Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) 10-Q 30 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-15
Entity Registrant Name	PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	802481
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-15
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		259,700,145

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$478,037	$576,143
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	364,991	378,890
Account receivable from related parties	4,719	5,250
Inventories	788,722	790,305
Income taxes receivable	0	10,288
Current deferred tax assets	30,751	27,345
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	84,997	95,439
Assets held for sale	1,419	1,419
Total current assets	1,753,636	1,885,079
Other long-lived assets	31,488	24,406
Identified intangible assets, net	25,348	26,783
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,181,408	1,182,795
Total assets	2,991,880	3,119,063
Accounts payable	412,342	399,486
Account payable to related parties	3,698	4,862
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	272,063	311,879
Income taxes payable	41,475	3,068
Current deferred tax liabilities	26,478	25,301
Current maturities of long-term debt	133	262
Total current liabilities	756,189	744,858
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,150,441	3,980
Deferred tax liabilities	73,908	76,216
Other long-term liabilities	102,275	97,208
Total liabilities	2,082,813	922,262
Common stock	2,597	2,590
Additional paid-in capital	1,670,978	1,662,354
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-702,763	591,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-64,629	-62,541
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity	906,183	2,193,895
Noncontrolling interest	2,884	2,906
Total stockholders’ equity	909,067	2,196,801
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,991,880	$3,119,063

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$2,052,919	$2,018,065
Cost of sales	1,675,799	1,802,959
Gross profit	377,120	215,106
Selling, general and administrative expense	49,507	45,201
Administrative restructuring charges	0	1,713
Operating income	327,613	168,192
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	4,855	19,473
Interest income	-1,490	-811
Foreign currency transaction loss	8,974	337
Miscellaneous, net	-413	-1,006
Income before income taxes	315,687	150,199
Income tax expense	111,494	52,012
Net income	204,193	98,187
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-22	70
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$204,215	$98,117
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	259,653	258,923
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	276	523
Diluted (in shares)	259,929	259,446
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding:
Basic (usd per share)	$0.79	$0.38
Diluted (usd per share)	$0.79	$0.38

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$204,193	$98,187
Other comprehensive income:
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax benefit (expense) of $12 and $(17), respectively	-19	-36
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $1,255 and $3,509, respectively	-2,069	-5,786
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,088	-5,822
Comprehensive income	202,105	92,365
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-22	70
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$202,127	$92,295

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, tax	$12	($17)
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	$1,255	$3,509

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	$1,492,602,000	$2,590,000	$1,653,119,000	($120,156,000)	($45,735,000)	$2,784,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2013		259,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	98,187,000			98,117,000		70,000
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-5,822,000				-5,822,000
Share-based compensation plans:
Requisite service period recognition	1,022,000		1,022,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation			0
Balance at Mar. 30, 2014	1,585,989,000	2,590,000	1,654,141,000	-22,039,000	-51,557,000	2,854,000
Balance, shares at Mar. 30, 2014		259,029
Balance at Dec. 28, 2014	2,196,801,000	2,590,000	1,662,354,000	591,492,000	-62,541,000	2,906,000
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2014		259,029
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	204,193,000			204,215,000		-22,000
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,088,000				-2,088,000
Share-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans	0	7,000	-7,000
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)		671
Requisite service period recognition	797,000		797,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	7,834,000		7,834,000
Special cash dividend	-1,498,470,000			-1,498,470,000
Balance at Mar. 29, 2015	$909,067,000	$2,597,000	$1,670,978,000	($702,763,000)	($64,629,000)	$2,884,000
Balance, shares at Mar. 29, 2015		259,700

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$204,193	$98,187
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	36,152	38,260
Foreign currency transaction loss	12,074	941
Accretion of bond discount	0	114
Loss (gain) on property disposals	-881	570
Gain on investment securities	0	-53
Share-based compensation	797	1,022
Deferred income tax benefit	-2,408	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables	13,289	2,145
Inventories	-2,313	14,310
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,294	-11,099
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-28,702	5,833
Income taxes	50,639	43,662
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations	1,617	995
Other operating assets and liabilities	2,335	814
Cash provided by operating activities	296,086	195,701
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	-32,591	-47,760
Purchases of investment securities	0	-37,000
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	0	96,950
Proceeds from property disposals	867	1,511
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-31,724	13,701
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings	1,680,000	0
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-533,669	-204,913
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	7,834	0
Payment of capitalized loan costs	-8,862	0
Payment of special cash dividends	-1,498,470	0
Cash used in financing activities	-353,167	-204,913
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-9,301	2,280
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-98,106	6,769
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	576,143	508,206
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$478,037	$514,975

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Business
	Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “Pilgrim’s,” “PPC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar terms) is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pilgrim's products are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and in the northern and central regions of Mexico. Additionally, the Company exports chicken products to approximately 95 countries. Pilgrim's fresh chicken products consist of refrigerated (nonfrozen) whole chickens, whole cut-up chickens and selected chicken parts that are either marinated or non-marinated. The Company's prepared chicken products include fully cooked, ready-to-cook and individually frozen chicken parts, strips, nuggets and patties, some of which are either breaded or non-breaded and either marinated or non-marinated. As a vertically integrated company, we control every phase of the production of our products. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Pilgrim's has approximately 34,200 employees and has the capacity to process more than 34 million birds per week for a total of more than 10 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 3,800 contract growers supply poultry for the Company's operations. As of March 29, 2015, JBS USA Holdings, Inc. (“JBS USA”), an indirect subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., beneficially owned 75.3% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
	Consolidated Financial Statements
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014.
	Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2015) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
	The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Reportable Segment
	We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
	Book Overdraft
	The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. There is no option for early adoption. Unless the FASB defers implementation of this new standard, the provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected a transition approach to implement the standard.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value must be categorized into one of three different levels depending on the assumptions (i.e., inputs) used in the valuation:
	Level 1		Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2		Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
	Level 3		Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
	The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
	As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company held certain items that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included derivative assets and liabilities and deferred compensation plan assets. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity futures instruments. The Company maintains nonqualified deferred compensation plans for executives and other highly compensated employees. Investments are maintained within a trust and include money market funds, mutual funds and life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies is invested primarily in mutual funds. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
			March 29, 2015
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In thousands)
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		$	4,338			$	—		$	—		$	4,338
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		899				—			—			899
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,522				—			—			6,522
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(3,751		)		—			—			(3,751		)
	Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments		(531		)		—			—			(531		)
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(240		)								(240		)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%		(510,000		)		—			—			(510,000		)
	Floating-rate term notes		(650,000		)		—			—			(650,000		)
	Fixed-rate capital lease obligations		—				—			(617		)	(617		)
			December 28, 2014
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In thousands)
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		$	8,416			$	—		$	—		$	8,416
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		2,563				—			—			2,563
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,753				—			—			6,753
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(8,580		)		—			—			(8,580		)
	Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments		(14,103		)		—			—			(14,103		)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Fixed-rate public notes		(3,979		)		—			—			(3,979		)
	Fixed-rate capital lease obligations		—				—			(587		)	(587		)
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		29-Mar-15				30-Mar-14
	Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities:	(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	587			$	704
	Borrowings	—				—
	Payments	(36		)		(33		)
	Change in fair value inputs	66				(3		)
	Balance, end of period	$	617			$	668
	The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 1 is determined using a market approach, taking into account current interest rates, creditworthiness, and liquidity risks in relation to current market conditions, and is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The valuation of financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. The valuation of financial assets in Level 3 is determined using an income approach based on unobservable inputs such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
	In addition to the fair value disclosure requirements related to financial instruments carried at fair value, accounting standards require interim disclosures regarding the fair value of all of the Company’s financial instruments. The methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and any changes in methods or significant assumptions from prior periods are also required to be disclosed. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
			29-Mar-15							December 28, 2014
			Carrying				Fair			Carrying			Fair			Note Reference
			Amount				Value			Amount			Value
							(In thousands)
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		$	4,338			$	4,338		$	8,416		$	8,416		6
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		—				—			—			—			6
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		899				899			2,563			2,563			6
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,522				6,522			6,753			6,753
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(3,751		)		(3,751		)	(8,580		)	(8,580		)	6
	Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments		(531		)		(531		)	(14,103		)	(14,103		)	6
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(240		)		(240		)	—			—			6
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements		(1,150,574		)		(1,160,617		)	(4,242		)	(4,566		)	9
	Derivative assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred compensation plan assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative liabilities were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were estimated by calculating the net present value of future payments for each debt obligation or borrowing by: (i) using a risk-free rate applicable for an instrument with a life similar to the remaining life of each debt obligation or borrowing plus the current estimated credit risk spread for the Company or (ii) using the quoted market price at March 29, 2015 or December 28, 2014, as applicable.
	In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges when required by U.S. GAAP. There were no significant fair value measurement losses recognized for such assets and liabilities in the periods reported.

