Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) 10-K 9 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Feb. 08, 2017	Jun. 26, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 25, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	802,481
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-25
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		248,370,044
Entity Public Float			$ 1,473,125,099
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 120,328	$ 439,638
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	4,979	0
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	317,170	348,994
Accounts receivable from related parties	3,913	2,668
Inventories	813,262	801,357
Income taxes receivable	0	71,410
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	57,457	75,602
Assets held for sale	5,259	6,555
Total current assets	1,322,368	1,746,224
Other long-lived assets	15,710	15,672
Identified intangible assets, net	38,593	47,453
Goodwill	125,607	156,565
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,505,940	1,352,529
Total assets	3,008,218	3,318,443
Notes payable to banks	0	28,726
Accounts payable	555,097	482,954
Accounts payable to related parties	1,421	7,000
Accrued expenses	290,699	314,966
Income taxes payable	20,990	13,228
Current maturities of long-term debt	94	86
Total current liabilities	868,301	846,960
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,011,858	985,509
Deferred tax liabilities	142,651	131,882
Other long-term liabilities	88,661	92,282
Total liabilities	2,111,471	2,056,633
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized; 259,682,000 and 259,685,145 shares issued at year-end 2016 and year-end 2015, respectively; 249,046,139 and 254,823,286 shares outstanding at year-end 2016 and year-end 2015, respectively	2,597	2,597
Treasury stock, at cost, 10,635,861 shares at year-end 2016	(217,117)	(99,233)
Additional paid-in capital	1,686,742	1,675,674
Accumulated deficit	(520,635)	(261,252)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(64,243)	(58,930)
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity	887,344	1,258,856
Noncontrolling interest	9,403	2,954
Total stockholders’ equity	896,747	1,261,810
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,008,218	$ 3,318,443

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	259,682,000	259,685,145
Common stock, shares outstanding	249,046,139	254,823,286
Treasury stock, shares outstanding	10,635,861

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 7,931,123	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365
Cost of sales	7,016,763	6,925,727	7,189,370
Gross profit	914,360	1,254,377	1,393,995
Selling, general and administrative expense	199,781	203,881	188,594
Administrative restructuring charges	1,069	5,605	2,286
Operating income	713,510	1,044,891	1,203,115
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	45,921	37,548	82,097
Interest income	(1,724)	(3,673)	(4,826)
Foreign currency transaction losses	3,897	25,940	27,979
Miscellaneous, net	(7,219)	(7,682)	(4,526)
Income before income taxes	672,635	992,758	1,102,391
Income tax expense	232,906	346,796	390,953
Net income	439,729	645,962	711,438
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(803)	48	(210)
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 440,532	$ 645,914	$ 711,648
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	253,669	258,442	258,974
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	457	234	497
Diluted (in shares)	254,126	258,676	259,471
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.74	$ 2.50	$ 2.75
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.73	$ 2.50	$ 2.74

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 439,729	$ 645,962	$ 711,438
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(40), $22 and $19, respectively	(66)	36	(31)
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(3,181), $2,168 and $(10,173), respectively	(5,247)	3,575	(16,775)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,313)	3,611	(16,806)
Comprehensive income	434,416	649,573	694,632
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(803)	48	(210)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 435,219	$ 649,525	$ 694,842

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax expense (benefit)	$ (40)	$ 22	$ 19
Gains (losses) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax expense (benefit)	$ (3,181)	$ 2,168	$ (10,173)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2013		259,029	0
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 29, 2013	$ 1,492,602,000	$ 2,590,000	$ 0	$ 1,653,119,000	$ (120,156,000)	$ (45,735,000)	$ 2,784,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	711,438,000				711,648,000		(210,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,806,000)					(16,806,000)
Capital contribution to subsidiary by noncontrolling interest	332,000						332,000
Capital contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (the“TSA”)	3,849,000			3,849,000
Share-based compensation plans:
Requisite service period recognition	4,928,000			4,928,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	458,000			458,000
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2014		259,029	0
Balance, end of year at Dec. 28, 2014	2,196,801,000	$ 2,590,000	$ 0	1,662,354,000	591,492,000	(62,541,000)	2,906,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	645,962,000				645,914,000		48,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,611,000					3,611,000
Capital contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (the“TSA”)	3,690,000			3,690,000
Share-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)		671
Common stock issued under compensation plans	0	$ 7,000		(7,000)
Common stock forfeited under compensation plans (in shares)		(15)
Common stock forfeited under compensation plans	(85,000)	$ 0		(85,000)
Requisite service period recognition	3,060,000			3,060,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	6,474,000			6,474,000
Common stock purchased under share repurchase program (in shares)			(4,862)
Common stock purchased under share repurchase program	(99,233,000)		$ (99,233,000)
Special cash dividend	(1,498,470,000)				(1,498,470,000)
Other	0			188,000	(188,000)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2015		259,685	4,862
Balance, end of year at Dec. 27, 2015	1,261,810,000	$ 2,597,000	$ (99,233,000)	1,675,674,000	(261,252,000)	(58,930,000)	2,954,000
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)	439,729,000				440,532,000		(803,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(5,313,000)					(5,313,000)
Capital contribution to subsidiary by noncontrolling interest	7,252,000						7,252,000
Capital contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (the“TSA”)	5,039,000			5,039,000
Share-based compensation plans:
Requisite service period recognition	6,102,000			6,102,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	0
Common stock purchased under share repurchase program (in shares)			(5,774)
Common stock purchased under share repurchase program	(117,884,000)		$ (117,884,000)
Common stock purchased from retirement plan participants (in shares)		(3)
Common stock purchased from retirement plan participants	(73,000)			(73,000)
Special cash dividend	(699,915,000)				(699,915,000)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 25, 2016		259,682	10,636
Balance, end of year at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 896,747,000	$ 2,597,000	$ (217,117,000)	$ 1,686,742,000	$ (520,635,000)	$ (64,243,000)	$ 9,403,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STO8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income, tax expense (benefit)	$ (10,214)	$ 2,190	$ (10,154)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 439,729	$ 645,962	$ 711,438
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	180,515	158,975	155,824
Asset impairment	790	4,813	0
Foreign currency transaction losses	0	0	38,129
Accretion of bond discount	0	0	2,243
Gain on property disposals	(7,660)	(10,372)	(1,407)
Loss on equity method investments	452	0	0
Share-based compensation	6,102	2,975	4,928
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(3,424)	29,512	78,943
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	(4,979)	0	0
Trade accounts and other receivables	35,617	61,294	(9,526)
Inventories	(11,905)	57,078	10,638
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,146	19,840	(38,010)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	38,427	61,882	44,833
Income taxes	74,597	(55,428)	74,705
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations	(10,165)	(3,500)	(5,784)
Other	(759)	3,797	(262)
Cash provided by operating activities	755,483	976,828	1,066,692
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	(272,467)	(175,764)	(171,443)
Purchase of acquired business, net of cash acquired	0	(373,532)	0
Purchases of investment securities	0	0	(55,100)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	0	0	152,050
Proceeds from property disposals	10,805	14,610	11,108
Cash used in investing activities	(261,662)	(534,686)	(63,385)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable to bank	36,838	28,726	0
Payments on notes payable to bank	(65,564)	0	0
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings	579,876	1,680,000	0
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	(556,658)	(683,780)	(910,234)
Proceeds from capital contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	3,690	0	3,849
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	0	6,474	458
Capital contributions to subsidiary by noncontrolling stockholders	7,252	0	332
Payment of capitalized loan costs	(693)	(12,364)	0
Purchase of common stock under share repurchase program	(117,884)	(99,233)	0
Purchase of common stock from retirement plan participants	(73)	0	0
Payment of special cash dividend	(699,915)	(1,498,470)	0
Cash used in financing activities	(813,131)	(578,647)	(905,595)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	(29,775)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(319,310)	(136,505)	67,937
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	439,638	576,143	508,206
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	120,328	439,638	576,143
Supplemental Disclosure Information:
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)	41,774	24,210	71,558
Income taxes paid	$ 152,884	$ 360,347	$ 257,152

