Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) 10-Q 11 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	May 10, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 1, 2018
Entity Registrant Name	PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	802,481
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		248,980,659

CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED BALAN

CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 580,811	$ 581,510
Restricted cash	10,657	8,021
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	629,829	565,478
Accounts receivable from related parties	1,471	2,951
Inventories	1,242,352	1,255,070
Income taxes receivable	160	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	124,358	102,550
Assets held for sale	2,923	708
Total current assets	2,592,561	2,516,288
Deferred tax assets	3,275	0
Other long-lived assets	18,629	18,165
Identified intangible assets, net	628,414	617,163
Goodwill	1,033,126	1,001,889
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,121,630	2,095,147
Total assets	6,397,635	6,248,652
Accounts payable	782,757	733,027
Accounts payable to related parties	5,475	2,889
Revenue contract liability	29,304	36,607
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	351,558	410,152
Income taxes payable	122,613	222,073
Current maturities of long-term debt	149,389	47,775
Total current liabilities	1,441,096	1,452,523
Long-term debt, less current maturities	2,625,698	2,635,617
Deferred tax liabilities	212,316	208,492
Other long-term liabilities	84,758	96,359
Total liabilities	4,363,868	4,392,991
Common stock	2,604	2,602
Treasury stock	(231,758)	(231,758)
Additional paid-in capital	1,933,780	1,932,509
Retained earnings	293,361	173,943
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	26,469	(31,140)
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity	2,024,456	1,846,156
Noncontrolling interest	9,311	9,505
Total stockholders’ equity	2,033,767	1,855,661
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 6,397,635	$ 6,248,652

CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED AND C

CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,746,678	$ 2,479,340
Cost of sales	2,459,013	2,222,805
Gross profit	287,665	256,535
Selling, general and administrative expense	85,283	89,811
Administrative restructuring charges	789	0
Operating income	201,593	166,724
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	50,300	19,112
Interest income	(1,590)	(368)
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	(1,721)	691
Miscellaneous, net	(1,617)	(2,843)
Income before income taxes	156,221	150,132
Income tax expense	36,997	49,394
Net income	119,224	100,738
Less: Net income from Granite Holdings Sàrl prior to acquisition by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	0	6,275
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(194)	542
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 119,418	$ 93,921
Weighted average shares of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	248,838	248,692
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	151	234
Diluted (in shares)	248,989	248,926
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.38
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.38

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMB

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 119,224	$ 100,738
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Gains arising during the period	52,565	13,827
Income tax effect	(37)	0
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Gains (losses) arising during the period	(15)	78
Reclassification to net earnings for losses realized	250	49
Available-for-sale securities
Gains arising during the period	374	0
Income tax effect	(91)	0
Reclassification to net earnings for gains realized	(172)	0
Income tax effect	42	0
Defined benefit plans
Gains arising during the period	5,899	1,891
Income tax effect	(1,434)	(714)
Reclassification to net earnings of losses realized	301	233
Income tax effect	(73)	(88)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	57,609	15,276
Comprehensive income	176,833	116,014
Less: Comprehensive income for Granite Holdings Sàrl prior to acquisition by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	0	20,228
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(194)	542
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 177,027	$ 95,244

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COM5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interest	Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	Pilgrim's Pride CorporationCommon Stock	Pilgrim's Pride CorporationTreasury Stock	Pilgrim's Pride CorporationAdditional Paid-in Capital	Pilgrim's Pride CorporationRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Pilgrim's Pride CorporationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Pilgrim's Pride CorporationNoncontrolling Interest	Granite Holdings Sarl	Granite Holdings SarlCommon Stock	Granite Holdings SarlTreasury Stock	Granite Holdings SarlAdditional Paid-in Capital	Granite Holdings SarlRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Granite Holdings SarlAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Granite Holdings SarlNoncontrolling Interest
Balance, shares at Dec. 25, 2016		272,682	10,636						259,682	10,636						13,000	0
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 25, 2016	$ 2,086,132	$ 307,288	$ (217,117)	$ 3,100,332	$ (782,785)	$ (329,858)	$ 8,272	$ 896,747	$ 2,597	$ (217,117)	$ 1,686,742	$ (520,635)	$ (64,243)	$ 9,403	$ 1,189,385	$ 304,691	$ 0	$ 1,413,590	$ (262,150)	$ (265,615)	$ (1,131)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	100,738				100,196		542
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	15,276					15,276
Share-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)		486
Common stock issued under compensation plans	0	$ 5		(5)
Requisite service period recognition	1,460			1,460
Common stock purchased under share repurchase program (in shares)			(780)
Common stock purchased under share repurchase program	(14,641)		$ (14,641)
Balance, shares at Mar. 26, 2017		273,168	11,416
Balance, end of period at Mar. 26, 2017	2,188,965	$ 307,293	$ (231,758)	3,101,787	(682,589)	(314,582)	8,814
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017									260,168	11,416
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	1,855,661					(31,140)		$ 1,855,661	$ 2,602	$ (231,758)	$ 1,932,509	$ 173,943	$ (31,140)	$ 9,505
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	119,224				119,418		(194)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	57,609					57,609
Share-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)		228
Common stock issued under compensation plans	0	$ 2		(2)
Requisite service period recognition	1,273			1,273
Balance, shares at Apr. 01, 2018		260,396	11,416
Balance, end of period at Apr. 01, 2018	$ 2,033,767	$ 2,604	$ (231,758)	$ 1,933,780	$ 293,361	$ 26,469	$ 9,311

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COM6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 119,224	$ 100,738
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	69,201	62,672
Noncash loss on early extinguishment of debt	3,918	0
Foreign currency transaction loss related to borrowing arrangements	5,745	2,158
Amortization of premium related to Senior Notes	(167)	0
Accretion of discount related to Senior Notes	76	0
Asset impairment	470	0
Loss on property disposals	80	118
Gain on equity-method investments	(16)	(13)
Share-based compensation	1,273	1,460
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(4,735)	12,780
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables	(61,945)	(50,492)
Inventories	19,541	(62,530)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(20,777)	(17,754)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(29,171)	(5,412)
Income taxes	(98,784)	25,216
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations	(2,759)	(1,633)
Other operating assets and liabilities	(534)	(1,013)
Cash provided by operating activities	640	66,295
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	(76,681)	(121,639)
Purchase of acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	0	(359,698)
Proceeds from property disposals	1,021	181
Cash used in investing activities	(75,660)	(481,156)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings	502,341	662,795
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	(433,550)	(334,453)
Proceeds from equity contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	5,558	5,038
Payment of capitalized loan costs	(4,061)	0
Purchase of common stock under share repurchase program	0	(14,641)
Cash provided by financing activities	70,288	318,739
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	6,669	2,182
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	1,937	(93,940)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	589,531	297,524
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$ 591,468	$ 203,584

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Business Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “Pilgrim’s,” “PPC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar terms) is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States (“U.S.”), the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Mexico, France, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands. 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 countries listed above. Additionally, the Company exports chicken products to approximately 100 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. The Company’s other products include ready-to-eat meals, multi-protein frozen foods, vegetarian foods and desserts. 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 14 U.S. states, the U.K., Mexico, France, Puerto Rico and the Netherlands. As of April 1, 2018 , Pilgrim’s had approximately 51,400 employees and the capacity to process approximately 45.2 million birds per work week for a total of more than 13.1 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 5,200 contract growers supply poultry for the Company’s operations. As of April 1, 2018 , JBS S.A., through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (together, “JBS”), beneficially owned 78.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 30, 2018 . For further information, refer to the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2018 ) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. On September 8, 2017, a subsidiary of the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Granite Holdings Sàrl and its subsidiaries (together, “Moy Park”) from JBS S.A. in a common-control transaction. Moy Park was acquired by JBS S.A. from an unrelated third party on September 30, 2015. The Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements presented for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries combined with the accounts of Moy Park. The Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements presented for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented as of December 31, 2017 include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries, including Moy Park. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation. The Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP using management’s best estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of the contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and judgments will also affect the reported amounts for certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments. Significant estimates made by the Company include the allowance for doubtful accounts, allowances for product claims and sales deductions, reserves related to inventory obsolescence or valuation, useful lives of long-lived assets, goodwill, valuation of deferred tax assets, insurance accruals, valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations, income tax accruals, certain derivative positions and valuations of acquired businesses. The functional currency of the Company's U.S. and Mexico operations and certain holding-company subsidiaries in Luxembourg, the U.K. and Ireland is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of its U.K. operations is the British pound. The functional currency of the Company's operations in France and the Netherlands is the euro. For foreign currency-denominated entities other than the Company's Mexico operations, translation from local currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for most assets and liabilities using the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period. Adjustments resulting from translation of these financial records are reflected as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the Company's Mexico operations, remeasurement from the Mexican peso to U.S. dollars is performed for monetary assets and liabilities using the exchange rate in effect as of the balance sheet date. Remeasurement is performed for non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. Income and expense accounts are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period. Net adjustments resulting from remeasurement of these financial records are reflected in Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. The Company reported an adjustment resulting from the translation of a British pound-denominated note payable owed to JBS S.A. as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018. The Company designated this note payable as a hedge of its net investment in Moy Park. The Company or its subsidiaries may use derivatives for the purpose of mitigating exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are reported in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. We made the following reclassification to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented as of December 31, 2017 in order to conform to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented as of April 1, 2018 : December 31, 2017 As Presented in 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K Adjustment Resulting from Adoption of FASB Guidance As Presented in the Condensed Consolidated (In thousands) Accounts payable $ 762,444 $ (29,417 ) $ 733,027 Accrued expense and other current liabilities 417,342 (7,190 ) 410,152 Revenue contract liability — 36,607 36,607 Book Overdraft The majority of the Company’s disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows. Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain cash balances with a broker as collateral for exchange traded futures contracts. These balances are classified as restricted cash as they are not available for use by the Company to fund daily operations. The balance of restricted cash may also include investments in U.S. Treasury Bills that qualify as cash equivalents, as required by the broker, to offset the obligation to return cash collateral. The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 580,811 $ 581,510 Restricted cash 10,657 8,021 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the $ 591,468 $ 589,531 Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018, the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, using the cumulative effect adjustment, often referred to as modified retrospective approach. Under this method, we did not restate the prior financial statements presented, and would record any adjustments in the opening balance sheet for January 2018. There was no cumulative effect to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information was not restated and continues to be presented under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Additional disclosures will include the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period during 2018, as compared to the prior guidance. We expect minimal impact from the adoption of the new standard to the financial statements on a go forward basis, except for expanded disclosures. Revenue is currently recognized at destination and will continue to be recognized at point in time under the new guidance. Additional information regarding revenue recognition is included in “Note 13. Revenue Recognition.” 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 calendar year. Early adoption is permitted. We have elected to adopt the new standard as of the beginning of our 2019 calendar year. We are currently assessing our leasing and other arrangements and evaluating the impact of the new guidance 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 March 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost, which, in an effort to improve consistency and transparency, requires the service cost component of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost (“net benefit cost”) to be reported in the same line of the income statement as other compensation costs earned by the employee and the other components of net benefit cost to be reported below income from operations. The new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2019 calender year with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date. In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP and improves the reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. Among the simplification updates, the standard eliminates the requirement in current GAAP to separately recognize periodic hedge ineffectiveness. Mismatches between the changes in value of the hedged item and hedging instrument may still occur but they will no longer be separately reported. The standard requires the presentation of the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, but early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company will need to decide whether to reclassify the stranded tax effects associated with the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. If the Company chooses to reclassify we will need to calculate the amount of the reclassification and prepare the related disclosures The accounting standards is effective as of the beginning of our 2019 calendar year with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date.

BUSINESS ACQUISITION

BUSINESS ACQUISITION	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	BUSINESS ACQUISITION On September 8, 2017, the Company purchased 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Moy Park from JBS S.A. for cash of $301.3 million and a note payable to the seller in the amount of £ 562.5 million (the "JBS S.A. Promissory Note"). Moy Park is one of the top-ten food companies in the U.K., Northern Ireland's largest private sector business and one of Europe's leading poultry producers. With 4 fresh processing plants, 10 prepared foods cook plants, 3 feed mills, 6 hatcheries and 1 rendering facility currently operating in Northern Ireland, England, France and the Netherlands. Moy Park possesses the capacity to process approximately 6.1 million birds per seven-day work week, in addition to the capacity to produce approximately 460.0 million pounds of prepared foods per year. Its product portfolio comprises fresh and added-value poultry, ready-to-eat meals, breaded and multi-protein frozen foods, vegetarian foods and desserts, supplied to major food retailers and restaurant chains in Europe (including the U.K.). Moy Park has approximately 10,200 employees as of April 1, 2018 . The Moy Park operations comprise our U.K. and Europe segment. The acquisition was treated as a common-control transaction under U.S. GAAP. A common-control transaction is a transfer of net assets or an exchange of equity interests between entities under the control of the same parent. The accounting and reporting for a transaction between entities under common control is not to be considered a business combination under U.S. GAAP. Since there is no change in control over the net assets from the parent’s perspective, there is no change in basis in the assets or liabilities. Therefore, Pilgrim's, as the receiving entity, recognized the assets and liabilities received at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the parent’s financial statements. The difference between the proceeds transferred and the carrying amounts of the net assets on the date of the acquisition is recognized in equity. Transaction costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition were approximately $19.8 million . These costs were expensed as incurred. Beginning September 8, 2017, the results of operations and financial position of Moy Park have been included in the consolidated results of operations and financial position of the Company. The results of operations and financial position of Moy Park have been combined with the results of operations and financial position of Pilgrim's from September 30, 2015, the common control date, through September 7, 2017. Net sales generated by Moy Park during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 were $544.3 million and $458.8 million , respectively. Moy Park generated net income during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 totaling $2.5 million and $6.3 million , respectively. The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for the Company and Moy Park as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the Company’s prior year, December 26, 2016. Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 (In thousands, except per share amount) Net sales $ 2,746,678 $ 2,479,340 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 119,554 78,596 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 0.48 0.32 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.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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 April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 futures instruments, commodity options instruments and foreign currency instruments to manage translation and remeasurement risk. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: April 1, 2018 Level 1 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 4,881 $ 4,881 Commodity options instruments 3,229 3,229 Foreign currency instruments 483 483 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (3,678 ) (3,678 ) Commodity options instruments (6,129 ) (6,129 ) Foreign currency instruments (433 ) (433 ) December 31, 2017 Level 1 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 301 $ 301 Commodity options instruments 421 421 Foreign currency instruments 45 45 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (296 ) (296 ) Commodity option instruments (3,551 ) (3,551 ) Foreign currency instruments (211 ) (211 ) 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. For each class of assets and liabilities not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet but for which fair value is disclosed, the Company is not required to provide the quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs used in fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (In thousands) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%, at Level 1 inputs $ (1,002,799 ) $ (973,750 ) $ (750,000 ) $ (774,375 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.875%, at Level 1 inputs (843,180 ) (799,000 ) (604,820 ) (619,080 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.25%, at Level 1 inputs (92,128 ) (94,742 ) (403,444 ) (418,787 ) Chattel mortgages, at Level 3 inputs (758 ) (747 ) (873 ) (855 ) 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 Condensed 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of the Company’s Level 1 fixed-rate debt obligations was based on the quoted market price at April 1, 2018 or December 31, 2017 , as applicable. The fair value of the Company’s Level 3 fixed-rate debt obligation was based on discounted cash flows at April 1, 2018 or December 31, 2017 , 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	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 607,156 $ 548,472 Notes receivable - current 5,130 5,130 Other receivables 26,011 20,021 Receivables, gross 638,297 573,623 Allowance for doubtful accounts (8,468 ) (8,145 ) Receivables, net $ 629,829 $ 565,478 Account receivable from related parties (a) $ 1,471 $ 2,951 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 20. Related Party Transactions.” Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 was as follows (in thousands): Balance, beginning of period $ (8,145 ) Provision charged to operating results (617 ) Account write-offs and recoveries 550 Effect of exchange rate (256 ) Balance, end of period $ (8,468 )

