Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) 10-Q 1 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	1-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Mar-14	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000802481	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-28	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	259,029,033

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$514,975	$508,206
Investment in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	373,609	376,678
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	3,220	2,388
Inventories	793,516	808,832
Income taxes receivable	20,635	64,868
Current deferred tax assets	2,227	2,227
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	72,914	61,848
Assets held for sale	5,849	7,033
Total current assets	1,823,950	1,928,982
Deferred tax assets	16,049	18,921
Other long-lived assets	33,895	40,163
Identified intangible assets, net	31,089	32,525
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,165,434	1,151,811
Total assets	3,070,417	3,172,402
Current maturities of long-term debt	205,357	410,234
Accounts payable	381,745	370,360
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC	6,144	3,934
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	275,730	283,355
Current deferred tax liabilities	15,495	15,515
Total current liabilities	884,471	1,083,398
Long-term debt, less current maturities	502,077	501,999
Deferred tax liabilities	10,452	13,944
Other long-term liabilities	87,428	80,459
Total liabilities	1,484,428	1,679,800
Common stock	2,590	2,590
Additional paid-in capital	1,654,141	1,653,119
Accumulated deficit	-22,039	-120,156
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-51,557	-45,735
Total Pilgrims Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	1,583,135	1,489,818
Noncontrolling interest	2,854	2,784
Total stockholders' equity	1,585,989	1,492,602
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,070,417	$3,172,402

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]	'	'
Net sales	$2,018,065	$2,036,929
Cost of sales	1,802,959	1,918,495
Gross profit	215,106	118,434
Selling, general and administrative expense	45,201	43,992
Administrative restructuring charges	1,713	484
Operating income	168,192	73,958
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	19,473	24,821
Interest income	-811	-216
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	337	-7,624
Miscellaneous, net	-1,006	-5
Income before income taxes	150,199	56,982
Income tax expense	52,012	2,754
Net income	98,187	54,228
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	70	-354
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$98,117	$54,582
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:	'	'
Basic	258,923	258,823
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents	523	130
Diluted	259,446	258,953
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding:	'	'
Basic	$0.38	$0.21
Diluted	$0.38	$0.21

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$98,187	$54,228
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $(17) and $0, respectively	-36	'
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $3,509 and $0, respectively	-5,786	10,410
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,822	10,410
Comprehensive income	92,365	64,638
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	70	-354
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$92,295	$64,992

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, tax	($17)	'
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	$3,509	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 30, 2012	$908,997	$2,590	$1,642,003	($669,711)	($68,511)	$2,626
Balance, shares at Dec. 30, 2012	'	258,999	'	'	'	'
Net income	54,228	'	'	54,582	'	-354
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	10,410	'	'	'	10,410	'
Share-based compensation plans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under compensation plans	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)	'	30	'	'	'	'
Requisite service period recognition	548	'	548	'	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	974,183	2,590	1,642,551	-615,129	-58,101	2,272
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2013	'	259,029	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	1,492,602	2,590	1,653,119	-120,156	-45,735	2,784
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2013	'	259,029	'	'	'	'
Net income	98,187	'	'	98,117	'	70
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,822	'	'	'	-5,822	'
Share-based compensation plans:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under compensation plans	'	'	'	'	'	'
Requisite service period recognition	1,022	'	1,021	'	'	'
Balance at Mar. 30, 2014	$1,585,989	$2,590	$1,654,141	($22,039)	($51,557)	$2,854
Balance, shares at Mar. 30, 2014	'	259,029	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$98,187	$54,228
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	38,260	37,790
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	941	-7,753
Accretion of bond discount	114	114
Loss (gain) on property disposals	570	-1,139
Gain on investment securities	-53	'
Share-based compensation	1,022	548
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts and other receivables	2,145	-5,183
Inventories	14,310	-17,061
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-11,099	-6,819
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,833	-30,629
Income taxes	43,662	-3,381
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations	995	-421
Other operating assets and liabilities	814	345
Cash provided by operating activities	195,701	20,639
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	-47,760	-25,778
Purchases of investment securities	-37,000	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	96,950	'
Proceeds from property disposals	1,511	1,660
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	13,701	-24,118
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	'	288,500
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-204,913	-311,005
Cash used in financing activities	-204,913	-22,505
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,280	1,364
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,769	-24,620
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	508,206	68,180
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$514,975	$43,560

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]	'
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Business
	Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (referred to herein as "Pilgrim's," "PPC," "the Company," "we," "us," "our," or similar terms) is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States ("U.S."), Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pilgrim's products are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and in the northern and central regions of Mexico. Additionally, the Company exports chicken products to approximately 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. As a vertically integrated company, we control every phase of the production of our products. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Pilgrim's has approximately 35,700 employees and has the capacity to process more than 34 million birds per week for a total of more than 9 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 3,750 contract growers supply poultry for the Company's operations. As of March 30, 2014, JBS USA Holdings, Inc. ("JBS USA"), an indirect subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., beneficially owned 75.5% of the Company's outstanding common stock.
	Consolidated Financial Statements
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 28, 2014. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.
	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, 2014) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
	The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset's acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
	Reportable Segment
	We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer's purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
	Book Overdraft
	The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value must be categorized into one of three different levels depending on the assumptions (i.e., inputs) used in the valuation:
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
	The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
	As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company held certain items that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included derivative assets and liabilities and deferred compensation plan assets. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity futures instruments. The Company maintains nonqualified deferred compensation plans for executives and other highly compensated employees. Investments are maintained within a trust and include money market funds, mutual funds and life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies is invested primarily in mutual funds. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		30-Mar-14
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	$	-		$	37,005		$	-		$	37,005
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		1,478			-			-			1,478
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		-			1,698			-			1,698
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,874			-			-			6,874
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(5,427	)		-			-			(5,427	)
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(1,212	)		-			-			(1,212	)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Public bonds and notes		543,512			-			-			543,512
	Term notes		-			-			215,182			215,182
	Capitalized lease obligations		-			-			668			668
		29-Dec-13
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	$	-		$	96,902		$	-		$	96,902
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		1,494			-			-			1,494
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		-			1,395			-			1,395
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		1,214			-			-			1,214
	Deferred compensation plan assets		7,208			-			-			7,208
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(1,728	)		-			-			(1,728	)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Public bonds and notes		552,592			-			-			552,592
	Term notes		-			-			424,650			424,650
	Capitalized lease obligations		-			-			704			704
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		Term Notes and Revolver							Capitalized Lease Obligations
		30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13				30-Mar-14				31-Mar-13
	Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities:	(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	424,650		$	686,435			$	704			$	880
	Borrowings		-			292,400				-				-
	Payments		(204,880	)		(314,874	)			(33	)			(30	)
	Change in fair value inputs		(4,588	)		(14,795	)			(3	)			(8	)
	Balance, end of period	$	215,182		$	649,166			$	668			$	842
	The valuation of financial assets and liabilities classified in Level 1 is determined using a market approach, taking into account current interest rates, creditworthiness, and liquidity risks in relation to current market conditions, and is based upon unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The valuation of financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. The valuation of financial assets in Level 3 is determined using an income approach based on unobservable inputs such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
	In addition to the fair value disclosure requirements related to financial instruments carried at fair value, accounting standards require interim disclosures regarding the fair value of all of the Company's financial instruments. The methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments and any changes in methods or significant assumptions from prior periods are also required to be disclosed. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		30-Mar-14							29-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair				Carrying				Fair			Note
		Amount			Value				Amount				Value			Reference
		(In thousands)
	Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	$	37,005		$	37,005			$	96,902			$	96,902		5
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		1,478			1,478				1,494				1,494		6
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		1,698			1,698				1,395				1,395		6
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		-			-				1,214				1,214		6
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,874			6,874				7,208				7,208
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(5,427	)		(5,427	)			(1,728	)			(1,728	)	6
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(1,212	)		(1,212	)			-				-		6
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements		(707,434	)		(759,362	)			(912,233	)			(977,946	)	9
	Derivative assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred compensation plan assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Derivative liabilities were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values of the Company's long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements were estimated by calculating the net present value of future payments for each debt obligation or borrowing by: (i) using a risk-free rate applicable for an instrument with a life similar to the remaining life of each debt obligation or borrowing plus the current estimated credit risk spread for the Company or (ii) using the quoted market price at March 30, 2014 or December 29, 2013, as applicable.
	In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges when required by U.S. GAAP. There were no significant fair value measurement losses recognized for such assets and liabilities in the periods reported.

TRADE_ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEI

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES [Abstract]	'
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	'
	3. TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following:
		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	366,283		$	369,715
	Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC		3,220			2,388
	Employee receivables		6			14
	Other receivables		10,288			11,005
	Receivables, gross		379,797			383,122
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(2,968	)		(4,056	)
	Receivables, net	$	376,829		$	379,066

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
INVENTORIES	'
	4. INVENTORIES
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		30-Mar-14		29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Live chicken and hens	$	386,406	$	368,582
	Feed, eggs and other		212,553		216,045
	Finished chicken products		194,245		223,932
	Total chicken inventories		793,204		808,559
	Commercial feed and other		312		273
	Total inventories	$	793,516	$	808,832

INVESTMENTS_IN_SECURITIES

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	'
	5. 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:
		30-Mar-14				29-Dec-13
				Fair				Fair
		Amortized Cost		Value		Amortized Cost		Value
		(In thousands)
	Cash equivalents:
	Fixed income securities	$	162,290	$	162,291	$	103,121	$	103,124
	Other		930		930		56		56
	Short-term investments:
	Fixed income securities	$	37,000	$	37,005	$	96,902	$	96,902
	All of the fixed income securities classified as cash and cash equivalents above mature within 90 days and all of the fixed income securities classified as short-term investments above mature within one year. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. Gross realized gains recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $83,000. No gross realized losses were recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and no gross realized gains or losses were recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2013. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 are disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities recognized during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 that have been included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the net amount of gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 are disclosed in "Note 12. Stockholders' Equity."