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFI

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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 80 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. As of December 25, 2016 , Pilgrim’s had approximately 39,600 employees and the capacity to process more than 36.7 million birds per week for a total of more than 10.7 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 4,045 contract growers supply poultry for the Company’s operations. As of December 25, 2016 , JBS S.A., through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (together, “JBS”) beneficially owned 78.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Consolidated Financial Statements The Company operates on the basis of a 52 / 53 -week fiscal year ending on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. Any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2016 ) in the notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation 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 nonmonetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure nonmonetary 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, except for certain accounts which are remeasured at a historical rate. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits, (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. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues. Shipping and Handling Costs Costs associated with the products shipped to customers are recognized in cost of sales. Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $6.2 million , $4.7 million and $4.4 million for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $3.4 million , $4.1 million and $3.8 million for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. 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 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Investments in Securities The Company’s current investments are all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired and are, therefore, considered cash equivalents. The Company’s current investments are comprised of fixed income securities, primarily commercial paper, and a money market fund. These investments are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities of less than one year and those identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current assets. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities in excess of one year that management has not identified at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as long-term assets. Unrealized losses are charged against net earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Management reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary, such as the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the impact of changing interest rates in the short and long term, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company determines the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings using the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a settlement date basis. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest greater than 50% and exercises control over the entity are consolidated in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. The Company invests from time to time in ventures in which its ownership interest is less than 20% and over which it does not exercise significant influence. Such investments are accounted for under the cost method. The fair values for investments not traded on a quoted exchange are estimated based upon the historical performance of the ventures, the ventures’ forecasted financial performance and management’s evaluation of the ventures’ viability and business models. To the extent the book value of an investment exceeds its assessed fair value, the Company will record an appropriate impairment charge. Accounts Receivable The Company records accounts receivable when revenue is recognized. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts, reducing our receivables balance to an amount we estimate is collectible from our customers. Estimates used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts receivable, and periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We write off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent, based upon age or customer circumstances, that such amounts will not be collected. Generally, the Company does not require collateral for its accounts receivable. Inventories Live chicken inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and breeder hen inventories at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or market. The costs associated with breeder hen inventories are accumulated up to the production stage and amortized over their productive lives using the unit-of-production method. Finished poultry products, feed, eggs and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (average) or market. We record valuation adjustments for our inventory and for estimated obsolescence at or equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon known conditions affecting inventory, including significantly aged products, discontinued product lines, or damaged or obsolete products. We allocate meat costs between our various finished chicken products based on a by-product costing technique that reduces the cost of the whole bird by estimated yields and amounts to be recovered for certain by-product parts. This primarily includes leg quarters, wings, tenders and offal, which are carried in inventory at the estimated recovery amounts, with the remaining amount being reflected as our breast meat cost. Generally, the Company performs an evaluation of whether any lower of cost or market adjustments are required at the country level based on a number of factors, including: (i) pools of related inventory, (ii) product continuation or discontinuation, (iii) estimated market selling prices and (iv) expected distribution channels. If actual market conditions or other factors are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, and repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets. Estimated useful lives for building, machinery and equipment are five to 33 years and for automobiles and trucks are three to ten years. The charge to income resulting from amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for use when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When the above is true, the impairment charge is determined based upon the amount the net book value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. In making these determinations, the Company utilizes certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) future cash flows estimated to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, remaining length of service and estimated salvage values, (ii) estimated fair market value of the assets and (iii) determinations with respect to the lowest level of cash flows relevant to the respective impairment test, generally groupings of related operational facilities. Given the interdependency of the Company’s individual facilities during the production process, which operate as a vertically integrated network, it evaluates impairment of assets held for use at the country level (i.e., the U.S. and Mexico). Management believes this is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for its assets that are held for use in production activities. At the present time, the Company’s forecasts indicate that it can recover the carrying value of its assets held for use based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the operations. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for sale when the carrying amount of those assets exceeds their fair value less appropriate selling costs. Fair value is based on amounts documented in sales contracts or letters of intent accepted by the Company, amounts included in counteroffers initiated by the Company, or, in the absence of current contract negotiations, amounts determined using a sales comparison approach for real property and amounts determined using a cost approach for personal property. Under the sales comparison approach, sales and asking prices of reasonably comparable properties are considered to develop a range of unit prices within which the current real estate market is operating. Under the cost approach, a current cost to replace the asset new is calculated and then the estimated replacement cost is reduced to reflect the applicable decline in value resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and economic obsolescence. Appropriate selling costs includes reasonable broker’s commissions, costs to produce title documents, filing fees, legal expenses and the like. We estimate appropriate closing costs as 4% to 6% of asset fair value. This range of rates is considered reasonable for our assets held for sale based on historical experience. Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. In accordance with ASC No. 350-20-35 in the Assets – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic, management first reviews relevant qualitative factors to determine if an indication of impairment exists for the reporting unit. If management determines there is an indication of impairment of goodwill, a quantitative analysis is performed. Management performed a qualitative analysis noting no indication of impairment of goodwill by reporting unit as of December 25, 2016. The Company uses various market valuation techniques to determine the fair value of intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, such as customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names that the Company expects to use for a limited amount of time, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. The useful lives range from three to 15 years for trade names with indefinite lives and non-compete agreements and 13 years for customer relationships. Amortizing intangibles are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC No. 360-10-35-21 in the Assets – Property, Plant and Equipment topic. Management analyzed the carrying values of the intangible assets and determined that there were no impairment indicators during the fifty-two weeks ended December 25, 2016 or December 27, 2015. Book Overdraft Balances 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 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Litigation and Contingent Liabilities The Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to employment, environmental, product and other matters. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges of probable losses, to these matters. The Company estimates the amount of reserves required for these contingencies when losses are determined to be probable and after considerable analysis of each individual issue. The Company expenses legal costs related to such loss contingencies as they are incurred. The accrual for environmental remediation liabilities is measured on an undiscounted basis. These reserves may change in the future due to changes in the Company’s assumptions, the effectiveness of strategies, or other factors beyond the Company’s control. Accrued Self Insurance Insurance expense for casualty claims and employee-related health care benefits are estimated using historical and current experience and actuarial estimates. Stop-loss coverage is maintained with third-party insurers to limit the Company’s total exposure. Certain categories of claim liabilities are actuarially determined. The assumptions used to arrive at periodic expenses are reviewed regularly by management. However, actual expenses could differ from these estimates and could result in adjustments to be recognized. Asset Retirement Obligations The Company monitors certain asset retirement obligations in connection with its operations. These obligations relate to clean-up, removal or replacement activities and related costs for “in-place” exposures only when those exposures are moved or modified, such as during renovations of our facilities. These in-place exposures include asbestos, refrigerants, wastewater, oil, lubricants and other contaminants common in manufacturing environments. Under existing regulations, the Company is not required to remove these exposures and there are no plans to undertake a renovation that would require removal of the asbestos or the remediation of the other in-place exposures at this time. The facilities are expected to be maintained and repaired by activities that will not result in the removal or disruption of these in-place exposures at this time. As a result, there is an indeterminate settlement date for these asset retirement obligations because the range of time over which the Company may incur these liabilities is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. Therefore, the Company has not recorded the fair value of any potential liability. Income Taxes The Company follows provisions under ASC No. 740-10-30-27 in the Expenses-Income Taxes topic with regard to members of a group that file a consolidated tax return but issue separate financial statements. The Company files its own U.S. federal tax return, but it is included in certain state unitary returns with JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS USA Holdings”). The income tax expense of the Company is computed using the separate return method. The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. For the unitary states, we have an obligation to make tax payments to JBS USA Holdings for our share of the unitary taxable income, which is included in taxes payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. The amount of deferred tax on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on the tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, potential for carry back of tax losses, projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances have been established primarily for net operating loss carry forwards of certain foreign subsidiaries. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company deems its earnings from Mexico and Puerto Rico as of December 25, 2016 to be permanently reinvested. As such, U.S. deferred income taxes have not been provided on these earnings. If such earnings were not considered indefinitely reinvested, certain deferred foreign and U.S. income taxes would be provided. The Company follows provisions under ASC No. 740-10-25 that provide a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits Our pension and other postemployment benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, long-term return on plan assets and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, amortized over either (i) the estimated average future service period of active plan participants if the plan is active or (ii) the estimated average future life expectancy of all plan participants if the plan is frozen. Operating Leases Rent expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless the lease contains an escalation clause which is not fixed or determinable. The lease term begins when we have the right to control the use of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the terms of the lease. If a lease has a fixed or determinable escalation clause, the difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rent for operating leases that do not have an escalation clause or where escalation is based on an inflation index is expensed over the lease term as it is payable. Risk Management The Company attempts to mitigate commodity purchase exposures through a program of risk management that includes the use of forward purchase contractual obligations and derivative financial instruments. The Company will also occasionally purchase derivative financial instruments in an attempt to mitigate currency exchange rate exposure related to the net assets of its Mexico operations that are denominated in Mexican pesos. The Company’s Mexico subsidiaries also attempt to mitigate the foreign currency exposure on certain U.S. dollar-denominated transactions through the use of derivative financial instruments. We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We elected not to designate derivative financial instruments executed to mitigate commodity purchase exposures and foreign currency exposures as hedges of forecasted transactions. Therefore, we recognize changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to both the commodity derivative financial instruments and the foreign currency derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates in regard to receivables collectability; inventory valuation; realization of deferred tax assets; valuation of long-lived assets; valuation of contingent liabilities, liabilities subject to compromise and self insurance liabilities; valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations; and valuation of acquired businesses. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Adopted as of December 25, 2016 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. In June 2015, the FASB agreed to defer by one year the mandatory effective date of this standard, but will also provide entities the option to adopt the new guidance as of the original effective date. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, but we have the option to adopt the guidance as early as the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently identifying and cataloging the various types of revenue transactions to which we are a party. We also continue to evaluate the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected either a transition approach to implement the standard or an adoption date. In July 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which, in an effort to simplify unnecessarily complicated accounting guidance that can result in several potential outcomes, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Current accounting guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the first quarter of our 2017 fiscal year. The initial adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on lease arrangements, which, in an effort to increase transparency and comparability among organizations utilizing leasing, requires an entity that is a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. This guidance also requires disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, the entity is required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date. In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employee share-based payments, which, in an effort to simplify unnecessarily complicated aspects of accounting and reporting for share-based payment transactions, requires an entity to amend accounting and reporting methodology for areas such as the income tax consequences of share-based payments, classification of share-based awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of share-based payment transactions in the statement of cash flows. The transition approach will vary depending on the area of accounting and reporting methodology to be amended. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the first quarter of our 2017 fiscal year. The initial adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, which, in an effort to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments, replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted after our 2018 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date. In November 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows in order to eliminate the discrepancies that currently exist in how companies present these changes. The new guidance requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents when explaining the changes in cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Tyson Mexico On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired, indirectly through certain of its Mexican subsidiaries, 100% of the equity of Provemex Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “Tyson Mexico”) from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for cash. Tyson Mexico is a vertically integrated poultry business based in Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. The acquired business has a production capacity of 2.9 million birds per five-day work week in its three plants and currently employs more than 4,400 people in its plants, offices and five distribution centers. This acquisition further strengthened the Company’s strategic position in the Mexico chicken market. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Tyson Mexico (in thousands): Negotiated sales price $ 400,000 Working capital adjustment (20,933 ) Final purchase price $ 379,067 The results of operations of the acquired business since June 29, 2015 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business during 2016 and 2015 totaled $141.4 million and $250.6 million , respectively. The significant decrease in net sales during 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily resulted from a shift in sales activity from the acquired business to the Company’s legacy business operating in Mexico. The acquired business generated net income of $6.3 million during 2016 and incurred a net loss of $13.7 million during 2015 . The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Tyson Mexico acquisition were measured at their fair values at June 29, 2015 as set forth below. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. The factors contributing to the recognition of the amount of goodwill are based on several strategic and synergistic benefits that are expected to be realized from the acquisition as well the assembled workforce. These benefits include complementary product offerings, an enhanced footprint in Mexico and attractive synergy opportunities and value creation. The Company does not have tax basis in the goodwill, and therefore, the goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The fair values recorded were determined based upon various external and internal valuations. The fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tyson Mexico are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,535 Trade accounts and other receivables 24,173 Inventories 68,130 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,661 Property, plant and equipment 209,139 Identifiable intangible assets 26,411 Other long-lived assets 199 Total assets acquired 341,248 Accounts payable 21,550 Other current liabilities 8,707 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 52,376 Other long-term liabilities 5,155 Total liabilities assumed 87,788 Total identifiable net assets 253,460 Goodwill 125,607 Total net assets $ 379,067 The Company performed a valuation of the assets and liabilities of Tyson Mexico at June 29, 2015. Significant assumptions used in the preliminary valuation and the bases for their determination are summarized as follows: • Property, plant and equipment, net . Property, plant and equipment at fair value gave consideration to the highest and best use of the assets. The valuation of the Company’s real property improvements and the majority of its personal property was based on the cost approach. The valuation of the Company’s land, as if vacant, and certain personal property assets was based on the market or sales comparison approach. • Indefinite-lived trade names . The Company valued two indefinite-lived trade names using the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. Under this method, the asset value of each trade name was determined by estimating the hypothetical royalties that would have to be paid if it was not owned. Royalty rates were selected based on consideration of several factors, including (i) prior transactions involving Tyson Mexico trade names, (ii) incomes derived from license agreements on comparable trade names within the food and non-alcoholic beverages industry and (iii) the relative profitability and perceived contribution of each trade name. Royalty rates used in the determination of the fair values of the two trade names ranged from 4.0% to 5.0% of expected net sales related to the respective trade names and trade name maintenance costs were estimated as 1.4% of the royalty saved. The Company anticipates using both trade names for an indefinite period as demonstrated by the sustained use of each subject trade name. In estimating the fair value of the trade names, net sales related to the respective trade names were estimated to grow at a rate of 3.5% to 4.0% annually with a terminal year growth rate of 3.8% . Income taxes were estimated at 30.0% of pre-tax income, a tax amortization benefit was estimated considering a rate of 15.0% and the hypothetical savings generated by avoiding royalty costs were discounted using a rate of 12.0% . The two trade names were valued at $9.7 million under this approach. • Customer relationships . The Company valued Tyson Mexico’s customer relationships using the income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings model. Under this model, the fair value of the customer relationships asset is determined by estimating the net cash inflows from the relationships discounted to present value. In estimating the fair value of the customer relationships, net sales related to our existing customers were estimated to grow at a rate of 4.0% annually, but we also anticipate losing existing customers at an attrition rate of 7.9% . Income taxes were estimated at 30.0% of pre-tax income, a tax amortization benefit was estimated considering a rate of 23.4% and net cash flows attributable to our existing customers were discounted using a rate of 13.5% . Customer relationships were valued at $16.7 million under this approach. The Company recognized the following change in goodwill related to this acquisition during 2016 (in thousands): Goodwill, beginning of period $ 156,565 Additional fair value attributed to acquired property, plant and equipment (51,387 ) Deferred tax impact related to additional fair value attributed to acquired property, plant and equipment 15,416 Deferred tax impact related to customer relationship intangibles 5,013 Goodwill, end of period $ 125,607 The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for the Company and Tyson Mexico as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of 2014 . 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 8,493,804 $ 9,233,138 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 654,495 705,223 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 2.53 2.72 The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what the Company’s results of operations would have been had it completed the acquisition on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition. GNP On January 6, 2017, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of JFC LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “GNP”) from Maschhoff Family Foods, LLC for $350 million , subject to customary working capital adjustments. The purchase was funded through cash on hand and borrowings under the U.S. Credit Agreement. GNP is a vertically integrated poultry business based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The acquired business has a production capacity of 2.1 million birds per five-day work week in its three plants and currently employs approximately 1,775 people. This acquisition further strengthens the Company’s strategic position in the U.S. chicken market. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for GNP (in thousands): Negotiated sales price $ 350,000 Working capital adjustment 9,707 Preliminary purchase price $ 359,707

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , the Company held derivative assets and liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity instruments. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 25, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 5,341 $ — $ — $ 5,341 Commodity options instruments 98 — — 98 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (4,063 ) — — (4,063 ) Commodity options instruments (2,764 ) — — (2,764 ) December 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 59 $ — $ — $ 59 Commodity options instruments 1,618 — — 1,618 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (5,436 ) — — (5,436 ) See “Note 7. Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional information. 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 our fixed-rate debt obligation recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (In thousands) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% $ (500,000 ) $ (503,395 ) $ (500,000 ) $ (488,750 ) See “Note 11. Long-Term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements” for additional information. The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, derivative trading accounts' margin cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain other liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values of the Company’s fixed-rate debt obligation was based on the quoted market price at December 25, 2016 or December 27, 2015 , 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 RECEIV

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade accounts and other receivables (including accounts receivable from related parties), less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 305,337 $ 342,466 Notes receivable - current 630 850 Other receivables 15,766 10,578 Receivables, gross 321,733 353,894 Allowance for doubtful accounts (4,563 ) (4,900 ) Receivables, net $ 317,170 $ 348,994 Accounts receivable from related parties (a) $ 3,913 $ 2,668 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.” Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: Total (In thousands) Balance at December 27, 2015 $ (4,900 ) Provision charged to operating results (114 ) Account write-offs and recoveries 451 Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (4,563 )

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Live chicken and hens $ 362,054 $ 365,062 Feed, eggs and other 250,680 215,859 Finished chicken products 182,918 191,988 Total chicken inventories 795,652 772,909 Commercial feed, table eggs and other 17,610 28,448 Total inventories $ 813,262 $ 801,357

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Fair Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 44,865 $ 44,865 $ 290,795 $ 290,795 Other 61 61 54,831 54,831 All of the fixed income securities classified as cash and cash equivalents above mature within 90 days and all of the fixed income securities classified as short-term investments above mature within one year. 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 2016 and 2015 related to the Company’s available-for-sale securities totaled $0.9 million and $1.2 million , respectively. Gross realized losses recognized during 2016 and 2015 related to the Company’s available-for-sale securities totaled $83,400 and $25,400 , respectively. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities during 2016 and 2015 are disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale securities recognized during 2016 and 2015 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 2016 and 2015 are disclosed in “Note 14. Stockholders’ Equity.”

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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, 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. The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the 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 or foreign currency transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Therefore, we recognize 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognized $4.3 million in net losses related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during 2016. The Company recognized $21.8 million and $16.1 million in net gains related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 5,439 $ 1,677 Commodity derivative liabilities (6,827 ) (5,436 ) Cash collateral posted with brokers 4,979 9,381 Derivatives Coverage (a) : Corn 2.3 % 7.0 % Soybean meal 0.3 % 4.1 % Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn September 2018 March 2017 Soybean meal July 2017 July 2016 (a) Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated corn and soybean meal needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS Identified intangible assets consisted of the following: Useful Life (Years) Original Cost Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount (In thousands) December 25, 2016: Identified intangible assets subject to amortization: Trade names 3–15 $ 40,143 $ (36,537 ) $ 3,606 Customer relationships 13 67,711 (42,424 ) 25,287 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Identified intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 9,700 — 9,700 Total identified intangible assets $ 117,854 $ (79,261 ) $ 38,593 December 27, 2015: Identified intangible assets subject to amortization: Trade names 3–15 $ 40,143 $ (34,718 ) $ 5,425 Customer relationships 13 67,711 (35,383 ) 32,328 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Identified intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 9,700 — 9,700 Total identified intangible assets $ 117,854 $ (70,401 ) $ 47,453 We recognized amortization expense related to identified intangible assets of $8.9 million in 2016, $5.7 million in 2015 and $5.7 million in 2014. We expect to recognize amortization expense associated with identified intangible assets of $7.1 million in 2017, $6.9 million in 2018, $5.3 million in 2019, $1.3 million in 2020 and $1.3 million in 2021.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Land $ 112,132 $ 105,165 Buildings 1,169,984 1,131,379 Machinery and equipment 1,789,550 1,657,573 Autos and trucks 50,964 53,408 Construction-in-progress 231,874 152,619 Property, plant and equipment, gross 3,354,504 3,100,144 Accumulated depreciation (1,848,564 ) (1,747,615 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,505,940 $ 1,352,529 The Company recognized depreciation expense of $167.8 million , $146.4 million and $136.4 million during 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During 2016, the Company spent $272.5 million on capital projects and transferred $207.1 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. During 2015, the Company spent $175.8 million on capital projects and transferred $153.5 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. Capital expenditures were primarily incurred during 2016 to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. During 2016 , the Company sold certain PP&E for $10.8 million and recognized a gain of $7.7 million . PP&E sold in 2016 included a processing plant in Louisiana, poultry farms in Mexico and Texas, an office building in Texas, vacant land in Alabama and Texas and miscellaneous equipment. During 2015 , the Company sold certain PP&E for $14.6 million and recognized a gain of $10.4 million . PP&E sold in 2015 included broiler farms in Mexico, a rendering plant in Arkansas and miscellaneous equipment. Management has committed to the sale of certain properties and related assets, including, but not limited to, a processing complex in Texas 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 December 25, 2016 , the Company reported assets held for sale totaling $5.3 million in Assets held for sale on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company tested the recoverability of its assets held for sale and determined that the aggregate carrying amount of the Texas processing complex asset group was no longer recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in that asset group. The Company recognized impairment loss of $0.8 million in 2016 that was reported as Administrative restructuring charges on the Consolidated Statement of Income. 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 has determined if it would be in the best interest of the Company to divest any of these closed or 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 December 25, 2016 , the carrying amount of these idled assets was $61.2 million based on depreciable value of $193.1 million and accumulated depreciation of $131.9 million . The Company tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets held for use during the thirteen weeks ended December 25, 2016 by comparing the book value of its invested capital, exclusive of assets held for sale, with the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of its long-lived assets held for use. The Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets held for use is recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group, and the long-lived assets for use pass the Step 1 recoverability test of ASC 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

CURRENT LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 487,214 $ 436,188 Book overdrafts 63,577 44,145 Other payables 4,306 2,621 Total accounts payable 555,097 482,954 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 1,421 7,000 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 110,385 112,583 Interest and debt-related fees 8,685 8,928 Insurance and self-insured claims 82,544 93,336 Derivative liabilities: Futures 4,063 5,436 Options 2,764 — Other accrued expenses 82,258 94,683 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 290,699 314,966 $ 847,217 $ 804,920 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.”