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Live chicken, feed and eggs $ 819,393 $ 804,136 Finished chicken products 356,719 390,412 Total chicken inventories 1,176,112 1,194,548 Non-chicken inventories 66,240 60,522 Total inventories $ 1,242,352 $ 1,255,070

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Fair Amortized Cost Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 327,286 $ 327,286 $ 330,456 $ 330,456 Other 1,185 1,185 942 942 Securities classified as cash and cash equivalents mature within 90 days. Securities classified as short-term investments mature between 91 and 365 days. Securities classified as long-term investments mature after 365 days. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. Gross realized gains during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 related to the Company’s available-for-sale securities totaled $0.2 million while gross realized losses were immaterial. Gross realized gains and losses for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 related to the Company’s available-for-sale securities were immaterial. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities recognized as either short or long-term investments are historically disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows. No proceeds were received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities recognized as either short or long-term investments during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 . Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company’s available-for-sale securities recognized during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 that have been included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the net amount of gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 is disclosed in “Note 15. Stockholders’ Equity”.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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, and energy, such as natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel, which are all considered commodities. The Company considers these raw materials generally available from a number of different sources and believes it can obtain them to meet its requirements. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations and related price risk due to factors beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, supply and demand, weather, governmental regulation and other circumstances. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for approximately the next 12 months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate. The Company has operations in Mexico and Europe (including the U.K.) and, therefore, has exposure to translational foreign exchange risk when the financial results of those operations are remeasured in U.S. dollars. The Company has purchased foreign currency forward contracts to manage this translational foreign exchange risk. The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets while the fair value of derivative liabilities is included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the same statements. Our counterparties require that we post cash collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts. We have not designated certain derivative financial instruments that we have purchased to mitigate commodity purchase or foreign currency transaction exposures on our Mexico operations as cash flow hedges. Items designated as cash flow hedges are disclosed and described further below. Therefore, we recognized changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. We have designated certain derivative financial instruments related to our U.K. and Europe segment that we have purchased to mitigate foreign currency transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Before the settlement date of the financial derivative instruments, we recognize changes in the fair value of the effective portion of the cash flow hedge into accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) while we recognize changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion immediately in earnings. When the derivative financial instruments associated with the effective portion are settled, the amount in AOCI is then reclassified to earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. The Company recognized net gains of $6.4 million and net losses of $2.9 million related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 , respectively. Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 8,110 $ 722 Commodity derivative liabilities (9,807 ) (3,847 ) Foreign currency derivative assets 483 45 Foreign currency derivative liabilities (433 ) (211 ) Cash collateral posted with brokers 10,657 8,021 Derivatives coverage (a) : Corn 11.0 % 3.1 % Soybean meal 12.7 % 1.7 % Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn December 2019 March 2019 Soybean meal January 2019 December 2018 (a) Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date. The following tables present the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges: Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion) Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Foreign currency derivatives $ 1 $ 76 Total $ 1 $ 76 Net Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Foreign currency derivatives $ — $ — Total $ — $ — Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Foreign currency derivatives $ 250 $ 49 Total $ 250 $ 49 At April 1, 2018, the pre-tax deferred net gains on derivatives recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income during the next twelve months are $0.2 million . This expectation is based on the anticipated settlements on the hedged investments in foreign currencies that will occur over the next twelve months, at which time the Company will recognize the deferred gains (losses) to earnings.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The activity in goodwill by segment for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 was as follows: December 31, 2017 Currency Translation April 1, 2018 (In thousands) U.S. $ 41,936 $ — $ 41,936 U.K. and Europe 834,346 31,237 865,583 Mexico 125,607 — 125,607 Total $ 1,001,889 $ 31,237 $ 1,033,126 Identified intangible assets consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 Amortization Currency Translation Reclassification April 1, 2018 (In thousands) Carrying amount: Trade names $ 79,686 $ — $ — $ (1,343 ) $ 78,343 Customer relationships 251,952 — 3,552 1,343 256,847 Non-compete agreements 320 — — — 320 Trade names not subject to amortization 403,594 — 15,344 — 418,938 Accumulated amortization: Trade names (40,888 ) (932 ) — 623 (41,197 ) Customer relationships (77,194 ) (5,820 ) (891 ) (623 ) (84,528 ) Non-compete agreements (307 ) (2 ) — — (309 ) Total identified intangible assets $ 617,163 $ (6,754 ) $ 18,005 $ — $ 628,414 Intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Customer relationships 5-16 years Trade names 3-20 years Non-compete agreements 3 years At April 1, 2018, the Company assessed if events or changes in circumstances indicated that the aggregate carrying amount of its identified intangible assets subject to amortization might not be recoverable. There were no indicators present that required the Company to test the recoverability of the aggregate carrying amount of its identified intangible assets subject to amortization at that date.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Land $ 197,630 $ 205,087 Buildings 1,685,011 1,681,610 Machinery and equipment 2,612,519 2,533,522 Autos and trucks 61,499 58,159 Construction-in-progress 215,173 187,094 PP&E, gross 4,771,832 4,665,472 Accumulated depreciation (2,650,202 ) (2,570,325 ) PP&E, net $ 2,121,630 $ 2,095,147 The Company recognized depreciation expense of $60.6 million and $55.4 million during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 , respectively. During the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 , Pilgrim's spent $76.7 million on capital projects and transferred $ 43.5 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. Capital expenditures were primarily incurred during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. During the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 , the Company spent $121.6 million on capital projects and transferred $ 56.2 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. During the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 , the Company sold certain PP&E for $1.0 million in cash and recognized net loss on these sales of $0.1 million . PP&E sold in the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 included a processing plant in Alabama and miscellaneous equipment. During the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 , the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $0.2 million and recognized net loss on these sales of $0.1 million . PP&E sold in the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 included a broiler farm in Alabama, multiple breeder farms in Texas, a vacant lot in Texas and miscellaneous equipment. Management has committed to the sale of a processing complex in Minnesota and miscellaneous equipment that no longer fit into the operating plans of the Company. The Company is actively marketing these assets for immediate sale and believes a sale of each asset can be consummated within the next 12 months. At April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company reported properties and related assets totaling $2.9 million and $0.7 million , respectively, in the line item Assets held for sale on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair values of the Minnesota processing complex and the miscellaneous equipment that were classified as assets held for sale as of April 1, 2018 were both based on quoted market prices. The Company tested the recoverability of its Minnesota processing complex held for sale as of April 1, 2018 . The Company determined that the aggregate carrying amount at April 1, 2018 of this asset group was not recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group and recognized impairment cost of $0.5 million within the U.S. segment, which it reported in the line item Administrative restructuring charges on its Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. The Company has closed or idled various facilities in the U.S. and in the U.K. 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 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 April 1, 2018 , the carrying amounts of these idled assets totaled $53.2 million based on depreciable value of $173.6 million and accumulated depreciation of $120.4 million . At April 1, 2018, the Company assessed if events or changes in circumstances indicated that the aggregate carrying amount of its property, plant and equipment held for use might not be recoverable. There were no indicators present that required the Company to test the recoverability of the aggregate carrying amount of its property, plant and equipment held for use at that date.

CURRENT LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
CURRENT LIABILITIES	CURRENT LIABILITIES Current liabilities, other than current notes payable to banks, income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 718,988 $ 661,759 Book overdrafts 48,505 56,022 Other payables 15,264 15,246 Total accounts payable 782,757 733,027 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 5,475 2,889 Revenue contract liability (b) 29,304 36,607 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 140,583 181,678 Interest and debt-related fees 10,833 29,750 Insurance and self-insured claims 83,848 79,911 Derivative liabilities: Commodity futures 3,678 296 Commodity options 6,129 3,551 Foreign currency derivatives 433 211 Other accrued expenses 106,054 114,755 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 351,558 410,152 $ 1,169,094 $ 1,182,675 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 20. Related Party Transactions.” (b) Additional information regarding revenue contract liabilities is included in “Note 13. Revenue Recognition.”