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	6. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The Company utilizes various raw materials in its operations, including corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, sorghum and energy, such as natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel, which are all considered commodities. The Company considers these raw materials generally available from a number of different sources and believes it can obtain them to meet its requirements. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations and related price risk due to factors beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, supply and demand, weather, governmental regulation and other circumstances. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for approximately the next 12 months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate. The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets while the fair value of derivative liabilities is included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the same statements. Our counterparties require that we post cash collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts.
	We have not designated the derivative financial instruments that we have purchased to mitigate commodity purchase transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Therefore, we recognized changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized net losses of $8.0 million and net gains of $4.9 million related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively. Information regarding the Company's outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table:
		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
		(Fair values in thousands)
	Fair values:
	Commodity derivative assets	$	3,176		$	2,889
	Commodity derivative liabilities		(5,427	)		(1,728	)
	Cash collateral posted with brokers		14,556			4,142
	Foreign currency derivative assets		-			1,214
	Foreign currency derivative liabilities		(1,212	)		-
	Derivatives coverage(a):
	Corn		(3.8	)%		1.1	%
	Soybean meal		(8.3	)%		(3.6	)%
	Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
	Corn		Sep-15			Sep-15
	Soybean meal		Sep-14			Jul-14
	(a)        Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'
	7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment ("PP&E"), net consisted of the following:
		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	66,209		$	66,071
	Buildings		1,080,500			1,077,859
	Machinery and equipment		1,513,406			1,502,968
	Autos and trucks		55,788			55,779
	Construction-in-progress		95,753			66,926
	PP&E, gross		2,811,656			2,769,603
	Accumulated depreciation		(1,646,222	)		(1,617,792	)
	PP&E, net	$	1,165,434		$	1,151,811
	The Company recognized depreciation expense of $33.2 million and $33.8 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, we spent $47.8 million on capital projects and transferred $28.8 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. Capital expenditures were primarily incurred during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 to improve efficiencies and reduce costs in the U.S. and to expand capacity in Mexico.
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $1.5 million and recognized net losses on these sales of $0.6 million. PP&E sold in 2014 included a warehouse and a fertilizer building with miscellaneous fixtures and equipment in Texas. During the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2013, the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $1.7 million and recognized net gains on these sales of $1.1 million. PP&E sold in 2013 included a vehicle maintenance center in Texas and miscellaneous equipment.
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company also scrapped certain unused or obsolete PP&E and recognized net losses of approximately $74 thousand and $18 thousand, respectively.
	Management has committed to the sale of certain properties and related assets, including, but not limited to, (i) processing plants in Pennsylvania and Louisiana, (ii) a truck shop in Texas (iii) and other miscellaneous assets, which no longer fit into the operating plans of the Company. The Company is actively marketing these properties and related assets for immediate sale and believes a sale of each property can be consummated within the next 12 months. At March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the Company reported properties and related assets totaling $5.9 million and $7.0 million, respectively, in the line item Assets held for sale on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, the Company did not recognize any impairment expense.
	As part of the exit or disposal activities discussed in "Note 14. Exit or Disposal Activities," the Company closed or idled various processing complexes, processing plants, hatcheries and broiler farms throughout the U.S. Neither the Board of Directors nor JBS USA has determined if it would be in the best interest of the Company to divest any of these idled assets. Management is therefore not certain that it can or will divest any of these assets within one year, is not actively marketing these assets and, accordingly, has not classified them as assets held for sale. The Company continues to depreciate these assets. At March 30, 2014, the carrying amount of these idled assets was $77.3 million based on depreciable value of $187.1 million and accumulated depreciation of $109.8 million.
	The Company last tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets held and used in December 2013. At that time, the Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets held and used was recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group and that long-lived assets held and used passed the Step 1 recoverability test under ASC 360-10-35,Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. There were no indicators present during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 that required the Company to test its long-lived assets held and used for recoverability.

CURRENT_LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
CURRENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'
	8. CURRENT LIABILITIES
	Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components:
		30-Mar-14		29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Accounts payable:
	Trade accounts	$	333,833	$	313,266
	Book overdrafts		46,100		55,378
	Other payables		1,812		1,716
	Total accounts payable		381,745		370,360
	Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC		6,144		3,934
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Compensation and benefits		88,104		100,965
	Interest and debt-related fees		17,285		7,558
	Insurance and self-insured claims		94,366		99,244
	Derivative liabilities:
	Futures		6,638		1,729
	Options		-		-
	Other accrued expenses		69,337		73,859
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities		275,730		283,355
		$	663,619	$	657,649

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	9. LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements consisted of the following components:
		Maturity	30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
			(In thousands)
	Senior notes, at 7 ⅞%, net of unaccreted discount	2018	$	497,871		$	497,757
	U.S. Credit Facility (defined below):
	The Exit Credit Facility Term B-1 note payable at
	2.4375%	2014		-			204,880
	The Exit Credit Facility Term B-2 note payable at
	9.00%	2014		205,219			205,219
	Other	Various		4,344			4,377
	Long-term debt			707,434			912,233
	Less: Current maturities of long-term debt			(205,357	)		(410,234	)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities		$	502,077		$	501,999
	Senior and Subordinated Notes
	At March 30, 2014, the Company had an aggregate principal balance of $500.0 million of 7 ⅞% Senior Notes due 2018 (the "2018 Notes") outstanding that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The 2018 Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by one of the Company's subsidiaries. Interest is payable on December 15 and June 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2011. Additionally, the Company had an aggregate principal balance of $3.6 million of 7 ⅝% senior unsecured notes due 2015 and 8 ⅜% senior subordinated unsecured notes due 2017 outstanding at March 30, 2014.
	On June 23, 2011, the Company entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement with JBS USA (the "Subordinated Loan Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA's account that support certain obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries. JBS USA agreed to arrange for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company serving the Company in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential workers compensation, auto and general liability claims. In return for providing this letter of credit, the Company has agreed to reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit cost the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility (as defined below). In the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, the Company reimbursed JBS USA $0.3 million for letter of credit costs incurred from December 2013 through February 2014. As of March 30, 2014, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. There remains no other commitment to make advances by JBS USA under the Subordinated Loan Agreement.
	U.S. Credit Facility
	Pilgrim's and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the "U.S. Credit Facility") with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent and collateral agent, and other lenders party thereto, which was amended and restated on August 7, 2013. As of March 30, 2014, the U.S. Credit Facility provided for a $700.0 million revolving credit facility, a Term B facility of approximately $205.2 million and a delayed draw term loan commitment of up to $400 million (the "Delayed Draw Term Loans"). The Company can draw upon the Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment, in one or more advances, between May 1, 2014 and December 28, 2014. The U.S. Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows us, at any time, to increase the aggregate revolving loan commitment by up to an additional $250.0 million and to increase the aggregate Delayed Draw Term Loan commitment by up to an additional $500.0 million, in each case subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining the lenders' agreement to participate in the increase and an aggregate limit on all commitments under the U.S. Credit Facility of $1.85 billion. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides for a $100 million sub-limit for swingline loans and a $200 million sub-limit for letters of credit. The revolving loan commitment under the U.S. Credit Facility matures on August 7, 2018. Any Delayed Draw Term Loans would be payable in quarterly installments beginning in fiscal year 2015 equal to 1.875% of the principal outstanding as of December 28, 2014, with all remaining principal and interest due at maturity on August 7, 2018.
	On December 28, 2009, the Company paid loan costs totaling $50.0 million related to the U.S. Credit Facility that it recognized as an asset on its balance sheet. On August 7, 2013, the Company paid loan costs totaling $5.0 million related to the amendment and restatement to the U.S. Credit Facility that is recognized as an asset on its balance sheet. The Company amortizes these capitalized costs to interest expense over the life of the U.S. Credit Facility.
	Subsequent to the end of each fiscal year, a portion of our cash flow must be used to repay outstanding principal amounts under the Term B loans. With respect to 2013, the Company paid $204.9 million of its cash flow toward the outstanding principal under the Term B-1 loans on December 30, 2013 and paid approximately $205.2 million of its cash flow toward the outstanding principal under the Term B-2 loans on April 28, 2014. Following the April 28, 2014 payment, the Company has no outstanding principal under the Term B loans. The U.S. Credit Facility also requires us to use the proceeds we receive 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. On March 30, 2014, a principal amount of $205.2 million under the Term B loans commitment was outstanding.
	Actual borrowings by the Company under the revolving credit commitment component of the U.S. Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base, which is a formula based on certain eligible inventory, eligible receivables and restricted cash under the control of CoBank ACB. As of March 30, 2014, the applicable borrowing base was $694.4 million. The amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $664.8 million. The Company had letters of credit of $29.6 million and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment as of March 30, 2014.
	The U.S. Credit Facility contains financial covenants and various other covenants that may adversely affect our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain restricted payments, consummate certain assets sales, enter into certain transactions with JBS USA and our 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 Company is currently in compliance with this financial covenant. All other financial covenants were eliminated in connection with the August 7, 2013 amendment and restatement to the U.S. Credit Facility. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides that the Company may not incur capital expenditures in excess of $350.0 million in any fiscal year.
	All obligations under the U.S. Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries and are secured by a first priority lien on (i) the accounts receivable and inventories of the Company and its non-Mexico subsidiaries, (ii) 65% of the equity interests in the Company's direct foreign subsidiaries and 100% of the equity interests in the Company's other subsidiaries, (iii) substantially all of the personal property and intangibles of the borrowers and guarantors under the U.S. Credit Facility and (iv) substantially all of the real estate and fixed assets of the Company and the guarantor subsidiaries under the U.S. Credit Facility.
	Mexico Credit Facility
	On October 19, 2011, Avícola Pilgrim's Pride de México, S.A. de C.V., Pilgrim's Pride S. de R.L. de C.V. and certain Mexican subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Mexico Credit Facility") with ING Bank (México), S.A. Institución de Banca Múltiple, ING Grupo Financiero, as lender and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent. The Mexico Credit Facility has a final maturity date of September 25, 2014. The Mexico Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company's Mexico subsidiaries. As of March 30, 2014, the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $42.6 million. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility at March 30, 2014.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	10. INCOME TAXES
	The Company recorded income tax expense of $52.0 million, a 34.6% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, compared to income tax expense of $2.8 million, a 4.8% effective tax rate, for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2013. The income tax expense recognized for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on the Company's year-to-date income. The income tax expense recognized for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2013 was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on the company's year-to-date income offset by a decrease in valuation allowance as a result of year-to-date earnings.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of March 30, 2014, the Company does not believe it has sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized.
	For the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, there is tax effect of $3.5 million reflected in other comprehensive income. There was no tax effect reflected in other comprehensive income for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2013 because the Company had a valuation allowance.
	With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2008 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2008.
	The Company is pursuing the IRS' amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 20, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. ("Gold Kist"). See "Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies" for additional information.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS [Abstract]	'
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
	11. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
	The Company sponsors programs that provide retirement benefits to most of its employees. These programs include qualified defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan and defined contribution retirement savings plans. Expenses recognized under all of these retirement plans totaled $1.4 million and $1.9 million in the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively.
	Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-14					31-Mar-13
		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	-		$	-	$	10		$	-
	Interest cost		2,026			20		1,988			20
	Estimated return on plan assets		(1,593	)		-		(1,349	)		-
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		14			-		250			-
	Net costs	$	447		$	20	$	899		$	20
	During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014, the Company contributed $1.6 million to its defined benefit plans.
	The Company remeasures both plan assets and obligations on a quarterly basis.
	The Company and certain retirement plans that it sponsors invest in a variety of financial instruments. Certain postretirement funds in which the Company participates hold significant amounts of mortgage-backed securities. However, none of the mortgages collateralizing these securities are considered subprime.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013:
												Thirteen Weeks
												Ended
			Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014(a)									March 31, 2013(a)
			Losses Related to			Unrealized						Losses Related to
			Pension and Other			Holding Gains on						Pension and Other
			Postretirement			Available-for-Sale						Postretirement
			Benefits			Securities			Total			Benefits
			(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period		$	(45,797	)	$	62		$	(45,735	)	$	(68,511	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before
	reclassifications			(5,795	)		(11	)		(5,806	)		10,160
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss to net income			9			(25	)		(16	)		250
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(5,786	)		(36	)		(5,822	)		10,410
	Balance, end of period		$	(51,583	)	$	26		$	(51,557	)	$	(58,101	)
	(a)       All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
			Other Comprehensive Loss(a)
			Thirteen Weeks			Thirteen Weeks
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Ended March 30,			Ended March 31,			Affected Line Item in the Condensed
	Loss Components		2014			2013			Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Realized gain on sale of securities		$	40		$	-		Selling, general and administrative expense
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and
	other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
	Union employees pension plan(b)(d)			-			(9	)	Cost of sales
	Legacy Gold Kist plans(c)(d)			(14	)		(241	)	Selling, general and administrative expense
	Total before tax			26			(250	)
	Tax benefit (expense)			(10	)		-
	Total reclassification for the period		$	16			(250	)
	(a)	Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations.
	(b)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the "Union Plan"), a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.
	(c)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the "Legacy Gold Kist Plans").
	(d)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See "Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Restrictions on Retained Earnings
	Both The U.S. Credit Facility and the indenture governing the 2018 Notes restrict, but do not prohibit, the Company from declaring dividends.