TRADE_ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEI

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following:
		March 29, 2015			28-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	357,101		$	371,268
	Account receivable from related parties(a)	4,719			5,250
	Notes receivable - current	1,029			1,088
	Other receivables	9,355			9,059
	Receivables, gross	372,204			386,665
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,494		)	(2,525		)
	Receivables, net	$	369,710		$	384,140
	(a)    Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		March 29, 2015		December 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Live chicken and hens	$	366,463	$	363,438
	Feed, eggs and other	199,638		198,681
	Finished chicken products	222,118		227,649
	Total chicken inventories	788,219		789,768
	Commercial feed and other	503		537
	Total inventories	$	788,722	$	790,305

INVESTMENTS_IN_SECURITIES

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
	We recognize investments in available-for-sale securities as cash equivalents, current investments or long-term investments depending upon each security's length to maturity. Additionally, those securities identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current.
	The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities:
		March 29, 2015				December 28, 2014
		Amortized Cost		Fair		Amortized Cost		Fair
				Value				Value
		(In thousands)
	Cash equivalents:
	Fixed income securities	$	124,968	$	124,968	$	204,286	$	204,286
	Other	53		53		80		80
	All of the securities classified as cash and cash equivalents above mature within 90 days. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. Gross realized gains recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $130,000 and $195,900, respectively. Gross realized losses recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $8,300. No gross realized losses were recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 that have been included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the net amount of gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 are disclosed in “Note 12. Stockholders' Equity.”

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The Company utilizes various raw materials in its operations, including corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, sorghum and energy, such as natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel, which are all considered commodities. The Company considers these raw materials generally available from a number of different sources and believes it can obtain them to meet its requirements. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations and related price risk due to factors beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, supply and demand, weather, governmental regulation and other circumstances. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for approximately the next 12 months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate.
	The Company has operations in Mexico and, therefore, has exposure to translational foreign exchange risk when the financial results of those operations are translated to U.S. dollars. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency forward contracts to manage this translational foreign exchange risk.
	The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets while the fair value of derivative liabilities is included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the same statements. Our counterparties require that we post cash collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts.
	We have not designated the derivative financial instruments that we have purchased to mitigate commodity purchase transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Therefore, we recognized changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized a net gain of $23.4 million and a net loss of $8.0 million related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively. Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table:
		March 29, 2015			28-Dec-14
		(Fair values in thousands)
	Fair values:
	Commodity derivative assets	$	4,338		$	8,416
	Commodity derivative liabilities	(4,282		)	(22,683		)
	Cash collateral posted with brokers	19,448			25,205
	Foreign currency derivative assets	899			2,563
	Foreign currency derivative liabilities	(240		)	—
	Derivatives coverage(a):
	Corn	1.7		%	(8.2		)%
	Soybean meal	(10.1		)%	(16.1		)%
	Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
	Corn	Dec-16			Sep-16
	Soybean meal	Dec-15			Jul-15
	(a)	Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following:
		March 29, 2015			December 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	66,959		$	66,798
	Buildings	1,090,989			1,086,690
	Machinery and equipment	1,576,161			1,537,241
	Autos and trucks	51,338			52,639
	Construction-in-progress	117,229			129,701
	PP&E, gross	2,902,676			2,873,069
	Accumulated depreciation	(1,721,268		)	(1,690,274		)
	PP&E, net	$	1,181,408		$	1,182,795
	The Company recognized depreciation expense of $34.0 million and $33.2 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively.
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015, we spent $32.6 million on capital projects and transferred $45.2 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets.
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015, the Company sold miscellaneous equipment for cash of $0.9 million and recognized a net gain of $0.9 million. During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $1.5 million and recognized net losses on these sales of $0.6 million. PP&E sold in 2014 included a warehouse and a fertilizer building with miscellaneous fixtures and equipment in Texas.
	Management has committed to the sale of certain properties and related assets, including, but not limited to, a processing plant in Louisiana and other miscellaneous assets, which no longer fit into the operating plans of the Company. The Company is actively marketing these properties and related assets for immediate sale and believes a sale of each property can be consummated within the next 12 months. At March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the Company reported properties and related assets totaling $1.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in the line item Assets held for sale on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company tested the recoverability of its assets held for sale and determined that the aggregate carrying amount of each asset group was recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in that asset group.
	The Company has closed or idled various processing complexes, processing plants, hatcheries, broiler farms, and feed mills throughout the U.S. Neither the Board of Directors nor JBS USA has determined if it would be in the best interest of the Company to divest any of these idled assets. Management is therefore not certain that it can or will divest any of these assets within one year, is not actively marketing these assets and, accordingly, has not classified them as assets held for sale. The Company continues to depreciate these assets. At March 29, 2015, the carrying amount of these idled assets was $66.6 million based on depreciable value of $178.7 million and accumulated depreciation of $112.1 million.
	The Company last tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets held and used in December 2014. At that time, the Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets held and used was recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group and that long-lived assets held and used passed the Step 1 recoverability test under ASC 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. There were no indicators present during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 that required the Company to test its long-lived assets held and used for recoverability.