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements, including current notes payable to banks, consisted of the following components: Maturity April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: Senior notes payable, net of premium and discount at 5.75% 2025 $ 1,002,799 $ 754,820 Senior notes payable, net of discount at 5.875% 2027 843,180 600,000 Senior notes payable at 6.25% 2021 92,128 403,444 U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 2.97% 2022 770,000 780,000 Revolving note payable at 2.84% 2022 — 73,262 Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at 2019 69,823 76,307 Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility with notes payable at LIBOR rate plus 2.5% 2018 — 9,590 Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement with payables at LIBOR plus 1.5% 2020 — — Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Revolver with payables at EURIBOR plus 0.8% 2018 12,754 1,815 Chattels mortgages with payables at weighted average of 3.74% Various 758 873 Capital lease obligations Various 8,184 9,239 Long-term debt 2,799,626 2,709,350 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (149,389 ) (47,775 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities 2,650,237 2,661,575 Less: Capitalized financing costs (24,539 ) (25,958 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs: $ 2,625,698 $ 2,635,617 U.S. Senior Notes On March 11, 2015, the Company completed a sale of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.75% senior notes due 2025. On September 29, 2017, the Company completed an add-on offering of $250.0 million of these senior notes. The issuance price of this add-on offering was 102.0% , which created gross proceeds of $255.0 million . The additional $5.0 million will be amortized over the remaining life of the senior notes. On March 7, 2018, the Company completed another add-on offering of $250.0 million of these senior notes (together with the senior notes issued in March 2015 and September 2017, the “Senior Notes due 2025”). The issuance price of this add-on offering was 99.25% , which created gross proceeds of $248.1 million. The $ 1.9 million discount will be amortized over the remaining life of the senior notes. Each issuance of the Senior Notes due 2025 is treated as a single class for all purposes under the 2015 Indenture (defined below) and have the same terms. The Senior Notes due 2025 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 “2015 Indenture”). The 2015 Indenture provides, among other things, that the Senior Notes due 2025 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 for the Senior Notes due 2025 that were issued in March 2015 and beginning on March 15, 2018 for the Senior Notes due 2025 that were issued in September 2017 and March 2018. The Senior Notes due 2025 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 due 2025. The Senior Notes due 2025 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 due 2025 and the 2015 Indenture also contain customary covenants and events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes due 2025 when due, among others. On September 29, 2017, the Company completed a sale of $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% senior notes due 2027. On March 7, 2018, the Company completed an add-on offering of these senior notes (together with the senior notes issued in September 2017, the “Senior Notes due 2027”). The issuance price of this add-on offering was 97.25% , which created gross proceeds of $243.1 million. The $6.9 million discount will be amortized over the remaining life of the Senior Notes due 2027. Each issuance of the Senior Notes due 2027 is treated as a single class for all purposes under the 2017 Indenture (defined below) and have the same terms. The Senior Notes due 2027 are governed by, and were issued pursuant to, an indenture dated as of September 29, 2017 by and among the Company, its guarantor subsidiary and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “2017 Indenture”). The 2017 Indenture provides, among other things, that the Senior Notes due 2027 bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per annum from the date of issuance until maturity, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears, beginning on March 30, 2018 for the Senior Notes due 2027 that were issued in September 2017 and beginning on March 15, 2018 for the Senior Notes due 2027 that were issued in March 2018. The Senior Notes due 2027 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 due 2027. The Senior Notes due 2027 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 due 2027 and the 2017 Indenture also contain customary covenants and events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes due 2027 when due, among others. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes due 2025 and the Senior Notes due 2027 that were issued in September 2017 to repay in full the JBS S.A. Promissory Note issued as part of the Moy Park acquisition and for general corporate purposes. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes due 2025 and the Senior Notes due 2027 that were issued in March 2018 to pay the second tender price of Moy Park Notes (as described below), repay a portion of outstanding secured debt, and for general corporate purposes. The Senior Notes due 2025 and the Senior Notes due 2027 were sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. Moy Park Senior Notes On May 29, 2014, Moy Park (Bondco) plc, a subsidiary of Granite Holdings Sàrl, completed the sale of a £200.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% senior notes due 2021. On April 17, 2015, the Company completed an add-on offering of £100.0 million of these notes (together with the senior notes issued in May 2014, the “Moy Park Senior Notes”). The Moy Park Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Moy Park Notes are governed by, and were issued pursuant to, an indenture dated as of May 29, 2014 by Moy Park (Bondco) plc, as issuer, Moy Park Holdings (Europe) Limited, Moy Park (Newco) Limited, Moy Park Limited, O’Kane Poultry Limited, as guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (the “Moy Park Indenture”). The Moy Park Indenture provides, among other things, that the Moy Park Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.25% per annum from the date of issuance until maturity, payable semiannually in cash in arrears, beginning on November 29, 2014 for the Moy Park Notes that were issued in May 2014 and beginning on May 28, 2015 for the Moy Park Notes that were issued in April 2015. The Moy Park Notes are guaranteed by each of the subsidiary guarantors party to the Moy Park Indenture. The Moy Park Indenture contains customary covenants and events of default that may limit Moy Park (Bondco) plc’s ability and the ability of certain subsidiaries to incur additional debt, declare or pay dividends or make certain investments, among others. On November 2, 2017, Moy Park (Bondco) plc announced the final results of its previously announced tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its issued and outstanding Moy Park Notes. As of November 2, 2017, £1.2 million principal amount of Moy Park Notes had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn). Moy Park (Bondco) plc purchased all validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) Moy Park Notes on or prior to November 2, 2017, with such settlement occurring on November 3, 2017. On March 7, 2018, Moy Park (Bondco) plc announced the final results of its second, previously announced, tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its issued and outstanding Moy Park Notes. As of March 7, 2018, £233.1 million principal amount of Moy Park Notes had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn in the second tender). Moy Park (Bondco) plc purchased all validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) Moy Park Notes on or prior to March 7, 2018, with such settlement occurring on March 8, 2018. On April 23, 2018, the Company gave notice to the Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, of its intent to redeem all of the Moy Park Notes outstanding on May 29, 2018 (the “Redemption Date”) at the redemption price equal to 101.56% of its principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding the Redemption Date. As of April 1, 2018, the Moy Park Notes in an aggregate principal amount of £65.7 million were outstanding. U.S. Credit Facility On May 8, 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., New York Branch (“Rabobank”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The U.S. Credit Facility provides for a revolving loan commitment of up to $750.0 million and a term loan commitment of up to $800.0 million (the “Term Loans”). The U.S. Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows the Company, 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 May 6, 2022. All principal on the Term Loans is due at maturity on May 6, 2022. Installments of principal are required to be made, in an amount equal to 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loans, on a quarterly basis 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. As of April 1, 2018 , the Company had Term Loans outstanding totaling $770.0 million and the amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $705.2 million . The Company had letters of credit of $44.8 million and no borrowings outstanding under the revolving loan commitment as of April 1, 2018 . 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 April 1, 2018 and, thereafter, 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 April 1, 2018 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. 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 our 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 we 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 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 our domestic subsidiaries, To-Ricos, Ltd. and To-Ricos Distribution, Ltd., and 65% of the equity interests in our 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 was 1.5 billion Mexican pesos. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility accrued interest at a rate equal to the Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate plus 0.95% . The Mexico Credit Facility is scheduled to mature on September 27, 2019. As of April 1, 2018 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $82.5 million , and there were $69.8 million outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility that bear interest at a per annum rate of 8.80% . As of April 1, 2018 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent borrowing availability was $12.7 million . Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility Agreement On March 19, 2015, Moy Park Holdings (Europe) Limited, a subsidiary of Granite Holdings Sàrl, and its subsidiaries, entered into an agreement with Barclays Bank plc, which expired on March 19, 2018. The agreement provided for a multicurrency revolving loan commitment of up to £20.0 million . Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement Moy Park Limited, a subsidiary of Granite Holdings Sàrl, entered into a £45.0 million receivables finance agreement on January 29, 2016 (the “Receivables Finance Agreement”), with Barclays Bank plc, which matures on January 29, 2020. Outstanding borrowings under the facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.5% . The Receivables Finance Agreement includes an accordion feature that allows us, at any time, to increase the commitments by up to an additional £15.0 million , subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. As of April 1, 2018 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent loan commitment under the Receivables Finance Agreement was $63.0 million and there were no outstanding borrowings. The Receivables Finance Agreement contains financial covenants and various other covenants that may adversely affect Moy Park's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain asset 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 Moy Park's assets. Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Facility In June 2009, Moy Park France Sàrl, a subsidiary of Granite Holdings Sàrl, entered into a €20.0 million invoice discounting facility with GE De Facto (the “Invoice Discounting Facility”). The facility limit was increased €10.0 million in September 2016 to €30.0 million . The Invoice Discounting Facility is payable on demand and the term is extended on an annual basis. The agreement can be terminated by either party with three months’ notice. Outstanding borrowings under the Invoice Discounting Facility bear interest at a per annum rate equal to EURIBOR plus a margin of 0.80% . As of April 1, 2018 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent loan commitment, borrowing availability and outstanding borrowings under the Invoice Discounting Facility were $37.0 million , $24.2 million and $12.8 million , respectively. The Invoice Discounting Facility contains financial covenants and various other covenants that may adversely affect Moy Park's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, consummate certain asset 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 Moy Park's assets.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company recorded income tax expense of $37.0 million , a 23.7% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 compared to income tax expense of $49.4 million , a 32.9% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 . The decrease in income tax expense in 2018 resulted primarily from a reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate as a result of the recently enacted Tax Act. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation (the “Tax Act”), which significantly revises the ongoing U.S. corporate income tax law by lowering the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% , implementing a territorial tax system, imposing one-time tax on foreign unremitted earnings and setting limitations on deductibility of certain costs (e.g., interest expense), among other things. The Company is applying the guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the Tax Act. As of April 1, 2018, the Company has not completed its accounting for all of the tax effects of the Tax Act. In certain cases, as described below, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of certain effects of the Tax Act. In other cases, the Company has not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continues to account for those items based on existing accounting under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740, Income Taxes , and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment. For example, the Company has yet to make a reasonable estimate for the effect of the various federal income tax elements of the Tax Act on its state tax rate. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine its calculations as additional analysis is completed. Estimates may also be affected as the Company gains a more thorough understanding of the tax law. These changes could be material to income tax expense. As of December 31, 2017, the Company estimated no tax liability on foreign unremitted earnings due to a net earnings and profits (“E&P”) deficit on accumulated post-1986 deferred foreign income. Therefore, the Company did not accrue any amount of tax expense for the Tax Act’s one-time transition tax on the foreign subsidiaries’ accumulated, unremitted earnings going back to 1986 for the year ended December 31, 2017. During the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 the Company made sufficient progress in its E&P analysis to support a net E&P deficit on accumulated post-1986 deferred foreign income. Therefore, as of April 1, 2018, the Company estimates no tax liability for the one-time transition tax. As the Company continues to refine its E&P analysis, the Company will adjust its calculations of the one-time transition tax, which could affect the measurement of this liability. The Tax Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, Accounting for GILTI , states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense only. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company is still evaluating the effects of the GILTI provisions and has not yet determined the accounting policy it will elect. As of April 1, 2018, the Company estimates no GILTI tax liability. The Tax Act provides for a foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”) deduction, which is available to domestic C corporations that derive income from the export of property and services. As of April 1, 2018, the Company estimated a FDII benefit of $1.2 million , which is reflected in the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company will continue to refine its FDII calculations, which may result in changes to this estimated benefit. 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 April 1, 2018 , the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. For the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 , there is a tax effect of $(1.6) million and $(0.8) million , respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income. For the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 , there are immaterial tax effects reflected in income tax expense due to excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation. The Company and its subsidiaries file a variety of consolidated and standalone income tax returns in various jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, our income tax filings are subject to review by various taxing authorities. In general, tax returns filed by our Company and our subsidiaries for years prior to 2011 are no longer subject to examination by tax authorities.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE RECOGNITION	REVENUE RECOGNITION The vast majority of the Company's revenue is derived from contracts which are based upon a customer ordering our products. While there may be master agreements, the contract is only established when the customer’s order is accepted by the Company. The Company accounts for a contract, which may be verbal or written, when it is approved and committed by both parties, the rights of the parties are identified along with payment terms, the contract has commercial substance and collectability is probable. The Company evaluates the transaction for distinct performance obligations, which are the sale of its products to customers. Since its products are commodity market-priced, the sales price is representative of the observable, standalone selling price. Each performance obligation is recognized based upon a pattern of recognition that reflects the transfer of control to the customer at a point in time, which is upon destination (customer location or port of destination), which faithfully depicts the transfer of control and recognition of revenue. There are instances of customer pick-up at the Company's facility, in which case control transfers to the customer at that point and the Company recognizes revenue. The Company's performance obligations are typically fulfilled within days to weeks of the acceptance of the order. The Company makes judgments regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from revenue and cash flows with customers. Determination of a contract requires evaluation and judgment along with the estimation of the total contract value and if any of the contract value is constrained. Due to the nature of our business, there is minimal variable consideration, as the contract is established at the acceptance of the order from the customer. When applicable, variable consideration is estimated at contract inception and updated on a regular basis until the contract is completed. Allocating the transaction price to a specific performance obligation based upon the relative standalone selling prices includes estimating the standalone selling prices including discounts and variable consideration. Disaggregated Revenue Revenue has been disaggregated into the categories below to show how economic factors affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Domestic Export Net Sales (In thousands) U.S. 1,765,940 75,165 1,841,105 U.K. and Europe 464,367 79,933 544,300 Mexico 361,273 — 361,273 Net Sales $ 2,591,580 $ 155,098 $ 2,746,678 Shipping and Handling Costs In the rare case when shipping and handling activities are performed after a customer obtains control of the good, the Company has elected to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the good. When revenue is recognized for the related good before the shipping and handling activities occur, the related costs of those shipping and handling activities are accrued. Shipping and handling costs are recorded within cost of sales. Contract Costs The Company can incur incremental costs to obtain or fulfill a contract such as broker expenses that are not expected to be recovered. The amortization period for such expenses is less than one year; therefore, the costs are expensed as incurred. Taxes There is no change in accounting for taxes due to the adoption of the new revenue standard, as there is no material change to the timing of revenue recognition. We exclude all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the entity from a customer (for example, sales, use, value added, and some excise taxes) from the transaction price. Contract Balances The Company receives payment from customers based on terms established with the customer. Payments are typically due within two weeks of delivery. There are rarely contract assets related to costs incurred to perform in advance of scheduled billings. Revenue contract liabilities relate to payments received in advance of satisfying the performance under the customer contract. The revenue contract liability relates to customer prepayments and the advanced consideration received from governmental agency contracts for which performance obligations to the end customer have not been satisfied. Changes in the revenue contract liability balances during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 are as follows (in thousands): Balance, beginning of period $ 36,607 Revenue recognized that was included in revenue contract liability at the beginning of the period (11,272 ) Cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 3,969 Balance, end of period $ 29,304 Accounts Receivable The Company records accounts receivable when revenue is recognized. The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce the receivables balance to an amount it estimates is collectible from 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 customers’ financial condition. The Company writes 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.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [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 plan. Expenses recognized under all these retirement plans totaled $3.1 million and $1.6 million in the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017 , respectively. Defined Benefit Plans Obligations and Assets The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the defined benefit plans were as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 178,247 $ 1,603 $ 167,159 $ 1,648 Interest cost 1,366 12 1,393 13 Actuarial losses (gains) (6,829 ) (48 ) 785 (24 ) Benefits paid (2,174 ) (37 ) (2,237 ) (37 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 170,610 $ 1,530 $ 167,100 $ 1,600 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period $ 112,570 $ — $ 97,526 $ — Actual return on plan assets 541 — 3,965 — Contributions by employer 2,888 37 1,926 37 Benefits paid (2,174 ) (37 ) (2,237 ) (37 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of period $ 113,825 $ — $ 101,180 $ — April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period $ (56,785 ) $ (1,530 ) $ (65,677 ) $ (1,603 ) April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period: (In thousands) Current liability $ (12,163 ) $ (148 ) $ (12,168 ) $ (149 ) Long-term liability (44,622 ) (1,382 ) (53,509 ) (1,454 ) Recognized liability $ (56,785 ) $ (1,530 ) $ (65,677 ) $ (1,603 ) April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 48,081 $ (13 ) $ 54,235 $ 35 The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $170.6 million and $178.2 million at April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Each of the Company's defined benefit pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations that exceeded the fair value of plan assets at April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. As of April 1, 2018 , the weighted average duration of the Company's defined benefit pension obligation is 30.93 years. Net Periodic Benefit Costs Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Interest cost $ 1,366 $ 12 $ 1,393 $ 13 Estimated return on plan assets (1,517 ) — (1,313 ) — Amortization of net loss 301 — 233 — Net costs $ 150 $ 12 $ 313 $ 13 Economic Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period: Discount rate 4.07 % 3.82 % 3.69 % 3.39 % Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 3.69 % 3.39 % 4.31 % 3.81 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % N/A 5.50 % 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 April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 for calculating the liability recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Increase in Discount Rate of 0.25% Decrease in Discount Rate of 0.25% (In thousands) Impact on projected benefit obligation for pension benefits $ (4,869 ) $ 4,621 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: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents — % 5 % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 5 % 5 % Fixed income securities 5 % 4 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 46 % 56 % Fixed income securities 40 % 30 % Real estate 4 % — % Total assets 100 % 100 % (a) Pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”) and common collective trust funds (“CCTs”) are two of the most common types of alternative vehicles in which benefit plans invest. These investments are pooled funds that look like mutual funds, but they are not registered with the SEC. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments. Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the pooled separate accounts is 50% in each of fixed income securities and equity securities and the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the common collective trust funds is 30% in fixed income securities and 70% in equity securities. The plans only invest in fixed income and equity instruments for which there is a readily available public market. The Company develops its 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 its plans invest. The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 6,128 $ — $ — $ 6,128 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 2,942 — 2,942 — 3,483 — 3,483 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 367 — 367 — 420 — 420 International equity funds (f) — 1,793 — 1,793 — 1,665 — 1,665 Fixed income funds (g) — 5,133 — 5,133 — 4,799 — 4,799 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 18,684 — 18,684 — 22,695 — 22,695 Small U.S. equity funds (e) — 8,365 — 8,365 — 20,592 — 20,592 International equity funds (f) — 25,403 — 25,403 — 19,923 — 19,923 Fixed income funds (g) — 46,046 — 46,046 — 32,865 — 32,865 Real estate (h) — 5,092 — 5,092 — — — — Total assets $ — $ 113,825 $ — $ 113,825 $ 6,128 $ 106,442 $ — $ 112,570 (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). These investment options typically carry more risk than short-term fixed income investment options, but less overall risk than equities. (h) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in real estate investment trusts or private equity pools that own real estate. These long-term investments are primarily in office buildings, industrial parks, apartments or retail complexes. These investment options typically carry more risk, including liquidity risk, than fixed income investment options. 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 April 1, 2018 expected to be paid through 2027 from the Company's pension and other postretirement plans. Because its 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 the Company's other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from its own assets. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2018 $ 13,776 $ 111 2019 11,889 148 2020 11,687 146 2021 11,337 143 2022 11,160 139 2023-2027 50,628 611 Total $ 110,477 $ 1,298 The Company anticipates contributing $9.3 million and less than $0.1 million , as required by funding regulations or laws, to its pension plans and other postretirement plans, respectively, during the remainder of 2018 . Unrecognized Benefit Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period $ 54,235 $ 35 $ 46,494 $ (31 ) Amortization (301 ) — (233 ) — Actuarial loss (gain) (6,829 ) (48 ) 785 (24 ) Asset loss (gain) 976 — (2,652 ) — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period $ 48,081 $ (13 ) $ 44,394 $ (55 ) The Company expects to recognize in net pension cost throughout the remainder of 2018 an actuarial loss of $0.9 million that was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 1, 2018 . 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.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 (a) Gains Related to Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Classified as Cash Flow Hedges Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 42,081 $ (1,848 ) $ (71,434 ) $ 61 $ (31,140 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 52,528 1 4,465 283 57,277 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other — 250 228 (130 ) 348 Currency translation — (16 ) — — (16 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 52,528 235 4,693 153 57,609 Balance, end of period $ 94,609 $ (1,613 ) $ (66,741 ) $ 214 $ 26,469 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 (a) Losses Related to Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gains on Derivative Financial Instruments Classified as Cash Flow Hedges Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (265,714 ) $ 99 $ (64,243 ) $ — $ (329,858 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 13,827 76 1,177 — $ 15,080 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other — 49 145 — $ 194 Currency translation — 2 — — 2 Net current period other comprehensive income 13,827 127 1,322 — 15,276 Balance, end of period $ (251,887 ) $ 226 $ (62,921 ) $ — $ (314,582 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income (In thousands) Realized loss on settlement of derivative financial instruments classified as cash flow hedges $ (250 ) $ (49 ) Cost of sales Realized gain on sale of securities 172 — Interest income Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses: Union employees pension plan (b)(d) (12 ) (6 ) Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (90 ) (71 ) Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (199 ) (156 ) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (379 ) (282 ) Tax benefit 31 88 Total reclassification for the period $ (348 ) $ (194 ) (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 14. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. Restrictions on Dividends The U.S. Credit Facility, the 2015 Indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2025 and the 2017 Indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2027 restrict, but do not prohibit, the Company from declaring dividends. The Moy Park Notes restrict, but do not prohibit, Moy Park from declaring dividends or making any distributions related to securities issues by Moy Park.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	INCENTIVE COMPENSATION The Company sponsors a short-term incentive plan that provides the grant of either cash or share-based bonus awards payable upon achievement of specified performance goals (the “STIP”). Full-time, salaried exempt employees of the Company and its affiliates who are selected by the administering committee are eligible to participate in the STIP. No costs were accrued at April 1, 2018 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded under the STIP during the remainder of 2018 and 2019 . The Company assumed responsibility for the JFC LLC Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan dated January 1, 2014, as amended (the “JFC LTIP”) through its acquisition of JFC LLC and its subsidiaries (together, “GNP”) on January 6, 2017. The Company has accrued $2.2 million in costs related to the JFC LTIP at April 1, 2018 . The Company assumed responsibility for the Moy Park Incentive Plan dated January 1, 2013, as amended (the “MPIP”) through its acquisition of Moy Park on September 8, 2017. The Company has accrued $0.7 million in costs related to the MPIP at April 1, 2018 . The Company also sponsors a performance-based, omnibus long-term incentive plan that provides for the grant of a broad range of long-term equity-based and cash-based awards to the Company’s officers and other employees, members of the Board of Directors and any consultants (the “LTIP”). The equity-based awards that may be granted under the LTIP include “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of the IRC, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). At April 1, 2018 , we have reserved approximately 4.5 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP. The following awards were outstanding during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 : Award Type Benefit Plan Awards Granted Grant Date Grant Date Fair Value per Award Vesting Condition Vesting Date Awards Forfeited to Date Settlement Method RSU LTIP 389,424 01/19/2017 18.38 Performance / Service (a) 389,424 (a) Stock RSU LTIP 280,000 02/14/2018 25.59 Service 01/01/2019 — Stock RSU LTIP 161,215 03/01/2018 24.93 Service (b) — Stock RSU LTIP 266,478 03/01/2018 24.93 Performance / Service (c) — Stock (a) Performance conditions associated with these awards were not satisfied. Therefore, 100% of the awards were forfeited during the thirteen-weeks ended April 1, 2018 . (b) The restricted stock units vest in ratable tranches on December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020. Expected compensation cost related to these units totals $4.0 million based on a closing stock price for the Company’s common stock of $24.93 per share on March 1, 2018. Compensation cost will be amortized to profit/loss over the remaining vesting period. (c) If performance conditions related to the Company's 2018 operating results are satisfied, the restricted stock units vest in ratable tranches on December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Expected compensation cost related to these units totals $6.6 million based on a closing stock price for the Company's common stock of $24.93 per share on March 1, 2018. Compensation cost will be amortized to profit/loss upon satisfaction of the performance conditions over the remaining vesting period. Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of sales $ 52 $ 149 Selling, general and administrative expense 1,221 1,311 Total $ 1,273 $ 1,460 Income tax benefit $ 310 $ 417 The Company’s RSU activity is included below: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands, except weighted average fair values) Outstanding at beginning of period 389 $ 18.39 906 $ 20.00 Granted 708 25.19 462 18.72 Vested — — (486 ) 17.73 Forfeited (389 ) 18.39 (251 ) 25.36 Outstanding at end of period 708 $ 25.19 631 $ 18.68 No awards vested during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 . The total fair value of awards vested during the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 was $9.2 million . At April 1, 2018 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $17.2 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.76 years. Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIE