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]	'
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	'
	13. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION
	The Company sponsors a short-term incentive plan that provides the grant of either cash or share-based bonus awards payable upon achievement of specified performance goals (the "STIP"). Full-time, salaried exempt employees of the Company and its affiliates who are selected by the administering committee are eligible to participate in the STIP. The Company has accrued $2.9 million in costs related to the STIP at March 30, 2014 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded during the remainder of 2014 and 2015.
	The Company also sponsors a performance-based, omnibus long-term incentive plan that provides for the grant of a broad range of long-term equity-based and cash-based awards to the Company's officers and other employees, members of the Board and any consultants (the "LTIP"). The equity-based awards that may be granted under the LTIP include "incentive stock options," within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards ("RSAs") and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). At March 30, 2014, we have reserved approximately 6.6 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP.
	The following awards existed during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014:
														Estimated
	Award							Award				Vesting		Forfeiture		Settlement
	Type					Benefit Plan		Quantity		Grant Date		Condition	Vesting Date	Rate		Method
						Employment
		RSA				Agreement		100,000		14-Jan-11		Service	3-Jan-14	-	%	Stock
		RSA				LTIP		72,675		27-Aug-12		Service	27-Apr-14	-	%	Stock
		RSU				LTIP		608,561		4-Feb-13		Service	31-Dec-14	9.66	%	Stock
		RSA				LTIP		15,000		25-Feb-13		Service	24-Feb-15	-	%	Stock
		RSA				LTIP		15,000		25-Feb-13		Service	24-Feb-16	-	%	Stock
		RSU				LTIP		206,933		26-Feb-13		Service	31-Dec-14	-	%	Stock
		RSU				LTIP		462,518		19-Feb-14		Service	31-Dec-16	13.49	%	Stock
	The fair value of each RSA and RSU granted represents the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant date.
	Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below:
			Thirteen Weeks Ended
			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
			(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation cost:
	Cost of sales		$	19		$	57
	Selling, general and administrative expense			1,003			491
	Total		$	1,022		$	548
	Income tax benefit		$	275		$	126
	The Company's RSA and RSU activity is included below:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014						Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
					Weighted Average						Weighted Average
		Number			Grant Date Fair Value			Number			Grant Date Fair Value
		(In thousands, except weighted average fair values)
	RSAs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	203			$	6.59		273			$	6.54
	Granted	-				-		30				8.72
	Vested	(100	)			7.1		(100	)			7.1
	Outstanding at end of period	103			$	6.09		203			$	6.59
	RSUs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	729			$	8.81		-			$	-
	Granted	462				16.7		815				8.82
	Vested	-				-		-				-
	Forfeited	(24	)			8.89		-				-
	Outstanding at end of period	1,167			$	11.93		815			$	8.82
	The total fair value of shares vested during each of the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 was $710 thousand.
	At March 30, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $11.1 million. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.10 years.
	Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES [Abstract]	'
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES	'
	14. EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES
	From time to time, the Company will incur costs to implement exit or disposal efforts for specific operations. These exit or disposal plans, each of which is approved by the Company's Board of Directors, focus on various aspects of operations, including closing and consolidating certain processing facilities, rationalizing headcount and aligning operations in the most strategic and cost-efficient structure. Specific exit or disposal efforts that were ongoing during either the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 or the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2013 included the following:
	(In thousands, except positions eliminated)
	Earliest implementation date		Oct-08
	Latest expected completion date		Sep-14
	Positions eliminated			3,052
	Costs incurred and expected to be incurred:
	Employee-related costs		$	3,016
	Asset impairment costs			25,018
	Inventory valuation costs			682
	Live operations rationalization costs			15,207
	Other exit or disposal costs			370
	Total exit or disposal costs		$	44,293
	Costs incurred since earliest implementation date:
	Employee-related costs		$	3,016
	Asset impairment costs			25,018
	Inventory valuation costs			682
	Live operations rationalization costs			14,723
	Other exit or disposal costs			370
	Total exit or disposal costs		$	43,809
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
		(In thousands)
	Employee-related costs	$	524		$	-
	Inventory valuation costs		338			-
	Live operations rationalization costs		481			484
	Other exit or disposal costs		370			-
	Total exit or disposal costs	$	1,713		$	484
	The exit or disposal costs reflected above related to facility closures between 2008 and 2014. Significant facilities closed included one processing plant in 2008, two processing plants in 2009, two processing plants in the transition period, one processing plant in 2011 and one processing plant in 2014. The transition period began September 27, 2009 and ended December 27, 2009 and resulted from the Company's change in its fiscal year end from the Saturday nearest September 30 each year to the last Sunday in December of each year. These costs were classified as Administrative restructuring charges on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income because management believed these costs were not directly related to the Company's ongoing operations.
	Accrued severance costs are included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and accrued inventory charges are included in Inventories on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table sets forth activity that was recorded through the Company's accrued exit or disposal cost accounts during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014.
			Accrued				Accrued
			Severance				Inventory Charges		Total
							(In thousands)
	Balance at December 29, 2013		$	-			$	-	$	-
	Accruals			524				141		665
	Payment /Disposal			(243	)			-		(243	)
	Adjustments			-				-		-
	Balance at March 30, 2014		$	281			$	141	$	422
	We continue to review and evaluate various restructuring and other alternatives to streamline our operations, improve efficiencies and reduce costs. Such initiatives may include selling assets, consolidating operations and functions and voluntary and involuntary employee separation programs. Any such actions may require us to obtain the pre-approval of our lenders under our credit facilities. In addition, such actions will subject the Company to additional short-term costs, which may include asset impairment charges, lease commitment costs, employee retention and severance costs and other costs. Certain of these activities may have a disproportionate impact on our income relative to the cost savings in a particular period.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	Pilgrim's has been and, in some cases, continues to be a party to certain transactions with affiliated persons and our current and former directors and executive officers. Company management has analyzed the terms of all contracts executed with related parties and believes that they are substantially similar to, and contain terms no less favorable to us than, those obtainable from unaffiliated parties.
	On December 28, 2009, JBS USA became the holder of the majority of the common stock of the Company. As of March 30, 2014, JBS USA beneficially owned 75.5% of the total outstanding shares of our common stock.
	Transactions with JBS USA and JBS USA, LLC (a JBS USA subsidiary) recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income are summarized below:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
		(In thousands)
	JBS USA:
	Letter of credit fees(a)	335		592
	JBS USA, LLC:
	Purchases from JBS USA, LLC(b)	24,989		14,834
	Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation(c)	12,458		12,919
	Sales to JBS USA, LLC(b)	15,355		16,119
	Expenditures paid by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC(c)	533		458
	(a)		Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company on our behalf in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential liability claims. We agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2014, we have paid JBS USA $0.3 million for letter of credit costs. As of March 30, 2014, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf.
	(b)		We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $6.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $3.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of March 30, 2014, approximately $0.6 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	(c)		On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On May 5, 2010, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on May 5, 2015.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