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS Long-term debt consisted of the following components: Maturity December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: (In thousands) Senior notes payable at 5.75% 2025 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 1.99% 2020 500,000 500,000 Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE rate plus 0.95% 2019 23,304 — Capital lease obligations Various 376 462 Long-term debt 1,023,680 1,000,462 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (94 ) (86 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,023,586 1,000,376 Less: Capitalized financing costs (11,728 ) (14,867 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs: $ 1,011,858 $ 985,509 Current notes payable to banks: Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE rate plus 0.90% 2016 $ — $ 28,726 Senior and Subordinated 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 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 U.S. 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., 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 up to $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 10, 2020. No installments of principal are required to be made prior to the maturity date of the Term Loans. 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 $500.0 million as of December 25, 2016 . 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 December 25, 2016 and, based on the Company’s 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 December 25, 2016 and, based on the Company’s 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 revolving loan commitment of 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. As of December 25, 2016 , the applicable borrowing base was $675.8 million and the amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $633.1 million . The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $42.7 million and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment as of December 25, 2016 . 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 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 continue to be secured by a first priority lien on (i) the accounts receivable and inventory of our Company and its non-Mexico subsidiaries, (ii) 100% of the equity interests in the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, To-Ricos, Ltd. and To-Ricos Distribution, Ltd., 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. Mexico Credit Facility On September 27, 2016, certain of our Mexican subsidiaries entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) with BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, as lender. The loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility is $1.5 billion Mexican pesos. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate plus 0.95% . The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on September 27, 2019. As of December 25, 2016 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $72.8 million , and there were $23.3 million outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility that bear interest at a per annum rate of 7.05% . As of December 25, 2016 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent borrowing availability was $49.5 million .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Income before income taxes by jurisdiction is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. $ 532,853 $ 920,250 $ 953,027 Foreign 139,782 72,508 149,364 Total $ 672,635 $ 992,758 $ 1,102,391 The components of income tax expense (benefit) are set forth below: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 165,989 $ 248,821 $ 262,403 Foreign 50,130 43,638 22,867 State and other 20,211 26,019 24,056 Total current 236,330 318,478 309,326 Deferred: Federal (3,529 ) 32,819 29,737 Foreign (880 ) (11,249 ) 31,332 State and other 985 6,748 20,558 Total deferred (3,424 ) 28,318 81,627 $ 232,906 $ 346,796 $ 390,953 The effective tax rate for 2016 was 34.6% compared to 34.9% for 2015 and 35.5% for 2014. The following table reconciles the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate: 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State tax rate, net 2.4 2.3 2.6 Permanent items (0.3 ) 0.1 0.4 Domestic production activity (1.3 ) (1.9 ) (2.4 ) Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate (1.4 ) (0.9 ) (1.0 ) Tax credits (0.6 ) (0.7 ) — Other 0.8 1.0 0.9 Total 34.6 % 34.9 % 35.5 % Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: PP&E and identified intangible assets $ 182,433 $ 151,761 Inventories 93,114 97,743 Insurance claims and losses 42,186 39,800 Other 6,252 15,054 Total deferred tax liabilities 323,985 304,358 Deferred tax assets: Net operating losses 3,396 4,297 Foreign net operating losses 13,446 16,595 Credit carry forwards 2,080 2,638 Allowance for doubtful accounts 4,274 4,382 Accrued liabilities 57,567 56,753 Workers compensation 38,834 41,217 Pension and other postretirement benefits 21,903 22,559 Other 46,066 31,956 Total deferred tax assets 187,566 180,397 Valuation allowance (6,232 ) (7,921 ) Net deferred tax assets 181,334 172,476 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 142,651 $ 131,882 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 December 25, 2016 , the Company believes it has sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal and state net deferred tax assets is more likely than not to be realized. The decrease in valuation allowance of $1.7 million during 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in capital loss carry-forwards and foreign net operating losses. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company’s valuation allowance is $6.2 million , of which $0.7 million relates to capital loss carry forwards and state net operating losses and $5.5 million relates to its Mexico operations. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company had state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $112.5 million that will begin to expire in 2017 . The Company also had Mexico net operating loss carry forwards at December 25, 2016 of approximately $28.9 million that begin to expire in 2017 . As of December 25, 2016 , the Company had approximately $1.8 million of state tax credit carry forwards that begin to expire in 2018 . On November 6, 2009, H.R. 3548 was signed into law and included a provision that allowed most business taxpayers an increased carry back period for net operating losses incurred in 2008 or 2009. As a result, during 2009 the Company utilized $547.7 million of its U.S. federal net operating losses under the expanded carry back provisions of H.R. 3548 and filed a claim for refund of $169.7 million . The Company received $122.6 million in refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) from the carry back claims during 2010. The Company anticipates receipt of the remainder of its claim pending resolution of its litigation with the IRS. See “Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information. The Company has not provided any deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its Mexico and Puerto Rico subsidiaries as of December 25, 2016 based upon the determination that such earnings will be indefinitely reinvested. It is not practicable to determine the amount of incremental taxes that might arise if these earnings were to be remitted. For the fifty-two weeks ended December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, there is a tax effect of $3.2 million and $2.2 million , respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income. For the fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2015, there is a tax effect of $6.5 million reflected in additional paid-in capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation on dividend equivalent rights and vested stock awards. There were no excess tax benefits for the fifty-two weeks ended December 25, 2016. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 17,110 $ 17,396 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during the current year 1,031 1,015 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during prior years 16 27 Decrease as a result of tax positions taken during prior years (140 ) (139 ) Decrease for lapse in statute of limitations (1,204 ) (1,189 ) Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 16,813 $ 17,110 Included in unrecognized tax benefits of $16.8 million at December 25, 2016 , was $7.3 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate. It is not practicable at this time to estimate the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that will change in the next twelve months. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company had recorded a liability of $8.2 million for interest and penalties. During 2016 , accrued interest and penalty amounts related to uncertain tax positions decreased by $1.2 million . The Company operates in the U.S. (including multiple state jurisdictions), Puerto Rico and Mexico. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations for years prior to 2010 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2010. The Company has a tax sharing agreement with JBS USA Holdings effective for tax years beginning 2010. The net tax receivable for tax year 2016 of $5.0 million was accrued in 2016 as a capital contribution and an account receivable from a related party in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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. Under all of our retirement plans, the Company’s expenses were $8.1 million , $10.5 million and $5.9 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company used a year-end measurement date of December 25, 2016 for its pension and postretirement benefits plans. Certain disclosures are listed below. Other disclosures are not material to the financial statements. Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors two qualified defined benefit pension plans named the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the “Union Plan”) and the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees (the “GK Pension Plan”). The Union Plan covers certain locations or work groups within PPC. The GK Pension Plan covers certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007. Participation in the GK Pension Plan was frozen as of February 8, 2007 for all participants with the exception of terminated vested participants who are or may become permanently and totally disabled. The plan was frozen for that group as of March 31, 2007. Nonqualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors two nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans named the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP Plan”) and the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors’ Emeriti Retirement Plan (the “Directors’ Emeriti Plan”). Pilgrim’s Pride assumed sponsorship of the SERP Plan and Directors’ Emeriti Plan through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007. The SERP Plan provides benefits on compensation in excess of certain IRC limitations to certain former executives with whom Gold Kist negotiated individual agreements. Benefits under the SERP Plan were frozen as of February 8, 2007. The Directors’ Emeriti Plan provides benefits to former Gold Kist directors. Defined Benefit Postretirement Life Insurance Plan The Company sponsors one defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan named the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan (the “Retiree Life Plan”). Pilgrim’s Pride assumed defined benefit postretirement medical and life insurance obligations, including the Retiree Life Plan, through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007. In January 2001, Gold Kist began to substantially curtail its programs for active employees. On July 1, 2003, Gold Kist terminated medical coverage for retirees age 65 or older, and only retired employees in the closed group between ages 55 and 65 could continue their coverage at rates above the average cost of the medical insurance plan for active employees. These retired employees all reached the age of 65 in 2012 and liabilities of the postretirement medical plan then ended. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets for these plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 165,952 $ 190,401 $ 1,672 $ 1,657 Interest cost 5,585 7,754 51 67 Actuarial losses (gains) 10,305 (10,944 ) 46 44 Benefits paid (6,098 ) (6,074 ) — — Settlements (a) (8,585 ) (15,185 ) (121 ) (96 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 167,159 $ 165,952 $ 1,648 $ 1,672 (a) A settlement is a transaction that is an irrevocable action, relieves the employer or the plan of primary responsibility for a pension or postretirement obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to affect the settlement. A settlement can be triggered when a plan pays lump sums totaling more than the sum of the plan’s interest cost and service cost. Both the GK Pension Plan and the Retiree Life Plan met this threshold in 2016 and 2015 and the Union Pension Plan met this threshold in 2016. Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 96,947 $ 113,552 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 4,460 (3,024 ) — — Contributions by employer 10,802 7,678 121 96 Benefits paid (6,098 ) (6,074 ) — — Settlements (8,585 ) (15,185 ) (121 ) (96 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 97,526 $ 96,947 $ — $ — Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year $ (69,633 ) $ (69,005 ) $ (1,648 ) $ (1,672 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year: (In thousands) Current liability $ (13,113 ) $ (10,779 ) $ (147 ) $ (138 ) Long-term liability (56,520 ) (58,226 ) (1,501 ) (1,534 ) Recognized liability $ (69,633 ) $ (69,005 ) $ (1,648 ) $ (1,672 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 46,494 $ 38,115 $ (31 ) $ (79 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans was $167.2 million and $166.0 million at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , respectively. Each of our defined benefit pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations that exceeded the fair value of plan assets at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 . As of December 25, 2016 , the weighted average duration of our defined benefit obligation is 32.29 years . Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) Net pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 5,585 $ 7,754 $ 8,103 $ 51 $ 67 $ 81 Estimated return on plan assets (5,256 ) (6,684 ) (6,373 ) — — — Settlement loss (gain) 2,064 3,843 93 (2 ) (4 ) (9 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 659 714 56 — — — Net cost $ 3,052 $ 5,627 $ 1,879 $ 49 $ 63 $ 72 Economic Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.31 % 4.47 % 4.22 % 3.81 % 4.47 % 4.22 % Net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % 5.50 % 6.00 % NA NA NA The discount rate represents the interest rate used to determine the present value of future cash flows currently expected to be required to settle the Company’s pension and other benefit obligations. The weighted average discount rate for each plan was established by comparing the projection of expected benefit payments to the AA Above Median yield curve. The expected benefit payments were discounted by each corresponding discount rate on the yield curve. For payments beyond 30 years, the Company extended the curve assuming the discount rate derived in year 30 is extended to the end of the plan’s payment expectations. Once the present value of the string of benefit payments was established, the Company determined the single rate on the yield curve, that when applied to all obligations of the plan, would exactly match the previously determined present value. As part of the evaluation of pension and other postretirement assumptions, the Company applied assumptions for mortality that incorporate generational white and blue collar mortality trends. In determining its benefit obligations, the Company used generational tables that take into consideration increases in plan participant longevity. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 , all pension and other postretirement benefit plans used variations of the RP2014 mortality table and the MP2015 mortality improvement scale. The sensitivity of the projected benefit obligation for pension benefits to changes in the discount rate is set out below. The impact of a change in the discount rate of 0.25% on the projected benefit obligation for other benefits is less than $1,000 . This sensitivity analysis is based on changing one assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to variations in significant actuarial assumptions, the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting period) has been applied as that for calculating the liability recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Increase in Discount Rate of 0.25% Decrease in Discount Rate of 0.25% (In thousands) Impact on projected benefit obligation for pension benefits $ (4,486 ) $ 4,725 The expected rate of return on plan assets was primarily based on the determination of an expected return and behaviors for each plan’s current asset portfolio that the Company believes are likely to prevail over long periods. This determination was made using assumptions for return and volatility of the portfolio. Asset class assumptions were set using a combination of empirical and forward-looking analysis. To the extent historical results were affected by unsustainable trends or events, the effects of those trends or events were quantified and removed. The Company also considered 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: 2016 2015 Cash and cash equivalents — % — % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 5 % 7 % Fixed income securities 5 % 7 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 60 % 57 % Fixed income securities 30 % 29 % 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 : 2016 2015(a) 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 $ 119 $ — $ — $ 119 $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 3,302 — 3,302 — 3,816 — 3,816 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 406 — 406 — 969 — 969 International equity funds (f) — 1,231 — 1,231 — 1,606 — 1,606 Fixed income funds (g) — 4,867 — 4,867 — 6,337 — 6,337 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 24,547 — 24,547 — 22,069 — 22,069 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 17,344 — 17,344 — 16,843 — 16,843 International equity funds (f) — 17,006 — 17,006 — 16,629 — 16,629 Fixed income funds (g) — 28,704 — 28,704 — 28,531 — 28,531 Total assets $ 119 $ 97,407 $ — $ 97,526 $ 147 $ 96,800 $ — $ 96,947 (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 December 25, 2016 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter 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) 2017 $ 16,964 $ 147 2018 11,617 147 2019 11,088 146 2020 11,019 144 2021 10,790 142 2022-2026 49,927 640 Total $ 111,405 $ 1,366 We anticipate contributing $13.1 million and $0.1 million , as required by funding regulations or laws, to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during 2017 . Unrecognized Benefit Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ 16,957 $ (79 ) $ (127 ) $ (126 ) Amortization (659 ) (714 ) (56 ) — — — Settlement adjustments (2,064 ) (3,843 ) (93 ) 2 4 9 Actuarial loss (gain) 10,305 (10,944 ) 24,670 46 44 (10 ) Asset loss (gain) 797 9,709 2,429 — — — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year $ 46,494 $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ (31 ) $ (79 ) $ (127 ) The Company expects to recognize in net pension cost throughout 2017 an actuarial loss of $0.9 million that was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 25, 2016 . Risk Management Through its defined benefit plans, the Company is exposed to a number of risks, the most significant of which are detailed below: Asset volatility. The plan liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if plan assets under perform this yield, this will create a deficit. The pension plans hold a significant proportion of equities, which are expected to outperform corporate bonds in the long-term while contributing volatility and risk in the short-term. The Company monitors the level of investment risk but has no current plan to significantly modify the mixture of investments. The investment position is discussed more below. Changes in bond yields. A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase plan liabilities, although this will be partially offset by an increase in the value of the plans’ bond holdings. The investment position is managed and monitored by a committee of individuals from various departments. This group actively monitors how the duration and the expected yield of the investments are matching the expected cash outflows arising from the pension obligations. The group has not changed the processes used to manage its risks from previous periods. The group does not use derivatives to manage its risk. Investments are well diversified, such that the failure of any single investment would not have a material impact on the overall level of assets. The majority of equities are in U.S. large and small cap companies with some global diversification into international entities. The plans are not exposed to significant foreign currency risk. Remeasurement The Company remeasures both plan assets and obligations on a quarterly basis. Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors two defined contribution retirement savings plans named the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan (the “RS Plan”) and the To-Ricos Employee Savings and Retirement Plan (the “To-Ricos Plan”). The RS Plan is an IRC Section 401(k) salary deferral plan maintained for certain eligible U.S. employees. Under the RS Plan, eligible U.S. employees may voluntarily contribute a percentage of their compensation. The Company matches up to 30.0% of the first 2.00% to 6.00% of salary based on the salary deferral and compensation levels up to $245,000 . The To-Ricos Plan is an IRC Section 1165(e) salary deferral plan maintained for certain eligible Puerto Rico employees. Under the To-Ricos Plan, eligible employees may voluntarily contribute a percentage of their compensation and there are various company matching provisions. The Company also maintains three postretirement plans for eligible Mexico employees, as required by Mexico law, which primarily cover termination benefits. The Company’s expenses related to its defined contribution plans totaled $5.0 million , $4.8 million and $3.9 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss during 2016 and 2015 : 2016 (a) 2015 (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 year $ (58,997 ) $ 67 $ (58,930 ) $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (4,836 ) (411 ) (5,247 ) 4,004 (260 ) 3,744 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (410 ) 344 (66 ) (429 ) 296 (133 ) Net current year other comprehensive income (loss) (5,246 ) (67 ) (5,313 ) 3,575 36 3,611 Balance, end of year $ (64,243 ) $ — $ (64,243 ) $ (58,997 ) $ 67 (58,930 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits. Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a) Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations 2016 2015 (In thousands) Realized gain on sale of securities $ 552 $ 476 Interest income Amortization of pension and other Union employees pension plan (b) (20 ) — (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (199 ) (215 ) (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (440 ) (474 ) (d) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (107 ) (213 ) Tax benefit 40 80 Total reclassification for the period $ (67 ) (133 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations. (b) The Company sponsors the Union Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements. (c) The Company sponsors the GK Pension Plan, 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 SERP Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Directors’ Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors and the Retiree Life Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the “Legacy Gold Kist Plans”). (d) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 13. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock On July 28, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. The Company plans to repurchase shares through various means, which may include but are not limited to open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, the use of derivative instruments and/or accelerated share repurchase programs. The share repurchase program was originally scheduled to expire on July 27, 2016. On February 10, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of the share repurchase authorization to $300.0 million and an extension of the expiration to February 9, 2017. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such repurchases will vary and depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, as determined by the Company’s management team. The Company reserves the right to limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time without notice. As of December 25, 2016 , the Company had repurchased 10,635,861 shares under this program with a market value of approximately $217.1 million . The Company accounted for the shares repurchased using the cost method. The Company currently plans to maintain these shares as treasury stock. Special Cash Dividends On May 18, 2016 , the Company paid a special cash dividend from retained earnings of approximately $700.0 million , or $2.75 per share, to stockholders of record on May 10, 2016 . The Company used proceeds from the U.S. Credit Facility, along with cash on hand, to fund the 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. Capital Contributions to a Subsidiary In July 2016, the stockholders of Gallina Pesada, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“GAPESA”), a subsidiary that is controlled, but not wholly owned, by the Company, contributed additional capital to fund a capacity expansion project in southern Mexico. The Company contributed $2.7 million of additional capital. This contribution was eliminated upon consolidation. The noncontrolling stockholders contributed $7.3 million of additional capital. The respective contributions did not impact either the Company or noncontrolling stockholders’ ownership percentages in GAPESA. 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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 $28.9 million in costs related to the STIP at December 25, 2016 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded during 2017 . 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 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 IRC, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). At December 25, 2016 , we have reserved approximately 5.0 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP. The following awards were outstanding during 2016 : Award Type Benefit Plan Awards Granted Grant Date Grant Date Fair Value per Award (a) Vesting Condition Vesting Date Estimated Forfeiture Rate Awards Forfeited to Date Settlement Method RSU LTIP 449,217 02/19/2014 $ 16.70 Service 12/31/2016 13.49 % 86,458 Stock RSU LTIP 223,701 03/03/2014 17.18 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % 55,516 Stock DER (b) LTIP 45,961 02/11/2015 25.87 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % — Stock RSU LTIP 158,226 02/26/2015 27.51 Performance / Service 12/31/2018 (c) 158,226 Stock RSU LTIP 251,136 03/30/2016 25.36 Performance / Service 12/31/2019 (d) — Stock DER (b) LTIP 74,535 10/13/2016 20.93 Service 12/31/2016 13.49 % — 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) On February 17, 2015, the Company paid a special cash dividend to stockholders of record as of January 30, 2015 totaling $5.77 per share. On January 27, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors agreed to grant Dividend Equivalent Rights (“DERs”) in the form of RSUs to reflect an additional $5.77 in value for each outstanding RSU. (c) Performance conditions associated with these awards were not satisfied. Therefore, 100% of the awards were forfeited. (d) 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: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of goods sold $ 770 $ 596 $ 395 Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,332 2,379 4,533 Total $ 6,102 $ 2,975 $ 4,928 Income tax benefit $ 1,858 $ 868 $ 1,326 The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below: 2016 2015 2014 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 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 year — $ — 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 Granted — — — — — — Vested — — — — (173 ) 6.62 Forfeited — — (30 ) 8.72 — — Outstanding at end of year — $ — — $ — 30 $ 8.72 RSUs: Outstanding at beginning of year 774 $ 18.78 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 Granted 325 24.35 428 21.00 463 16.70 Vested — — (671 ) 8.81 — — Forfeited (193 ) 24.51 (103 ) 18.90 (72 ) 10.34 Outstanding at end of year 906 $ 20.00 774 $ 18.78 1,120 $ 11.97 The total fair value of awards vested in 2015 and 2014 was $22.4 million and $3.2 million , respectively. No awards vested in 2016 . At December 25, 2016 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $8.6 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.49 years. Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 companies. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) JBS USA Food Company Holding: Letter of credit fees (a) $ 202 $ 1,268 $ 1,339 Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement (b) 5,038 3,690 3,849 JBS USA Food Company: Purchases from JBS USA Food Company (c) 139,476 103,542 115,337 Expenditures paid by JBS USA Food Company on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (d) 40,519 40,611 31,149 Sales to JBS USA Food Company (c) 16,534 21,743 39,682 Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA Food Company (d) 10,586 3,998 4,925 Seara International Ltd.: Purchases from Seara International Ltd. 2,746 2,784 2,091 JBS Global (UK) Ltd.: Sales to JBS Global (UK) Ltd. 122 305 255 JBS Chile Ltda.: Sales to JBS Chile Ltda. 615 100 463 Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda.: Purchases from Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. — 60 — JBS Aves Ltda.: Purchases from JBS Aves Ltda. — — 4,072 JBS Five Rivers: Sales to JBS Five Rivers 14,126 — — J&F Investimentos Ltd.: Sales to J&F Investimentos Ltd. 69 — — (a) JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS USA Holdings”) arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the aggregate 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 workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability claims. In return for providing this letter of credit, the Company has agreed to reimburse JBS USA Holdings for the letter of credit fees the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility. The letter of credit arrangements for $40.0 million and $16.5 million were terminated on March 7, 2016 and April 1, 2016, respectively. During 2016, the Company paid JBS USA Holdings $0.2 million for letter of credit fees. (b) The Company entered into a tax sharing agreement during 2014 with JBS USA Holdings effective for tax years starting 2010. The net tax receivable for tax year 2016 was accrued in 2016 and will be paid in 2017. The net tax receivable for tax year 2015 was accrued in 2015 and paid in January 2016. The net tax receivable for tax years 2010 through 2014 was accrued in 2014 and paid in January 2015. (c) We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the outstanding payable to JBS USA was $1.4 million and $7.0 million , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA was $3.8 million and $2.6 million , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 , approximately $2.9 million of goods from JBS USA were in transit and not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. (d) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA to allocate costs associated with JBS USA’s procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for both companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA 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. The Company also has an agreement with JBS USA 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 on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA will be reimbursed by JBS USA. This agreement expires on December 31, 2019.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES General 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. Purchase Obligations The Company will sometimes enter into noncancelable contracts to purchase capital equipment and certain commodities such as corn, soybean meal, and electricity. At December 25, 2016 , the Company was party to outstanding purchase contracts totaling $178.0 million and $0.5 million payable in 2017 and 2018 , respectively. There were no outstanding purchase contracts in 2019. Operating Leases The Consolidated Statements of Operations include rental expense for operating leases of approximately $32.5 million , $25.3 million and $15.2 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company’s future minimum lease commitments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2017 $ 26,819 2018 23,386 2019 20,200 2020 14,364 2021 11,582 Thereafter 11,649 Total $ 108,000 Certain of the Company’s operating leases include rent escalations. The Company includes the rent escalation in its minimum lease payments obligations and recognizes them as a component of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. The Company also maintains operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of assets at the end of the term of the lease. The terms of the lease maturities range from one to ten years. The maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is estimated to be approximately $34.7 million ; however, the actual amount would be offset by any recoverable amount based on the fair market value of the underlying leased assets. No liability has been recorded related to this contingency as the likelihood of payments under these guarantees is not considered to be probable and the fair value of such guarantees is immaterial. The Company historically has not experienced significant payments under similar residual guarantees. Financial Instruments The Company’s loan agreements generally obligate the Company to reimburse the applicable lender for incremental increased costs due to a change in law that imposes (i) any reserve or special deposit requirement against assets of, deposits with or credit extended by such lender related to the loan, (ii) any tax, duty or other charge with respect to the loan (except standard income tax) or (iii) capital adequacy requirements. In addition, some of the Company’s loan agreements contain a withholding tax provision that requires the Company to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, generally if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law. These increased cost and withholding tax provisions continue for the entire term of the applicable transaction, and there is no limitation on the maximum additional amounts the Company could be obligated to pay under such provisions. Any failure to pay amounts due under such provisions generally would trigger an event of default, and, in a secured financing transaction, would entitle the lender to foreclose upon the collateral to realize the amount due. Litigation 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. Tax Claims and Proceedings In 2009, the IRS asserted claims against the Company totaling $74.7 million . Following a series of objections, motions and opposition filed by both parties with the Bankruptcy Court, the Company worked with the IRS through the normal processes and procedures that are available to resolve the IRS’ claims. On December 12, 2012, the Company entered into two Stipulations of Settled Issues agreements with the IRS (the “Stipulations”). The first Stipulation related to the Company’s 2003, 2005, and 2007 tax years and resolved all of the material issues in the case. The second Stipulation related to the Company as the successor in interest to Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”) for the tax years ended June 30, 2005 and September 30, 2005, and resolved all substantive issues in the case. These Stipulations accounted for approximately $29.3 million of the claims and should result in no additional tax due. The Company is currently working with the IRS to finalize the complete tax calculations associated with the Stipulations. Other Claims and Proceedings Between September 2, 2016 and October 13, 2016, ten purported class action lawsuits were filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Pilgrim’s and 13 other producers by and on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers of broiler chickens. On October 5, 2016, the Court consolidated the complaints, for pretrial purposes, into actions on behalf of three different putative classes: direct purchasers, indirect purchasers/consumers and commercial/institutional indirect purchasers. These actions are now styled In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation . The current operative complaints filed on behalf of each putative class allege, among other things, a conspiracy among defendants to reduce output and fix, increase, maintain, and stabilize the prices of broiler chickens in violation of the U.S. antitrust laws from the period of January 2008 to the present. The complaints on behalf of putative classes of indirect purchasers also include causes of action under various state consumer protection laws, unfair competition laws and unjust enrichment common laws. The complaints seek treble damages, injunctive relief, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees on behalf of the putative class. Pilgrim’s has filed motions to dismiss these actions. On October 10, 2016, Patrick Hogan, acting on behalf of himself and a putative class of persons who purchased shares of Pilgrim’s stock between February 21, 2014 and October 6, 2016, filed a class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado against Pilgrim’s and its named executive officers. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Pilgrim’s SEC filings contained statements that were rendered materially false and misleading by Pilgrim’s failure to disclose that (i) the company colluded with several of its industry peers to fix prices in the broiler-chicken market as alleged in the In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation , (ii) its conduct constituted a violation of federal antitrust laws, (iii) Pilgrim’s revenues during the class period were the result of illegal conduct and (iv) that Pilgrim’s lacked effective internal control over financial reporting, as well as stating that Pilgrim’s industry was anticompetitive. The Court has not yet appointed a lead plaintiff and no consolidated class action complaint has been filed. On January 27, 2017, a purported class action on behalf of broiler chicken farmers was brought against Pilgrim’s and 10 other producers in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, alleging, among other things, a conspiracy among the defendants to reduce competition in the domestic market for broiler chickens. Plaintiffs’ allegations are similar to those raised in the In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation , and seek, among other relief, treble damages. We believe we have strong defenses in response to plaintiffs’ allegations and intend to contest these actions vigorously. We cannot predict the outcome of these actions nor when they will be resolved. If the plaintiffs were to prevail in any of these actions, we could be liable for damages, which could be material and could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS	MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, investment securities and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s cash equivalents and investment securities are high-quality debt and equity securities placed with major banks and financial institutions. The Company’s trade accounts receivable are generally unsecured. Credit evaluations are performed on all significant customers and updated as circumstances dictate. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across geographic areas. With the exception of one customer that accounts for approximately 9.4% of trade accounts and other receivables at December 25, 2016, and approximately 7.3% of net sales for 2016, the Company does not believe it has significant concentrations of credit risk in its trade accounts receivable. As of December 25, 2016, we employed approximately 29,850 persons in the U.S. and approximately 9,750 persons in Mexico. Approximately 42.9% of the Company’s employees were covered under collective bargaining agreements. Substantially all employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are covered under agreements that expire in 2017 or later, with the exception of three processing operations locations, where the collective bargaining agreement expired in 2016. Collective bargaining agreements have been reached for two of these three processing operations locations and we expect to ratify these agreements in 2017. Negotiations are ongoing on the collective borrowing agreement for the remaining processing operations location. We have not experienced any labor-related work stoppage at any location in over ten years . We believe our relationship with our employees and union leadership is satisfactory. At any given time, we will likely be in some stage of contract negotiations with various collective bargaining units. In the absence of an agreement, we may become subject to labor disruption at one or more of these locations, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. The aggregate carrying amount of net assets belonging to our Mexico operations was $ 673.0 million and $576.6 million at December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, respectively.