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES	RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES During 2017, the Company initiated a restructuring initiative to capitalize on cost-saving opportunities within its GNP operations. Implementation of the initiative is expected to result in total pre-tax charges of approximately $ 7.0 million , and approximately $ 5.4 million of these charges are estimated to result in cash outlays. These activities were initiated in the first quarter of 2017 and are expected to be substantially completed by the second quarter of 2020. The following table provides a summary of our estimates of costs associated with this restructuring initiative by major type of cost: Type of Cost Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred (In thousands) Employee termination benefits $ 4,074 Inventory adjustments 472 Asset impairments 470 Other charges (a) 1,983 Total estimated cost $ 6,999 (a) Comprised of other costs directly related to the restructuring initiative, including prepaid software impairment, St. Cloud, Minnesota office lease costs, and Luverne, Minnesota plant closure costs. During the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018, the Company recognized the following costs and incurred the following cash outlays related to this restructuring initiative: Expenses Cash Outlays (In thousands) Employee termination benefits $ 546 $ 641 Inventory adjustments (227 ) — Asset impairments 470 — Other charges — 60 Total $ 789 $ 701 These charges are reported in the line item Administrative restructuring charges on the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income and are recognized in the U.S. segment. The following table reconciles liabilities and reserves associated with this restructuring initiative from the beginning to the end of the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 . Ending liability balances for employee termination benefits and other charges are reported in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ending reserve balance for inventory adjustments is reported in the line item Inventories in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Employee Termination Benefits Inventory Other Total (In thousands) Beginning liability or reserve $ 800 $ 699 $ 752 $ 2,251 Restructuring charges 538 (227 ) — 311 Payments and disposals (641 ) (472 ) (60 ) (1,173 ) Ending liability or reserve $ 697 $ — $ 692 $ 1,389

PUERTO RICO HURRICANE IMPACT

PUERTO RICO HURRICANE IMPACT	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]
PUERTO RICO HURRICANE IMPACT	PUERTO RICO HURRICANE IMPACT Hurricane Maria became the strongest storm to make landfall in Puerto Rico in 85 years when it came ashore on September 20, 2017. The Company suffered significant damage because of the storm. Pilgrim’s lost 2.1 million birds on the island, many of the Company’s contract growers lost their poultry houses, and the Company incurred damage at its processing plant, feed mill and hatchery. PPC does not expect that its operations on the island will be fully functional until the third quarter of 2018. Estimated damages incurred by the Company through April 1, 2018 included property and casualty losses totaling $5.2 million and a business interruption claim totaling $13.0 million . Pilgrim’s expects to receive insurance proceeds related to these damages in the amount of $9.7 million and has recorded a receivable from its insurance provider for that amount. The amount of insurance recovery related to both the property and casualty losses and the business interruption claim are included in Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income and are recognized in the U.S. segment.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES General The Company is a party to many routine contracts in which it provides general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, the Company has not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities because, based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 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 costs 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 The Company is a party to many routine contracts in which it provides general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, the Company has not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities because, based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on its 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 A Mexico subsidiary of the Company is currently appealing an unfavorable tax adjustment proposed by Mexican Tax Authorities due to an examination of a specific transaction undertaken by the Mexico subsidiary during tax years 2009 and 2010. Amounts under appeal are $24.3 million and $16.1 million for tax years 2009 and 2010, respectively. No loss has been recorded for these amounts at this time. Other Claims and Proceedings Between September 2, 2016 and October 13, 2016, a series of purported federal class action lawsuits styled as In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation , Case No. 1:16-cv-08637 were brought against PPC and 13 other producers by and on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers of broiler chickens alleging violations of federal and state antitrust and unfair competition laws. The complaints, which were filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, seek, among other relief, treble damages for an alleged conspiracy among defendants to reduce output and increase prices of broiler chickens from the period of January 2008 to the present. The class plaintiffs have filed three consolidated amended complaints: one on behalf of direct purchasers and two on behalf of distinct groups of indirect purchasers. The defendants, including PPC, filed motions to dismiss these actions. On November 20, 2017, the Court denied all pending motions to dismiss with the exception of certain state-law claims by indirect purchasers that were dismissed or narrowed in scope. Discovery is proceeding and is currently scheduled to be complete by June 13, 2019. In December 2017 and January 2018 four individual direct action complaints ( Affiliated Foods, Inc. v. Claxton Poultry Farms, Inc. , Case No. 1:17-cv-08850; Winn Dixie Stores, Inc. v. Koch Foods, Inc. , Case No. 1:18-cv-00245; Sysco Corp. v. Tyson Foods Inc., et al ; Case No. 1:18-cv-00700; and US Foods Inc. v. Tyson Foods Inc. , et al; Case No. 1:18-cv-00702) were filed by individual direct purchaser entities, the allegations of which largely mirror those in the class action complaints. The Court’s scheduling order currently requires the substantial completion of document discovery for the class cases by July 18, 2018, with fact discovery ending on June 13, 2019, class certification briefing and expert reports proceeding from July 15, 2019 to March 16, 2020 and summary judgment to proceed 60 days after the Court rules on motions for class certification. The Court has ordered the parties to coordinate scheduling of the direct action complaints with the class complaints with any necessary modifications to reflect time of filing. Discovery will be consolidated. On October 10, 2016, Patrick Hogan, acting on behalf of himself and a putative class of persons who purchased shares of PPC’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 PPC and its named executive officers. The complaint alleges, among other things, that PPC’s SEC filings contained statements that were rendered materially false and misleading by PPC’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) PPC’s revenues during the class period were the result of illegal conduct and (iv) that PPC lacked effective internal control over financial reporting. The complaint also states that PPC’s industry was anticompetitive. On April 4, 2017, the Court appointed another stockholder, George James Fuller, as lead plaintiff. On May 11, 2017, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, which extended the end date of the putative class period to November 17, 2017. PPC and the other defendants moved to dismiss on June 12, 2017, and the plaintiff filed its opposition on July 12, 2017. PPC and the other defendants filed their reply on August 1, 2017. On March 14, 2018, the Court dismissed the plaintiff’s complaint without prejudice and issued final judgment in favor of PPC and the other defendants. On April 11, 2018, the plaintiff moved for reconsideration of the Court’s decision and for permission to file a Second Amended Complaint. PPC and the other defendants filed a response to the plaintiff’s motion on April 25, 2018. On January 27, 2017, a purported class action on behalf of broiler chicken farmers was brought against PPC and four other producers in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, alleging, among other things, a conspiracy to reduce competition for grower services and depress the price paid to growers. The plaintiffs allege violations of the Sherman Act and the Packers and Stockyards Act and seek, among other relief, treble damages. The complaint was consolidated with a subsequently filed consolidated amended class action complaint styled as In re Broiler Chicken Grower Litigation , Case No. CIV-17-033-RJS (the “ Grower Litigation ”). The defendants (including PPC) jointly moved to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint on September 9, 2017. The Court initially held oral argument on January 19, 2018, during which it considered and granted only motions from certain other defendants. challenging jurisdiction. Oral argument on the remaining pending motions in the Oklahoma court occurred on April 20, 2018. Rulings on the motion are pending. Following the Oklahoma court’s dismissal of certain defendants in January 2018, the plaintiffs filed a separate complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Carolina, consisting of the same allegations but strictly against those defendants previously dismissed by the Oklahoma court (the “North Carolina Action”). The plaintiffs sought transfer and consolidation of the North Carolina Action with the Grower Litigation in Oklahoma from the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (“JPML”). The JPML has scheduled oral argument on the motion for May 31, 2018. In addition, on March 12, 2018, the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division (“Bankruptcy Court”) enjoined the plaintiffs from litigating the Grower Litigation complaint as pled against the Company because allegations in the consolidated complaint violate the confirmation order relating to the Company’s bankruptcy proceedings in 2008 and 2009. Specifically, the 2009 bankruptcy confirmation order bars any claims against the Company based on conduct occurring before December 28, 2009. On March 13, 2018, Pilgrim’s notified the trial court of the Bankruptcy Court’s injunction. To date, the plaintiffs have not amended the consolidated complaint to comply with the Bankruptcy Court’s injunction order or the confirmation order. On March 9, 2017, a stockholder derivative action styled as DiSalvio v. Lovette, et al. , No. 2017 cv. 30207, was brought against all of PPC’s directors and its Chief Financial Officer, Fabio Sandri, in the District Court for the County of Weld in Colorado. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the named defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to prevent PPC and its officers from engaging in an antitrust conspiracy as alleged in the In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation , and issuing false and misleading statements as alleged in the Hogan class action litigation. On April 17, 2017, a related stockholder derivative action styled Brima v. Lovette, et al. , No. 2017 cv. 30308, was brought against all of PPC’s directors and its Chief Financial Officer in the District Court for the County of Weld in Colorado. The Brima complaint contains largely the same allegations as the DiSalvio complaint. On May 4, 2017, the plaintiffs in both the DiSalvio and Brima actions moved to (i) consolidate the two stockholder derivative cases, (ii) stay the consolidated action until the resolution of the motion to dismiss in the Hogan putative securities class action, and (iii) appoint co-lead counsel. The Court granted the motion on May 8, 2017, staying the proceedings pending resolution of the motion to dismiss in the Hogan action. In January 2018, a stockholder derivative action entitled Raul v. Nogueira de Souza, et al. , was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado against the Company, as nominal defendant, as well as the Company’s directors, its Chief Financial Officer, and majority shareholder, JBS S.A. The complaint alleges, among other things, that (i) defendants permitted the Company to omit material information from its proxy statements filed in 2014 through 2017 related to the conduct of Wesley Mendonça Batista and Joesley Mendonça Batista, (ii) the individual defendants and JBS breached their fiduciary duties by failing to prevent the Company and its officers from engaging in an antitrust conspiracy as alleged in the Broiler Litigation and issuing false and misleading statements as alleged in the Hogan class action litigation. The defendants are currently in discussions with counsel for the Raul plaintiffs regarding the possibility of consolidating the Raul action with the consolidated state court derivative action, which is currently stayed, or in the alternative, determining a motion to dismiss briefing schedule. On January 25, 2018, a stockholder derivative action styled as Sciabacucchi v. JBS S.A., et al. , was brought against all of PPC’s directors, JBS S.A., JBS USA Holding Lux S.à r.l. (“JBS Holding Lux”) and several members of the Batista family, in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the named defendants breached their fiduciary duties arising out of the Company’s acquisition of Moy Park. On March 15, 2018, the members of the Batista family were dismissed from the action without prejudice by stipulation. On March 20, 2018, nominal defendant PPC filed its answer. On March 20, 2018, the remaining defendants, including PPC’s directors, JBS S.A., and JBS Holding Lux moved to dismiss the complaint. On April 19, 2018, director defendants Bell, Macaluso, and Cooper filed their opening brief in support of their motion to dismiss. On April 19, 2018, defendants JBS S.A., JBS Holding Lux, and director defendants Lovette, Nogueira de Souza, Tomazoni, Farahat, Molina, and de Vasconcellos, Jr. filed their opening brief in support of their motion to dismiss. The Company believes it has strong defenses in each of the above litigations and intends to contest them vigorously. The Company cannot predict the outcome of these actions nor when they will be resolved. If the plaintiffs were to prevail in any of these litigations, the Company could be liable for damages, which could be material and could adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations. J&F Investigation On May 3, 2017, certain officers of J&F Investimentos S.A. (“J&F,” and the companies controlled by J&F, the “J&F Group” (including a former senior executive and former board members of JBS USA), a company organized in Brazil and an indirect controlling stockholder of the Company, entered into plea bargain agreements (the “Plea Bargain Agreements”) with the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor’s Office (Ministério Público Federal) (the “MPF”), in connection with certain illicit conduct involving improper payments made to Brazilian politicians, government officials and other individuals in Brazil committed by or on behalf of J&F and certain J&F Group companies. The details of such illicit conduct are set forth in separate annexes to the Plea Bargain Agreements, and include admissions of improper payments to politicians and political parties in Brazil over the last 10 years in exchange for receiving, or attempting to receive, favorable treatment for certain J&F Group companies in Brazil. Pursuant to the terms of the Plea Bargain Agreements, the MPF agreed to grant immunity to the officers in exchange for such officers agreeing, among other considerations, to: (1) pay fines totaling 225.0 million Brazilian reais; and (2) cooperate with the MPF, including providing supporting evidence of the illicit conduct identified in the annexes to the Plea Bargain Agreements. On June 5, 2017, J&F, in its role as the controlling shareholder of the J&F Group companies, entered into a leniency agreement (the “Leniency Agreement”) with the MPF, whereby J&F assumed responsibility for the conduct that was described in the annexes to the Plea Bargain Agreements. In connection with the Leniency Agreement, J&F has agreed to pay a fine of 10.3 billion Brazilian reais, adjusted for inflation, over a 25 -year period. On November 14, 2017, J&F made the initial payment of 50.0 million Brazilian reais on the total fine, which payment was accepted by the MPF. In exchange, the MPF agreed not to initiate or propose any criminal, civil or administrative actions against J&F and the companies of the J&F Group and officers of J&F that ratify or adhere to the Leniency Agreement with respect to such conduct. On August 24, 2017, the Fifth Chamber of Coordination and Reviews of the MPF ratified the Leniency Agreement. On September 8, 2017, the 10th Federal Court of the Federal District in Brasília ratified the Leniency Agreement. Revocation or non-compliance with certain provisions of the (i) Plea Bargain Agreements by the individuals party thereto and (ii) the Leniency Agreement by J&F, may result in the applicable Plea Bargain Agreement or the Leniency Agreement, as the case may be, being terminated. The termination of the Plea Bargain Agreements or the Leniency Agreement may cause the termination of certain stabilization agreements entered into by JBS S.A. and certain of its subsidiaries, which would permit the lenders of the debt that is subject to the terms of such stabilization agreements to accelerate such debt. A default by JBS S.A. or acceleration of JBS S.A.’s indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on JBS S.A. and its subsidiaries (including the Company). J&F is conducting an internal investigation in accordance with the terms of the Leniency Agreement, and has engaged outside advisors to assist in conducting this investigation, which is ongoing, and with which we are fully cooperating. JBS S.A. and the Company have engaged outside U.S. legal counsel to: (i) conduct an independent investigation in connection with matters disclosed in the Leniency Agreement and the Plea Bargain Agreements; and (ii) communicate with relevant U.S. authorities, including the Department of Justice, regarding the factual findings of that investigation. Additionally, JBS S.A. and the Company have taken, and are continuing to take, measures to enhance their compliance programs, including to prevent and detect bribery and corruption. We cannot predict when the investigations mentioned above will be completed or the results of such investigations, including whether any litigation will be brought against us or the outcome or impact of any resulting litigation. We will monitor the results of the investigations. Any proceedings that require us to make substantial payments, affect our reputation or otherwise interfere with our business operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In September 2017, the MPF requested that the Supreme Court of Brazil (Supremo Tribunal Federal or “STF”) terminate the Plea Bargain Agreements of Joesley Mendonça Batista and another executive of J&F on grounds that they failed to disclose certain conduct to the authorities, as required by their Plea Bargain Agreements. In addition, in February 2018, the MPF requested that the STF terminate the Plea Bargain Agreements of Wesley Mendonça Batista and another executive of J&F on grounds that they omitted certain information that should have been disclosed to the authorities under the Plea Bargain Agreements. The termination requests as to all four individuals are currently pending before the STF. Separately, Joesley Mendonça Batista and Wesley Mendonça Batista are both under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários) for possible violations of insider trading law involving shares of JBS S.A. and foreign exchange futures contracts prior to the announcement of the Plea Bargain Agreements. Joesley Mendonça Batista and Wesley Mendonça Batista are also facing criminal prosecution by the MPF based on similar allegations. Any further developments in these matters involving Joesley Mendonça Batista and/or Wesley Mendonça Batista may materially adversely affect the public perception or reputation of JBS S.A. and its subsidiaries (including the Company) and could have a material adverse effect on JBS S.A. and its subsidiaries (including the Company).