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

SUPPLEMENTAL_GUARANTOR_FINANCI

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
	17. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	On December 15, 2010, the Company sold the 2018 Notes. The 2018 Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation of West Virginia, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Guarantor"). In accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, the following condensed consolidating financial statements present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company (referred to as "Parent" for the purpose of this note only) on a Parent-only basis, the Guarantor on a Guarantor-only basis, the combined non-Guarantor subsidiaries and elimination entries necessary to arrive at the information for the Parent, the Guarantor and non-Guarantor subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Company using the equity method for this presentation.
	The tables below present the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, as well as the condensed consolidating statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013 based on the guarantor structure.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	30-Mar-14
						Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
			(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	373,605			$	-		$	141,370			$	-			$	514,975
	Investment in available-for-sale securities		37,005				-			-				-				37,005
	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for
	doubtful accounts		328,375				1,409			43,825				-				373,609
	Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC		3,220				-			-				-				3,220
	Inventories		680,895				20,912			91,709				-				793,516
	Income taxes receivable		13,596				-			7,626				(587	)			20,635
	Current deferred tax assets		-				9,902			506				(8,181	)			2,227
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		45,413				260			27,241				-				72,914
	Assets held for sale		5,849				-			-				-				5,849
	Total current assets		1,487,958				32,483			312,277				(8,768	)			1,823,950
	Intercompany receivable		(86,466	)			128,609			5				(42,148	)			-
	Investment in subsidiaries		501,431				-			-				(501,431	)			-
	Deferred tax assets		5,995				-			16,049				(5,995	)			16,049
	Other long-lived assets		33,472				-			180,423				(180,000	)			33,895
	Identified intangible assets, net		22,482				-			8,607				-				31,089
	Property, plant and equipment, net		1,023,140				45,038			102,024				(4,768	)			1,165,434
	Total assets	$	2,988,012			$	206,130		$	619,385			$	(743,110	)		$	3,070,417
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	205,357			$	-		$	-			$	-			$	205,357
	Accounts payable		320,458				16,279			45,008				-				381,745
	Account payable to JBS USA, LLC		6,144				-			-				-				6,144
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		244,954				35,356			(4,580	)			-				275,730
	Income taxes payable		-				-			587				(587	)			-
	Current deferred tax liabilities		7,190				-			15,495				(7,190	)			15,495
	Total current liabilities		784,103				51,635			56,510				(7,777	)			884,471
	Long-term debt, less current maturities		527,077				-			-				(25,000	)			502,077
	Intercompany payable		-				-			42,148				(42,148	)			-
	Deferred tax liabilities		12,937				4,204			297				(6,986	)			10,452
	Other long-term liabilities		84,135				-			3,293				-				87,428
	Total liabilities		1,408,252				55,839			102,248				(81,911	)			1,484,428
	Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders'
	equity		1,579,760				150,291			514,283				(661,199	)			1,583,135
	Noncontrolling interest		-				-			2,854				-				2,854
	Total stockholders' equity		1,579,760				150,291			517,137				(661,199	)			1,585,989
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,988,012			$	206,130		$	619,385			$	(743,110	)		$	3,070,417
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	29-Dec-13
						Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
									(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	413,092			$	-		$	95,114			$	-			$	508,206
	Investment in available-for-sale securities		96,902				-			-				-				96,902
	Trade accounts and other receivables, less
	allowance for doubtful accounts		327,367				1,380			47,931				-				376,678
	Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC		2,388				-			-				-				2,388
	Inventories		696,604				20,215			92,013				-				808,832
	Income taxes receivable		52,662				-			12,793				(587	)			64,868
	Current deferred tax assets		3,213				5,698			506				(7,190	)			2,227
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		34,881				270			26,697				-				61,848
	Assets held for sale		6,798				-			235				-				7,033
	Total current assets		1,633,907				27,563			275,289				(7,777	)			1,928,982
	Intercompany receivable		(64,772	)			114,707			-				(49,935	)			-
	Investment in subsidiaries		472,431				-			-				(472,431	)			-
	Deferred tax assets		5,995				-			18,924				(5,998	)			18,921
	Other long-lived assets		37,282				-			182,881				(180,000	)			40,163
Identified intangible assets, net		23,463				-			9,062				-				32,525
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,009,711				44,643			102,221				(4,764	)			1,151,811
Total assets	$	3,118,017			$	186,913		$	588,377			$	(720,905	)		$	3,172,402
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	410,234			$	-		$	-			$	-			$	410,234
Accounts payable		308,154				12,711			49,495				-				370,360
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC		3,934				-			-				-				3,934
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		269,062				33,821			(19,528	)			-				283,355
Income taxes payable		-				-			587				(587	)			-
Current deferred tax liabilities		7,190				-			15,515				(7,190	)			15,515
Total current liabilities		998,574				46,532			46,069				(7,777	)			1,083,398
Long-term debt, less current maturities		526,999				-			-				(25,000	)			501,999
Intercompany payable		-				-			49,935				(49,935	)			-
Deferred tax liabilities		13,944				5,698			297				(5,995	)			13,944
Other long-term liabilities		77,228				-			3,231				-				80,459
Total liabilities		1,616,745				52,230			99,532				(88,707	)			1,679,800
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders'
equity		1,501,272				134,683			486,061				(632,198	)			1,489,818
Noncontrolling interest		-				-			2,784				-				2,784
Total stockholders' equity		1,501,272				134,683			488,845				(632,198	)			1,492,602
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	3,118,017			$	186,913		$	588,377			$	(720,905	)		$	3,172,402
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
					Subsidiary				Subsidiary				Eliminations/
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
	(In thousands)
Net sales	$	1,753,068			$	112,550			$	257,995			$	(105,548	)		$	2,018,065
Cost of sales		1,597,091				98,853				212,563				(105,548	)			1,802,959
Gross profit		155,977				13,697				45,432				-				215,106
Selling, general and administrative expense		38,575				1,238				5,388				-				45,201
Administrative restructuring charges		1,713				-				-				-				1,713
Operating income		115,689				12,459				40,044				-				168,192
Interest expense, net		19,325				(14	)			162				-				19,473
Interest income		(162	)			-				(649	)			-				(811	)
Foreign currency transaction losses		3				-				334				-				337
Miscellaneous, net		(2,641	)			1,645				(78	)			68				(1,006	)
Income before income taxes		99,164				10,828				40,275				(68	)			150,199
Income tax expense (benefit)		32,806				5,764				13,442				-				52,012
Income before equity in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries		66,358				5,064				26,833				(68	)			98,187
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries		31,759				-				-				(31,759	)			-
Net income (loss)		98,117				5,064				26,833				(31,827	)			98,187
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		-				-				70				-				70
Net income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride
Corporation	$	98,117			$	5,064			$	26,763			$	(31,827	)		$	98,117
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
					Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
	Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
	(In thousands)
Net sales	$	1,769,794			$	75,660		$	259,199			$	(67,724	)		$	2,036,929
Cost of sales		1,704,798				66,934			214,487				(67,724	)			1,918,495
Gross profit		64,996				8,726			44,712				-				118,434
Selling, general and administrative expense		37,484				1,008			5,500				-				43,992
Administrative restructuring charges		484				-			-				-				484
Operating income		27,028				7,718			39,212				-				73,958
Interest expense, net		24,683				-			138				-				24,821
Interest income		(3	)			-			(213	)			-				(216	)
Foreign currency transaction losses		(10	)			-			(7,614	)			-				(7,624	)
Miscellaneous, net		(1,715	)			1,221			530				(41	)			(5	)
Income before income taxes		4,073				6,497			46,371				41				56,982
Income tax expense (benefit)		(5,871	)			1,969			6,656				-				2,754
Income before equity in earnings of consolidated
subsidiaries		9,944				4,528			39,715				41				54,228
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries		44,638				-			-				(44,638	)			-
Net income (loss)		54,582				4,528			39,715				(44,597	)			54,228
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		-				-			(354	)			-				(354	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride
Corporation	$	54,582			$	4,528		$	40,069			$	(44,597	)		$	54,582
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
					Subsidiary			Subsidiary			Eliminations/
	Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors			Adjustments				Consolidation
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss)		98,117				5,064			26,833			(31,827	)			98,187
Other comprehensive loss:
Loss associated with available-for-sale
securities, net of tax		(36	)			-			-			-				(36	)
Loss associated with pension and other
postretirement benefits, net of tax		(5,786	)			-			-			-				(5,786	)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(5,822	)			-			-			-				(5,822	)
Comprehensive income (loss)		92,295				5,064			26,833			(31,827	)			92,365
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests		-				-			70			-				70
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$	92,295			$	5,064		$	26,763		$	(31,827	)		$	92,295
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
				Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
	Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	54,582		$	4,528		$	39,715			$	(44,597	)		$	54,228
Other comprehensive income:
Gains associated with pension and other
postretirement benefits, net of tax		10,410			-			-				-				10,410
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax		10,410			-			-				-				10,410
Comprehensive income (loss)		64,992			4,528			39,715				(44,597	)			64,638
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests		-			-			(354	)			-				(354	)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$	64,992		$	4,528		$	40,069			$	(44,597	)		$	64,992
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
					Subsidiary				Subsidiary				Eliminations/
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
	(In thousands)
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	$	147,553			$	1,854			$	46,362			$	(68	)		$	195,701
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment		(43,177	)			(1,854	)			(2,729	)			-				(47,760	)
Purchases of investment securities		(37,000	)			-				-				-				(37,000	)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities		96,950				-				-				-				96,950
Proceeds from property sales and disposals		1,100				-				411				-				1,511
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities		17,873				(1,854	)			(2,318	)			-				13,701
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on long-term debt		(204,913	)			-				-				-				(204,913	)
Other financing activities		-				-				(68	)			68				-
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(204,913	)			-				(68	)			68				(204,913	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		-				-				2,280				-				2,280
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(39,487	)			-				46,256				-				6,769
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		413,092				-				95,114				-				508,206
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	373,605			$	-			$	141,370			$	-			$	514,975
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
					Subsidiary				Subsidiary				Eliminations/
	Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
	(In thousands)
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	$	30,076			$	1,445			$	(10,923	)		$	41			$	20,639
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment		(21,547	)			(1,445	)			(2,786	)			-				(25,778	)
Proceeds from property sales and disposals		1,054				-				606				-				1,660
Cash used in investing activities		(20,493	)			(1,445	)			(2,180	)			-				(24,118	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		288,500				-				-				-				288,500
Payments on long-term debt		(311,005	)			-				-				-				(311,005	)
Other financing activities		-				-				41				(41	)			-
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(22,505	)			-				41				(41	)			(22,505	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		-				-				1,364				-				1,364
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(12,922	)			-				(11,698	)			-				(24,620	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		27,657				-				40,523				-				68,180
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	14,735			$	-			$	28,825			$	-			$	43,560

