cost	(6)	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	349	434
Net income attributable to Darling	81,157	185,801
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling	16,945	2,376
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	23,509	4,180
Income taxes	(6,302)	(1,477)
Net income attributable to Darling	17,207	2,703
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] | Soybean Meal
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	33	338
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net sales	5,996	4,814
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] | Corn Option
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	0	884
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Swap
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Foreign currency gain	17,480	(1,856)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	(343)	(434)
Income taxes	81	107
Amortization of prior service cost	6	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	(349)	(434)
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (262)	$ (327)