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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. Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Sales to related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 1,529 $ 4,563 JBS Five Rivers 7,096 7,122 JBS Global (U.K.) Ltd. — 19 JBS Chile Ltda 60 — J&F Investimentos Ltd. — 104 Total sales to related parties $ 8,685 $ 11,789 Cost of goods purchased from related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 27,824 $ 27,289 Seara Meats B.V. 4,240 3,361 JBS Aves Ltda 703 — JBS Toledo 165 — Total cost of goods purchased from related parties $ 32,932 $ 30,650 Expenditures paid by related parties: JBS USA Food Company (b) $ 10,499 $ 10,949 JBS S.A. — 1,859 Total expenditures paid by related parties $ 10,499 $ 12,808 Expenditures paid on behalf of related parties: JBS USA Food Company (b) $ 2,288 $ 865 Seara International Ltd. 20 — Total expenditures paid on behalf of related parties $ 2,308 $ 865 April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Accounts receivable from related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 1,418 $ 2,826 JBS Chile Ltda. 29 108 Seara International Ltd. 23 15 Seara Meats B.V. 1 2 Total accounts receivable from related parties $ 1,471 $ 2,951 Accounts payable to related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 3,558 $ 440 Seara Meats B.V. 1,844 2,410 JBS Toledo 73 39 Total accounts payable to related parties $ 5,475 $ 2,889 (a) The Company routinely executes transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of April 1, 2018 , approximately $ 0.8 million of goods purchased from JBS USA were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. (b) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA to allocate costs associated with JBS USA’s procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA 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.

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	SEGMENT REPORTING The Company operates in three reportable segments: U.S., U.K. and Europe, and Mexico. The Company measures segment profit as operating income. 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. On September 8, 2017, the Company acquired Moy Park, one of the top-ten food companies in the U.K., Northern Ireland's largest private sector business and one of Europe's leading poultry producers, from JBS S.A. in a common-control transaction. Moy Park's results from operations subsequent to the common-control date of September 30, 2015 comprise the U.K. and Europe segment. On January 6, 2017, the Company acquired GNP, a vertically integrated poultry business with locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. GNP's results from operations subsequent to the acquisition date are included in the U.S. segment. Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before income taxes are as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 1,841,105 $ 1,736,405 U.K. and Europe 544,300 458,848 Mexico 361,273 284,087 Total net sales $ 2,746,678 $ 2,479,340 Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 127,286 $ 133,556 U.K. and Europe 21,413 14,372 Mexico 52,870 18,772 Elimination 24 24 Total operating income 201,593 166,724 Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 50,300 19,112 Interest income (1,590 ) (368 ) Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) (1,721 ) 691 Miscellaneous, net (1,617 ) (2,843 ) Income before income taxes $ 156,221 $ 150,132 In addition to the net sales reported above, the U.S. segment also generated intersegment net sales of $26.5 million and $20.5 million in the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and March 26, 2017, respectively, from transactions with the Mexico segment. These intersegment net sales were transacted at market prices. Information on segments for goodwill and total assets are as follows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 41,936 $ 41,936 U.K. and Europe 865,583 834,346 Mexico 125,607 125,607 Total goodwill $ 1,033,126 $ 1,001,889 April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 4,784,793 $ 4,444,918 U.K. and Europe 2,202,251 2,226,895 Mexico 969,107 934,511 Eliminations (a) (1,558,516 ) (1,357,672 ) Total assets $ 6,397,635 $ 6,248,652 (a) Eliminations for the period ended April 1, 2018 include the elimination of the U.S. segment's $191.7 million investment in the Mexico segment, the elimination of $111.1 million in intersegment receivables and payables between the U.S. and Mexico segments and the elimination of the U.S. segment's $1.3 billion investment in the U.K. and Europe segment. Eliminations for the period ended December 31, 2017 include the elimination of the U.S. segment's $191.7 million investment in the Mexico segment and the elimination of $111.1 million in intersegment receivables and payables between the U.S. and Mexico segments and the elimination of the U.S. segment's $1.1 billion investment in the U.K. and Europe segment.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B28

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements	Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 30, 2018 . For further information, refer to the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2018 ) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. On September 8, 2017, a subsidiary of the Company acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Granite Holdings Sàrl and its subsidiaries (together, “Moy Park”) from JBS S.A. in a common-control transaction. Moy Park was acquired by JBS S.A. from an unrelated third party on September 30, 2015. The Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements presented for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2017 include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries combined with the accounts of Moy Park. The Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements presented for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 and the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented as of December 31, 2017 include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries, including Moy Park. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation. The Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP using management’s best estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of the contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The estimates and judgments will also affect the reported amounts for certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates and judgments. Significant estimates made by the Company include the allowance for doubtful accounts, allowances for product claims and sales deductions, reserves related to inventory obsolescence or valuation, useful lives of long-lived assets, goodwill, valuation of deferred tax assets, insurance accruals, valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations, income tax accruals, certain derivative positions and valuations of acquired businesses.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations	The functional currency of the Company's U.S. and Mexico operations and certain holding-company subsidiaries in Luxembourg, the U.K. and Ireland is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of its U.K. operations is the British pound. The functional currency of the Company's operations in France and the Netherlands is the euro. For foreign currency-denominated entities other than the Company's Mexico operations, translation from local currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for most assets and liabilities using the exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period. Adjustments resulting from translation of these financial records are reflected as a separate component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the Company's Mexico operations, remeasurement from the Mexican peso to U.S. dollars is performed for monetary assets and liabilities using the exchange rate in effect as of the balance sheet date. Remeasurement is performed for non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. Income and expense accounts are remeasured using average exchange rates for the period. Net adjustments resulting from remeasurement of these financial records are reflected in Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. The Company reported an adjustment resulting from the translation of a British pound-denominated note payable owed to JBS S.A. as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018. The Company designated this note payable as a hedge of its net investment in Moy Park. The Company or its subsidiaries may use derivatives for the purpose of mitigating exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are reported in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income.
Book Overdraft	Book Overdraft The majority of the Company’s disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash The Company is required to maintain cash balances with a broker as collateral for exchange traded futures contracts. These balances are classified as restricted cash as they are not available for use by the Company to fund daily operations. The balance of restricted cash may also include investments in U.S. Treasury Bills that qualify as cash equivalents, as required by the broker, to offset the obligation to return cash collateral.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2018, the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, using the cumulative effect adjustment, often referred to as modified retrospective approach. Under this method, we did not restate the prior financial statements presented, and would record any adjustments in the opening balance sheet for January 2018. There was no cumulative effect to be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information was not restated and continues to be presented under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Additional disclosures will include the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period during 2018, as compared to the prior guidance. We expect minimal impact from the adoption of the new standard to the financial statements on a go forward basis, except for expanded disclosures. Revenue is currently recognized at destination and will continue to be recognized at point in time under the new guidance. Additional information regarding revenue recognition is included in “Note 13. Revenue Recognition.” 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 calendar year. Early adoption is permitted. We have elected to adopt the new standard as of the beginning of our 2019 calendar year. We are currently assessing our leasing and other arrangements and evaluating the impact of the new guidance 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 March 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost, which, in an effort to improve consistency and transparency, requires the service cost component of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost (“net benefit cost”) to be reported in the same line of the income statement as other compensation costs earned by the employee and the other components of net benefit cost to be reported below income from operations. The new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2019 calender year with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date. In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance in current GAAP and improves the reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. Among the simplification updates, the standard eliminates the requirement in current GAAP to separately recognize periodic hedge ineffectiveness. Mismatches between the changes in value of the hedged item and hedging instrument may still occur but they will no longer be separately reported. The standard requires the presentation of the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. The standard is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, but early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company will need to decide whether to reclassify the stranded tax effects associated with the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. If the Company chooses to reclassify we will need to calculate the amount of the reclassification and prepare the related disclosures The accounting standards is effective as of the beginning of our 2019 calendar year with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected an adoption date.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B29

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reclassification to Balance Sheet	We made the following reclassification to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented as of December 31, 2017 in order to conform to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented as of April 1, 2018 : December 31, 2017 As Presented in 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K Adjustment Resulting from Adoption of FASB Guidance As Presented in the Condensed Consolidated (In thousands) Accounts payable $ 762,444 $ (29,417 ) $ 733,027 Accrued expense and other current liabilities 417,342 (7,190 ) 410,152 Revenue contract liability — 36,607 36,607
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 580,811 $ 581,510 Restricted cash 10,657 8,021 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the $ 591,468 $ 589,531
Schedule of Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 580,811 $ 581,510 Restricted cash 10,657 8,021 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the $ 591,468 $ 589,531

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for the Company and Moy Park as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the Company’s prior year, December 26, 2016. Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 (In thousands, except per share amount) Net sales $ 2,746,678 $ 2,479,340 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 119,554 78,596 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 0.48 0.32

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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: April 1, 2018 Level 1 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 4,881 $ 4,881 Commodity options instruments 3,229 3,229 Foreign currency instruments 483 483 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (3,678 ) (3,678 ) Commodity options instruments (6,129 ) (6,129 ) Foreign currency instruments (433 ) (433 ) December 31, 2017 Level 1 Total (In thousands) Fair value assets: Commodity futures instruments $ 301 $ 301 Commodity options instruments 421 421 Foreign currency instruments 45 45 Fair value liabilities: Commodity futures instruments (296 ) (296 ) Commodity option instruments (3,551 ) (3,551 ) Foreign currency instruments (211 ) (211 )
Schedule of Fair Value and Carrying Value of Debt Obligations	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our fixed-rate debt obligation recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (In thousands) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%, at Level 1 inputs $ (1,002,799 ) $ (973,750 ) $ (750,000 ) $ (774,375 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.875%, at Level 1 inputs (843,180 ) (799,000 ) (604,820 ) (619,080 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.25%, at Level 1 inputs (92,128 ) (94,742 ) (403,444 ) (418,787 ) Chattel mortgages, at Level 3 inputs (758 ) (747 ) (873 ) (855 )

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE32

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables, and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 607,156 $ 548,472 Notes receivable - current 5,130 5,130 Other receivables 26,011 20,021 Receivables, gross 638,297 573,623 Allowance for doubtful accounts (8,468 ) (8,145 ) Receivables, net $ 629,829 $ 565,478 Account receivable from related parties (a) $ 1,471 $ 2,951 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 20. Related Party Transactions.” Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 was as follows (in thousands): Balance, beginning of period $ (8,145 ) Provision charged to operating results (617 ) Account write-offs and recoveries 550 Effect of exchange rate (256 ) Balance, end of period $ (8,468 )