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Financial Statements	'
	Consolidated Financial Statements
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 28, 2014. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2013.
	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, 2014) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year.
	The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
	The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset's acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reportable Segment	'
	Reportable Segment
	We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer's purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Book Overdraft	'
	Book Overdraft
	The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	'
		30-Mar-14
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	$	-		$	37,005		$	-		$	37,005
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		1,478			-			-			1,478
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		-			1,698			-			1,698
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,874			-			-			6,874
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(5,427	)		-			-			(5,427	)
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(1,212	)		-			-			(1,212	)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Public bonds and notes		543,512			-			-			543,512
	Term notes		-			-			215,182			215,182
	Capitalized lease obligations		-			-			668			668
		29-Dec-13
		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
		(In thousands)
	Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	$	-		$	96,902		$	-		$	96,902
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		1,494			-			-			1,494
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		-			1,395			-			1,395
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		1,214			-			-			1,214
	Deferred compensation plan assets		7,208			-			-			7,208
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(1,728	)		-			-			(1,728	)
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements:
	Public bonds and notes		552,592			-			-			552,592
	Term notes		-			-			424,650			424,650
	Capitalized lease obligations		-			-			704			704
Schedule of Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities	'
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		Term Notes and Revolver							Capitalized Lease Obligations
		30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13				30-Mar-14				31-Mar-13
	Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities:	(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	424,650		$	686,435			$	704			$	880
	Borrowings		-			292,400				-				-
	Payments		(204,880	)		(314,874	)			(33	)			(30	)
	Change in fair value inputs		(4,588	)		(14,795	)			(3	)			(8	)
	Balance, end of period	$	215,182		$	649,166			$	668			$	842
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities	'
		30-Mar-14							29-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair				Carrying				Fair			Note
		Amount			Value				Amount				Value			Reference
		(In thousands)
	Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	$	37,005		$	37,005			$	96,902			$	96,902		5
	Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments		1,478			1,478				1,494				1,494		6
	Derivative assets - commodity options instruments		1,698			1,698				1,395				1,395		6
	Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments		-			-				1,214				1,214		6
	Deferred compensation plan assets		6,874			6,874				7,208				7,208
	Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments		(5,427	)		(5,427	)			(1,728	)			(1,728	)	6
	Derivative liabilities - foreign currency instruments		(1,212	)		(1,212	)			-				-		6
	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements		(707,434	)		(759,362	)			(912,233	)			(977,946	)	9

TRADE_ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEI1

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables	'
		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Trade accounts receivable	$	366,283		$	369,715
	Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC		3,220			2,388
	Employee receivables		6			14
	Other receivables		10,288			11,005
	Receivables, gross		379,797			383,122
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(2,968	)		(4,056	)
	Receivables, net	$	376,829		$	379,066

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INVENTORIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
		30-Mar-14		29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Live chicken and hens	$	386,406	$	368,582
	Feed, eggs and other		212,553		216,045
	Finished chicken products		194,245		223,932
	Total chicken inventories		793,204		808,559
	Commercial feed and other		312		273
	Total inventories	$	793,516	$	808,832

INVESTMENTS_IN_SECURITIES_Tabl

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities	'
		30-Mar-14				29-Dec-13
				Fair				Fair
		Amortized Cost		Value		Amortized Cost		Value
		(In thousands)
	Cash equivalents:
	Fixed income securities	$	162,290	$	162,291	$	103,121	$	103,124
	Other		930		930		56		56
	Short-term investments:
	Fixed income securities	$	37,000	$	37,005	$	96,902	$	96,902

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN1

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral	'
		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
		(Fair values in thousands)
	Fair values:
	Commodity derivative assets	$	3,176		$	2,889
	Commodity derivative liabilities		(5,427	)		(1,728	)
	Cash collateral posted with brokers		14,556			4,142
	Foreign currency derivative assets		-			1,214
	Foreign currency derivative liabilities		(1,212	)		-
	Derivatives coverage(a):
	Corn		(3.8	)%		1.1	%
	Soybean meal		(8.3	)%		(3.6	)%
	Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
	Corn		Sep-15			Sep-15
	Soybean meal		Sep-14			Jul-14
	(a)        Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_T

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Land	$	66,209		$	66,071
	Buildings		1,080,500			1,077,859
	Machinery and equipment		1,513,406			1,502,968
	Autos and trucks		55,788			55,779
	Construction-in-progress		95,753			66,926
	PP&E, gross		2,811,656			2,769,603
	Accumulated depreciation		(1,646,222	)		(1,617,792	)
	PP&E, net	$	1,165,434		$	1,151,811

CURRENT_LIABILITIES_Tables

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
CURRENT LIABILITIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Current Liabilities	'
		30-Mar-14		29-Dec-13
		(In thousands)
	Accounts payable:
	Trade accounts	$	333,833	$	313,266
	Book overdrafts		46,100		55,378
	Other payables		1,812		1,716
	Total accounts payable		381,745		370,360
	Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC		6,144		3,934
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
	Compensation and benefits		88,104		100,965
	Interest and debt-related fees		17,285		7,558
	Insurance and self-insured claims		94,366		99,244
	Derivative liabilities:
	Futures		6,638		1,729
	Options		-		-
	Other accrued expenses		69,337		73,859
	Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities		275,730		283,355
		$	663,619	$	657,649

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW1

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangments	'
		Maturity	30-Mar-14			29-Dec-13
			(In thousands)
	Senior notes, at 7 ⅞%, net of unaccreted discount	2018	$	497,871		$	497,757
	U.S. Credit Facility (defined below):
	The Exit Credit Facility Term B-1 note payable at
	2.4375%	2014		-			204,880
	The Exit Credit Facility Term B-2 note payable at
	9.00%	2014		205,219			205,219
	Other	Various		4,344			4,377
	Long-term debt			707,434			912,233
	Less: Current maturities of long-term debt			(205,357	)		(410,234	)
	Long-term debt, less current maturities		$	502,077		$	501,999

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs	'
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-14					31-Mar-13
		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits		Pension Benefits			Other Benefits
		(In thousands)
	Service cost	$	-		$	-	$	10		$	-
	Interest cost		2,026			20		1,988			20
	Estimated return on plan assets		(1,593	)		-		(1,349	)		-
	Amortization of net loss (gain)		14			-		250			-
	Net costs	$	447		$	20	$	899		$	20