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING	BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico. We conduct separate operations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico; however, for geographic reporting purposes, we include Puerto Rico with our U.S. operations. Corporate expenses are allocated to Mexico based upon various apportionment methods for specific expenditures incurred related thereto with the remaining amounts allocated to the U.S. Net sales to customers by customer location and long-lived assets are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales to customers by customer location: United States $ 6,459,729 $ 6,722,455 $ 7,067,408 Mexico 1,180,947 1,116,455 1,075,764 Asia 99,295 120,288 246,141 Canada, Caribbean and Central America 152,058 176,396 80,121 Africa 14,124 16,171 49,810 Europe 11,174 12,841 44,377 South America 11,955 12,114 18,102 Pacific 1,841 3,384 1,642 Total $ 7,931,123 $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365 December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Long-lived assets (a) : United States $ 1,220,263 $ 1,108,776 Mexico 285,677 243,753 Total $ 1,505,940 $ 1,352,529 (a) For this disclosure, we exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280-10-50-41, Segment Reporting . Long-lived assets, as used in ASC 280-10-50-41, implies hard assets that cannot be readily removed. The following table sets forth, for the periods beginning with 2014 , net sales attributable to each of our primary product lines and markets served with those products. We based the table on our internal sales reports and their classification of product types. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. chicken: Prepared chicken $ 1,269,010 $ 1,672,693 $ 1,787,389 Fresh chicken 4,627,137 4,701,943 4,703,993 Export and other chicken 313,827 358,877 620,082 Total U.S. chicken 6,209,974 6,733,513 7,111,464 Mexico chicken 1,245,644 1,016,200 900,360 Total chicken 7,455,618 7,749,713 8,011,824 Other products: U.S. 461,429 409,841 535,572 Mexico 14,076 20,550 35,969 Total other products 475,505 430,391 571,541 Total net sales $ 7,931,123 $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) 2016 First Second Third Fourth (a) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 1,962,937 $ 2,028,315 $ 2,031,721 $ 1,908,150 $ 7,931,123 Gross profit 237,562 286,131 210,217 180,450 914,360 Net income attributable to PPC common stockholders 118,371 152,886 98,657 70,618 440,532 Net income per share amounts - basic 0.46 0.60 0.39 0.29 1.74 Net income per share amounts - diluted 0.46 0.60 0.39 0.28 1.73 Number of days in period 91 91 91 91 364 2015 First Second (b) Third (c) Fourth (c) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,052,919 $ 2,053,876 $ 2,112,529 $ 1,960,780 $ 8,180,104 Gross profit (loss) 377,120 432,020 284,544 160,693 1,254,377 Net income attributable to PPC 204,215 241,489 137,062 63,148 645,914 Net income per share amounts - 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Net income per share amounts - 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Number of days in period 91 91 91 91 364 2014 First Second Third Fourth Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,018,065 $ 2,186,817 $ 2,268,048 $ 2,110,435 $ 8,583,365 Gross profit 215,106 349,476 450,265 379,148 1,393,995 Net income attributable to PPC 98,117 190,360 255,983 167,188 711,648 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.74 0.99 0.65 2.75 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.73 0.99 0.64 2.74 Number of days in period 91 91 91 91 364 (a) In the fourth quarter of 2016, the company recognized impairment charges of $1.1 million related to our Dallas, Texas plant held for sale. (b) In the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized impairment charges of $4.8 million related to our Dallas, Texas and Bossier City, Louisiana plants held for sale. (c) On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired, indirectly through certain of its Mexican subsidiaries, 100% of the equity of Tyson Mexico from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. The results of operations of the acquired business since June 29, 2015 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business during the third and fourth quarters of 2015 were $128.9 million and $121.7 million , respectively. The acquired business incurred net losses of $2.9 million and $10.8 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively.