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Live chicken, feed and eggs $ 819,393 $ 804,136 Finished chicken products 356,719 390,412 Total chicken inventories 1,176,112 1,194,548 Non-chicken inventories 66,240 60,522 Total inventories $ 1,242,352 $ 1,255,070

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tabl

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Fair Amortized Cost Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 327,286 $ 327,286 $ 330,456 $ 330,456 Other 1,185 1,185 942 942

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME35

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 8,110 $ 722 Commodity derivative liabilities (9,807 ) (3,847 ) Foreign currency derivative assets 483 45 Foreign currency derivative liabilities (433 ) (211 ) Cash collateral posted with brokers 10,657 8,021 Derivatives coverage (a) : Corn 11.0 % 3.1 % Soybean meal 12.7 % 1.7 % Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn December 2019 March 2019 Soybean meal January 2019 December 2018 (a) Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables present the components of the gain or loss on derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges: Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion) Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Foreign currency derivatives $ 1 $ 76 Total $ 1 $ 76 Net Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion) Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Foreign currency derivatives $ — $ — Total $ — $ — Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Foreign currency derivatives $ 250 $ 49 Total $ 250 $ 49

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The activity in goodwill by segment for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 was as follows: December 31, 2017 Currency Translation April 1, 2018 (In thousands) U.S. $ 41,936 $ — $ 41,936 U.K. and Europe 834,346 31,237 865,583 Mexico 125,607 — 125,607 Total $ 1,001,889 $ 31,237 $ 1,033,126
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Identified intangible assets consisted of the following: December 31, 2017 Amortization Currency Translation Reclassification April 1, 2018 (In thousands) Carrying amount: Trade names $ 79,686 $ — $ — $ (1,343 ) $ 78,343 Customer relationships 251,952 — 3,552 1,343 256,847 Non-compete agreements 320 — — — 320 Trade names not subject to amortization 403,594 — 15,344 — 418,938 Accumulated amortization: Trade names (40,888 ) (932 ) — 623 (41,197 ) Customer relationships (77,194 ) (5,820 ) (891 ) (623 ) (84,528 ) Non-compete agreements (307 ) (2 ) — — (309 ) Total identified intangible assets $ 617,163 $ (6,754 ) $ 18,005 $ — $ 628,414 Intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Customer relationships 5-16 years Trade names 3-20 years Non-compete agreements 3 years

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Land $ 197,630 $ 205,087 Buildings 1,685,011 1,681,610 Machinery and equipment 2,612,519 2,533,522 Autos and trucks 61,499 58,159 Construction-in-progress 215,173 187,094 PP&E, gross 4,771,832 4,665,472 Accumulated depreciation (2,650,202 ) (2,570,325 ) PP&E, net $ 2,121,630 $ 2,095,147

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Current Liabilities	Current liabilities, other than current notes payable to banks, income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 718,988 $ 661,759 Book overdrafts 48,505 56,022 Other payables 15,264 15,246 Total accounts payable 782,757 733,027 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 5,475 2,889 Revenue contract liability (b) 29,304 36,607 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 140,583 181,678 Interest and debt-related fees 10,833 29,750 Insurance and self-insured claims 83,848 79,911 Derivative liabilities: Commodity futures 3,678 296 Commodity options 6,129 3,551 Foreign currency derivatives 433 211 Other accrued expenses 106,054 114,755 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 351,558 410,152 $ 1,169,094 $ 1,182,675 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 20. Related Party Transactions.” (b) Additional information regarding revenue contract liabilities is included in “Note 13. Revenue Recognition.”

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR39

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements, including current notes payable to banks, consisted of the following components: Maturity April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: Senior notes payable, net of premium and discount at 5.75% 2025 $ 1,002,799 $ 754,820 Senior notes payable, net of discount at 5.875% 2027 843,180 600,000 Senior notes payable at 6.25% 2021 92,128 403,444 U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 2.97% 2022 770,000 780,000 Revolving note payable at 2.84% 2022 — 73,262 Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at 2019 69,823 76,307 Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility with notes payable at LIBOR rate plus 2.5% 2018 — 9,590 Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement with payables at LIBOR plus 1.5% 2020 — — Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Revolver with payables at EURIBOR plus 0.8% 2018 12,754 1,815 Chattels mortgages with payables at weighted average of 3.74% Various 758 873 Capital lease obligations Various 8,184 9,239 Long-term debt 2,799,626 2,709,350 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (149,389 ) (47,775 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities 2,650,237 2,661,575 Less: Capitalized financing costs (24,539 ) (25,958 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs: $ 2,625,698 $ 2,635,617

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregated Revenue	Disaggregated Revenue Revenue has been disaggregated into the categories below to show how economic factors affect the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows. Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Domestic Export Net Sales (In thousands) U.S. 1,765,940 75,165 1,841,105 U.K. and Europe 464,367 79,933 544,300 Mexico 361,273 — 361,273 Net Sales $ 2,591,580 $ 155,098 $ 2,746,678
Contract Balances	Changes in the revenue contract liability balances during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 are as follows (in thousands): Balance, beginning of period $ 36,607 Revenue recognized that was included in revenue contract liability at the beginning of the period (11,272 ) Cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period 3,969 Balance, end of period $ 29,304

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM41

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets	The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the defined benefit plans were as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 178,247 $ 1,603 $ 167,159 $ 1,648 Interest cost 1,366 12 1,393 13 Actuarial losses (gains) (6,829 ) (48 ) 785 (24 ) Benefits paid (2,174 ) (37 ) (2,237 ) (37 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 170,610 $ 1,530 $ 167,100 $ 1,600 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period $ 112,570 $ — $ 97,526 $ — Actual return on plan assets 541 — 3,965 — Contributions by employer 2,888 37 1,926 37 Benefits paid (2,174 ) (37 ) (2,237 ) (37 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of period $ 113,825 $ — $ 101,180 $ — April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period $ (56,785 ) $ (1,530 ) $ (65,677 ) $ (1,603 ) April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period: (In thousands) Current liability $ (12,163 ) $ (148 ) $ (12,168 ) $ (149 ) Long-term liability (44,622 ) (1,382 ) (53,509 ) (1,454 ) Recognized liability $ (56,785 ) $ (1,530 ) $ (65,677 ) $ (1,603 ) April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 48,081 $ (13 ) $ 54,235 $ 35
Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs	Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Interest cost $ 1,366 $ 12 $ 1,393 $ 13 Estimated return on plan assets (1,517 ) — (1,313 ) — Amortization of net loss 301 — 233 — Net costs $ 150 $ 12 $ 313 $ 13
Schedule of Economic Assumptions, and Impact of Change in Discount Rate on Benefit Obligation	The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period: Discount rate 4.07 % 3.82 % 3.69 % 3.39 % Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 3.69 % 3.39 % 4.31 % 3.81 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % N/A 5.50 % NA 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 for calculating the liability recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Increase in Discount Rate of 0.25% Decrease in Discount Rate of 0.25% (In thousands) Impact on projected benefit obligation for pension benefits $ (4,869 ) $ 4,621
Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations	The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents — % 5 % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 5 % 5 % Fixed income securities 5 % 4 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 46 % 56 % Fixed income securities 40 % 30 % Real estate 4 % — % Total assets 100 % 100 % (a) Pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”) and common collective trust funds (“CCTs”) are two of the most common types of alternative vehicles in which benefit plans invest. These investments are pooled funds that look like mutual funds, but they are not registered with the SEC. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments.
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets	The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of April 1, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 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 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 6,128 $ — $ — $ 6,128 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 2,942 — 2,942 — 3,483 — 3,483 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 367 — 367 — 420 — 420 International equity funds (f) — 1,793 — 1,793 — 1,665 — 1,665 Fixed income funds (g) — 5,133 — 5,133 — 4,799 — 4,799 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 18,684 — 18,684 — 22,695 — 22,695 Small U.S. equity funds (e) — 8,365 — 8,365 — 20,592 — 20,592 International equity funds (f) — 25,403 — 25,403 — 19,923 — 19,923 Fixed income funds (g) — 46,046 — 46,046 — 32,865 — 32,865 Real estate (h) — 5,092 — 5,092 — — — — Total assets $ — $ 113,825 $ — $ 113,825 $ 6,128 $ 106,442 $ — $ 112,570 (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). These investment options typically carry more risk than short-term fixed income investment options, but less overall risk than equities. (h) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in real estate investment trusts or private equity pools that own real estate. These long-term investments are primarily in office buildings, industrial parks, apartments or retail complexes. These investment options typically carry more risk, including liquidity risk, than fixed income investment options.
Schedule of Benefit Payments	The following table reflects the benefits as of April 1, 2018 expected to be paid through 2027 from the Company's pension and other postretirement plans. Because its 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 the Company's other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from its own assets. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2018 $ 13,776 $ 111 2019 11,889 148 2020 11,687 146 2021 11,337 143 2022 11,160 139 2023-2027 50,628 611 Total $ 110,477 $ 1,298
Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period $ 54,235 $ 35 $ 46,494 $ (31 ) Amortization (301 ) — (233 ) — Actuarial loss (gain) (6,829 ) (48 ) 785 (24 ) Asset loss (gain) 976 — (2,652 ) — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period $ 48,081 $ (13 ) $ 44,394 $ (55 )

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 (a) Gains Related to Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Classified as Cash Flow Hedges Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ 42,081 $ (1,848 ) $ (71,434 ) $ 61 $ (31,140 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 52,528 1 4,465 283 57,277 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other — 250 228 (130 ) 348 Currency translation — (16 ) — — (16 ) Net current period other comprehensive income 52,528 235 4,693 153 57,609 Balance, end of period $ 94,609 $ (1,613 ) $ (66,741 ) $ 214 $ 26,469 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 (a) Losses Related to Foreign Currency Translation Unrealized Gains on Derivative Financial Instruments Classified as Cash Flow Hedges Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (265,714 ) $ 99 $ (64,243 ) $ — $ (329,858 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 13,827 76 1,177 — $ 15,080 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other — 49 145 — $ 194 Currency translation — 2 — — 2 Net current period other comprehensive income 13,827 127 1,322 — 15,276 Balance, end of period $ (251,887 ) $ 226 $ (62,921 ) $ — $ (314,582 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income (In thousands) Realized loss on settlement of derivative financial instruments classified as cash flow hedges $ (250 ) $ (49 ) Cost of sales Realized gain on sale of securities 172 — Interest income Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses: Union employees pension plan (b)(d) (12 ) (6 ) Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (90 ) (71 ) Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (199 ) (156 ) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (379 ) (282 ) Tax benefit 31 88 Total reclassification for the period $ (348 ) $ (194 ) (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 14. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Schedule of Awards	The following awards were outstanding during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 : Award Type Benefit Plan Awards Granted Grant Date Grant Date Fair Value per Award Vesting Condition Vesting Date Awards Forfeited to Date Settlement Method RSU LTIP 389,424 01/19/2017 18.38 Performance / Service (a) 389,424 (a) Stock RSU LTIP 280,000 02/14/2018 25.59 Service 01/01/2019 — Stock RSU LTIP 161,215 03/01/2018 24.93 Service (b) — Stock RSU LTIP 266,478 03/01/2018 24.93 Performance / Service (c) — Stock (a) Performance conditions associated with these awards were not satisfied. Therefore, 100% of the awards were forfeited during the thirteen-weeks ended April 1, 2018 . (b) The restricted stock units vest in ratable tranches on December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020. Expected compensation cost related to these units totals $4.0 million based on a closing stock price for the Company’s common stock of $24.93 per share on March 1, 2018. Compensation cost will be amortized to profit/loss over the remaining vesting period. (c) If performance conditions related to the Company's 2018 operating results are satisfied, the restricted stock units vest in ratable tranches on December 31, 2019, December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Expected compensation cost related to these units totals $6.6 million based on a closing stock price for the Company's common stock of $24.93 per share on March 1, 2018. Compensation cost will be amortized to profit/loss upon satisfaction of the performance conditions over the remaining vesting period.
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit	Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of sales $ 52 $ 149 Selling, general and administrative expense 1,221 1,311 Total $ 1,273 $ 1,460 Income tax benefit $ 310 $ 417
Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The Company’s RSU activity is included below: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 Thirteen Weeks Ended March 26, 2017 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands, except weighted average fair values) Outstanding at beginning of period 389 $ 18.39 906 $ 20.00 Granted 708 25.19 462 18.72 Vested — — (486 ) 17.73 Forfeited (389 ) 18.39 (251 ) 25.36 Outstanding at end of period 708 $ 25.19 631 $ 18.68

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVIT44

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table provides a summary of our estimates of costs associated with this restructuring initiative by major type of cost: Type of Cost Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred (In thousands) Employee termination benefits $ 4,074 Inventory adjustments 472 Asset impairments 470 Other charges (a) 1,983 Total estimated cost $ 6,999 (a) Comprised of other costs directly related to the restructuring initiative, including prepaid software impairment, St. Cloud, Minnesota office lease costs, and Luverne, Minnesota plant closure costs. During the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018, the Company recognized the following costs and incurred the following cash outlays related to this restructuring initiative: Expenses Cash Outlays (In thousands) Employee termination benefits $ 546 $ 641 Inventory adjustments (227 ) — Asset impairments 470 — Other charges — 60 Total $ 789 $ 701
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve	The following table reconciles liabilities and reserves associated with this restructuring initiative from the beginning to the end of the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2018 . Ending liability balances for employee termination benefits and other charges are reported in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The ending reserve balance for inventory adjustments is reported in the line item Inventories in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Employee Termination Benefits Inventory Other Total (In thousands) Beginning liability or reserve $ 800 $ 699 $ 752 $ 2,251 Restructuring charges 538 (227 ) — 311 Payments and disposals (641 ) (472 ) (60 ) (1,173 ) Ending liability or reserve $ 697 $ — $ 692 $ 1,389

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
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. Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) Sales to related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 1,529 $ 4,563 JBS Five Rivers 7,096 7,122 JBS Global (U.K.) Ltd. — 19 JBS Chile Ltda 60 — J&F Investimentos Ltd. — 104 Total sales to related parties $ 8,685 $ 11,789 Cost of goods purchased from related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 27,824 $ 27,289 Seara Meats B.V. 4,240 3,361 JBS Aves Ltda 703 — JBS Toledo 165 — Total cost of goods purchased from related parties $ 32,932 $ 30,650 Expenditures paid by related parties: JBS USA Food Company (b) $ 10,499 $ 10,949 JBS S.A. — 1,859 Total expenditures paid by related parties $ 10,499 $ 12,808 Expenditures paid on behalf of related parties: JBS USA Food Company (b) $ 2,288 $ 865 Seara International Ltd. 20 — Total expenditures paid on behalf of related parties $ 2,308 $ 865 April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Accounts receivable from related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 1,418 $ 2,826 JBS Chile Ltda. 29 108 Seara International Ltd. 23 15 Seara Meats B.V. 1 2 Total accounts receivable from related parties $ 1,471 $ 2,951 Accounts payable to related parties: JBS USA Food Company (a) $ 3,558 $ 440 Seara Meats B.V. 1,844 2,410 JBS Toledo 73 39 Total accounts payable to related parties $ 5,475 $ 2,889 (a) The Company routinely executes transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of April 1, 2018 , approximately $ 0.8 million of goods purchased from JBS USA were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. (b) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA to allocate costs associated with JBS USA’s procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA 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.