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Unrealized Actuarial Losses	'
												Thirteen Weeks
												Ended
			Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014(a)									March 31, 2013(a)
			Losses Related to			Unrealized						Losses Related to
			Pension and Other			Holding Gains on						Pension and Other
			Postretirement			Available-for-Sale						Postretirement
			Benefits			Securities			Total			Benefits
			(In thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period		$	(45,797	)	$	62		$	(45,735	)	$	(68,511	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before
	reclassifications			(5,795	)		(11	)		(5,806	)		10,160
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss to net income			9			(25	)		(16	)		250
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(5,786	)		(36	)		(5,822	)		10,410
	Balance, end of period		$	(51,583	)	$	26		$	(51,557	)	$	(58,101	)
	(a)       All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated
			Other Comprehensive Loss(a)
			Thirteen Weeks			Thirteen Weeks
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Ended March 30,			Ended March 31,			Affected Line Item in the Condensed
	Loss Components		2014			2013			Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(In thousands)
	Realized gain on sale of securities		$	40		$	-		Selling, general and administrative expense
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and
	other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
	Union employees pension plan(b)(d)			-			(9	)	Cost of sales
	Legacy Gold Kist plans(c)(d)			(14	)		(241	)	Selling, general and administrative expense
	Total before tax			26			(250	)
	Tax benefit (expense)			(10	)		-
	Total reclassification for the period		$	16			(250	)
	(a)	Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations.
	(b)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the "Union Plan"), a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.
	(c)	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the "Legacy Gold Kist Plans").
	(d)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See "Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Tables

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Awards	'
														Estimated
	Award							Award				Vesting		Forfeiture		Settlement
	Type					Benefit Plan		Quantity		Grant Date		Condition	Vesting Date	Rate		Method
						Employment
		RSA				Agreement		100,000		14-Jan-11		Service	3-Jan-14	-	%	Stock
		RSA				LTIP		72,675		27-Aug-12		Service	27-Apr-14	-	%	Stock
		RSU				LTIP		608,561		4-Feb-13		Service	31-Dec-14	9.66	%	Stock
		RSA				LTIP		15,000		25-Feb-13		Service	24-Feb-15	-	%	Stock
		RSA				LTIP		15,000		25-Feb-13		Service	24-Feb-16	-	%	Stock
		RSU				LTIP		206,933		26-Feb-13		Service	31-Dec-14	-	%	Stock
		RSU				LTIP		462,518		19-Feb-14		Service	31-Dec-16	13.49	%	Stock
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit	'
			Thirteen Weeks Ended
			30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
			(In thousands)
	Share-based compensation cost:
	Cost of sales		$	19		$	57
	Selling, general and administrative expense			1,003			491
	Total		$	1,022		$	548
	Income tax benefit		$	275		$	126
Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity	'
		Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014						Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
					Weighted Average						Weighted Average
		Number			Grant Date Fair Value			Number			Grant Date Fair Value
		(In thousands, except weighted average fair values)
	RSAs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	203			$	6.59		273			$	6.54
	Granted	-				-		30				8.72
	Vested	(100	)			7.1		(100	)			7.1
	Outstanding at end of period	103			$	6.09		203			$	6.59
	RSUs:
	Outstanding at beginning of period	729			$	8.81		-			$	-
	Granted	462				16.7		815				8.82
	Vested	-				-		-				-
	Forfeited	(24	)			8.89		-				-
	Outstanding at end of period	1,167			$	11.93		815			$	8.82

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES_Ta

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Exit or Disposal Efforts	'
	(In thousands, except positions eliminated)
	Earliest implementation date		Oct-08
	Latest expected completion date		Sep-14
	Positions eliminated			3,052
	Costs incurred and expected to be incurred:
	Employee-related costs		$	3,016
	Asset impairment costs			25,018
	Inventory valuation costs			682
	Live operations rationalization costs			15,207
	Other exit or disposal costs			370
	Total exit or disposal costs		$	44,293
	Costs incurred since earliest implementation date:
	Employee-related costs		$	3,016
	Asset impairment costs			25,018
	Inventory valuation costs			682
	Live operations rationalization costs			14,723
	Other exit or disposal costs			370
	Total exit or disposal costs		$	43,809
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-14			31-Mar-13
		(In thousands)
	Employee-related costs	$	524		$	-
	Inventory valuation costs		338			-
	Live operations rationalization costs		481			484
	Other exit or disposal costs		370			-
	Total exit or disposal costs	$	1,713		$	484
Schedule of Accrued Exit or Disposal Cost Accounts Activity	'
			Accrued				Accrued
			Severance				Inventory Charges		Total
							(In thousands)
	Balance at December 29, 2013		$	-			$	-	$	-
	Accruals			524				141		665
	Payment /Disposal			(243	)			-		(243	)
	Adjustments			-				-		-
	Balance at March 30, 2014		$	281			$	141	$	422

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		30-Mar-14		31-Mar-13
		(In thousands)
	JBS USA:
	Letter of credit fees(a)	335		592
	JBS USA, LLC:
	Purchases from JBS USA, LLC(b)	24,989		14,834
	Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim's Pride Corporation(c)	12,458		12,919
	Sales to JBS USA, LLC(b)	15,355		16,119
	Expenditures paid by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC(c)	533		458
	(a)		Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company on our behalf in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential liability claims. We agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2014, we have paid JBS USA $0.3 million for letter of credit costs. As of March 30, 2014, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf.
	(b)		We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $6.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $3.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of March 30, 2014, approximately $0.6 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	(c)		On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On May 5, 2010, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on May 5, 2015.