CURRENT_LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
CURRENT LIABILITIES	CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components:
		March 29, 2015		December 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Accounts payable:
	Trade accounts	$	367,117	$	347,107
	Book overdrafts	41,091		47,320
	Other payables	4,134		5,059
	Total accounts payable	412,342		399,486
	Accounts payable to related parties(a)	3,698		4,862
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Compensation and benefits	94,042		123,495
	Interest and debt-related fees	2,313		780
	Insurance and self-insured claims	92,936		85,240
	Derivative liabilities:
	Futures	3,751		8,580
	Options	531		14,103
	Foreign currency	240		—
	Other accrued expenses	78,250		79,681
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	272,063		311,879
		$	688,103	$	716,227
	(a)    Additional information regarding accounts payable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements consisted of the following components:
		Maturity	March 29, 2015			December 28, 2014
			(In thousands)
	Senior notes payable at 5.75%	2025	$	500,000		$	—
	U.S. Credit Facility (defined below):
	Term note payable at 1.676%	2020	650,000			—
	Revolving note payable	2020	—			—
	Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 1.05%	2017	—			—
	JBS USA Holdings, Inc. Subordinated Loan Facility	2015	—			—
	Other	Various	574			4,242
	Long-term debt		1,150,574			4,242
	Less: Current maturities of long-term debt		(133		)	(262		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities		$	1,150,441		$	3,980
	Senior Notes
	On March 11, 2015, the Company completed a sale of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.75% senior notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”). The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes to repay $350.0 million and $150.0 million of the term loan indebtedness under the the U.S. Credit Facility (defined below) on March 12, 2015 and April 22, 2015, respectively. The Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.
	The Senior Notes are governed by, and were issued pursuant to, an indenture dated as of March 11, 2015 by and among the Company, its guarantor subsidiary and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The Indenture provides, among other things, that the Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum from the date of issuance until maturity, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears, beginning on September 15, 2015. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's guarantor subsidiary. In addition, any of the Company’s other existing or future domestic restricted subsidiaries that incur or guarantee any other indebtedness (with limited exceptions) must also guarantee the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes and related guarantees are unsecured senior obligations of the Company and its guarantor subsidiary and rank equally with all of the Company’s and its guarantor subsidiary's other unsubordinated indebtedness. The Senior Notes and the Indenture also contain customary covenants and events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes when due, among others.
	U.S. Credit Facility
	On February 11, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries, To-Ricos, Ltd. and To-Ricos Distribution, Ltd. (together, the “To-Ricos Borrowers”), entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch (“Rabobank”), as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The U.S. Credit Facility provides for a revolving loan commitment of at least $700.0 million and a term loan commitment of up to $1.0 billion (the “Term Loans”). The U.S. Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows us, at any time, to increase the aggregate revolving loan and term loan commitments by up to an additional $1.0 billion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining the lenders’ agreement to participate in the increase.
	The revolving loan commitment under the U.S. Credit Facility matures on February 10, 2020. All principal on the Term Loans is due at maturity on February 11, 2020. Because the Company prepaid $350.0 million of the term loan indebtedness with proceeds from the Senior Notes, the Company is not required to pay quarterly installments. Covenants in the U.S. Credit Facility also require the Company to use the proceeds it receives from certain asset sales and specified debt or equity issuances and upon the occurrence of other events to repay outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Credit Facility. The Company had Term Loans outstanding totaling $650.0 million as of March 29, 2015.
	The U.S. Credit Facility includes a $75.0 million sub-limit for swingline loans and a $125.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment and the Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to (i) in the case of LIBOR loans, LIBOR plus 1.50% through March 29, 2015 and, based on our net senior secured leverage ratio, between LIBOR plus 1.25%and LIBOR plus 2.75% and (ii) in the case of alternate base rate loans, the base rate plus 0.50% through March 29, 2015 and, based on our net senior secured leverage ratio, between the base rate plus 0.25%and base rate plus 1.75% thereafter.
	Actual borrowings by the Company under the U.S. Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base, which is a formula based on certain eligible inventory, eligible receivables and restricted cash under the control of Rabobank, in its capacity as administrative agent. The borrowing base formula will be reduced by the sum of (i) inventory reserves, (ii) rent and collateral access reserves, and (iii) any amount more than 15 days past due that is owed by the Company or its subsidiaries to any person on account of the purchase price of agricultural products or services (including poultry and livestock) if that person is entitled to any grower's or producer's lien or other security arrangement. Revolving loan availability under the borrowing base also will be limited to an aggregate of $25.0 million with respect to the To-Ricos Borrowers. As of March 29, 2015, the applicable borrowing base was $700.0 million and the amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $679.9 million. The Company had letters of credit of $20.1 million and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment as of March 29, 2015.
	The U.S. Credit Facility contains financial covenants and various other covenants that may adversely affect the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain restricted payments, consummate certain assets sales, enter into certain transactions with JBS USA and the Company's other affiliates, merge, consolidate and/or sell or dispose of all or substantially all of the Company's assets. The U.S. Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a minimum level of tangible net worth covenant. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides that the Company may not incur capital expenditures in excess of $500.0 million in any fiscal year. The Company is currently in compliance with the covenants under the U.S. Credit Facility.
	All obligations under the U.S. Credit Facility will continue to be unconditionally guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries and will continue to be secured by a first priority lien on (i) the domestic (including Puerto Rico) accounts and inventory of the Company and its subsidiaries, (ii) 100% of the equity interests in the Company's domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests in the Company's direct foreign subsidiaries and (iii) substantially all of the assets of the Company and the guarantors under the U.S. Credit Facility.
	Subordinated Loan Agreement
	On June 23, 2011, the Company entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement with JBS USA (the “Subordinated Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA's account that support certain obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries. JBS USA agreed to arrange for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company serving the Company in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential workers compensation, auto and general liability claims. In return for providing this letter of credit, the Company has agreed to reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit cost the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility (as defined below). In the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015, the Company reimbursed JBS USA $0.2 million for letter of credit costs. As of March 29, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. There remains no other commitment of JBS USA to make advances under the Subordinated Loan Agreement.
	Mexico Credit Facility
	On July 23, 2014, Avícola and certain Mexican subsidiaries entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) with BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de Banca Multiple, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, as lender. The loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility is 560.0 million Mexican pesos. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the TIIE rate plus 1.05%. The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on July 23, 2017. As of March 29, 2015, the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $36.8 million, and there were no outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	The Company recorded income tax expense of $111.5 million, a 35.3% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 compared to income tax expense of $52.0 million, a 34.6% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014. The income tax expense recognized for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively, was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on the Company's year-to-date income.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of March 29, 2015, the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.
	For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, there is tax effect of $1.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income.
	For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015, there is tax effect of $7.8 million reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation on dividend equivalent rights and vested stock awards. For the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, there is no tax effect reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess compensation.
	With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009.
	The Company is challenging the IRS' amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 26, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”). See “Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
	The Company sponsors programs that provide retirement benefits to most of its employees. These programs include qualified defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan and defined contribution retirement savings plans. Expenses recognized under all of these retirement plans totaled $4.5 million and $1.4 million in the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively.
	Defined Benefit Plans Obligations and Assets
	The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these defined benefit plans were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Change in projected benefit obligation:	(In thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	$	190,401			$	1,657			$	170,030		$	1,705
	Interest cost	1,938				17				2,026			20
	Actuarial losses (gains)	6,915				38				9,017			52
	Benefits paid	(1,479		)		(32		)		(3,603		)	(37		)
	Curtailments and settlements	(11,945		)		—				—			—
	Projected benefit obligation, end of period	$	185,830			$	1,680			$	177,470		$	1,740
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Change in plan assets:	(In thousands)
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$	113,552			$	—			$	108,496		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	2,061				—				1,353			—
	Contributions by employer	1,881				32				1,529			37
	Benefits paid	(1,479		)		(32		)		(3,603		)	(37		)
	Curtailments and settlements	(11,945		)		—				—			—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$	104,070			$	—			$	107,775		$	—
		29-Mar-15								28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Funded status:	(In thousands)
	Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period	$	(81,760	)		$	(1,680	)		$	(76,849	)	$	(1,657	)
		29-Mar-15								28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period:	(In thousands)
	Current liability	$	(9,368	)		$	(129	)		$	(9,373	)	$	(129	)
	Long-term liability	(72,392		)		(1,551		)		(67,476		)	(1,528		)
	Recognized liability	$	(81,760	)		$	(1,680	)		$	(76,849	)	$	(1,657	)
		29-Mar-15								28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period:	(In thousands)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	47,191			$	(88	)		$	43,907		$	(127	)
	The accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans was $185.8 million and $190.0 million at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively. Each of our defined benefit pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations that exceeded the fair value of plan assets at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)
	Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
		(In thousands)
	Interest cost	$	1,938			$	17			$	2,026		$	20
	Estimated return on plan assets	(1,671		)		—				(1,593		)	—
	Settlement loss	3,062				—				—			—
	Amortization of net loss	179				—				14			—
	Net costs	$	3,508			$	17			$	447		$	20
	Economic Assumptions
	The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows:
		29-Mar-15						28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
	Discount rate	3.97	%		3.97	%		4.22	%		4.22	%
		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015						March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
	Discount rate	4.22	%		4.22	%		4.95	%		4.95	%
	Expected return on plan assets	6	%		NA			6	%		NA
	Discount rates were determined based on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The expected rate of return on plan assets was determined based on the current interest rate environment and historical market premiums relative to the fixed income rates of equities and other asset classes. We also take into consideration anticipated asset allocations, investment strategies and the views of various investment professionals when developing this rate.
	Plan Assets
The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations:
	March 29, 2015			December 28, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents	—	%		—	%
Pooled separate accounts(a):
Equity securities	7	%		6	%
Fixed income securities	6	%		6	%
Common collective trust funds(a):
Equity securities	57	%		60	%
Fixed income securities	30	%		28	%
Total assets	100	%		100	%
(a)	Pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”) and common collective trust funds (“CCTs”) are two of the most common types of alternative vehicles in which benefit plans invest. These investments are pooled funds that look like mutual funds, but they are not registered with the SEC. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments.
Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the pooled separate accounts is 50% in each of fixed income securities and equity securities and the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the common collective trust funds is 30% in fixed income securities and 70% in equity securities. The plans only invest in fixed income and equity instruments for which there is a ready public market. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for equity and fixed income securities of the type in which our plans invest.
The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014:
	March 29, 2015														December 28, 2014
	Level 1(a)				Level 2(b)				Level 3(c)			Total			Level 1(a)		Level 2(b)		Level 3(c)		Total
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	60			$	—			$	—		$	60		$	33	$	—	$	—	$	33
Pooled separate accounts:
Large U.S. equity funds(d)	—				4,125				—			4,125			—		4,147		—		4,147
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds(e)	—				1,101				—			1,101			—		1,062		—		1,062
International equity funds(f)	—				1,746				—			1,746			—		1,719		—		1,719
Fixed income funds(g)	—				6,619				—			6,619			—		6,609		—		6,609
Common collective trusts funds:
Large U.S. equity funds(d)	—				26,731				—			26,731			—		29,964		—		29,964
Small U.S. equity funds(e)	—				15,530				—			15,530			—		18,411		—		18,411
International equity funds(f)	—				17,075				—			17,075			—		19,730		—		19,730
Fixed income funds(g)	—				31,083				—			31,083			—		31,877		—		31,877
Total assets	$	60			$	104,010			$	—		$	104,070		$	33	$	113,519	$	—	$	113,552
(a)	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are used to determine fair value.
(b)	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and inputs that are observable for the asset are used to determine fair value.
(c)	Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations, are used to determine fair value.
(d)	This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in large, well-established U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than fixed income options but have the potential for higher returns over longer time periods.
(e)	This category is generally comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in small to medium-sized U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than larger U.S. equity investment options but have the potential for higher returns.
(f)	This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in companies with their principal place of business or office outside of the U.S.
(g)	This category is comprised of investment options that invest in bonds, or debt of a company or government entity (including U.S. and non-U.S. entities). It may also include real estate investment options that directly own property. These investment options typically carry more risk than short-term fixed income investment options (including, for real estate investment options, liquidity risk), but less overall risk than equities.
The valuation of plan assets in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 2 securities primarily include equity and fixed income securities funds.
Benefit Payments
The following table reflects the benefits as of March 29, 2015 expected to be paid through 2024 from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets.
	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
	(In thousands)
2015 (remaining)	$	10,094			$	96
2016	12,937				130
2017	12,502				130
2018	11,769				130
2019	11,278				130
2020-2024	52,157				627
Total	$	110,737			$	1,243
We anticipate contributing $7.5 million and $0.1 million, as required by funding regulations or laws, to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during the remainder of 2015.
Unrecognized Benefit Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows:
	Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
	March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
	Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period	$	43,907			$	(127	)		$	16,957		$	(126	)
Amortization	(179		)		—				(14		)	—
Curtailment and settlement adjustments	(3,062		)		—				—			—
Actuarial loss	6,914				39				9,017			52
Asset loss (gain)	(389		)		—				241			—
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	$	47,191			$	(88	)		$	26,201		$	(74	)
The Company expects to recognize in net pension cost throughout the remainder of 2015 an actuarial loss of $0.5 million that was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 29, 2015.
Remeasurement
The Company remeasures both plan assets and obligations on a quarterly basis.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2015(a)											Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014(a)
		Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits				Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities				Total			Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(62,572	)		$	31			$	(62,541	)	$	(45,797	)	$	62		$	(45,735	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,180		)		32				(2,148		)	(5,795		)	(11		)	(5,806		)
	before reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated	111				(51		)		60			9			(25		)	(16		)
	other comprehensive loss to net
	income
	Net current period other comprehensive	(2,069		)		(19		)		(2,088		)	(5,786		)	(36		)	(5,822		)
	loss
	Balance, end of period	$	(64,641	)		$	12			$	(64,629	)	$	(51,583	)	$	26		$	(51,557	)
	(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a)
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirteen Weeks Ended				Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
			29-Mar-15				30-Mar-14
			(In thousands)
	Realized gain on sale of securities		$	82			$	40			Selling, general and administrative expense
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and
	other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
	Union employees pension plan(b)(d)		(6		)		—				Cost of sales
	Legacy Gold Kist plans(c)(d)		(173		)		(14		)		Selling, general and administrative expense
	Total before tax		(97		)		26
	Tax benefit (expense)		37				(10		)
	Total reclassification for the period		$	(60	)		16
	(a)	Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations.
	(b)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.
	(c)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees.
	(d)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Special Cash Dividend
	On February 17, 2015, the Company paid a special cash dividend from retained earnings of approximately $1.5 billion, or $5.77 per share, to stockholders of record as of January 30, 2015. The Company used proceeds from the U.S. Credit Facility, along with cash on hand, to fund the special cash dividend.
	Restrictions on Dividends
	Both the U.S. Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes restrict, but do not prohibit, the Company from declaring dividends.