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Information on segments and a reconciliation to income before income taxes are as follows: Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 1,841,105 $ 1,736,405 U.K. and Europe 544,300 458,848 Mexico 361,273 284,087 Total net sales $ 2,746,678 $ 2,479,340 Thirteen Weeks Ended April 1, 2018 March 26, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 127,286 $ 133,556 U.K. and Europe 21,413 14,372 Mexico 52,870 18,772 Elimination 24 24 Total operating income 201,593 166,724 Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 50,300 19,112 Interest income (1,590 ) (368 ) Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) (1,721 ) 691 Miscellaneous, net (1,617 ) (2,843 ) Income before income taxes $ 156,221 $ 150,132 Information on segments for goodwill and total assets are as follows: April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 41,936 $ 41,936 U.K. and Europe 865,583 834,346 Mexico 125,607 125,607 Total goodwill $ 1,033,126 $ 1,001,889 April 1, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) U.S. $ 4,784,793 $ 4,444,918 U.K. and Europe 2,202,251 2,226,895 Mexico 969,107 934,511 Eliminations (a) (1,558,516 ) (1,357,672 ) Total assets $ 6,397,635 $ 6,248,652 (a) Eliminations for the period ended April 1, 2018 include the elimination of the U.S. segment's $191.7 million investment in the Mexico segment, the elimination of $111.1 million in intersegment receivables and payables between the U.S. and Mexico segments and the elimination of the U.S. segment's $1.3 billion investment in the U.K. and Europe segment. Eliminations for the period ended December 31, 2017 include the elimination of the U.S. segment's $191.7 million investment in the Mexico segment and the elimination of $111.1 million in intersegment receivables and payables between the U.S. and Mexico segments and the elimination of the U.S. segment's $1.1 billion investment in the U.K. and Europe segment.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B47

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additional Information (Details) bird / WK in Millions, lb in Billions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018employeebird / WKstategrowercountrylb	Sep. 08, 2017bird / WK
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity exports products | country	100
Number of states in which entity operates | state	14
Number of employees | employee	51,400
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK	45.2
Maximum annual processing capacity of employees (in pounds) (more than) | lb	13.1
Number of contract growers | grower	5,200
Percentage of beneficial ownership by holding company	78.50%
Moy Park
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of employees | employee	10,200
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK		6.1
Percentage of equity acquired		100.00%

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B48

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Reclassification to Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Accounts payable	$ 782,757	$ 733,027
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	351,558	410,152
Revenue contract liability	$ 29,304	36,607
As Presented in 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Accounts payable		762,444
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		417,342
Revenue contract liability		0
Adjustment Resulting from Adoption of FASB Guidance
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Accounts payable		(29,417)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(7,190)
Revenue contract liability		$ 36,607

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B49

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 580,811	$ 581,510
Restricted cash	10,657	8,021
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows	$ 591,468	$ 589,531	$ 203,584	$ 297,524

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions, lb in Millions, bird / WK in Millions	Sep. 08, 2017USD ($)bird / WKlbhatcherymillplant	Sep. 08, 2017GBP (£)	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)employeebird / WK	Mar. 26, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK			45.2
Number of employees of acquiree | employee			51,400
Net sales			$ 2,746,678	$ 2,479,340
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation			$ 119,418	93,921
Moy Park
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity acquired	100.00%
Cash consideration	$ 301,300
Note payable for consideration transferred | £		£ 562.5
Number of processing plants | plant	4
Prepared foods cook plants | plant	10
Feed mills | mill	3
Hatcheries | hatchery	6
Rendering facilities | plant	1
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK	6.1
Food prepared, annual amount | lb	460
Number of employees of acquiree | employee			10,200
Transaction costs	$ 19,800
Net sales			$ 544,300	458,800
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation			$ 2,500	$ 6,300

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma Information) (Details) - Moy Park - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,746,678	$ 2,479,340
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 119,554	$ 78,596
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per common share - diluted	$ 0.48	$ 0.32

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedu

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commodity futures instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 4,881	$ 301
Derivative liabilities	(3,678)	(296)
Commodity futures instruments | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,881	301
Derivative liabilities	(3,678)	(296)
Commodity options instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	3,229	421
Derivative liabilities	(6,129)	(3,551)
Commodity options instruments | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	3,229	421
Derivative liabilities	(6,129)	(3,551)
Foreign currency instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	483	45
Derivative liabilities	(433)	(211)
Foreign currency instruments | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	483	45
Derivative liabilities	$ (433)	$ (211)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Sche53

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Fair Value and Carrying Amount of Debt Obligations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 29, 2017	Mar. 11, 2015	May 29, 2014
Senior notes | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%			5.75%
Senior notes | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.875%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%		5.875%
Senior notes | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.25%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.25%				6.25%
Senior notes | Level 1 | Carrying Amount | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	$ (1,002,799)	$ (750,000)
Senior notes | Level 1 | Carrying Amount | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.875%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(843,180)	(604,820)
Senior notes | Level 1 | Carrying Amount | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.25%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(92,128)	(403,444)
Senior notes | Level 1 | Fair Value | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(973,750)	(774,375)
Senior notes | Level 1 | Fair Value | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.875%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(799,000)	(619,080)
Senior notes | Level 1 | Fair Value | Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 6.25%, at Level 1 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(94,742)	(418,787)
Mortgages | Level 3 | Carrying Amount | Chattel mortgages, at Level 3 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(758)	(873)
Mortgages | Level 3 | Fair Value | Chattel mortgages, at Level 3 inputs
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	$ (747)	$ (855)

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE54

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable		$ 607,156	$ 548,472
Notes receivable - current		5,130	5,130
Other receivables		26,011	20,021
Receivables, gross		638,297	573,623
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ (8,145)	(8,468)	(8,145)
Receivables, net		629,829	565,478
Account receivable from related parties		$ 1,471	$ 2,951
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(8,145)
Provision charged to operating results	(617)
Account write-offs and recoveries	550
Effect of exchange rate	(256)
Balance, end of period	$ (8,468)

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 1,242,352	$ 1,255,070
Live chicken, feed and eggs
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	819,393	804,136
Finished chicken products
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	356,719	390,412
Total chicken inventories
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	1,176,112	1,194,548
Non-chicken inventories
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 66,240	$ 60,522

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Deta

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	$ 200,000
Proceeds from sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities	0	$ 0
Fixed income securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	327,286,000		$ 330,456,000
Fair Value	327,286,000		330,456,000
Other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,185,000		942,000
Fair Value	$ 1,185,000		$ 942,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME57

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments	$ 6.4	$ (2.9)
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months	$ 0.2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME58

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 25, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair values:
Cash collateral posted with brokers	$ 10,657		$ 8,021
Corn
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives coverage (as a percentage)	11.00%	3.10%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Maturity date	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019
Soybean meal
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives coverage (as a percentage)	12.70%	1.70%
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Maturity date	Jan. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Commodity
Fair values:
Derivative assets, gross	$ 8,110		722
Derivative liabilities, gross	(9,807)		(3,847)
Foreign currency
Fair values:
Derivative assets, gross	483		45
Derivative liabilities, gross	$ (433)		$ (211)

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME59

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in AOCI (Details) - Cash Flow Hedging - Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ 1	$ 76
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	250	49
Foreign currency derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion)	1	76
Net Realized Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion)	0	0
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 250	$ 49

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET60

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,001,889
Currency Translation	31,237
Balance, end of period	1,033,126
U.S.
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	41,936
Currency Translation	0
Balance, end of period	41,936
U.K. and Europe
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	834,346
Currency Translation	31,237
Balance, end of period	865,583
Mexico
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	125,607
Currency Translation	0
Balance, end of period	$ 125,607

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET61

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Rollforward]
Reclassification	$ 0
Accumulated Amortization Rollforward [Roll Forward]
Amortization	(6,754)
Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Rollforward [Rollforward]
December 31, 2017	617,163
Currency Translation	18,005
April 1, 2018	628,414
Trade names
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Rollforward]
December 31, 2017	403,594
Currency Translation	15,344
Reclassification	0
April 1, 2018	418,938
Trade names
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Rollforward]
December 31, 2017	79,686
Currency Translation	0
Reclassification	(1,343)
April 1, 2018	78,343
Accumulated Amortization Rollforward [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2017	(40,888)
Amortization	(932)
Currency Translation	0
Reclassification	623
April 1, 2018	(41,197)
Customer relationships
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Rollforward]
December 31, 2017	251,952
Currency Translation	3,552
Reclassification	1,343
April 1, 2018	256,847
Accumulated Amortization Rollforward [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2017	(77,194)
Amortization	(5,820)
Currency Translation	(891)
Reclassification	(623)
April 1, 2018	(84,528)
Non-compete agreements
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Rollforward]
December 31, 2017	320
Currency Translation	0
Reclassification	0
April 1, 2018	320
Accumulated Amortization Rollforward [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2017	(307)
Amortization	(2)
Currency Translation	0
Reclassification	0
April 1, 2018	$ (309)

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET62

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Estimated Useful Lives of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018
Customer relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, estimated useful life	5 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, estimated useful life	16 years
Trade names | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, estimated useful life	3 years
Trade names | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, estimated useful life	20 years
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, estimated useful life	3 years

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET63

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 6,754

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT64

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	$ 4,771,832	$ 4,665,472
Accumulated depreciation	(2,650,202)	(2,570,325)
PP&E, net	2,121,630	2,095,147
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	197,630	205,087
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	1,685,011	1,681,610
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	2,612,519	2,533,522
Autos and trucks
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	61,499	58,159
Construction-in-progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	$ 215,173	$ 187,094

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT65

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 60,600	$ 55,400
Payments for capital projects	76,681	121,639
Transfer of property, plant and equipment	43,500	56,200
Proceeds from property disposals	1,021	181
Gain on property disposals	80	$ 118
Assets held for sale	2,923		$ 708
Idled assets, carrying amount	53,200
Idled assets, depreciable value	173,600
Idled assets, accumulated depreciation	120,400
U.S. | Reportable Geographical Components
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment	$ 500

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts payable:
Trade accounts	$ 718,988	$ 661,759
Book overdrafts	48,505	56,022
Other payables	15,264	15,246
Total accounts payable	782,757	733,027
Accounts payable to related parties	5,475	2,889
Revenue contract liability	29,304	36,607
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits	140,583	181,678
Interest and debt-related fees	10,833	29,750
Insurance and self-insured claims	83,848	79,911
Derivative liabilities:
Other accrued expenses	106,054	114,755
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	351,558	410,152
Total accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	1,169,094	1,182,675
Commodity futures
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	3,678	296
Commodity options
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	6,129	3,551
Foreign currency derivatives
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$ 433	$ 211

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR67

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements) (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	Sep. 27, 2016	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2017	Mar. 11, 2015	May 29, 2014GBP (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 2,799,626	$ 2,709,350
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt		(149,389)	(47,775)
Long-term debt, less current maturities		2,650,237	2,661,575
Less: Capitalized financing costs		(24,539)	(25,958)
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs:		$ 2,625,698	2,635,617
Line of credit | Term note payable at 2.97%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.97%
Long-term debt		$ 770,000	780,000
Line of credit | Revolving note payable at 2.84%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		2.84%
Long-term debt		$ 0	73,262
Line of credit | Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 0.95%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 69,823	76,307
Line of credit | Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 0.95% | TIIE Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.95%	0.95%
Line of credit | Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility with notes payable at LIBOR rate plus 2.5%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 0	9,590
Line of credit | Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility with notes payable at LIBOR rate plus 2.5% | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		2.50%
Line of credit | Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement with payables at LIBOR plus 1.5%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 0	0
Line of credit | Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement with payables at LIBOR plus 1.5% | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.50%
Line of credit | Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Revolver with payables at EURIBOR plus 0.8%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 12,754	1,815
Senior notes | Senior notes payable, net of premium and discount at 5.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.75%			5.75%
Long-term debt		$ 1,002,799	754,820
Senior notes | Senior notes payable at 5.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%		5.875%
Long-term debt		$ 843,180	600,000
Senior notes | Senior notes payable at 6.25%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.25%				6.25%
Long-term debt		$ 92,128	403,444			£ 65.7
Mortgages | Chattels mortgages with payables at weighted average of 3.74%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate		3.74%
Long-term debt		$ 758	873
Other long-term debt | Capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 8,184	$ 9,239

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR68

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	May 29, 2018	Mar. 07, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)	May 08, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2016MXN ($)	Jan. 29, 2016GBP (£)	Feb. 11, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2009EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2016EUR (€)	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2018EUR (€)	Mar. 07, 2018GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 02, 2017GBP (£)	Apr. 17, 2015GBP (£)	Mar. 19, 2015GBP (£)	Mar. 11, 2015USD ($)	May 29, 2014GBP (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										$ 2,799,626,000			$ 2,709,350,000
Revolving note payable at 2.84% | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate										2.84%	2.84%
Long-term debt										$ 0			73,262,000
Revolving note payable at 2.84% | Rabobank | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 750,000,000
Outstanding borrowings										$ 0
Term note payable at 2.97% | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate										2.97%	2.97%
Long-term debt										$ 770,000,000			780,000,000
Term note payable at 2.97% | Rabobank | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										770,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 800,000,000
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				1.50%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				1.25%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				2.75%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				0.50%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Base Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				0.25%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Base Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				1.75%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available increase to aggregate revolving loan commitment				$ 1,000,000,000
Quarterly principal payment required, percent of original principal amount				1.25%
Current borrowing capacity										705,200,000
Letters of credit outstanding										44,800,000
Credit facility, capital expenditures limit							$ 500,000,000
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Line of credit | U.S. and Puerto Rico Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest guaranteed for debt							100.00%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Line of credit | Foreign Subsidiaries
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest guaranteed for debt							65.00%
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Swingline Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 75,000,000
2015 US Credit Facility | Rabobank | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 125,000,000
Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 0.95% | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										69,823,000			76,307,000
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 1,500,000,000					82,500,000
Current borrowing capacity										12,700,000
Outstanding borrowings										$ 69,800,000
Interest rate on short-term credit facility amounts outstanding										8.80%	8.80%
Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 0.95% | Line of credit | TIIE Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					0.95%					0.95%
Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility with notes payable at LIBOR rate plus 2.5% | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										$ 0			9,590,000
Maximum borrowing capacity | £																£ 20,000,000
Moy Park Multicurrency Revolving Facility with notes payable at LIBOR rate plus 2.5% | Line of credit | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate										2.50%
Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										$ 0			0
Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement | Line of credit | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate										1.50%
Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Revolver with payables at EURIBOR plus 0.8% | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										$ 12,754,000			1,815,000
Maximum borrowing capacity										37,000,000
Current borrowing capacity										$ 24,200,000
Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Revolver with payables at EURIBOR plus 0.8% | Receivables Finance Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity | €								€ 20,000,000			€ 30,000,000
Line of credit facility limit increase | €									€ 10,000,000
Moy Park France Invoice Discounting Revolver with payables at EURIBOR plus 0.8% | Receivables Finance Agreement | EURIBOR Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate								0.80%		0.80%
Senior notes | Senior notes payable, net of premium and discount at 5.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000														$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate										5.75%	5.75%						5.75%
Add on offering, percent of face value		99.25%	102.00%									99.25%
Proceeds from issuance of debt		$ 248,100,000	$ 255,000,000
Unamortized premium			5,000,000
Unamortized discount		$ 1,900,000
Long-term debt										$ 1,002,799,000			754,820,000
Senior notes | Senior notes payable at 5.875%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount			$ 600,000,000
Stated interest rate			5.875%							5.875%	5.875%
Add on offering, percent of face value		97.25%										97.25%
Proceeds from issuance of debt		$ 243,100,000
Unamortized discount		$ 6,900,000
Long-term debt										$ 843,180,000			600,000,000
Senior notes | Senior notes payable at 6.25%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount | £															£ 100,000,000			£ 200,000,000
Stated interest rate										6.25%	6.25%							6.25%
Tendered amount | £												£ 233,100,000		£ 1,200,000
Long-term debt										$ 92,128,000			$ 403,444,000					£ 65,700,000
Senior notes | Senior notes payable at 6.25% | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.56%
Line of credit | Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement | Line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt										0
Maximum borrowing capacity						£ 45,000,000				$ 63,000,000
Line of credit, accordion feature | £						£ 15,000,000
Line of credit | Moy Park Receivables Finance Agreement | Line of credit | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						1.50%