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALI

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Beginning Balance Charged to Operating Results Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Ending Balance (In thousands) Trade Accounts and Other Receivables— Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: 2016 $ 4,900 $ 114 $ — $ 451 (a) $ 4,563 2015 2,525 1,060 1,314 (d) (1 ) (a) 4,900 2014 4,056 520 — 2,051 (a) 2,525 Trade Accounts and Other Receivables— Allowance for Sales Adjustments: 2016 $ 5,662 $ 199,423 $ — $ 200,211 (b) $ 4,874 2015 7,425 150,113 — 151,876 (b) 5,662 2014 7,089 220,123 — 219,787 (b) 7,425 Deferred Tax Assets— Valuation Allowance: 2016 $ 7,921 $ — $ — $ (1,689 ) (c) $ 6,232 2015 9,150 — — (1,229 ) (c) 7,921 2014 10,400 (1,250 ) — — (c) 9,150 (a) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. (b) Deductions either written off, rebilled or reclassified as liabilities for market development fund rebates. (c) Reductions in the valuation allowance. (d) Allowance for doubtful accounts assumed with the acquisition of Tyson Mexico.

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI31

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statements	The Company operates on the basis of a 52 / 53 -week fiscal year ending on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. Any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2016 ) in the notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and its majority owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations	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 nonmonetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure nonmonetary 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, except for certain accounts which are remeasured at a historical rate. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Revenue Recognition	We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits, (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. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Costs associated with the products shipped to customers are recognized in cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred.
Research and Development Costs	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. 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 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Investments in Securities	The Company’s current investments are all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired and are, therefore, considered cash equivalents. The Company’s current investments are comprised of fixed income securities, primarily commercial paper, and a money market fund. These investments are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities of less than one year and those identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current assets. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities in excess of one year that management has not identified at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as long-term assets. Unrealized losses are charged against net earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Management reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary, such as the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the impact of changing interest rates in the short and long term, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company determines the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings using the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a settlement date basis. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest greater than 50% and exercises control over the entity are consolidated in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. The Company invests from time to time in ventures in which its ownership interest is less than 20% and over which it does not exercise significant influence. Such investments are accounted for under the cost method. The fair values for investments not traded on a quoted exchange are estimated based upon the historical performance of the ventures, the ventures’ forecasted financial performance and management’s evaluation of the ventures’ viability and business models. To the extent the book value of an investment exceeds its assessed fair value, the Company will record an appropriate impairment charge.
Accounts Receivable	The Company records accounts receivable when revenue is recognized. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts, reducing our receivables balance to an amount we estimate is collectible from our customers. Estimates used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts receivable, and periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We write off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent, based upon age or customer circumstances, that such amounts will not be collected. Generally, the Company does not require collateral for its accounts receivable.
Inventories	Live chicken inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and breeder hen inventories at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or market. The costs associated with breeder hen inventories are accumulated up to the production stage and amortized over their productive lives using the unit-of-production method. Finished poultry products, feed, eggs and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (average) or market. We record valuation adjustments for our inventory and for estimated obsolescence at or equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon known conditions affecting inventory, including significantly aged products, discontinued product lines, or damaged or obsolete products. We allocate meat costs between our various finished chicken products based on a by-product costing technique that reduces the cost of the whole bird by estimated yields and amounts to be recovered for certain by-product parts. This primarily includes leg quarters, wings, tenders and offal, which are carried in inventory at the estimated recovery amounts, with the remaining amount being reflected as our breast meat cost. Generally, the Company performs an evaluation of whether any lower of cost or market adjustments are required at the country level based on a number of factors, including: (i) pools of related inventory, (ii) product continuation or discontinuation, (iii) estimated market selling prices and (iv) expected distribution channels. If actual market conditions or other factors are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, and repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets. Estimated useful lives for building, machinery and equipment are five to 33 years and for automobiles and trucks are three to ten years. The charge to income resulting from amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for use when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When the above is true, the impairment charge is determined based upon the amount the net book value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. In making these determinations, the Company utilizes certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) future cash flows estimated to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, remaining length of service and estimated salvage values, (ii) estimated fair market value of the assets and (iii) determinations with respect to the lowest level of cash flows relevant to the respective impairment test, generally groupings of related operational facilities. Given the interdependency of the Company’s individual facilities during the production process, which operate as a vertically integrated network, it evaluates impairment of assets held for use at the country level (i.e., the U.S. and Mexico). Management believes this is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for its assets that are held for use in production activities. At the present time, the Company’s forecasts indicate that it can recover the carrying value of its assets held for use based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the operations. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for sale when the carrying amount of those assets exceeds their fair value less appropriate selling costs. Fair value is based on amounts documented in sales contracts or letters of intent accepted by the Company, amounts included in counteroffers initiated by the Company, or, in the absence of current contract negotiations, amounts determined using a sales comparison approach for real property and amounts determined using a cost approach for personal property. Under the sales comparison approach, sales and asking prices of reasonably comparable properties are considered to develop a range of unit prices within which the current real estate market is operating. Under the cost approach, a current cost to replace the asset new is calculated and then the estimated replacement cost is reduced to reflect the applicable decline in value resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and economic obsolescence. Appropriate selling costs includes reasonable broker’s commissions, costs to produce title documents, filing fees, legal expenses and the like. We estimate appropriate closing costs as 4% to 6% of asset fair value. This range of rates is considered reasonable for our assets held for sale based on historical experience.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles, net	Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. In accordance with ASC No. 350-20-35 in the Assets – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other topic, management first reviews relevant qualitative factors to determine if an indication of impairment exists for the reporting unit. If management determines there is an indication of impairment of goodwill, a quantitative analysis is performed. Management performed a qualitative analysis noting no indication of impairment of goodwill by reporting unit as of December 25, 2016. The Company uses various market valuation techniques to determine the fair value of intangible assets. Identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, such as customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names that the Company expects to use for a limited amount of time, are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. The useful lives range from three to 15 years for trade names with indefinite lives and non-compete agreements and 13 years for customer relationships. Amortizing intangibles are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC No. 360-10-35-21 in the Assets – Property, Plant and Equipment topic. Management analyzed the carrying values of the intangible assets and determined that there were no impairment indicators during the fifty-two weeks ended December 25, 2016 or December 27, 2015.
Book Overdraft Balances	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 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities	The Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to employment, environmental, product and other matters. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges of probable losses, to these matters. The Company estimates the amount of reserves required for these contingencies when losses are determined to be probable and after considerable analysis of each individual issue. The Company expenses legal costs related to such loss contingencies as they are incurred. The accrual for environmental remediation liabilities is measured on an undiscounted basis. These reserves may change in the future due to changes in the Company’s assumptions, the effectiveness of strategies, or other factors beyond the Company’s control.
Accrued Self Insurance	Insurance expense for casualty claims and employee-related health care benefits are estimated using historical and current experience and actuarial estimates. Stop-loss coverage is maintained with third-party insurers to limit the Company’s total exposure. Certain categories of claim liabilities are actuarially determined. The assumptions used to arrive at periodic expenses are reviewed regularly by management. However, actual expenses could differ from these estimates and could result in adjustments to be recognized.
Asset Retirement Obligations	The Company monitors certain asset retirement obligations in connection with its operations. These obligations relate to clean-up, removal or replacement activities and related costs for “in-place” exposures only when those exposures are moved or modified, such as during renovations of our facilities. These in-place exposures include asbestos, refrigerants, wastewater, oil, lubricants and other contaminants common in manufacturing environments. Under existing regulations, the Company is not required to remove these exposures and there are no plans to undertake a renovation that would require removal of the asbestos or the remediation of the other in-place exposures at this time. The facilities are expected to be maintained and repaired by activities that will not result in the removal or disruption of these in-place exposures at this time. As a result, there is an indeterminate settlement date for these asset retirement obligations because the range of time over which the Company may incur these liabilities is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. Therefore, the Company has not recorded the fair value of any potential liability.
Income Taxes	The Company follows provisions under ASC No. 740-10-30-27 in the Expenses-Income Taxes topic with regard to members of a group that file a consolidated tax return but issue separate financial statements. The Company files its own U.S. federal tax return, but it is included in certain state unitary returns with JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS USA Holdings”). The income tax expense of the Company is computed using the separate return method. The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. For the unitary states, we have an obligation to make tax payments to JBS USA Holdings for our share of the unitary taxable income, which is included in taxes payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. The amount of deferred tax on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on the tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, potential for carry back of tax losses, projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances have been established primarily for net operating loss carry forwards of certain foreign subsidiaries. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company deems its earnings from Mexico and Puerto Rico as of December 25, 2016 to be permanently reinvested. As such, U.S. deferred income taxes have not been provided on these earnings. If such earnings were not considered indefinitely reinvested, certain deferred foreign and U.S. income taxes would be provided. The Company follows provisions under ASC No. 740-10-25 that provide a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits	Our pension and other postemployment benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, long-term return on plan assets and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, amortized over either (i) the estimated average future service period of active plan participants if the plan is active or (ii) the estimated average future life expectancy of all plan participants if the plan is frozen.
Operating Leases	Rent expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless the lease contains an escalation clause which is not fixed or determinable. The lease term begins when we have the right to control the use of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the terms of the lease. If a lease has a fixed or determinable escalation clause, the difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rent for operating leases that do not have an escalation clause or where escalation is based on an inflation index is expensed over the lease term as it is payable.
Risk Management	The Company attempts to mitigate commodity purchase exposures through a program of risk management that includes the use of forward purchase contractual obligations and derivative financial instruments. The Company will also occasionally purchase derivative financial instruments in an attempt to mitigate currency exchange rate exposure related to the net assets of its Mexico operations that are denominated in Mexican pesos. The Company’s Mexico subsidiaries also attempt to mitigate the foreign currency exposure on certain U.S. dollar-denominated transactions through the use of derivative financial instruments. We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We elected not to designate derivative financial instruments executed to mitigate commodity purchase exposures and foreign currency exposures as hedges of forecasted transactions. Therefore, we recognize changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to both the commodity derivative financial instruments and the foreign currency derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates in regard to receivables collectability; inventory valuation; realization of deferred tax assets; valuation of long-lived assets; valuation of contingent liabilities, liabilities subject to compromise and self insurance liabilities; valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations; and valuation of acquired businesses.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Adopted	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. In June 2015, the FASB agreed to defer by one year the mandatory effective date of this standard, but will also provide entities the option to adopt the new guidance as of the original effective date. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, but we have the option to adopt the guidance as early as the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently identifying and cataloging the various types of revenue transactions to which we are a party. We also continue to evaluate the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected either a transition approach to implement the standard or an adoption date. In July 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which, in an effort to simplify unnecessarily complicated accounting guidance that can result in several potential outcomes, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Current accounting guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the first quarter of our 2017 fiscal year. The initial adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on lease arrangements, which, in an effort to increase transparency and comparability among organizations utilizing leasing, requires an entity that is a lessee to recognize the assets and liabilities arising from leases on the balance sheet. This guidance also requires disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, the entity is required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2019 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date. In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employee share-based payments, which, in an effort to simplify unnecessarily complicated aspects of accounting and reporting for share-based payment transactions, requires an entity to amend accounting and reporting methodology for areas such as the income tax consequences of share-based payments, classification of share-based awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification of share-based payment transactions in the statement of cash flows. The transition approach will vary depending on the area of accounting and reporting methodology to be amended. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the first quarter of our 2017 fiscal year. The initial adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, which, in an effort to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments, replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2020 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted after our 2018 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date. In November 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows in order to eliminate the discrepancies that currently exist in how companies present these changes. The new guidance requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents when explaining the changes in cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Consideration Paid	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Tyson Mexico (in thousands): Negotiated sales price $ 400,000 Working capital adjustment (20,933 ) Final purchase price $ 379,067 The following table summarizes the consideration paid for GNP (in thousands): Negotiated sales price $ 350,000 Working capital adjustment 9,707 Preliminary purchase price $ 359,707
Fair Values for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tyson Mexico are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,535 Trade accounts and other receivables 24,173 Inventories 68,130 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,661 Property, plant and equipment 209,139 Identifiable intangible assets 26,411 Other long-lived assets 199 Total assets acquired 341,248 Accounts payable 21,550 Other current liabilities 8,707 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 52,376 Other long-term liabilities 5,155 Total liabilities assumed 87,788 Total identifiable net assets 253,460 Goodwill 125,607 Total net assets $ 379,067
Change in Goodwill	The Company recognized the following change in goodwill related to this acquisition during 2016 (in thousands): Goodwill, beginning of period $ 156,565 Additional fair value attributed to acquired property, plant and equipment (51,387 ) Deferred tax impact related to additional fair value attributed to acquired property, plant and equipment 15,416 Deferred tax impact related to customer relationship intangibles 5,013 Goodwill, end of period $ 125,607
Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for the Company and Tyson Mexico as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of 2014 . 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 8,493,804 $ 9,233,138 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 654,495 705,223 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 2.53 2.72

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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: December 25, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 5,341 $ — $ — $ 5,341 Commodity options instruments 98 — — 98 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (4,063 ) — — (4,063 ) Commodity options instruments (2,764 ) — — (2,764 ) December 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 59 $ — $ — $ 59 Commodity options instruments 1,618 — — 1,618 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (5,436 ) — — (5,436 )
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Fixed-Rate Debt Obligation	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our fixed-rate debt obligation recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (In thousands) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% $ (500,000 ) $ (503,395 ) $ (500,000 ) $ (488,750 )

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE34

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables	Trade accounts and other receivables (including accounts receivable from related parties), less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 305,337 $ 342,466 Notes receivable - current 630 850 Other receivables 15,766 10,578 Receivables, gross 321,733 353,894 Allowance for doubtful accounts (4,563 ) (4,900 ) Receivables, net $ 317,170 $ 348,994 Accounts receivable from related parties (a) $ 3,913 $ 2,668 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.” Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: Total (In thousands) Balance at December 27, 2015 $ (4,900 ) Provision charged to operating results (114 ) Account write-offs and recoveries 451 Balance at December 25, 2016 $ (4,563 )

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Live chicken and hens $ 362,054 $ 365,062 Feed, eggs and other 250,680 215,859 Finished chicken products 182,918 191,988 Total chicken inventories 795,652 772,909 Commercial feed, table eggs and other 17,610 28,448 Total inventories $ 813,262 $ 801,357

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tabl

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Fair Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 44,865 $ 44,865 $ 290,795 $ 290,795 Other 61 61 54,831 54,831

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME37

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 5,439 $ 1,677 Commodity derivative liabilities (6,827 ) (5,436 ) Cash collateral posted with brokers 4,979 9,381 Derivatives Coverage (a) : Corn 2.3 % 7.0 % Soybean meal 0.3 % 4.1 % Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn September 2018 March 2017 Soybean meal July 2017 July 2016 (a) Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated corn and soybean meal needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (T

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Identified intangible assets consisted of the following: Useful Life (Years) Original Cost Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount (In thousands) December 25, 2016: Identified intangible assets subject to amortization: Trade names 3–15 $ 40,143 $ (36,537 ) $ 3,606 Customer relationships 13 67,711 (42,424 ) 25,287 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Identified intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 9,700 — 9,700 Total identified intangible assets $ 117,854 $ (79,261 ) $ 38,593 December 27, 2015: Identified intangible assets subject to amortization: Trade names 3–15 $ 40,143 $ (34,718 ) $ 5,425 Customer relationships 13 67,711 (35,383 ) 32,328 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Identified intangible assets not subject to amortization: Trade names 9,700 — 9,700 Total identified intangible assets $ 117,854 $ (70,401 ) $ 47,453

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Land $ 112,132 $ 105,165 Buildings 1,169,984 1,131,379 Machinery and equipment 1,789,550 1,657,573 Autos and trucks 50,964 53,408 Construction-in-progress 231,874 152,619 Property, plant and equipment, gross 3,354,504 3,100,144 Accumulated depreciation (1,848,564 ) (1,747,615 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,505,940 $ 1,352,529

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 487,214 $ 436,188 Book overdrafts 63,577 44,145 Other payables 4,306 2,621 Total accounts payable 555,097 482,954 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 1,421 7,000 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 110,385 112,583 Interest and debt-related fees 8,685 8,928 Insurance and self-insured claims 82,544 93,336 Derivative liabilities: Futures 4,063 5,436 Options 2,764 — Other accrued expenses 82,258 94,683 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 290,699 314,966 $ 847,217 $ 804,920 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.”