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
	The Company sponsors a short-term incentive plan that provides the grant of either cash or share-based bonus awards payable upon achievement of specified performance goals (the “STIP”). Full-time, salaried exempt employees of the Company and its affiliates who are selected by the administering committee are eligible to participate in the STIP. The Company has accrued $8.6 million in costs related to the STIP at March 29, 2015 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded during the remainder of 2015 and 2016.
	The Company also sponsors a performance-based, omnibus long-term incentive plan that provides for the grant of a broad range of long-term equity-based and cash-based awards to the Company's officers and other employees, members of the Board of Directors and any consultants (the “LTIP”). The equity-based awards that may be granted under the LTIP include “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). At March 29, 2015, we have reserved approximately 5.0 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP.
	The following awards were outstanding during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015:
	Award Type		Benefit	Awards Granted			Grant		Grant Date Fair Value per Award(a)				Vesting Condition	Vesting Date	Vesting Date Fair Value per Award(a)		Estimated Forfeiture Rate		Awards Forfeited to Date	Settlement Method
			Plan				Date
	RSU		LTIP	608,561			2/4/13		$	8.89			Service	12/31/14	$	32.79	9.66	%	144,382	Stock
	RSA		LTIP	15,000			2/25/13		8.72				Service	2/24/15	27.55		—	%	—	Stock
	RSA		LTIP	15,000			2/25/13		8.72				Service	2/24/16			—	%	—	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	206,933			2/26/13		8.62				Service	12/31/14	32.79		—	%	—	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	462,518			2/19/14		16.7				Service	12/31/16			13.49	%	13,301	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	269,662			3/3/14		17.18				Performance / Service	12/31/17			12.34	%	—	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	158,226			2/26/15		27.51				Performance / Service	12/31/18			(b)		—	Stock
	(a)	The fair value of each RSA and RSU granted or vested represents the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant date or vesting date.
	(b)	The estimated forfeiture rate for these awards will be set if or when performance conditions associated with the awards are satisfied.
	Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		29-Mar-15			30-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation cost:
	Cost of sales	$	113		$	19
	Selling, general and administrative expense	684			1,003
	Total	$	797		$	1,022
	Income tax benefit	$	243		$	275
	The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2015						Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
		Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				Number			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		(In thousands, except weighted average fair values)
	RSAs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	30		$	8.72			203			$	6.59
	Vested	(15	)	8.72				(100	)		7.1
	Outstanding at end of period	15		$	8.72			103			$	6.09
	RSUs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	1,120		$	11.97			729			$	8.81
	Granted	428		21				462			16.7
	Vested	(671	)	8.81				—			—
	Forfeited	—		—				(24	)		8.89
	Outstanding at end of period	877		$	18.8			1,167			$	11.93
	The total fair value of awards vested during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 was $22.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
	At March 29, 2015, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $13.0 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.75 years.
	Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Pilgrim's has been and, in some cases, continues to be a party to certain transactions with affiliated persons and our current and former directors and executive officers. Company management has analyzed the terms of all contracts executed with related parties and believes that they are substantially similar to, and contain terms no less favorable to us than, those obtainable from unaffiliated parties.
	On December 28, 2009, JBS USA became the holder of the majority of the common stock of the Company. As of March 29, 2015, JBS USA beneficially owned 75.3% of the total outstanding shares of our common stock.
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		29-Mar-15		30-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	JBS USA:
	Letter of credit fees(a)	$	317	$	335
	JBS USA, LLC:
	Purchases from JBS USA, LLC(b)	27,580		24,989
	Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation(c)	8,580		12,458
	Sales to JBS USA, LLC(b)	6,868		15,355
	Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC(c)	1,715		533
	JBS Chile Ltda.:
	Sales to JBS Chile Ltda.	165		—
	(a)	Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company on our behalf in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential liability claims. We agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA $0.3 million for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2015, we have paid JBS USA $1.0 million for letter of credit costs. As of March 29, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf.
	(b)	We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $3.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $4.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively. As of March 29, 2015, approximately $5.2 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	(c)	On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On January 1, 2014, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on December 31, 2016.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In the Company’s opinion, it has made appropriate and adequate accruals for claims where necessary; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if significantly different than the amounts accrued, the ultimate outcome could have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. For a discussion of the material legal proceedings and claims, see Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings.” Below is a summary of some of these material proceedings and claims. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend these cases.
	On December 1, 2008, Pilgrim’s and six of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division (“Bankruptcy Court”). The cases were jointly administered under Case No. 08-45664. The Company emerged from Chapter 11 on December 28, 2009. The Company is the named defendant in several pre-petition lawsuits that, as of March 29, 2015, have not been resolved.
	Tax Claims and Proceedings
	The United States Department of Treasury, IRS filed an amended proof of claim in the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to which the IRS asserted claims that total $74.7 million. We entered into two Stipulations with the IRS on December 12, 2012 that accounted for approximately $29.3 million of the amended proof of claim and should result in no additional tax due.
	In connection with the remaining claim for approximately $45.4 million included in the amended proof of claim, we filed a petition in Tax Court on May 26, 2010 in response to a Notice of Deficiency that was issued to the Company as the successor in interest to Gold Kist. The Notice of Deficiency and the Tax Court proceeding relate to a loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004. On December 11, 2013, the Tax Court issued its opinion in the Tax Court case holding the loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004 is capital in nature. On January 10, 2014, the Company filed both a Motion for Reconsideration and a Motion for Full Tax Court review of both its Motion for Reconsideration and any order issued in response to such motion. On March 10, 2014, the Tax Court denied both the Motion for Reconsideration and the Motion for Full Tax Court review. On April 14, 2014, the Company appealed the findings of fact and conclusions of law and decision concerning the post-judgment motions to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Fifth Circuit”). The Company filed an opening brief with the Fifth Circuit on June 30, 2014. The IRS filed a response brief with the Fifth Circuit on August 15, 2014. The Company then filed their reply brief with the Fifth Circuit on September 2, 2014. Oral argument before the Fifth Circuit occurred during the week beginning January 5, 2015. On February 25, 2015, the Fifth Circuit issued its opinion, which reversed the Tax Court’s judgment and rendered judgment in favor of the Company. The IRS has until May 26, 2015 to petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States (the “U.S. Supreme Court”).
	Upon the initial filing of the Gold Kist tax return for the year ended June 26, 2004, the Company assessed the likelihood that the position related to the proceeding would be sustained upon examination and determined that it met the recognition threshold and the full amount of benefit was recognized. We continue to believe the position is more likely than not of being sustained. If adversely determined, the outcome could have a material effect on the Company's operating results and financial position.
	Grower Claims and Proceedings
	On June 1, 2009, approximately 555 former and current independent contract broiler growers, their spouses and poultry farms filed an adversary proceeding against the Company in the Bankruptcy Court styled “Shelia Adams, et al. v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation” seeking unspecified damages and alleging, along with other assertions, that the Company breached grower contracts and made false representations to induce the plaintiffs into building chicken farms and entering into chicken growing agreements with the Company. On September 30, 2011, the trial court hearing the case issued its findings of fact and conclusions of law stating that the Company violated section 192(e) of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by purportedly attempting to manipulate the price of chicken by idling the El Dorado, Arkansas complex and rejecting the El Dorado growers’ contracts. The trial court awarded damages in the amount of $25.8 million. Afterward, the Company filed post-judgment motions attacking the trial court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law, which, on December 28, 2011, were granted in part and resulted in a reduction of the damages award from $25.8 million to $25.6 million. On January 19, 2012, the Company appealed the findings of fact and conclusions of law and decision concerning the post-judgment motions to the Fifth Circuit. Oral argument occurred December 3, 2012. On August 27, 2013, the Fifth Circuit reversed the judgment, and entered a judgment in favor of the Company. Plaintiffs thereafter filed a petition for rehearing en banc. Plaintiffs’ petition for rehearing was denied on October 15, 2013. On January 13, 2014, Plaintiffs filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari requesting the U.S. Supreme Court to accept their case for review. Plaintiff’s petition for a Writ of Certiorari was denied on February 24, 2014. The Fifth Circuit's decision and prior favorable trial court rulings regarding the El Dorado growers' claims suggest that the likelihood of any recovery by growers remaining in the case is too remote to maintain the previously-recorded loss accrual. Therefore, the Company reversed the accrual on September 1, 2013.
	As for the remaining chicken grower claims, the bench trial relating to the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Farmerville, Louisiana complex began on July 16, 2012. That bench trial concluded on August 2, 2012, but the trial court postponed its ruling until the appeals process regarding the allegations asserted by the El Dorado growers was exhausted. The bench trial relating to the claims asserted by the plaintiffs from the Nacogdoches, Texas complex began on September 12, 2012, but was also postponed until the appeals process regarding the allegations asserted by the El Dorado growers was exhausted. The remaining bench trial for the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes was scheduled for October 29, 2012, but that trial date was canceled. Following the denial by the U.S. Supreme Court for a Writ of Certiorari related to the claims asserted by the plaintiffs from the El Dorado, Arkansas complex, the trial court requested briefing on the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Farmerville, Louisiana complex and scheduled trial proceedings for allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the Nacogdoches complex on August 25, 2014 and allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes on October 27, 2014. Prior to commencing the trial proceedings on the allegations asserted by the plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville, Arkansas complexes, the trial court announced it would enter judgment in the Company's favor on all remaining federal causes of action, and plaintiffs from the De Queen and Batesville complexes were given additional time to brief Arkansas state law claims. The court-imposed deadline passed with no briefs filed by plaintiffs. At this time, the trial court has not memorialized its decision in writing.
	ERISA Claims and Proceedings
	Claims have been brought against certain current and former directors, executive officers and employees of the Company, the Pilgrim’s Pride Administrative Committee and the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Committee seeking unspecified damages under section 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. §1132. These claims were brought by individual participants in the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan, individually and on behalf of a putative class, alleging that the defendants breached fiduciary duties to plan participants and beneficiaries or otherwise violated ERISA. Although the Company is not a named defendant in these claims, our bylaws require us to indemnify our current and former directors and officers from any liabilities and expenses incurred by them in connection with actions they took in good faith while serving as an officer or director. In these actions the plaintiffs assert claims in excess of $35.0 million. The likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of any possible loss to the Company cannot be determined at this time.