SUPPLEMENTAL_GUARANTOR_FINANCI1

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	30-Mar-14
						Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
			(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	373,605			$	-		$	141,370			$	-			$	514,975
	Investment in available-for-sale securities		37,005				-			-				-				37,005
	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for
	doubtful accounts		328,375				1,409			43,825				-				373,609
	Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC		3,220				-			-				-				3,220
	Inventories		680,895				20,912			91,709				-				793,516
	Income taxes receivable		13,596				-			7,626				(587	)			20,635
	Current deferred tax assets		-				9,902			506				(8,181	)			2,227
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		45,413				260			27,241				-				72,914
	Assets held for sale		5,849				-			-				-				5,849
	Total current assets		1,487,958				32,483			312,277				(8,768	)			1,823,950
	Intercompany receivable		(86,466	)			128,609			5				(42,148	)			-
	Investment in subsidiaries		501,431				-			-				(501,431	)			-
	Deferred tax assets		5,995				-			16,049				(5,995	)			16,049
	Other long-lived assets		33,472				-			180,423				(180,000	)			33,895
	Identified intangible assets, net		22,482				-			8,607				-				31,089
	Property, plant and equipment, net		1,023,140				45,038			102,024				(4,768	)			1,165,434
	Total assets	$	2,988,012			$	206,130		$	619,385			$	(743,110	)		$	3,070,417
	Current maturities of long-term debt	$	205,357			$	-		$	-			$	-			$	205,357
	Accounts payable		320,458				16,279			45,008				-				381,745
	Account payable to JBS USA, LLC		6,144				-			-				-				6,144
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		244,954				35,356			(4,580	)			-				275,730
	Income taxes payable		-				-			587				(587	)			-
	Current deferred tax liabilities		7,190				-			15,495				(7,190	)			15,495
	Total current liabilities		784,103				51,635			56,510				(7,777	)			884,471
	Long-term debt, less current maturities		527,077				-			-				(25,000	)			502,077
	Intercompany payable		-				-			42,148				(42,148	)			-
	Deferred tax liabilities		12,937				4,204			297				(6,986	)			10,452
	Other long-term liabilities		84,135				-			3,293				-				87,428
	Total liabilities		1,408,252				55,839			102,248				(81,911	)			1,484,428
	Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders'
	equity		1,579,760				150,291			514,283				(661,199	)			1,583,135
	Noncontrolling interest		-				-			2,854				-				2,854
	Total stockholders' equity		1,579,760				150,291			517,137				(661,199	)			1,585,989
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,988,012			$	206,130		$	619,385			$	(743,110	)		$	3,070,417
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	29-Dec-13
						Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
									(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	413,092			$	-		$	95,114			$	-			$	508,206
	Investment in available-for-sale securities		96,902				-			-				-				96,902
	Trade accounts and other receivables, less
	allowance for doubtful accounts		327,367				1,380			47,931				-				376,678
	Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC		2,388				-			-				-				2,388
	Inventories		696,604				20,215			92,013				-				808,832
	Income taxes receivable		52,662				-			12,793				(587	)			64,868
	Current deferred tax assets		3,213				5,698			506				(7,190	)			2,227
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		34,881				270			26,697				-				61,848
	Assets held for sale		6,798				-			235				-				7,033
	Total current assets		1,633,907				27,563			275,289				(7,777	)			1,928,982
	Intercompany receivable		(64,772	)			114,707			-				(49,935	)			-
	Investment in subsidiaries		472,431				-			-				(472,431	)			-
	Deferred tax assets		5,995				-			18,924				(5,998	)			18,921
	Other long-lived assets		37,282				-			182,881				(180,000	)			40,163
	Identified intangible assets, net		23,463				-			9,062				-				32,525
	Property, plant and equipment, net		1,009,711				44,643			102,221				(4,764	)			1,151,811
	Total assets	$	3,118,017			$	186,913		$	588,377			$	(720,905	)		$	3,172,402
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	410,234			$	-		$	-			$	-			$	410,234
Accounts payable		308,154				12,711			49,495				-				370,360
Account payable to JBS USA, LLC		3,934				-			-				-				3,934
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		269,062				33,821			(19,528	)			-				283,355
Income taxes payable		-				-			587				(587	)			-
Current deferred tax liabilities		7,190				-			15,515				(7,190	)			15,515
Total current liabilities		998,574				46,532			46,069				(7,777	)			1,083,398
Long-term debt, less current maturities		526,999				-			-				(25,000	)			501,999
Intercompany payable		-				-			49,935				(49,935	)			-
Deferred tax liabilities		13,944				5,698			297				(5,995	)			13,944
Other long-term liabilities		77,228				-			3,231				-				80,459
Total liabilities		1,616,745				52,230			99,532				(88,707	)			1,679,800
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders'
equity		1,501,272				134,683			486,061				(632,198	)			1,489,818
Noncontrolling interest		-				-			2,784				-				2,784
Total stockholders' equity		1,501,272				134,683			488,845				(632,198	)			1,492,602
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	3,118,017			$	186,913		$	588,377			$	(720,905	)		$	3,172,402
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
						Subsidiary				Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	1,753,068			$	112,550			$	257,995			$	(105,548	)		$	2,018,065
	Cost of sales		1,597,091				98,853				212,563				(105,548	)			1,802,959
	Gross profit		155,977				13,697				45,432				-				215,106
	Selling, general and administrative expense		38,575				1,238				5,388				-				45,201
	Administrative restructuring charges		1,713				-				-				-				1,713
	Operating income		115,689				12,459				40,044				-				168,192
	Interest expense, net		19,325				(14	)			162				-				19,473
	Interest income		(162	)			-				(649	)			-				(811	)
	Foreign currency transaction losses		3				-				334				-				337
	Miscellaneous, net		(2,641	)			1,645				(78	)			68				(1,006	)
	Income before income taxes		99,164				10,828				40,275				(68	)			150,199
	Income tax expense (benefit)		32,806				5,764				13,442				-				52,012
	Income before equity in earnings of consolidated
	subsidiaries		66,358				5,064				26,833				(68	)			98,187
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries		31,759				-				-				(31,759	)			-
	Net income (loss)		98,117				5,064				26,833				(31,827	)			98,187
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		-				-				70				-				70
	Net income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride
	Corporation	$	98,117			$	5,064			$	26,763			$	(31,827	)		$	98,117
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
	Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
						Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	1,769,794			$	75,660		$	259,199			$	(67,724	)		$	2,036,929
	Cost of sales		1,704,798				66,934			214,487				(67,724	)			1,918,495
	Gross profit		64,996				8,726			44,712				-				118,434
	Selling, general and administrative expense		37,484				1,008			5,500				-				43,992
	Administrative restructuring charges		484				-			-				-				484
	Operating income		27,028				7,718			39,212				-				73,958
	Interest expense, net		24,683				-			138				-				24,821
	Interest income		(3	)			-			(213	)			-				(216	)
	Foreign currency transaction losses		(10	)			-			(7,614	)			-				(7,624	)
	Miscellaneous, net		(1,715	)			1,221			530				(41	)			(5	)
	Income before income taxes		4,073				6,497			46,371				41				56,982
	Income tax expense (benefit)		(5,871	)			1,969			6,656				-				2,754
	Income before equity in earnings of consolidated
	subsidiaries		9,944				4,528			39,715				41				54,228
	Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries		44,638				-			-				(44,638	)			-
	Net income (loss)		54,582				4,528			39,715				(44,597	)			54,228
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		-				-			(354	)			-				(354	)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Pilgrim's Pride
	Corporation	$	54,582			$	4,528		$	40,069			$	(44,597	)		$	54,582
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
						Subsidiary			Subsidiary			Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor			Non-Guarantors			Adjustments				Consolidation
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss)		98,117				5,064			26,833			(31,827	)			98,187
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Loss associated with available-for-sale
	securities, net of tax		(36	)			-			-			-				(36	)
	Loss associated with pension and other
	postretirement benefits, net of tax		(5,786	)			-			-			-				(5,786	)
	Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(5,822	)			-			-			-				(5,822	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)		92,295				5,064			26,833			(31,827	)			92,365
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to
	noncontrolling interests		-				-			70			-				70
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
	Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$	92,295			$	5,064		$	26,763		$	(31,827	)		$	92,295
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
					Subsidiary			Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent			Guarantor			Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
		(In thousands)
	Net income (loss)	$	54,582		$	4,528		$	39,715			$	(44,597	)		$	54,228
	Other comprehensive income:
	Gains associated with pension and other
	postretirement benefits, net of tax		10,410			-			-				-				10,410
	Total other comprehensive income, net of tax		10,410			-			-				-				10,410
	Comprehensive income (loss)		64,992			4,528			39,715				(44,597	)			64,638
	Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to
	noncontrolling interests		-			-			(354	)			-				(354	)
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
	Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$	64,992		$	4,528		$	40,069			$	(44,597	)		$	64,992
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Thirteen Weeks Ended March 30, 2014
						Subsidiary				Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
		(In thousands)
	Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	$	147,553			$	1,854			$	46,362			$	(68	)		$	195,701
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment		(43,177	)			(1,854	)			(2,729	)			-				(47,760	)
	Purchases of investment securities		(37,000	)			-				-				-				(37,000	)
	Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities		96,950				-				-				-				96,950
	Proceeds from property sales and disposals		1,100				-				411				-				1,511
	Cash provided by (used in) investing activities		17,873				(1,854	)			(2,318	)			-				13,701
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Payments on long-term debt		(204,913	)			-				-				-				(204,913	)
	Other financing activities		-				-				(68	)			68				-
	Cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(204,913	)			-				(68	)			68				(204,913	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		-				-				2,280				-				2,280
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(39,487	)			-				46,256				-				6,769
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		413,092				-				95,114				-				508,206
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	373,605			$	-			$	141,370			$	-			$	514,975
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Thirteen Weeks Ended March 31, 2013
						Subsidiary				Subsidiary				Eliminations/
		Parent				Guarantor				Non-Guarantors				Adjustments				Consolidation
		(In thousands)
	Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	$	30,076			$	1,445			$	(10,923	)		$	41			$	20,639
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment		(21,547	)			(1,445	)			(2,786	)			-				(25,778	)
	Proceeds from property sales and disposals		1,054				-				606				-				1,660
	Cash used in investing activities		(20,493	)			(1,445	)			(2,180	)			-				(24,118	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from long-term debt		288,500				-				-				-				288,500
	Payments on long-term debt		(311,005	)			-				-				-				(311,005	)
	Other financing activities		-				-				41				(41	)			-
	Cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(22,505	)			-				41				(41	)			(22,505	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		-				-				1,364				-				1,364
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(12,922	)			-				(11,698	)			-				(24,620	)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		27,657				-				40,523				-				68,180
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	14,735			$	-			$	28,825			$	-			$	43,560

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION [Abstract]	'
Number of Countries in Which Entity Exports Products	100
Number of States in which Entity Operates	12
Number Of Employees Entity	35,700
Maximum Processing Capacity Of Employees Per Week	34,000,000
Maximum Annual Processing Capacity Of Employees	9,000,000,000
Number Of Contract Growers	3,750
Percentage Of Beneficial Ownership By Holding Company	75.50%

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Schedu

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	$3,176	$2,889	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427	-1,728	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	215,182	424,650	649,166	686,435
Level 3 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	668	704	842	880
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	6,874	7,208	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	543,512	552,592	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	215,182	424,650	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	668	704	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	1,478	1,494	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427	-1,728	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	1,698	1,395	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	1,214	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	-1,212	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	6,874	7,208	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	543,512	552,592	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	1,478	1,494	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427	-1,728	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	1,214	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	-1,212	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	'	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	1,698	1,395	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	'	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Public Bonds and Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	215,182	424,650	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	668	704	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	'	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	'	'	'	'
Derivative liabilities, gross	'	'	'	'

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Schedu1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Change in Value of Level 3 Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Borrowings	'	$288,500
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Term Notes and Revolver [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	424,650	686,435
Borrowings	'	292,400
Payments	-204,880	-314,874
Change in fair value inputs	-4,588	-14,795
Balance, end of period	215,182	649,166
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	704	880
Borrowings	'	'
Payments	-33	-30
Change in fair value inputs	-3	-8
Balance, end of period	$668	$842

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Schedu2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	$3,176	$2,889
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427	-1,728
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902
Deferred compensation plan assets	6,874	7,208
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-707,434	-912,233
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902
Deferred compensation plan assets	6,874	7,208
Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements	-759,362	-977,946
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	1,478	1,494
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427	-1,728
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	1,478	1,494
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427	-1,728
Commodity Options Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	1,698	1,395
Commodity Options Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	1,698	1,395
Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	'	1,214
Derivative liabilities, gross	-1,212	'
Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative assets	'	1,214
Derivative liabilities, gross	($1,212)	'

TRADE_ACCOUNTS_AND_OTHER_RECEI2

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES [Abstract]	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	$366,283	$369,715
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	3,220	2,388
Employee receivables	6	14
Other receivables	10,288	11,005
Receivables, gross	379,797	383,122
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-2,968	-4,056
Receivables, net	$376,829	$379,066

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories	$793,516	$808,832
Chicken Inventories Live Chicken and Hens [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories	386,406	368,582
Chicken Inventories Feed Eggs and Other [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories	212,553	216,045
Chicken Inventories Finished Chicken Products [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories	194,245	223,932
Chicken Inventories [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories	793,204	808,559
Commercial Feed Table Eggs and Other [Member]	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Total inventories	$312	$273

INVESTMENTS_IN_SECURITIES_Deta

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
		Available For Sale Securities Current Investments [Member]	Available For Sale Securities Current Investments [Member]	Cash Equivalents [Member]	Cash Equivalents [Member]	Other [Member]	Other [Member]
Fixed income securities, Amortized Cost	'	$37,000	$96,902	$162,290	$103,121	$930	$56
Fixed income securities, Fair Value	'	37,005	96,902	162,291	103,124	930	56
Realized gain on sale of securities	$83	'	'	'	'	'	'

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'	'
Net gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments	($8,000)	$4,900

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014		Dec. 29, 2013
Fair values:	'		'
Commodity derivative assets, gross	3,176		2,889
Derivative liabilities, gross	-5,427		-1,728
Cash collateral posted with brokers	14,556		4,142
Foreign currency derivative assets, gross	'		1,214
Foreign currency derivative liabilities, gross	-1,212		'
Corn [Member]	'		'
Derivatives Coverage:	'		'
Derivatives Coverage	-3.80%	[1]	1.10%	[1]
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:	'		'
Derivative, Maturity Date	30-Sep-15	[1]	30-Sep-15	[1]
Soybean Meal [Member]	'		'
Derivatives Coverage:	'		'
Derivatives Coverage	-8.30%	[1]	-3.60%	[1]
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:	'		'
Derivative, Maturity Date	30-Sep-14	[1]	31-Jul-14	[1]
[1]	Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated commodity needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_N