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR41

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following components: Maturity December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: (In thousands) Senior notes payable at 5.75% 2025 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 1.99% 2020 500,000 500,000 Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE rate plus 0.95% 2019 23,304 — Capital lease obligations Various 376 462 Long-term debt 1,023,680 1,000,462 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (94 ) (86 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,023,586 1,000,376 Less: Capitalized financing costs (11,728 ) (14,867 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs: $ 1,011,858 $ 985,509 Current notes payable to banks: Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE rate plus 0.90% 2016 $ — $ 28,726

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Before Income Taxes by Jurisdiction	Income before income taxes by jurisdiction is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. $ 532,853 $ 920,250 $ 953,027 Foreign 139,782 72,508 149,364 Total $ 672,635 $ 992,758 $ 1,102,391
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are set forth below: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 165,989 $ 248,821 $ 262,403 Foreign 50,130 43,638 22,867 State and other 20,211 26,019 24,056 Total current 236,330 318,478 309,326 Deferred: Federal (3,529 ) 32,819 29,737 Foreign (880 ) (11,249 ) 31,332 State and other 985 6,748 20,558 Total deferred (3,424 ) 28,318 81,627 $ 232,906 $ 346,796 $ 390,953
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate: 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State tax rate, net 2.4 2.3 2.6 Permanent items (0.3 ) 0.1 0.4 Domestic production activity (1.3 ) (1.9 ) (2.4 ) Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate (1.4 ) (0.9 ) (1.0 ) Tax credits (0.6 ) (0.7 ) — Other 0.8 1.0 0.9 Total 34.6 % 34.9 % 35.5 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: PP&E and identified intangible assets $ 182,433 $ 151,761 Inventories 93,114 97,743 Insurance claims and losses 42,186 39,800 Other 6,252 15,054 Total deferred tax liabilities 323,985 304,358 Deferred tax assets: Net operating losses 3,396 4,297 Foreign net operating losses 13,446 16,595 Credit carry forwards 2,080 2,638 Allowance for doubtful accounts 4,274 4,382 Accrued liabilities 57,567 56,753 Workers compensation 38,834 41,217 Pension and other postretirement benefits 21,903 22,559 Other 46,066 31,956 Total deferred tax assets 187,566 180,397 Valuation allowance (6,232 ) (7,921 ) Net deferred tax assets 181,334 172,476 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 142,651 $ 131,882
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 17,110 $ 17,396 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during the current year 1,031 1,015 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during prior years 16 27 Decrease as a result of tax positions taken during prior years (140 ) (139 ) Decrease for lapse in statute of limitations (1,204 ) (1,189 ) Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 16,813 $ 17,110

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM43

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
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 Consolidated Balance Sheets for these plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 165,952 $ 190,401 $ 1,672 $ 1,657 Interest cost 5,585 7,754 51 67 Actuarial losses (gains) 10,305 (10,944 ) 46 44 Benefits paid (6,098 ) (6,074 ) — — Settlements (a) (8,585 ) (15,185 ) (121 ) (96 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 167,159 $ 165,952 $ 1,648 $ 1,672 (a) A settlement is a transaction that is an irrevocable action, relieves the employer or the plan of primary responsibility for a pension or postretirement obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to affect the settlement. A settlement can be triggered when a plan pays lump sums totaling more than the sum of the plan’s interest cost and service cost. Both the GK Pension Plan and the Retiree Life Plan met this threshold in 2016 and 2015 and the Union Pension Plan met this threshold in 2016. Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 96,947 $ 113,552 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets 4,460 (3,024 ) — — Contributions by employer 10,802 7,678 121 96 Benefits paid (6,098 ) (6,074 ) — — Settlements (8,585 ) (15,185 ) (121 ) (96 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 97,526 $ 96,947 $ — $ — Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year $ (69,633 ) $ (69,005 ) $ (1,648 ) $ (1,672 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year: (In thousands) Current liability $ (13,113 ) $ (10,779 ) $ (147 ) $ (138 ) Long-term liability (56,520 ) (58,226 ) (1,501 ) (1,534 ) Recognized liability $ (69,633 ) $ (69,005 ) $ (1,648 ) $ (1,672 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 46,494 $ 38,115 $ (31 ) $ (79 )
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)	Net pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Interest cost $ 5,585 $ 7,754 $ 8,103 $ 51 $ 67 $ 81 Estimated return on plan assets (5,256 ) (6,684 ) (6,373 ) — — — Settlement loss (gain) 2,064 3,843 93 (2 ) (4 ) (9 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 659 714 56 — — — Net cost $ 3,052 $ 5,627 $ 1,879 $ 49 $ 63 $ 72
Schedule of Economic Assumptions, and Impact of Change in Discount Rate on Benefit Obligation	The sensitivity of the projected benefit obligation for pension benefits to changes in the discount rate is set out below. The impact of a change in the discount rate of 0.25% on the projected benefit obligation for other benefits is less than $1,000 . This sensitivity analysis is based on changing one assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to variations in significant actuarial assumptions, the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting period) has been applied as that for calculating the liability recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Increase in Discount Rate of 0.25% Decrease in Discount Rate of 0.25% (In thousands) Impact on projected benefit obligation for pension benefits $ (4,486 ) $ 4,725 The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.31 % 4.47 % 4.22 % 3.81 % 4.47 % 4.22 % Net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % 5.50 % 6.00 % NA NA NA
Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations	The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations: 2016 2015 Cash and cash equivalents — % — % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 5 % 7 % Fixed income securities 5 % 7 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 60 % 57 % Fixed income securities 30 % 29 % 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 Assumptions of Plan Assets	The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015 : 2016 2015(a) 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 $ 119 $ — $ — $ 119 $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 3,302 — 3,302 — 3,816 — 3,816 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 406 — 406 — 969 — 969 International equity funds (f) — 1,231 — 1,231 — 1,606 — 1,606 Fixed income funds (g) — 4,867 — 4,867 — 6,337 — 6,337 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 24,547 — 24,547 — 22,069 — 22,069 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 17,344 — 17,344 — 16,843 — 16,843 International equity funds (f) — 17,006 — 17,006 — 16,629 — 16,629 Fixed income funds (g) — 28,704 — 28,704 — 28,531 — 28,531 Total assets $ 119 $ 97,407 $ — $ 97,526 $ 147 $ 96,800 $ — $ 96,947 (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 December 25, 2016 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter 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) 2017 $ 16,964 $ 147 2018 11,617 147 2019 11,088 146 2020 11,019 144 2021 10,790 142 2022-2026 49,927 640 Total $ 111,405 $ 1,366
Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ 16,957 $ (79 ) $ (127 ) $ (126 ) Amortization (659 ) (714 ) (56 ) — — — Settlement adjustments (2,064 ) (3,843 ) (93 ) 2 4 9 Actuarial loss (gain) 10,305 (10,944 ) 24,670 46 44 (10 ) Asset loss (gain) 797 9,709 2,429 — — — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year $ 46,494 $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ (31 ) $ (79 ) $ (127 )

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss during 2016 and 2015 : 2016 (a) 2015 (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 year $ (58,997 ) $ 67 $ (58,930 ) $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (4,836 ) (411 ) (5,247 ) 4,004 (260 ) 3,744 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (410 ) 344 (66 ) (429 ) 296 (133 ) Net current year other comprehensive income (loss) (5,246 ) (67 ) (5,313 ) 3,575 36 3,611 Balance, end of year $ (64,243 ) $ — $ (64,243 ) $ (58,997 ) $ 67 (58,930 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a) Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations 2016 2015 (In thousands) Realized gain on sale of securities $ 552 $ 476 Interest income Amortization of pension and other Union employees pension plan (b) (20 ) — (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (199 ) (215 ) (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (440 ) (474 ) (d) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (107 ) (213 ) Tax benefit 40 80 Total reclassification for the period $ (67 ) (133 ) (a) Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations. (b) The Company sponsors the Union Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements. (c) The Company sponsors the GK Pension Plan, 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 SERP Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Directors’ Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors and the Retiree Life Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the “Legacy Gold Kist Plans”). (d) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 13. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Awards	The following awards were outstanding during 2016 : Award Type Benefit Plan Awards Granted Grant Date Grant Date Fair Value per Award (a) Vesting Condition Vesting Date Estimated Forfeiture Rate Awards Forfeited to Date Settlement Method RSU LTIP 449,217 02/19/2014 $ 16.70 Service 12/31/2016 13.49 % 86,458 Stock RSU LTIP 223,701 03/03/2014 17.18 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % 55,516 Stock DER (b) LTIP 45,961 02/11/2015 25.87 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % — Stock RSU LTIP 158,226 02/26/2015 27.51 Performance / Service 12/31/2018 (c) 158,226 Stock RSU LTIP 251,136 03/30/2016 25.36 Performance / Service 12/31/2019 (d) — Stock DER (b) LTIP 74,535 10/13/2016 20.93 Service 12/31/2016 13.49 % — 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) On February 17, 2015, the Company paid a special cash dividend to stockholders of record as of January 30, 2015 totaling $5.77 per share. On January 27, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors agreed to grant Dividend Equivalent Rights (“DERs”) in the form of RSUs to reflect an additional $5.77 in value for each outstanding RSU. (c) Performance conditions associated with these awards were not satisfied. Therefore, 100% of the awards were forfeited. (d) 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: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of goods sold $ 770 $ 596 $ 395 Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,332 2,379 4,533 Total $ 6,102 $ 2,975 $ 4,928 Income tax benefit $ 1,858 $ 868 $ 1,326
Schedule of RSA and RSU Activity	The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below: 2016 2015 2014 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 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 year — $ — 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 Granted — — — — — — Vested — — — — (173 ) 6.62 Forfeited — — (30 ) 8.72 — — Outstanding at end of year — $ — — $ — 30 $ 8.72 RSUs: Outstanding at beginning of year 774 $ 18.78 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 Granted 325 24.35 428 21.00 463 16.70 Vested — — (671 ) 8.81 — — Forfeited (193 ) 24.51 (103 ) 18.90 (72 ) 10.34 Outstanding at end of year 906 $ 20.00 774 $ 18.78 1,120 $ 11.97

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Pilgrim's has been and, in some cases, continues to be a party to certain transactions with affiliated companies. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) JBS USA Food Company Holding: Letter of credit fees (a) $ 202 $ 1,268 $ 1,339 Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement (b) 5,038 3,690 3,849 JBS USA Food Company: Purchases from JBS USA Food Company (c) 139,476 103,542 115,337 Expenditures paid by JBS USA Food Company on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (d) 40,519 40,611 31,149 Sales to JBS USA Food Company (c) 16,534 21,743 39,682 Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA Food Company (d) 10,586 3,998 4,925 Seara International Ltd.: Purchases from Seara International Ltd. 2,746 2,784 2,091 JBS Global (UK) Ltd.: Sales to JBS Global (UK) Ltd. 122 305 255 JBS Chile Ltda.: Sales to JBS Chile Ltda. 615 100 463 Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda.: Purchases from Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. — 60 — JBS Aves Ltda.: Purchases from JBS Aves Ltda. — — 4,072 JBS Five Rivers: Sales to JBS Five Rivers 14,126 — — J&F Investimentos Ltd.: Sales to J&F Investimentos Ltd. 69 — — (a) JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS USA Holdings”) arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the aggregate 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 workers’ compensation, auto liability and general liability claims. In return for providing this letter of credit, the Company has agreed to reimburse JBS USA Holdings for the letter of credit fees the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility. The letter of credit arrangements for $40.0 million and $16.5 million were terminated on March 7, 2016 and April 1, 2016, respectively. During 2016, the Company paid JBS USA Holdings $0.2 million for letter of credit fees. (b) The Company entered into a tax sharing agreement during 2014 with JBS USA Holdings effective for tax years starting 2010. The net tax receivable for tax year 2016 was accrued in 2016 and will be paid in 2017. The net tax receivable for tax year 2015 was accrued in 2015 and paid in January 2016. The net tax receivable for tax years 2010 through 2014 was accrued in 2014 and paid in January 2015. (c) We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the outstanding payable to JBS USA was $1.4 million and $7.0 million , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 and December 27, 2015, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA was $3.8 million and $2.6 million , respectively. As of December 25, 2016 , approximately $2.9 million of goods from JBS USA were in transit and not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. (d) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA to allocate costs associated with JBS USA’s procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for both companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA 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. The Company also has an agreement with JBS USA 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 on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA will be reimbursed by JBS USA. This agreement expires on December 31, 2019.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments	The Company’s future minimum lease commitments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2017 $ 26,819 2018 23,386 2019 20,200 2020 14,364 2021 11,582 Thereafter 11,649 Total $ 108,000

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPH48

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Sales and Long-lived Assets	Net sales to customers by customer location and long-lived assets are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net sales to customers by customer location: United States $ 6,459,729 $ 6,722,455 $ 7,067,408 Mexico 1,180,947 1,116,455 1,075,764 Asia 99,295 120,288 246,141 Canada, Caribbean and Central America 152,058 176,396 80,121 Africa 14,124 16,171 49,810 Europe 11,174 12,841 44,377 South America 11,955 12,114 18,102 Pacific 1,841 3,384 1,642 Total $ 7,931,123 $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365 December 25, 2016 December 27, 2015 (In thousands) Long-lived assets (a) : United States $ 1,220,263 $ 1,108,776 Mexico 285,677 243,753 Total $ 1,505,940 $ 1,352,529 (a) For this disclosure, we exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280-10-50-41, Segment Reporting . Long-lived assets, as used in ASC 280-10-50-41, implies hard assets that cannot be readily removed.
Schedule of Sales by Product Lines	The following table sets forth, for the periods beginning with 2014 , net sales attributable to each of our primary product lines and markets served with those products. We based the table on our internal sales reports and their classification of product types. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. chicken: Prepared chicken $ 1,269,010 $ 1,672,693 $ 1,787,389 Fresh chicken 4,627,137 4,701,943 4,703,993 Export and other chicken 313,827 358,877 620,082 Total U.S. chicken 6,209,974 6,733,513 7,111,464 Mexico chicken 1,245,644 1,016,200 900,360 Total chicken 7,455,618 7,749,713 8,011,824 Other products: U.S. 461,429 409,841 535,572 Mexico 14,076 20,550 35,969 Total other products 475,505 430,391 571,541 Total net sales $ 7,931,123 $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Results	2016 First Second Third Fourth (a) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 1,962,937 $ 2,028,315 $ 2,031,721 $ 1,908,150 $ 7,931,123 Gross profit 237,562 286,131 210,217 180,450 914,360 Net income attributable to PPC common stockholders 118,371 152,886 98,657 70,618 440,532 Net income per share amounts - basic 0.46 0.60 0.39 0.29 1.74 Net income per share amounts - diluted 0.46 0.60 0.39 0.28 1.73 Number of days in period 91 91 91 91 364 2015 First Second (b) Third (c) Fourth (c) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,052,919 $ 2,053,876 $ 2,112,529 $ 1,960,780 $ 8,180,104 Gross profit (loss) 377,120 432,020 284,544 160,693 1,254,377 Net income attributable to PPC 204,215 241,489 137,062 63,148 645,914 Net income per share amounts - 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Net income per share amounts - 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Number of days in period 91 91 91 91 364 2014 First Second Third Fourth Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,018,065 $ 2,186,817 $ 2,268,048 $ 2,110,435 $ 8,583,365 Gross profit 215,106 349,476 450,265 379,148 1,393,995 Net income attributable to PPC 98,117 190,360 255,983 167,188 711,648 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.74 0.99 0.65 2.75 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.73 0.99 0.64 2.74 Number of days in period 91 91 91 91 364 (a) In the fourth quarter of 2016, the company recognized impairment charges of $1.1 million related to our Dallas, Texas plant held for sale. (b) In the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized impairment charges of $4.8 million related to our Dallas, Texas and Bossier City, Louisiana plants held for sale. (c) On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired, indirectly through certain of its Mexican subsidiaries, 100% of the equity of Tyson Mexico from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. The results of operations of the acquired business since June 29, 2015 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business during the third and fourth quarters of 2015 were $128.9 million and $121.7 million , respectively. The acquired business incurred net losses of $2.9 million and $10.8 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively.