PENDING_ACQUISITION

PENDING ACQUISITION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
PENDING ACQUISITION	PENDING ACQUISITION
	On July 28, 2014, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Provemex Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “Tyson Mexico”) from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for approximately $400.0 million, which is subject to adjustment for closing date working capital. On April 29, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to the agreement with Tyson Foods, Inc. to extend the deadline to consummate the transaction from April 30, 2015 to June 30, 2015. The closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, including the approval of applicable merger control regulatory authorities in Mexico.  We expect that a decision from these regulatory authorities will be obtained during the second quarter of fiscal 2015. If the acquisition is completed, we expect to fund the purchase price from available cash balances and bank credit. Tyson Mexico is a vertically integrated poultry business based in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. It has a production capacity of 3 million birds per week in its three plants and employs more than 5,400 in its plants, offices and seven distribution centers.

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statements	Consolidated Financial Statements
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014.
	Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2015) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
	The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reportable Segment	Reportable Segment
	We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Book Overdraft	Book Overdraft
	The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. There is no option for early adoption. Unless the FASB defers implementation of this new standard, the provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected a transition approach to implement the standard.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
			March 29, 2015
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In thousands)
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		$	4,338			$	—		$	—		$	4,338
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		899				—			—			899
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,522				—			—			6,522
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(3,751		)		—			—			(3,751		)
	Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments		(531		)		—			—			(531		)
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(240		)								(240		)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%		(510,000		)		—			—			(510,000		)
	Floating-rate term notes		(650,000		)		—			—			(650,000		)
	Fixed-rate capital lease obligations		—				—			(617		)	(617		)
			December 28, 2014
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
			(In thousands)
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		$	8,416			$	—		$	—		$	8,416
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		2,563				—			—			2,563
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,753				—			—			6,753
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(8,580		)		—			—			(8,580		)
	Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments		(14,103		)		—			—			(14,103		)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Fixed-rate public notes		(3,979		)		—			—			(3,979		)
	Fixed-rate capital lease obligations		—				—			(587		)	(587		)
Schedule of Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		29-Mar-15				30-Mar-14
	Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities:	(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	587			$	704
	Borrowings	—				—
	Payments	(36		)		(33		)
	Change in fair value inputs	66				(3		)
	Balance, end of period	$	617			$	668
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
			29-Mar-15							December 28, 2014
			Carrying				Fair			Carrying			Fair			Note Reference
			Amount				Value			Amount			Value
							(In thousands)
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		$	4,338			$	4,338		$	8,416		$	8,416		6
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		—				—			—			—			6
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		899				899			2,563			2,563			6
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,522				6,522			6,753			6,753
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(3,751		)		(3,751		)	(8,580		)	(8,580		)	6
	Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments		(531		)		(531		)	(14,103		)	(14,103		)	6
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(240		)		(240		)	—			—			6
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements		(1,150,574		)		(1,160,617		)	(4,242		)	(4,566		)	9

TRADE_ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEI1

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following:
		March 29, 2015			28-Dec-14
		(In thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	357,101		$	371,268
	Account receivable from related parties(a)	4,719			5,250
	Notes receivable - current	1,029			1,088
	Other receivables	9,355			9,059
	Receivables, gross	372,204			386,665
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,494		)	(2,525		)
	Receivables, net	$	369,710		$	384,140
	(a)    Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following:
		March 29, 2015		December 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Live chicken and hens	$	366,463	$	363,438
	Feed, eggs and other	199,638		198,681
	Finished chicken products	222,118		227,649
	Total chicken inventories	788,219		789,768
	Commercial feed and other	503		537
	Total inventories	$	788,722	$	790,305

INVESTMENTS_IN_SECURITIES_Tabl

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities:
		March 29, 2015				December 28, 2014
		Amortized Cost		Fair		Amortized Cost		Fair
				Value				Value
		(In thousands)
	Cash equivalents:
	Fixed income securities	$	124,968	$	124,968	$	204,286	$	204,286
	Other	53		53		80		80

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN1

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral	Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table:
		March 29, 2015			28-Dec-14
		(Fair values in thousands)
	Fair values:
	Commodity derivative assets	$	4,338		$	8,416
	Commodity derivative liabilities	(4,282		)	(22,683		)
	Cash collateral posted with brokers	19,448			25,205
	Foreign currency derivative assets	899			2,563
	Foreign currency derivative liabilities	(240		)	—
	Derivatives coverage(a):
	Corn	1.7		%	(8.2		)%
	Soybean meal	(10.1		)%	(16.1		)%
	Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
	Corn	Dec-16			Sep-16
	Soybean meal	Dec-15			Jul-15
	(a)	Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following:
		March 29, 2015			December 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	66,959		$	66,798
	Buildings	1,090,989			1,086,690
	Machinery and equipment	1,576,161			1,537,241
	Autos and trucks	51,338			52,639
	Construction-in-progress	117,229			129,701
	PP&E, gross	2,902,676			2,873,069
	Accumulated depreciation	(1,721,268		)	(1,690,274		)
	PP&E, net	$	1,181,408		$	1,182,795