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 36,997,000	$ 49,394,000
Effective income tax rate	23.70%	32.90%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, foreign unremitted earnings liability			$ 0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings liability	$ 0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, GILTI liability	0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax benefit	1,200,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,600,000)	$ (800,000)

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggreg

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggregated Revenue (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 2,746,678
U.S.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	1,841,105
U.K. and Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	544,300
Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	361,273
Domestic
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	2,591,580
Domestic | U.S.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	1,765,940
Domestic | U.K. and Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	464,367
Domestic | Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	361,273
Export
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	155,098
Export | U.S.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	75,165
Export | U.K. and Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	79,933
Export | Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 0

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract Balances (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 36,607
Revenue recognized that was included in revenue contract liability at the beginning of the period	(11,272)
Cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period	3,969
Balance, end of period	$ 29,304

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM72

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Retirement plan expenses	$ 3,100,000	$ 1,600,000
Accumulated benefit obligation, defined benefit pension plans	$ 170,600,000		$ 178,200,000
Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation	30 years 11 months 6 days
Actuarial loss expected to be recognized in net pension cost, remainder of 2015	$ 900,000
Fixed income securities | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
Fixed income securities | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	30.00%
Equity securities | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
Equity securities | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	70.00%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expected contributions, remainder of 2017 (less than for other postretirement plans)	$ 9,300,000
Maximum | Other Benefits
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, remainder of 2017 (less than for other postretirement plans)	$ 100,000

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM73

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 25, 2016
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$ 112,570
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	113,825
Pension Benefits
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	178,247	$ 167,159
Interest cost	1,366	1,393
Actuarial losses (gains)	(6,829)	785
Benefits paid	(2,174)	(2,237)
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	170,610	167,100
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	112,570	97,526
Actual return on plan assets	541	3,965
Contributions by employer	2,888	1,926
Benefits paid	(2,174)	(2,237)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	113,825	101,180
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period	(56,785)		$ (65,677)
Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period:
Current liability	(12,163)		(12,168)
Long-term liability	(44,622)		(53,509)
Recognized liability	(56,785)		(65,677)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	48,081	44,394	54,235	$ 46,494
Other Benefits
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	1,603	1,648
Interest cost	12	13
Actuarial losses (gains)	(48)	(24)
Benefits paid	(37)	(37)
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	1,530	1,600
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Contributions by employer	37	37
Benefits paid	(37)	(37)
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period	(1,530)		(1,603)
Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period:
Current liability	(148)		(149)
Long-term liability	(1,382)		(1,454)
Recognized liability	(1,530)		(1,603)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at end of period:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ (13)	$ (55)	$ 35	$ (31)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM74

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,366	$ 1,393
Estimated return on plan assets	(1,517)	(1,313)
Amortization of net loss	301	233
Net costs	150	313
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	12	13
Estimated return on plan assets	0	0
Amortization of net loss	0	0
Net costs	$ 12	$ 13

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM75

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Economic Assumptions and Impact of Change in Discount Rate on Benefit Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
Increase in Discount Rate of 0.25% - Impact on defined benefit obligation for pension benefits	$ (4,869)
Decrease in Discount Rate of 0.25% - Impact on defined benefit obligation for pension benefits	$ 4,621
Pension Benefits
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
Discount rate	4.07%		3.69%
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	3.69%	4.31%
Expected return on plan assets	5.50%	5.50%
Other Benefits
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
Discount rate	3.82%		3.39%
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	3.39%	3.81%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM76

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	100.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	0.00%	5.00%
Equity securities | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	5.00%	5.00%
Equity securities | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	46.00%	56.00%
Fixed income securities | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	5.00%	4.00%
Fixed income securities | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	40.00%	30.00%
Real estate | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	4.00%	0.00%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM77

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 113,825	$ 112,570
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	6,128
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	113,825	106,442
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	6,128
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	6,128
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,942	3,483
Large U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,942	3,483
Large U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,684	22,695
Large U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	18,684	22,695
Large U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	367	420
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	367	420
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,365	20,592
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,365	20,592
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,793	1,665
International equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,793	1,665
International equity funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	25,403	19,923
International equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	25,403	19,923
International equity funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds | Pooled separate accounts
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,133	4,799
Fixed income funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,133	4,799
Fixed income funds | Pooled separate accounts | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	46,046	32,865
Fixed income funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	46,046	32,865
Fixed income funds | Common collective trusts funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Real estate | Common collective trusts funds
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,092	0
Real estate | Common collective trusts funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Real estate | Common collective trusts funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	5,092	0
Real estate | Common collective trusts funds | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM78

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,018	$ 13,776
2,019	11,889
2,020	11,687
2,021	11,337
2,022	11,160
2023-2027	50,628
Total	110,477
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,018	111
2,019	148
2,020	146
2,021	143
2,022	139
2023-2027	611
Total	$ 1,298

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM79

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Pension Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period	$ 54,235	$ 46,494
Amortization	(301)	(233)
Actuarial loss (gain)	(6,829)	785
Asset loss (gain)	976	(2,652)
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	48,081	44,394
Other Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period	35	(31)
Amortization	0	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	(48)	(24)
Asset loss (gain)	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	$ (13)	$ (55)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,855,661	$ 2,086,132
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	348	194
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	57,609	15,276
Balance, end of period	2,033,767	2,188,965
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(31,140)	(329,858)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	57,277	15,080
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	348	194
Currency translation	(16)	2
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	57,609	15,276
Balance, end of period	26,469	(314,582)
Gains (Losses) Related to Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	42,081	(265,714)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	52,528	13,827
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	0	0
Currency translation	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	52,528	13,827
Balance, end of period	94,609	(251,887)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivative Financial Instruments Classified as Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(1,848)	99
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1	76
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	250	49
Currency translation	(16)	2
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	235	127
Balance, end of period	(1,613)	226
Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	(71,434)	(64,243)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	4,465	1,177
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	228	145
Currency translation	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	4,693	1,322
Balance, end of period	(66,741)	(62,921)
Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	61	0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	283	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income	(130)	0
Currency translation	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	153	0
Balance, end of period	$ 214	$ 0

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedul81

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	$ 2,459,013	$ 2,222,805
Interest income	(1,590)	(368)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	85,283	89,811
Total before tax	(379)	(282)
Tax benefit	31	88
Net income	(348)	(194)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	(250)	(49)
Interest income	172	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Union Plan
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	(12)	(6)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Legacy Gold Kist Plans
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Cost of sales	(90)	(71)
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (199)	$ (156)

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrati

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Fair value of awards vested	$ 0	$ 9,200,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 17,200,000
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	1 year 9 months 4 days
STIP
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Accrued costs related to the STIP	$ 0
Reserved shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP (in shares)	4.5
JFC LTIP
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Accrued costs related to the STIP	$ 2,200,000
Moy Park Incentive Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Accrued costs related to the STIP	$ 700,000

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedul

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Awards) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
RSU 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	389,424
Grant Date	Jan. 19, 2017
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.38
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	389,424
Percentage of awards forfeited	100.00%
RSU 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	280,000
Grant Date	Feb. 14, 2018
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.59
Vesting Date	Jan. 1, 2019
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSU 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	161,215
Grant Date	Mar. 1, 2018
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.93
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
Expected compensation cost | $	$ 4
RSU 4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	266,478
Grant Date	Mar. 1, 2018
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.93
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
Expected compensation cost | $	$ 6.6

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched84

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	$ 1,273	$ 1,460
Income tax benefit	310	417
Cost of sales
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	52	149
Selling, general and administrative expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	$ 1,221	$ 1,311

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched85

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSU) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Number
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	389	906
Granted (in shares)	708	462
Vested (in shares)	0	(486)
Forfeited (in shares)	(389)	(251)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	708	631
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.39	$ 20
Granted (in dollars per share)	25.19	18.72
Vested (in dollars per share)	0	17.73
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	18.39	25.36
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 25.19	$ 18.68

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVIT86

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 01, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Expected restructuring charges	$ 0	$ 6,999
Expected future payments for restructuring	$ 5,400

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVIT87

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES - Estimated Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred	$ 6,999	$ 0
Employee termination benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred	4,074
Inventory adjustments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred	472
Asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred	470
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred	$ 1,983

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVIT88

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES - Costs Incurred and Cash Outlays (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expenses	$ 789	$ 0
Cash Outlays	701
Employee termination benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expenses	546
Cash Outlays	641
Inventory adjustments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expenses	(227)
Cash Outlays	0
Asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expenses	470
Cash Outlays	0
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expenses	0
Cash Outlays	$ 60

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVIT89

RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES - Restructuring Reserve (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning liability or reserve	$ 2,251
Restructuring charges	311
Payments and disposals	(1,173)
Ending liability or reserve	1,389
Employee termination benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning liability or reserve	800
Restructuring charges	538
Payments and disposals	(641)
Ending liability or reserve	697
Inventory adjustments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning liability or reserve	699
Restructuring charges	(227)
Payments and disposals	(472)
Ending liability or reserve	0
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning liability or reserve	752
Restructuring charges	0
Payments and disposals	(60)
Ending liability or reserve	$ 692

PUERTO RICO HURRICANE IMPACT (D

PUERTO RICO HURRICANE IMPACT (Details) - Hurricane bird in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 20, 2017bird	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Number of birds lost | bird	2.1
Insurance proceeds		$ 9.7
Property and Casualty
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Estimated damages			$ 5.2
Business Interruption
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Estimated damages			$ 13

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) R$ in Millions, $ in Millions	Nov. 14, 2017BRL (R$)	Jun. 05, 2017BRL (R$)	May 03, 2017BRL (R$)	Jan. 27, 2017producer	Oct. 13, 2016producer	Feb. 28, 2018USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of other producers named in lawsuits | producer				4	13
J&F Investigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fines to be paid			R$ 225.0
Leniency Agreement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fines to be paid		R$ 10300.0
Litigation settlement payment period		25 years
Payments for legal settlements	R$ 50.0
Tax Year 2009 | Foreign Tax Authority | Mexican Tax Authority
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss | $						$ 24.3
Tax Year 2010 | Foreign Tax Authority | Mexican Tax Authority
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss | $						$ 16.1

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	$ 8,685	$ 11,789
Cost of goods purchased from related parties	32,932	30,650
Expenditures paid by related party on behalf of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	10,499	12,808
Expenditures paid on behalf of related parties	2,308	865
Accounts receivable from related parties	1,471		$ 2,951
Accounts payable to related parties	5,475		2,889
JBS USA Food Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	1,529	4,563
Cost of goods purchased from related parties	27,824	27,289
Expenditures paid by related party on behalf of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	10,499	10,949
Expenditures paid on behalf of related parties	2,288	865
Accounts receivable from related parties	1,418		2,826
Accounts payable to related parties	3,558		440
Goods in transit	800
JBS Five Rivers
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	7,096	7,122
JBS Global (UK) Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	0	0
JBS Chile Ltda
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	60	0
Accounts receivable from related parties	29		108
J&F Investimentos
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	0	104
JBS Seara Meats B.V.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of goods purchased from related parties	4,240	3,361
Accounts receivable from related parties	1		2
Accounts payable to related parties	1,844		2,410
JBS Aves Ltda.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of goods purchased from related parties	703	0
JBS Toledo
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost of goods purchased from related parties	165	0
Accounts payable to related parties	73		39
JBS SA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid by related party on behalf of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	0	1,859
Seara International Ltd.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid on behalf of related parties	20	$ 0
Accounts receivable from related parties	$ 23		$ 15

SEGMENT REPORTING - Narrative (

SEGMENT REPORTING - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018USD ($)segment	Mar. 26, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	3
Net sales	$ 2,746,678	$ 2,479,340
Intersegment Net Sales Transactions Between U.S. And Mexico | Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 26,500	$ 20,500

SEGMENT REPORTING - Schedule of

SEGMENT REPORTING - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sources of net sales	$ 2,746,678	$ 2,479,340
Operating Income (Loss)	201,593	166,724
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	50,300	19,112
Interest income	(1,590)	(368)
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	(1,721)	691
Miscellaneous, net	(1,617)	(2,843)
Income before income taxes	156,221	150,132
Reportable Geographical Components | U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sources of net sales	1,841,105	1,736,405
Operating Income (Loss)	127,286	133,556
Reportable Geographical Components | U.K. and Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sources of net sales	544,300	458,848
Operating Income (Loss)	21,413	14,372
Reportable Geographical Components | Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sources of net sales	361,273	284,087
Operating Income (Loss)	52,870	18,772
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 24	$ 24

SEGMENT REPORTING - Schedule 95

SEGMENT REPORTING - Schedule of Segment Reporting, Goodwill and Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,033,126	$ 1,001,889
Assets	6,397,635	6,248,652
Elimination
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	(1,558,516)	(1,357,672)
Elimination | U.S. Segment's Investment In The Mexico Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	191,700	191,700
Elimination | Receivables Between U.S. And Mexico Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	111,100	111,100
Elimination | U.S. Segment's Investment In The U.K. And Europe Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,300,000	1,100,000
U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	41,936	41,936
U.S. | Reportable Geographical Components
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	41,936	41,936
Assets	4,784,793	4,444,918
U.K. and Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	865,583	834,346
U.K. and Europe | Reportable Geographical Components
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	865,583	834,346
Assets	2,202,251	2,226,895
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	125,607	125,607
Mexico | Reportable Geographical Components
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	125,607	125,607
Assets	$ 969,107	$ 934,511