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI50

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) bird / WK in Millions, lb in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)employeebird / WKstategrowercountrylb	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of countries to which the company exports products | country	80
Number of states in which entity operates | state	12
Number of employees | employee	39,600
Maximum processing capacity, more than (number of birds per week) | bird / WK	36.7
Number of pounds of live chicken processed annually, more than | lb	10.7
Number of contract growers that supply poultry | grower	4,045
Ownership percentage	78.50%
Advertising costs	$ 6,200,000	$ 4,700,000	$ 4,400,000
Research and development costs	3,400,000	4,100,000	$ 3,800,000
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	0
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 0	$ 0
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	13 years	13 years
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated closing costs, percent of asset fair value	4.00%
Minimum [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Automobiles and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated closing costs, percent of asset fair value	6.00%
Maximum [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	15 years	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	33 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	33 years
Maximum [Member] | Automobiles and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	10 years

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Consider

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Consideration Paid) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 06, 2017	Jun. 29, 2015
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Negotiated sales price		$ 400,000
Working capital adjustment		(20,933)
Final purchase price		$ 379,067
GNP [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Negotiated sales price	$ 350,000
Working capital adjustment	9,707
Final purchase price	$ 359,707

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Fair Val

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Jun. 29, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 125,607	$ 156,565
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 5,535
Trade accounts and other receivables			24,173
Inventories			68,130
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			7,661
Property, plant and equipment			209,139
Identifiable intangible assets			26,411
Other long-lived assets			199
Total assets acquired			341,248
Accounts payable			21,550
Other current liabilities			8,707
Long-term deferred tax liabilities			52,376
Other long-term liabilities			5,155
Total liabilities assumed			87,788
Total identifiable net assets			253,460
Goodwill	$ 125,607	$ 156,565	125,607
Total net assets			$ 379,067

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Change i

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Change in Goodwill) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 156,565
Goodwill, end of period	125,607
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	156,565
Additional fair value attributed to acquired property, plant and equipment	(51,387)
Goodwill, end of period	125,607
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Property, plant and equipment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Deferred tax impact	15,416
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Finite-lived intangibles [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Deferred tax impact	$ 5,013

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Pro Form

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Pro Forma Information) (Details) - Tyson Mexico [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 8,493,804	$ 9,233,138
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 654,495	$ 705,223
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per common share - diluted (in usd per share)	$ 2.53	$ 2.72

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Narrativ

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, bird / WK in Millions	Jan. 06, 2017USD ($)employeebird / WKplant	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)trade_name	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)employeebird / WKdistribution_centerplant	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK					36.7
Number of employees of acquiree (more than) | employee					39,600
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity acquired		100.00%
Negotiated sales price		$ 400,000
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK					2.9
Number of processing plants acquired | plant					3
Number of employees of acquiree (more than) | employee					4,400
Number of distribution centers acquired | distribution_center					5
Net sales of acquiree since acquisition date			$ 121,700	$ 128,900	$ 141,400	$ 250,600
Net income (loss) of acquiree since acquisition date			$ (10,800)	$ (2,900)	$ 6,300	$ (13,700)
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, number of trade names valued using the income approach | trade_name		2
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, royalty rate saved used in determination of fair value		1.40%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value, terminal year		3.80%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, income tax rate used in determination of fair value		30.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, income tax amortization benefit rate used in determination of fair value		15.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, discount rate used in determination of fair value		12.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, fair value		$ 9,700
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, royalty rates used in determination of fair value		4.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value		3.50%
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Trade names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, royalty rates used in determination of fair value		5.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value		4.00%
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value		4.00%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, customer attrition rate used in determination of fair value		7.90%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, income tax rate used in determination of fair value		30.00%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, income tax amortization benefit rate used in determination of fair value		23.40%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, discount rate used in determination of fair value		13.50%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, fair value		$ 16,700
GNP [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity acquired	100.00%
Negotiated sales price	$ 350,000
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK	2.1
Number of processing plants acquired | plant	3
Number of employees of acquiree (more than) | employee	1,775

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedu

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 5,341	$ 59
Derivative liabilities	(4,063)	(5,436)
Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	98	1,618
Derivative liabilities	(2,764)
Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	5,341	59
Derivative liabilities	(4,063)	(5,436)
Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	98	1,618
Derivative liabilities	(2,764)
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	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	0
Derivative liabilities	0
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	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	$ 0
Derivative liabilities	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Sche57

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Fixed-Rate Debt Obligation) (Details) - Senior notes [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	$ (500,000)	$ (500,000)
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	$ (503,395)	$ (488,750)

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE58

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable		$ 305,337	$ 342,466
Notes receivable - current		630	850
Other receivables		15,766	10,578
Receivables, gross		321,733	353,894
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (4,900)	(4,563)	(4,900)
Receivables, net		317,170	348,994
Accounts receivable from related parties		$ 3,913	$ 2,668
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 27, 2015	(4,900)
Provision charged to operating results	(114)
Account write-offs and recoveries	451
Balance at December 25, 2016	$ (4,563)

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 813,262	$ 801,357
Chicken inventories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	795,652	772,909
Live chicken and hens [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	362,054	365,062
Feed, eggs and other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	250,680	215,859
Finished chicken products [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	182,918	191,988
Commercial feed, table eggs and other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 17,610	$ 28,448

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Deta

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains recognized on available-for-sale securities	$ 900,000	$ 1,200,000
Gross realized losses recognized on available-for-sale securities	83,400	25,400
Cash equivalents, fixed income securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	44,865,000	290,795,000
Fair Value	44,865,000	290,795,000
Cash equivalents, other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	61,000	54,831,000
Fair Value	$ 61,000	$ 54,831,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME61

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair values:
Cash collateral posted with brokers	$ 4,979	$ 9,381
Corn [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	2.30%	7.00%
Soybean meal [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	0.30%	4.10%
Commodity [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets	$ 5,439	$ 1,677
Derivative liabilities	$ (6,827)	$ (5,436)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME62

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments	$ (4.3)	$ 21.8	$ 16.1

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (S

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, accumulated amortization	$ (79,261)	$ (70,401)
Total identified intangible assets, original cost	117,854	117,854
Total identified intangible assets, carrying amount	38,593	47,453
Trade names [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets not subject to amortization, original cost and carrying amount	9,700	9,700
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, original cost	40,143	40,143
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, accumulated amortization	(36,537)	(34,718)
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, carrying amount	$ 3,606	$ 5,425
Trade names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, useful life	3 years	3 years
Trade names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, useful life	15 years	15 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, useful life	13 years	13 years
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, original cost	$ 67,711	$ 67,711
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, accumulated amortization	(42,424)	(35,383)
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, carrying amount	$ 25,287	$ 32,328
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, useful life	3 years	3 years
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, original cost	$ 300	$ 300
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, accumulated amortization	(300)	(300)
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, carrying amount	$ 0	$ 0
Non-compete agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, useful life	3 years
Non-compete agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Identified intangible assets subject to amortization, useful life	15 years

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (N

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 8.9	$ 5.7	$ 5.7
Expected amortization expense, 2017	7.1
Expected amortization expense, 2018	6.9
Expected amortization expense, 2019	5.3
Expected amortization expense, 2020	1.3
Expected amortization expense, 2021	$ 1.3

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT65

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 3,354,504	$ 3,100,144
Accumulated depreciation	(1,848,564)	(1,747,615)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,505,940	1,352,529
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	112,132	105,165
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,169,984	1,131,379
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,789,550	1,657,573
Autos and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	50,964	53,408
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 231,874	$ 152,619

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT66

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense			$ 167,800	$ 146,400	$ 136,400
Expenditures for capital projects			272,467	175,764	171,443
Completed projects transferred from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets			207,100	153,500
Proceeds from property disposals			10,805	14,610	$ 11,108
Gain (loss) on property disposals			7,700	10,400
Assets held for sale	$ 5,259		5,259	$ 6,555
Impairment charges, assets held for sale	1,100	$ 4,800	800
Idled assets property, plant and equipment, net	61,200		61,200
Idled asset property, plant and equipment gross	193,100		193,100
Idled asset accumulated depreciation	$ 131,900		$ 131,900

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounts payable:
Trade accounts	$ 487,214	$ 436,188
Book overdrafts	63,577	44,145
Other payables	4,306	2,621
Total accounts payable	555,097	482,954
Accounts payable to related parties	1,421	7,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits	110,385	112,583
Interest and debt-related fees	8,685	8,928
Insurance and self-insured claims	82,544	93,336
Derivative liabilities:
Other accrued expenses	82,258	94,683
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	290,699	314,966
Total current liabilities	847,217	804,920
Futures [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	4,063	5,436
Options [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$ 2,764	$ 0

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR68

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Mar. 11, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,023,680	$ 1,000,462
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(94)	(86)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,023,586	1,000,376
Less: Capitalized financing costs	(11,728)	(14,867)
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs:	1,011,858	985,509
Notes payable to banks	0	28,726
Credit facility [Member] | Credit facility [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable to banks	$ 0	28,726
Credit facility [Member] | Credit facility [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Tiie Rate Plus [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.90%
Senior notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%
Senior notes [Member] | Senior notes payable at 5.75% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%		5.75%
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	500,000
Credit facility [Member] | Credit facility [Member] | Term note payable at 1.99% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.99%
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	500,000
Credit facility [Member] | Credit facility [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 23,304	0
Credit facility [Member] | Credit facility [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Tiie Rate Plus [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.95%
Capital lease obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations	$ 376	$ 462

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR69

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 27, 2016MXN	Apr. 22, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 12, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 11, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 11, 2015USD ($)
Senior notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					5.75%
Senior notes [Member] | Senior notes payable at 5.75% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount						$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate					5.75%	5.75%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of debt		$ 150,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 700,000,000	$ 675,800,000
Feature to increase revolving loan commitment				$ 1,000,000,000
Number of days past due				15 days
Current borrowing capacity					633,100,000
Outstanding borrowings					0
Credit facility, capital expenditures limit				$ 500,000,000
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | US and Puerto Rico Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests securing obligations				100.00%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests securing obligations				65.00%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				1.50%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				1.25%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				2.75%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | Alternate base rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				0.50%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | Alternate base rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				0.25%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | Alternate base rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				1.75%
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Term loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 1,000,000,000
Debt outstanding					500,000,000
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Swingline loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				75,000,000
Credit facility [Member] | U.S. Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Letter of credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 125,000,000
Letters of credit issued					42,700,000
Credit facility [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	MXN 1,500,000,000				72,800,000
Current borrowing capacity					49,500,000
Outstanding borrowings					$ 23,300,000
Credit facility, interest rate at end of period					7.05%
Credit facility [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving loan [Member] | TIIE Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.95%

INCOME TAXES (Income Before Inc

INCOME TAXES (Income Before Income Taxes by Jurisdiction) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$ 532,853	$ 920,250	$ 953,027
Foreign	139,782	72,508	149,364
Income before income taxes	$ 672,635	$ 992,758	$ 1,102,391

INCOME TAXES (Components of Inc

INCOME TAXES (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ 165,989	$ 248,821	$ 262,403
Foreign	50,130	43,638	22,867
State and other	20,211	26,019	24,056
Total current	236,330	318,478	309,326
Deferred:
Federal	(3,529)	32,819	29,737
Foreign	(880)	(11,249)	31,332
State and other	985	6,748	20,558
Total deferred	(3,424)	28,318	81,627
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 232,906	$ 346,796	$ 390,953

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Incom

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax rate, net	2.40%	2.30%	2.60%
Permanent items	(0.30%)	0.10%	0.40%
Domestic production activity	(1.30%)	(1.90%)	(2.40%)
Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate	(1.40%)	(0.90%)	(1.00%)
Tax credits	(0.60%)	(0.70%)	(0.00%)
Other	0.80%	1.00%	0.90%
Total	34.60%	34.90%	35.50%

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Deferred tax liabilities:
PP&E and identified intangible assets	$ 182,433	$ 151,761
Inventories	93,114	97,743
Insurance claims and losses	42,186	39,800
Other	6,252	15,054
Total deferred tax liabilities	323,985	304,358
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses	3,396	4,297
Foreign net operating losses	13,446	16,595
Credit carry forwards	2,080	2,638
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4,274	4,382
Accrued liabilities	57,567	56,753
Workers compensation	38,834	41,217
Pension and other postretirement benefits	21,903	22,559
Other	46,066	31,956
Total deferred tax assets	187,566	180,397
Valuation allowance	(6,232)	(7,921)
Net deferred tax assets	181,334	172,476
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 142,651	$ 131,882

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrec

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$ 17,110	$ 17,396
Increase as a result of tax positions taken during the current year	1,031	1,015
Increase as a result of tax positions taken during prior years	16	27
Decrease as a result of tax positions taken during prior years	(140)	(139)
Decrease for lapse in statute of limitations	(1,204)	(1,189)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$ 16,813	$ 17,110

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 26, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective tax rate, continuing operations	34.60%	34.90%	35.50%
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	$ (1,700,000)
Valuation allowance	6,232,000	$ 7,921,000
Net operating loss carry forwards					$ 547,700,000
Claim for refund					$ 169,700,000
Refunds received from Internal Revenue Service				$ 122,600,000
Other comprehensive income, tax (benefit) expense	(3,200,000)	2,200,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	0	6,474,000	$ 458,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	16,813,000	17,110,000	17,396,000
Amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce effective tax rate	7,300,000
Liability for interest and penalties	8,200,000
Decrease in accrued interest and penalty amounts related to uncertain tax positions	1,200,000
Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement	3,690,000	0	3,849,000
Accounts receivable from related parties	3,913,000	2,668,000
JBS USA Food Company Holding [Member] | Tax sharing agreement [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement	5,038,000	$ 3,690,000	$ 3,849,000
Accounts receivable from related parties	5,000,000
United States [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	700,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	5,500,000
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 28,900,000
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2017
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 112,500,000
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2017
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 1,800,000
Tax credit carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2018