CURRENT_LIABILITIES_Tables

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Current Liabilities	Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components:
		March 29, 2015		December 28, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Accounts payable:
	Trade accounts	$	367,117	$	347,107
	Book overdrafts	41,091		47,320
	Other payables	4,134		5,059
	Total accounts payable	412,342		399,486
	Accounts payable to related parties(a)	3,698		4,862
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Compensation and benefits	94,042		123,495
	Interest and debt-related fees	2,313		780
	Insurance and self-insured claims	92,936		85,240
	Derivative liabilities:
	Futures	3,751		8,580
	Options	531		14,103
	Foreign currency	240		—
	Other accrued expenses	78,250		79,681
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	272,063		311,879
		$	688,103	$	716,227
	(a)    Additional information regarding accounts payable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW1

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements consisted of the following components:
		Maturity	March 29, 2015			December 28, 2014
			(In thousands)
	Senior notes payable at 5.75%	2025	$	500,000		$	—
	U.S. Credit Facility (defined below):
	Term note payable at 1.676%	2020	650,000			—
	Revolving note payable	2020	—			—
	Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 1.05%	2017	—			—
	JBS USA Holdings, Inc. Subordinated Loan Facility	2015	—			—
	Other	Various	574			4,242
	Long-term debt		1,150,574			4,242
	Less: Current maturities of long-term debt		(133		)	(262		)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities		$	1,150,441		$	3,980

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets	The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these defined benefit plans were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Change in projected benefit obligation:	(In thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	$	190,401			$	1,657			$	170,030		$	1,705
	Interest cost	1,938				17				2,026			20
	Actuarial losses (gains)	6,915				38				9,017			52
	Benefits paid	(1,479		)		(32		)		(3,603		)	(37		)
	Curtailments and settlements	(11,945		)		—				—			—
	Projected benefit obligation, end of period	$	185,830			$	1,680			$	177,470		$	1,740
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Change in plan assets:	(In thousands)
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$	113,552			$	—			$	108,496		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	2,061				—				1,353			—
	Contributions by employer	1,881				32				1,529			37
	Benefits paid	(1,479		)		(32		)		(3,603		)	(37		)
	Curtailments and settlements	(11,945		)		—				—			—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$	104,070			$	—			$	107,775		$	—
		29-Mar-15								28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Funded status:	(In thousands)
	Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period	$	(81,760	)		$	(1,680	)		$	(76,849	)	$	(1,657	)
		29-Mar-15								28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period:	(In thousands)
	Current liability	$	(9,368	)		$	(129	)		$	(9,373	)	$	(129	)
	Long-term liability	(72,392		)		(1,551		)		(67,476		)	(1,528		)
	Recognized liability	$	(81,760	)		$	(1,680	)		$	(76,849	)	$	(1,657	)
		29-Mar-15								28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period:	(In thousands)
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	47,191			$	(88	)		$	43,907		$	(127	)
Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs	Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
		(In thousands)
	Interest cost	$	1,938			$	17			$	2,026		$	20
	Estimated return on plan assets	(1,671		)		—				(1,593		)	—
	Settlement loss	3,062				—				—			—
	Amortization of net loss	179				—				14			—
	Net costs	$	3,508			$	17			$	447		$	20
Schedule of Economic Assumptions	The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows:
		29-Mar-15						28-Dec-14
		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
	Discount rate	3.97	%		3.97	%		4.22	%		4.22	%
		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015						March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits			Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
	Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
	Discount rate	4.22	%		4.22	%		4.95	%		4.95	%
	Expected return on plan assets	6	%		NA			6	%		NA
Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations	The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations:
		March 29, 2015			December 28, 2014
	Cash and cash equivalents	—	%		—	%
	Pooled separate accounts(a):
	Equity securities	7	%		6	%
	Fixed income securities	6	%		6	%
	Common collective trust funds(a):
	Equity securities	57	%		60	%
	Fixed income securities	30	%		28	%
	Total assets	100	%		100	%
	(a)	Pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”) and common collective trust funds (“CCTs”) are two of the most common types of alternative vehicles in which benefit plans invest. These investments are pooled funds that look like mutual funds, but they are not registered with the SEC. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments.
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets	The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014:
		March 29, 2015														December 28, 2014
		Level 1(a)				Level 2(b)				Level 3(c)			Total			Level 1(a)		Level 2(b)		Level 3(c)		Total
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	60			$	—			$	—		$	60		$	33	$	—	$	—	$	33
	Pooled separate accounts:
	Large U.S. equity funds(d)	—				4,125				—			4,125			—		4,147		—		4,147
	Small/Mid U.S. equity funds(e)	—				1,101				—			1,101			—		1,062		—		1,062
	International equity funds(f)	—				1,746				—			1,746			—		1,719		—		1,719
	Fixed income funds(g)	—				6,619				—			6,619			—		6,609		—		6,609
	Common collective trusts funds:
	Large U.S. equity funds(d)	—				26,731				—			26,731			—		29,964		—		29,964
	Small U.S. equity funds(e)	—				15,530				—			15,530			—		18,411		—		18,411
	International equity funds(f)	—				17,075				—			17,075			—		19,730		—		19,730
	Fixed income funds(g)	—				31,083				—			31,083			—		31,877		—		31,877
	Total assets	$	60			$	104,010			$	—		$	104,070		$	33	$	113,519	$	—	$	113,552
	(a)	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are used to determine fair value.
	(b)	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and inputs that are observable for the asset are used to determine fair value.
	(c)	Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations, are used to determine fair value.
	(d)	This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in large, well-established U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than fixed income options but have the potential for higher returns over longer time periods.
	(e)	This category is generally comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in small to medium-sized U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than larger U.S. equity investment options but have the potential for higher returns.
	(f)	This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in companies with their principal place of business or office outside of the U.S.
	(g)	This category is comprised of investment options that invest in bonds, or debt of a company or government entity (including U.S. and non-U.S. entities). It may also include real estate investment options that directly own property. These investment options typically carry more risk than short-term fixed income investment options (including, for real estate investment options, liquidity risk), but less overall risk than equities.
Schedule of Benefit Payments	The following table reflects the benefits as of March 29, 2015 expected to be paid through 2024 from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets.
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits
		(In thousands)
	2015 (remaining)	$	10,094			$	96
	2016	12,937				130
	2017	12,502				130
	2018	11,769				130
	2019	11,278				130
	2020-2024	52,157				627
	Total	$	110,737			$	1,243
Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 29, 2015								March 30, 2014
		Pension Benefits				Other Benefits				Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
		(In thousands)
	Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period	$	43,907			$	(127	)		$	16,957		$	(126	)
	Amortization	(179		)		—				(14		)	—
	Curtailment and settlement adjustments	(3,062		)		—				—			—
	Actuarial loss	6,914				39				9,017			52
	Asset loss (gain)	(389		)		—				241			—
	Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	$	47,191			$	(88	)		$	26,201		$	(74	)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Unrealized Actuarial Losses	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2015(a)											Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014(a)
		Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits				Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities				Total			Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits			Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(62,572	)		$	31			$	(62,541	)	$	(45,797	)	$	62		$	(45,735	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,180		)		32				(2,148		)	(5,795		)	(11		)	(5,806		)
	before reclassifications
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated	111				(51		)		60			9			(25		)	(16		)
	other comprehensive loss to net
	income
	Net current period other comprehensive	(2,069		)		(19		)		(2,088		)	(5,786		)	(36		)	(5,822		)
	loss
	Balance, end of period	$	(64,641	)		$	12			$	(64,629	)	$	(51,583	)	$	26		$	(51,557	)
	(a)	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a)
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirteen Weeks Ended				Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
			29-Mar-15				30-Mar-14
			(In thousands)
	Realized gain on sale of securities		$	82			$	40			Selling, general and administrative expense
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and
	other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
	Union employees pension plan(b)(d)		(6		)		—				Cost of sales
	Legacy Gold Kist plans(c)(d)		(173		)		(14		)		Selling, general and administrative expense
	Total before tax		(97		)		26
	Tax benefit (expense)		37				(10		)
	Total reclassification for the period		$	(60	)		16
	(a)	Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations.
	(b)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.
	(c)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees.
	(d)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Tables

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Schedule of Awards	The following awards were outstanding during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2015:
	Award Type		Benefit	Awards Granted			Grant		Grant Date Fair Value per Award(a)				Vesting Condition	Vesting Date	Vesting Date Fair Value per Award(a)		Estimated Forfeiture Rate		Awards Forfeited to Date	Settlement Method
			Plan				Date
	RSU		LTIP	608,561			2/4/13		$	8.89			Service	12/31/14	$	32.79	9.66	%	144,382	Stock
	RSA		LTIP	15,000			2/25/13		8.72				Service	2/24/15	27.55		—	%	—	Stock
	RSA		LTIP	15,000			2/25/13		8.72				Service	2/24/16			—	%	—	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	206,933			2/26/13		8.62				Service	12/31/14	32.79		—	%	—	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	462,518			2/19/14		16.7				Service	12/31/16			13.49	%	13,301	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	269,662			3/3/14		17.18				Performance / Service	12/31/17			12.34	%	—	Stock
	RSU		LTIP	158,226			2/26/15		27.51				Performance / Service	12/31/18			(b)		—	Stock
	(a)	The fair value of each RSA and RSU granted or vested represents the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant date or vesting date.
	(b)	The estimated forfeiture rate for these awards will be set if or when performance conditions associated with the awards are satisfied.
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit	Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		29-Mar-15			30-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation cost:
	Cost of sales	$	113		$	19
	Selling, general and administrative expense	684			1,003
	Total	$	797		$	1,022
	Income tax benefit	$	243		$	275
Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2015						Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
		Number		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				Number			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		(In thousands, except weighted average fair values)
	RSAs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	30		$	8.72			203			$	6.59
	Vested	(15	)	8.72				(100	)		7.1
	Outstanding at end of period	15		$	8.72			103			$	6.09
	RSUs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	1,120		$	11.97			729			$	8.81
	Granted	428		21				462			16.7
	Vested	(671	)	8.81				—			—
	Forfeited	—		—				(24	)		8.89
	Outstanding at end of period	877		$	18.8			1,167			$	11.93

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		29-Mar-15		30-Mar-14
		(In thousands)
	JBS USA:
	Letter of credit fees(a)	$	317	$	335
	JBS USA, LLC:
	Purchases from JBS USA, LLC(b)	27,580		24,989
	Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation(c)	8,580		12,458
	Sales to JBS USA, LLC(b)	6,868		15,355
	Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC(c)	1,715		533
	JBS Chile Ltda.:
	Sales to JBS Chile Ltda.	165		—
	(a)	Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company on our behalf in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential liability claims. We agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA $0.3 million for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2015, we have paid JBS USA $1.0 million for letter of credit costs. As of March 29, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf.
	(b)	We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $3.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. As of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $4.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively. As of March 29, 2015, approximately $5.2 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	(c)	On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On January 1, 2014, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on December 31, 2016.

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
	segment
	lb
	grower
	state
	country
	employee
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of countries in which entity exports products	95
Number of states in which entity operates	12
Number of employees	34,200
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds) (more than)	34,000,000
Maximum annual processing capacity of employees (in pounds) (more than)	10,000,000,000
Number of contract growers	3,800
Percentage of beneficial ownership by holding company	75.30%
Number of reportable segments	1
Minimum [Member]
Fiscal Period [Line Items]
Fiscal Period Duration	364 days
Maximum [Member]
Fiscal Period [Line Items]
Fiscal Period Duration	371 days

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Schedu

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	$6,522	$6,753
Public Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-510,000	-3,979
Term Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-650,000
Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-617	-587
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,338	8,416
Derivative liabilities, gross	-3,751	-8,580
Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, gross	-531	-14,103
Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	899	2,563
Derivative liabilities, gross	-240
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	6,522	6,753
Level 1 [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-510,000	-3,979
Level 1 [Member] | Term Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-650,000
Level 1 [Member] | Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,338	8,416
Derivative liabilities, gross	-3,751	-8,580
Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, gross	-531	-14,103
Level 1 [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	899	2,563
Derivative liabilities, gross	-240
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Term Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	0
Level 2 [Member] | Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities, gross	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, gross	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Term Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	0
Level 3 [Member] | Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-617	-587	-668	-704
Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities, gross	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, gross	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Schedu1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Borrowings	$1,680,000	$0
Recurring [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, end of period	650,000
Recurring [Member] | Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			587
Balance, end of period	617		587
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, end of period	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Capitalized Lease Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	587	704
Borrowings	0	0
Payments	-36	-33
Change in fair value inputs	66	-3
Balance, end of period	$617	$668

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Schedu2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	$6,522	$6,753
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-1,150,574	-4,242
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets	6,522	6,753
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-1,160,617	-4,566
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,338	8,416
Derivative liabilities, gross	-3,751	-8,580
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,338	8,416
Derivative liabilities, gross	-3,751	-8,580
Commodity Options Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities, gross	-531	-14,103
Commodity Options Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities, gross	-531	-14,103
Foreign currency [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	899	2,563
Derivative liabilities, gross		0
Foreign currency [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	899	2,563
Derivative liabilities, gross	($240)	$0

TRADE_ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEI2

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$357,101	$371,268
Account receivable from related parties	4,719	5,250
Notes receivable - current	1,029	1,088
Other receivables	9,355	9,059
Receivables, gross	372,204	386,665
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-2,494	-2,525
Receivables, net	$369,710	$384,140

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$788,722	$790,305
Live Chicken and Hens [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	366,463	363,438
Feed, Eggs and Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	199,638	198,681
Finished Chicken Products [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	222,118	227,649
Chicken Inventories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	788,219	789,768
Commercial Feed and Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$503	$537

INVESTMENTS_IN_SECURITIES_Deta

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gain on sale of securities	$130,000	$195,900
Realized loss on sale of securities	8,300	0
Fixed income securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed income securities, Amortized Cost	124,968,000		204,286,000
Fixed income securities, Fair Value	124,968,000		204,286,000
Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed income securities, Amortized Cost	53,000		80,000
Fixed income securities, Fair Value	$53,000		$80,000

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments	$23.40	($8)

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair values:
Cash collateral posted with brokers	19,448	25,205
Corn [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives coverage (as a percentage)	1.70%	-8.20%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Maturity date	31-Dec-16	30-Sep-16
Soybean Meal [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives coverage (as a percentage)	-10.10%	-16.10%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Maturity date	31-Dec-15	31-Jul-15
Commodity [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets, gross	4,338	8,416
Derivative liabilities, gross	-4,282	-22,683
Foreign Currency [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets, gross	899	2,563
Derivative liabilities, gross	-240	0

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$34,000,000	$33,200,000
Payments for capital projects	32,591,000	47,760,000
Transfer of property, plant and equipment	45,200,000
Proceeds from property disposals	867,000	1,511,000
Gain (loss) on property disposals	900,000	-600,000
Assets held for sale	1,419,000		1,419,000
Idled assets property, plant and equipment, net	66,600,000
Idled asset property, plant and equipment gross	178,700,000
Idled asset accumulated depreciation	$112,100,000

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_S

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	$2,902,676	$2,873,069
Accumulated depreciation	-1,721,268	-1,690,274
PP&E, net	1,181,408	1,182,795
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	66,959	66,798
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	1,090,989	1,086,690
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	1,576,161	1,537,241
Autos and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	51,338	52,639
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	$117,229	$129,701

CURRENT_LIABILITIES_Details

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts payable:
Trade accounts	$367,117	$347,107
Book overdrafts	41,091	47,320
Other payables	4,134	5,059
Total accounts payable	412,342	399,486
Accounts payable to related parties	3,698	4,862
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits	94,042	123,495
Interest and debt-related fees	2,313	780
Insurance and self-insured claims	92,936	85,240
Derivative liabilities:
Other accrued expenses	78,250	79,681
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	272,063	311,879
Total accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	688,103	716,227
Futures [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	3,751	8,580
Options [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	531	14,103
Foreign currency [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$240	$0

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)

Mar. 29, 2015

Dec. 28, 2014

Oct. 26, 2011

Mar. 29, 2015

Dec. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2015

Dec. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2015

Jul. 23, 2014

Jul. 23, 2014

Mar. 29, 2015

Mar. 11, 2015

Dec. 28, 2014

Mar. 29, 2015

Dec. 28, 2014

Jun. 23, 2011

Mar. 29, 2015

Jun. 23, 2011

Mar. 12, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Mar. 29, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Mar. 29, 2015

Mar. 29, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Mar. 29, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Mar. 29, 2015

Feb. 11, 2015

Apr. 22, 2015

USD ($)

USD ($)

JBS USA [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]

Loan Commitment Under Mexico Credit Facility [Member]

Loan Commitment Under Mexico Credit Facility [Member]

Loan Commitment Under Mexico Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Subordinated Debt [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Radobank [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

TIIE Rate [Member]

Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]

Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]

Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]

Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]

Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]

Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]

Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]

Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]

2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

MXN

Line of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

JBS USA [Member]

JBS USA [Member]

JBS USA [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Swingline Loans [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

To-Ricos Borrower [Member]

US and Puerto Rico Subsidiaries [Member]

Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Base Rate [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

USD ($)

Letter of Credit [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Line of Credit [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Aggregate principal amount