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM76

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 96,947
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	97,526	$ 96,947
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	165,952	190,401
Interest cost	5,585	7,754	$ 8,103
Actuarial losses (gains)	10,305	(10,944)
Benefits paid	(6,098)	(6,074)
Settlements	(8,585)	(15,185)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	167,159	165,952	190,401
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	96,947	113,552
Actual return on plan assets	4,460	(3,024)
Contributions by employer	10,802	7,678
Benefits paid	(6,098)	(6,074)
Settlements	(8,585)	(15,185)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	97,526	96,947	113,552
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	(69,633)	(69,005)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Current liability	(13,113)	(10,779)
Long-term liability	(56,520)	(58,226)
Recognized liability	(69,633)	(69,005)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	46,494	38,115	43,907	$ 16,957
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,672	1,657
Interest cost	51	67
Actuarial losses (gains)	46	44
Benefits paid	0	0
Settlements	(121)	(96)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	1,648	1,672	1,657
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Contributions by employer	121	96
Benefits paid	0	0
Settlements	(121)	(96)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0	0
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	(1,648)	(1,672)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Current liability	(147)	(138)
Long-term liability	(1,501)	(1,534)
Recognized liability	(1,648)	(1,672)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ (31)	$ (79)	$ (127)	$ (126)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM77

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 5,585	$ 7,754	$ 8,103
Estimated return on plan assets	(5,256)	(6,684)	(6,373)
Settlement loss (gain)	2,064	3,843	93
Amortization of net loss (gain)	659	714	56
Net cost	3,052	5,627	1,879
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	51	67	81
Estimated return on plan assets	0	0	0
Settlement loss (gain)	(2)	(4)	(9)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	0	0	0
Net cost	$ 49	$ 63	$ 72

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM78

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Economic Assumptions, and Impact of Change in Discount Rate on Benefit Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Net pension and other postretirement cost:
Increase in Discount Rate of 0.25% - impact on defined benefit obligation for pension benefits	$ (4,486)
Decrease in Discount Rate of 0.25% - impact on defined benefit obligation for pension benefits	$ 4,725
Pension Benefits [Member]
Benefit obligation:
Discount rate	4.31%	4.47%	4.22%
Net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.47%	4.22%	4.95%
Expected return on plan assets	5.50%	5.50%	6.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Benefit obligation:
Discount rate	3.81%	4.47%	4.22%
Net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.47%	4.22%	4.95%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM79

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
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	5.00%	7.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	60.00%	57.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	5.00%	7.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	30.00%	29.00%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM80

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 97,526	$ 96,947
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	119	147
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	97,407	96,800
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	119	147
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	119	147
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	3,302	3,816
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	3,302	3,816
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	24,547	22,069
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	24,547	22,069
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	406	969
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	406	969
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	17,344	16,843
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	17,344	16,843
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	1,231	1,606
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	1,231	1,606
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	17,006	16,629
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	17,006	16,629
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	4,867	6,337
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	4,867	6,337
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	28,704	28,531
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	28,704	28,531
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 POSTRETIREM81

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,017	$ 16,964
2,018	11,617
2,019	11,088
2,020	11,019
2,021	10,790
2022-2026	49,927
Total	111,405
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,017	147
2,018	147
2,019	146
2,020	144
2,021	142
2022-2026	640
Total	$ 1,366

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM82

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Actuarial loss (gain)	$ 5,247	$ (3,575)	$ 16,775
Pension Benefits [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	38,115	43,907	16,957
Amortization	(659)	(714)	(56)
Settlement adjustments	(2,064)	(3,843)	(93)
Actuarial loss (gain)	10,305	(10,944)	24,670
Asset loss (gain)	797	9,709	2,429
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	46,494	38,115	43,907
Other Benefits [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	(79)	(127)	(126)
Amortization	0	0	0
Settlement adjustments	2	4	9
Actuarial loss (gain)	46	44	(10)
Asset loss (gain)	0	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	$ (31)	$ (79)	$ (127)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM83

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)plan	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Retirement plan expenses	$ 8,100,000	$ 10,500,000	$ 5,900,000
Accumulated benefit obligation, defined benefit pension plans	$ 167,200,000	166,000,000
Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation	32 years 3 months 15 days
Actuarial loss expected to be recognized in net pension cost throughout 2015	$ 900,000
Maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	30.00%
Maximum annual contribution per employee, amount	$ 245,000
Expenses related to defined contribution plans	$ 5,000,000	$ 4,800,000	$ 3,900,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Matching contribution, percent of employees' salary	2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Matching contribution, percent of employees' salary	6.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expected contributions during 2015	$ 13,100,000
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Impact of 0.25% change in discount rate on projected benefit obligation	1,000
Expected contributions during 2015	$ 100,000
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] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
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 Benefits [Member] | Qualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, number of plans | plan	2
Pension Benefits [Member] | Nonqualified Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, number of plans | plan	2
Postretirement Life Insurance Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, number of plans | plan	1
Other plans [Member] | Domestic Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined contribution plans, number of plans | plan	2
Other plans [Member] | Foreign Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Defined contribution plans, number of plans | plan	3

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ 1,261,810	$ 2,196,801	$ 1,492,602
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	67	133
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,313)	3,611	(16,806)
Balance, end of year	896,747	1,261,810	2,196,801
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(58,930)	(62,541)	(45,735)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(5,247)	3,744
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	(66)	(133)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,313)	3,611	(16,806)
Balance, end of year	(64,243)	(58,930)	(62,541)
Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(58,997)	(62,572)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4,836)	4,004
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	(410)	(429)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,246)	3,575
Balance, end of year	(64,243)	(58,997)	(62,572)
Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	67	31
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(411)	(260)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	344	296
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(67)	36
Balance, end of year	$ 0	$ 67	$ 31

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedul85

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	$ 1,724	$ 3,673	$ 4,826
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - cost of goods sold	(7,016,763)	(6,925,727)	(7,189,370)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - selling, general and administrative expense	(199,781)	(203,881)	$ (188,594)
Total before tax	(107)	(213)
Tax benefit	40	80
Total reclassification for the period	(67)	(133)
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	552	476
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 - cost of goods sold	(20)	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 - cost of goods sold	(199)	(215)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses - selling, general and administrative expense	$ (440)	$ (474)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	May 18, 2016	Feb. 17, 2015	Jul. 31, 2016	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 28, 2014	Feb. 10, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Jul. 28, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Share repurchase, authorized amount						$ 300,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Shares repurchased under program (in shares)				10,635,861
Market value of shares repurchased under program				$ 217,117,000			$ 99,233,000
Special cash dividends	$ 700,000,000	$ 1,500,000,000
Special cash dividends paid (in dollars per share)	$ 2.75	$ 5.77
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Capital contribution to subsidiary by noncontrolling interest			$ 7,300,000	$ 7,252,000	$ 332,000
Consolidation, eliminations [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Additional capital contributed to subsidiary			$ 2,700,000

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedul

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Awards) (Details) - $ / shares	Oct. 13, 2016	May 18, 2016	Mar. 30, 2016	Feb. 26, 2015	Feb. 17, 2015	Feb. 11, 2015	Mar. 03, 2014	Feb. 19, 2014	Dec. 25, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Special cash dividends paid (in dollars per share)		$ 2.75			$ 5.77
RSU 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)								449,217
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)								$ 16.70
Estimated Forfeiture Rate								13.49%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)								86,458
RSU 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)							223,701
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)							$ 17.18
Estimated Forfeiture Rate							12.34%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)							55,516
DER 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)						45,961
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)						$ 25.87
Estimated Forfeiture Rate						12.34%
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)				158,226
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)				$ 27.51
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)				158,226
Percentage of awards forfeited									100.00%
RSU 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)			251,136
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)			$ 25.36
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)			0
DER 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	74,535
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$ 20.93
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	13.49%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched88

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation cost	$ 6,102	$ 2,975	$ 4,928
Income tax benefit	1,858	868	1,326
Cost of goods sold [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation cost	770	596	395
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation cost	$ 5,332	$ 2,379	$ 4,533

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched89

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	0	30	203
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Vested (in shares)	0	0	(173)
Forfeited (in shares)	0	(30)	0
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	0	0	30
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 8.72	$ 6.59
Granted (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Vested (in dollars per share)	0	0	6.62
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0	8.72	0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 8.72
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	774	1,120	729
Granted (in shares)	325	428	463
Vested (in shares)	0	(671)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(193)	(103)	(72)
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	906	774	1,120
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.78	$ 11.97	$ 8.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	24.35	21	16.70
Vested (in dollars per share)	0	8.81	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	24.51	18.90	10.34
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 20	$ 18.78	$ 11.97

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrati

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Accrued in costs related to the STIP	$ 28.9
Reserved common stock for future issuance under the LTIP (in shares)	5,000,000
Total fair value of the shares vested	$ 0	$ 22.4	$ 3.2
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 8.6
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 5 months 27 days

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Apr. 01, 2016	Mar. 07, 2016	Oct. 26, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement	$ 3,690	$ 0	$ 3,849
Interest paid	41,774	24,210	71,558
Accounts payable to related parties	1,421	7,000
JBS USA Food Company Holding [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Letter of credit, terminated				$ 16,500	$ 40,000
Interest paid	200
JBS USA Food Company Holding [Member] | Letter of credit [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreed reimbursement of debt, up to						$ 56,500
JBS USA Food Company Holding [Member] | Letter of credit fees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Letter of credit fees	202	1,268	1,339
JBS USA Food Company Holding [Member] | Tax sharing agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capital contribution under tax sharing agreement	5,038	3,690	3,849
JBS USA Food Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	139,476	103,542	115,337
Sales to related parties	16,534	21,743	39,682
Accounts payable to related parties	1,400	7,000
Accounts receivable to related parties	3,800	2,600
Goods in transit	2,900
JBS USA Food Company [Member] | Expenditures paid by related party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid on our behalf/on behalf of related parties	40,519	40,611	31,149
JBS USA Food Company [Member] | Expenditures paid on behalf of related party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid on our behalf/on behalf of related parties	10,586	3,998	4,925
Seara International Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	2,746	2,784	2,091
JBS Global (UK) Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related parties	122	305	255
JBS Chile Ltda [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related parties	615	100	463
Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	0	60	0
JBS Aves Ltda. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	0	0	4,072
JBS Five Rivers [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related parties	14,126	0	0
J & F Investimentos Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related parties	$ 69	$ 0	$ 0

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES92

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Schedule of Future Minimum Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 26,819
2,018	23,386
2,019	20,200
2,020	14,364
2,021	11,582
Thereafter	11,649
Total	$ 108,000

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES93

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 27, 2017producer	Dec. 12, 2012USD ($)	Oct. 13, 2016producerclaim	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2009USD ($)settlement_agreement
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Outstanding purchase contracts, payable in 2017				$ 178,000,000
Outstanding purchase contracts, payable in 2018				500,000
Outstanding purchase contracts, payable in 2019				0
Rental expense for operating leases				32,500,000	$ 25,300,000	$ 15,200,000
Maximum potential amount of residual value guarantees				$ 34,700,000
New claims filed - class action lawsuits | claim			10
Number of other producers named in lawsuit | producer			13
Subsequent Event [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of other producers named in lawsuit | producer	10
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Asserted claims		$ 29,300,000					$ 74,700,000
Number of Stipulations of Settled Issues agreements | settlement_agreement							2
Minimum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating leases, terms of lease maturities				1 year
Maximum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating leases, terms of lease maturities				10 years

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIO94

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)employeelocation	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees	39,600
Collective bargaining agreements, number of locations not covered | location	3
Collective bargaining agreements, number of locations agreements have been reached | location	2
Period over which there have been no labor-related work stoppages	10 years
Aggregate carrying amount of net assets | $	$ 673	$ 576.6
United States [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees	29,850
Mexico [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of employees	9,750
Trade accounts and other receivables [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	9.40%
Net sales [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	7.30%
Workforce subject to collective bargaining agreements [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	42.90%

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPH95

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING (Schedule of Net Sales and Long-lived Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 26, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 25, 2016USD ($)segment	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable business segments | segment													1
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total	$ 1,908,150	$ 2,031,721	$ 2,028,315	$ 1,962,937	$ 1,960,780	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,053,876	$ 2,052,919	$ 2,110,435	$ 2,268,048	$ 2,186,817	$ 2,018,065	$ 7,931,123	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365
Long-lived assets:
Total	1,505,940				1,352,529								1,505,940	1,352,529
United States [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													6,459,729	6,722,455	7,067,408
Long-lived assets:
Total	1,220,263				1,108,776								1,220,263	1,108,776
Mexico [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													1,180,947	1,116,455	1,075,764
Long-lived assets:
Total	$ 285,677				$ 243,753								285,677	243,753
Asia [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													99,295	120,288	246,141
Canada, Caribbean and Central America [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													152,058	176,396	80,121
Africa [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													14,124	16,171	49,810
Europe [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													11,174	12,841	44,377
South America [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													11,955	12,114	18,102
Pacific [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													$ 1,841	$ 3,384	$ 1,642

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPH96

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING (Schedule of Sales by Product Lines) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 1,908,150	$ 2,031,721	$ 2,028,315	$ 1,962,937	$ 1,960,780	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,053,876	$ 2,052,919	$ 2,110,435	$ 2,268,048	$ 2,186,817	$ 2,018,065	$ 7,931,123	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365
Total chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													7,455,618	7,749,713	8,011,824
Total other products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													475,505	430,391	571,541
United States [Member] | Prepared chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													1,269,010	1,672,693	1,787,389
United States [Member] | Fresh chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													4,627,137	4,701,943	4,703,993
United States [Member] | Export and other chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													313,827	358,877	620,082
United States [Member] | Total chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													6,209,974	6,733,513	7,111,464
United States [Member] | Total other products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													461,429	409,841	535,572
Mexico [Member] | Total chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													1,245,644	1,016,200	900,360
Mexico [Member] | Total other products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													$ 14,076	$ 20,550	$ 35,969

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)97

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,908,150	$ 2,031,721	$ 2,028,315	$ 1,962,937	$ 1,960,780	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,053,876	$ 2,052,919	$ 2,110,435	$ 2,268,048	$ 2,186,817	$ 2,018,065	$ 7,931,123	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365
Gross profit	180,450	210,217	286,131	237,562	160,693	284,544	432,020	377,120	379,148	450,265	349,476	215,106	914,360	1,254,377	1,393,995
Net income attributable to PPC common stockholders	$ 70,618	$ 98,657	$ 152,886	$ 118,371	$ 63,148	$ 137,062	$ 241,489	$ 204,215	$ 167,188	$ 255,983	$ 190,360	$ 98,117	$ 440,532	$ 645,914	$ 711,648
Net income per share amounts - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.29	$ 0.39	$ 0.60	$ 0.46	$ 0.25	$ 0.53	$ 0.93	$ 0.79	$ 0.65	$ 0.99	$ 0.74	$ 0.38	$ 1.74	$ 2.50	$ 2.75
Net income per share amounts - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.39	$ 0.60	$ 0.46	$ 0.25	$ 0.53	$ 0.93	$ 0.79	$ 0.64	$ 0.99	$ 0.73	$ 0.38	$ 1.73	$ 2.50	$ 2.74
Impairment charges, plants held for sale	$ 1,100						$ 4,800						$ 800
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity acquired																100.00%
Net sales of acquiree since acquisition date					$ 121,700	$ 128,900							141,400	$ 250,600
Net income (loss) of acquiree since acquisition date					$ (10,800)	$ (2,900)							$ 6,300	$ (13,700)

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUA98

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 4,900	$ 2,525	$ 4,056
Additions, Charged to Operating Results	114	1,060	520
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	0	1,314	0
Deductions	451	(1)	2,051
Ending Balance	4,563	4,900	2,525
Allowance For Sales Adjustments [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,662	7,425	7,089
Additions, Charged to Operating Results	199,423	150,113	220,123
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	200,211	151,876	219,787
Ending Balance	4,874	5,662	7,425
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	7,921	9,150	10,400
Additions, Charged to Operating Results	0	0	(1,250)
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	(1,689)	(1,229)	0
Ending Balance	$ 6,232	$ 7,921	$ 9,150