$56,500,000

$500,000,000

Stated interest rate

1.68%

5.75%

5.75%

Repayments of lines of credit

200,000

350,000,000

150,000,000

Maximum borrowing capacity

36,800,000

560,000,000

700,000,000

75,000,000

125,000,000

25,000,000

700,000,000

1,000,000,000

Available increase to aggregate revolving loan commitment

1,000,000,000

Long-term debt

1,150,574,000

4,242,000

0

0

650,000,000

0

500,000,000

0

0

0

650,000,000

Basis spread on variable rate

1.05%

1.50%

1.25%

2.75%

0.50%

0.25%

1.75%

Number of days past due

15 days

Current borrowing capacity

679,900,000

Letters of credit outstanding

20,100,000

Outstanding borrowings

0

0

Line of Credit Facility, Capital Expenditures Limit

500,000,000

Percentage of equity interest guaranteed for debt

100.00%

65.00%

Agreed repayment of debt

56,500,000

56,500,000

Credit facility availed

56,500,000

Accounts payable to related parties

$3,698,000

$4,862,000

$100,000

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 11, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	1,150,574	$4,242
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	-133	-262
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,150,441	3,980
Line of Credit [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.68%
Long-term debt	650,000	0
Line of Credit [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	0
Line of Credit [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	0
Line of Credit [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | TIIE Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.05%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%		5.75%
Long-term debt	500,000	0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	0
Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	574	$4,242

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$111,494,000	$52,012,000
Effective income tax rate	35.30%	34.60%
Tax effect recognized in other comprehensive income	1,255,000	3,509,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	7,834,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	$7,834,000	$0

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Retirement plan expenses	$4.50	$1.40
Accumulated benefit obligation, defined benefit pension plans	185.8		190
Actuarial gain (loss) expected to be recognized in net pension cost throughout 2015	-0.5
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Remaining expected contributions during 2015	7.5
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Remaining expected contributions during 2015	$0.10
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	30.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	70.00%

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year			$113,552
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	104,070		113,552
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	-1,680		-1,657
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Current liability	-129		-129
Long-term liability	-1,551		-1,528
Recognized liability	-1,680		-1,657
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	190,401	170,030
Interest cost	1,938	2,026
Actuarial losses (gains)	6,915	9,017
Benefits paid	-1,479	-3,603
Curtailments and settlements	-11,945	0
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	185,830	177,470
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	113,552	108,496
Actual return on plan assets	2,061	1,353
Contributions by employer	1,881	1,529
Benefits paid	-1,479	-3,603
Curtailments and settlements	-11,945	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	104,070	107,775
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	-81,760		-76,849
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Current liability	-9,368		-9,373
Long-term liability	-72,392		-67,476
Recognized liability	-81,760		-76,849
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	47,191	26,201	43,907	16,957
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,657	1,705
Interest cost	17	20
Actuarial losses (gains)	38	52
Benefits paid	-32	-37
Curtailments and settlements	0	0
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	1,680	1,740
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Contributions by employer	32	37
Benefits paid	-32	-37
Curtailments and settlements	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	-1,680		-1,657
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Recognized liability	-1,680		-1,657
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	($88)	($74)	($127)	($126)

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME4

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs) (Details) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	$1,938	$2,026
Estimated return on plan assets	-1,671	-1,593
Settlement loss	3,062	0
Amortization of net loss	179	14
Net costs	3,508	447
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	17	20
Estimated return on plan assets	0	0
Settlement loss	0	0
Amortization of net loss	0	0
Net costs	$17	$20

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME5

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Economic Assumptions) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
Discount rate	3.97%		4.22%
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.95%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
Discount rate	3.97%		4.22%

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME6

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	100.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	0.00%	0.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	7.00%	6.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	57.00%	60.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	6.00%	6.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	30.00%	28.00%

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME7

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$104,070	$113,552
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	60	33
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	104,010	113,519
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	60	33
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	60	33
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,125	4,147
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4,125	4,147
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,731	29,964
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,731	29,964
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,101	1,062
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,101	1,062
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,530	18,411
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,530	18,411
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,746	1,719
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,746	1,719
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	17,075	19,730
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	17,075	19,730
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,619	6,609
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,619	6,609
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	31,083	31,877
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	31,083	31,877
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$0	$0

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME8

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2015 (remaining)	$10,094
2016	12,937
2017	12,502
2018	11,769
2019	11,278
2020-2024	52,157
Total	110,737
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2015 (remaining)	96
2016	130
2017	130
2018	130
2019	130
2020-2024	627
Total	$1,243

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME9

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period	$43,907	$16,957
Amortization	-179	-14
Curtailment and settlement adjustments	-3,062	0
Actuarial loss	6,914	9,017
Asset loss (gain)	-389	241
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	47,191	26,201
Other Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period	-127	-126
Amortization	0	0
Curtailment and settlement adjustments	0	0
Actuarial loss	39	52
Asset loss (gain)	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	($88)	($74)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Changes in Unrealized Actuarial Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	($62,541)	($45,735)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2,148	-5,806
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	60	-16
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,088	-5,822
Balance, end of period	-64,629	-51,557
Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	-62,572	-45,797
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2,180	-5,795
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	111	9
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-2,069	-5,786
Balance, end of period	-64,641	-51,583
Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	31	62
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	32	-11
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	-51	-25
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	-19	-36
Balance, end of period	$12	$26

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o1

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total reclassification for the period	($60)	$16
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	82	40
Total before tax	-97	26
Tax benefit (expense)	37	-10
Total reclassification for the period	-60	16
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Union Plan [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	-6	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	($173)	($14)

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Narrative_

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 17, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Special cash dividend	$1,500,000	$1,498,470
Special cash dividend (in dollars per share)	$5.77

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Narrati

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Fair value of awards vested	$22.40	$1.60
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	13
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 9 months
Incentive Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Accrued in costs related to the STIP	$8.60
Reserved shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP	5

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Schedul

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Awards) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
RSU 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	608,561
Grant Date	4-Feb-13
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$8.89
Vesting Date	31-Dec-14
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$32.79
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	9.66%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	144,382
RSA 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	15,000
Grant Date	25-Feb-13
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$8.72
Vesting Date	24-Feb-15
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$27.55
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSA 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	15,000
Grant Date	25-Feb-13
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$8.72
Vesting Date	24-Feb-16
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSU 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	206,933
Grant Date	26-Feb-13
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$8.62
Vesting Date	31-Dec-14
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$32.79
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSU 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	462,518
Grant Date	19-Feb-14
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$16.70
Vesting Date	31-Dec-16
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	13.49%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	13,301
RSU 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	269,662
Grant Date	3-Mar-14
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$17.18
Vesting Date	31-Dec-17
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	12.34%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSU 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	158,226
Grant Date	26-Feb-15
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$27.51
Vesting Date	31-Dec-18
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Schedul1

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	$797	$1,022
Income tax benefit	243	275
Cost of goods sold [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	113	19
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	$684	$1,003

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Schedul2

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock Awards (RSA) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	30,000	203,000
Vested (in shares)	-15,000	-100,000
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	15,000	103,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$8.72	$6.59
Vested (in dollars per share)	$8.72	$7.10
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$8.72	$6.09
Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,120,000	729,000
Granted (in shares)	428,000	462,000
Vested (in shares)	-671,000	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0	-24,000
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	877,000	1,167,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$11.97	$8.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	$21	$16.70
Vested (in dollars per share)	$8.81	$0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$0	$8.89
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$18.80	$11.93

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Percentage of beneficial ownership by holding company	75.30%

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Oct. 26, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties	$3,698,000		$4,862,000
Account receivable from related parties	4,719,000		5,250,000
JBS USA [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party interest	317,000	335,000
JBS USA, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	27,580,000	24,989,000
Expenditures paid	8,580,000	12,458,000
Sales to related party	6,868,000	15,355,000
Accounts payable to related parties	3,700,000		4,800,000
Account receivable from related parties	4,700,000		1,400,000
Goods in transit	5,200,000
JBS USA, LLC [Member] | Expenses Paid By Company On Behalf Of Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid	1,715,000	533,000
JBS Chile Ltda. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	165,000	0
Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt issued				56,500,000
Agreed repayment of debt				56,500,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit	1,000,000
Accounts payable to related parties	$100,000

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 28, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 01, 2009	Dec. 12, 2012	Mar. 29, 2015
			plaintiff
Shelia Adams, et al. v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of plaintiffs			555
Damages awarded	$25.60	$25.80
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought				29.3	74.7
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Proceeding Accounts [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought					45.4
ERISA Litigation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought					$35

PENDING_ACQUISITION_Details

PENDING ACQUISITION (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds)		34,000,000
Tyson Mexico
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$400
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds)	3,000,000
Number of processing plants acquired	3
Number of employees acquired	5,400
Number of distribution centers acquired	7