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT [Abstract]	'	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	$47,760	$25,778	'
Transfer of property, plant and equipment	28,800	'	'
Depreciation	33,200	33,800	'
Proceeds from property disposals	1,511	1,660	'
Gain on property disposals	-600	1,100	'
Assets held for sale	5,849	'	7,033
Idled asset accumulated depreciation	109,800	'	'
Idled asset property, plant and equipment gross	187,100	'	'
Idled assets property, plant and equipment, net	77,300	'	'
Loss on scrapped assets	($74)	($18)	'

PROPERTY_PLANT_AND_EQUIPMENT_S

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
PP&E, gross	$2,811,656	$2,769,603
Accumulated depreciation	-1,646,222	-1,617,792
PP&E, net	1,165,434	1,151,811
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
PP&E, gross	66,209	66,071
Building [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
PP&E, gross	1,080,500	1,077,859
Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
PP&E, gross	1,513,406	1,502,968
Autos and trucks [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
PP&E, gross	55,788	55,779
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
PP&E, gross	$95,753	$66,926

CURRENT_LIABILITIES_Details

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts payable:	'	'
Trade accounts	$333,833	$313,266
Book overdrafts	46,100	55,378
Other payables	1,812	1,716
Total accounts payable	381,745	370,360
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	6,144	3,934
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:	'	'
Compensation and benefits	88,104	100,965
Interest and debt-related fees	17,285	7,558
Insurance and self-insured claims	94,366	99,244
Derivative liabilities:	'	'
Other accrued expenses	69,337	73,859
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	275,730	283,355
Total accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	663,619	657,649
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]	'	'
Derivative liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liabilities	6,638	1,729
Commodity Options Instruments [Member]	'	'
Derivative liabilities:	'	'
Derivative liabilities	'	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW2

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

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Jun. 23, 2011

Mar. 30, 2014

Aug. 07, 2013

Dec. 28, 2009

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Mar. 30, 2014

Dec. 29, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

US and Puerto Rico Subsidiaries [Member]

Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Subordinated and Unsecured Notes [Member]

Senior Unsecured Notes One [Member]

Subordinated Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility and Term B Facility [Member]

Us Credit Facility [Member]

Us Credit Facility [Member]

Us Credit Facility [Member]

Line Of Credit Sublimit Swingline Loans [Member]

Us Credit Facility Revolving Loan [Member]

Us Credit Facility Letters Of Credit [Member]

Letter Of Credit [Member]

Loan Commitment Under Mexico Credit Facility [Member]

Term B Loan [Member]

Term B Loan [Member]

JBS USA [Member]

JBS USA [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

$707,434

$912,233

'

'

$497,871

$497,757

$3,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$29,600

$100

'

$205,200

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

7.88%

'

8.38%

7.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,850,000

'

'

700,000

100,000

694,400

200,000

'

42,600

205,200

'

Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

664,800

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

204,900

Repayments of Lines of Credit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Facility Feature To Increase Aggregate Revolving Loan Commitment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage Of Equity Interest Guaranteed For Debt

'

'

100.00%

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of capitalized loan costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Agreed Repayment Of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

205,200

'

Credit Facility Availed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,500

'

'

'

Credit Facility Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Delayed Draw Term Loan, Maximum Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Delayed Draw Term Loan, Increase in Maximum Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Delayed Draw Term Loan, Percentage of Principal Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7-Aug-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Sep-14

28-Dec-14

'

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_OTHER_BORROW3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$707,434	$912,233
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	-205,357	-410,234
Long-term debt, less current maturities	502,077	501,999
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity	'2018	'
Long-term debt	497,871	497,757
Exit Credit Facility Term Note Payable B1 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity	'2014	'
Long-term debt	'	204,880
Exit Credit Facility Term Note Payable B2 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity	'2014	'
Long-term debt	205,219	205,219
Other Long Term Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity	'Various	'
Long-term debt	$4,344	$4,377

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'
Income tax expense	$52,012	$2,754
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	34.60%	4.80%
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	$3,509	'

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS [Abstract]	'	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense	$1,500	$1,900
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions	$1,600	'

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME3

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	'	$10
Interest cost	2,026	1,988
Estimated return on plan assets	-1,593	-1,349
Amortization of net loss (gain)	14	250
Net costs	447	899
Other Benefits [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	'	'
Interest cost	20	20
Estimated return on plan assets	'	'
Amortization of net loss (gain)	'	'
Net costs	$20	$20

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Changes in Unrealized Actuarial Losses) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	($45,735)	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-5,806	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	-16	'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,822	10,410
Balance, end of period	-51,557	'
Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-45,797	-68,511
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-5,795	10,160
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	9	250
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-5,786	10,410
Balance, end of period	-51,583	-58,101
Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	62	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-11	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	-25	'
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	-36	'
Balance, end of period	$26	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Schedule_o1

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:	'		'
Total reclassification for the period	($16)		'
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	'		'
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:	'		'
Total before tax	26		-250
Tax benefit (expense)	-10		'
Total reclassification for the period	16		-250
Realized gain on sale of securities	40		'
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Union Plan [Member]	'		'
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:	'		'
Total before tax	'	[1],[2]	-9	[1],[2]
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member]	'		'
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:	'		'
Total before tax	($14)	[1],[3]	($241)	[1],[3]
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See "Note 11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
[2]	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the "Union Plan"), a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements.
[3]	The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors , and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the "Legacy Gold Kist Plans").

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Narrati

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$11,100
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	'2 years 1 month 6 days
Incentive Plan [Member]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'
Accrued in costs related to the STIP	$2,900
Reserved shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP	6,600,000

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Schedul

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Awards) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
RSA 1 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	100,000
Grant Date	14-Jan-11
Vesting Date	3-Jan-14
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
RSA 2 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	72,675
Grant Date	27-Aug-12
Vesting Date	27-Apr-14
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
RSU 1 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	608,561
Grant Date	4-Feb-13
Vesting Date	31-Dec-14
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	9.66%
RSA 3 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	15,000
Grant Date	25-Feb-13
Vesting Date	24-Feb-15
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
RSA 4 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	15,000
Grant Date	25-Feb-13
Vesting Date	24-Feb-16
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
RSU 2 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	206,933
Grant Date	26-Feb-13
Vesting Date	31-Dec-14
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
RSU 3 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Award Quantity	462,518
Grant Date	19-Feb-14
Vesting Date	31-Dec-16
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	13.49%

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Schedul1

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Total share-based compensation costs	$1,022	$548
Income tax benefit	275	126
Cost of goods sold [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Total share-based compensation costs	19	57
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Total share-based compensation costs	$1,003	$491

INCENTIVE_COMPENSATION_Schedul2

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Awards (RSA) [Member]	'	'
Number	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	203	273
Granted	'	30
Vested	-100	-100
Outstanding at end of period	103	203
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	$6.59	$6.54
Granted	$0	$8.72
Vested	$7.10	$7.10
Outstanding at end of period	$6.09	$6.59
Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member]	'	'
Number	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	729	'
Granted	462	815
Vested	'	'
Forfeited	-24	'
Outstanding at end of period	1,167	815
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of period	$8.81	$0
Granted	$16.70	$8.82
Vested	$0	$0
Forfeited	$8.89	$0
Outstanding at end of period	$11.93	$8.82

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES_Sc

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Exit or Disposal Efforts) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Earliest implementation date	31-Oct-08	'
Latest expected completion date	30-Sep-14	'
Positions eliminated	3,052	'
Costs incurred and expected to be incurred:	'	'
Employee-related costs	$3,016	'
Asset impairment costs	25,018	'
Inventory valuation costs	682	'
Live operations rationalization costs	15,207	'
Other exit or disposal costs	370	'
Total exit or disposal costs	44,293	'
Costs incurred since earliest implementation date:	'	'
Employee-related costs	3,016	'
Asset impairment costs	25,018	'
Inventory valuation costs	682	'
Live operations rationalization costs	14,723	'
Other exit or disposal costs	370	'
Total exit or disposal costs	43,809	'
Additional Data One [Member]	'	'
Costs incurred and expected to be incurred:	'	'
Employee-related costs	524	'
Inventory valuation costs	338	'
Live operations rationalization costs	481	484
Other exit or disposal costs	370	'
Total exit or disposal costs	$1,713	$484

EXIT_OR_DISPOSAL_ACTIVITIES_Sc1

EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Schedule of Accrued Exit or Disposal Cost Accounts Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance	'
Accruals	665
Payment/Disposal	-243
Adjustments	'
Balance	422
Accrued Severance [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance	'
Accruals	524
Payment/Disposal	-243
Adjustments	'
Balance	281
Accrued Inventory [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance	'
Accruals	141
Payment/Disposal	'
Adjustments	'
Balance	$141

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 30, 2014	Oct. 26, 2011	Jun. 23, 2011
			JBS USA, LLC [Member]		JBS USA, LLC [Member]		JBS USA, LLC [Member]	JBS USA, LLC [Member]	JBS USA [Member]
							Letter Of Credit [Member]	Letter Of Credit [Member]	Subordinated Loan [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'		'		'	'	'
Percentage Of Beneficial Ownership By Holding Company	75.50%	'	'		'		'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	'		'		'	$56,500	'
Agreed Repayment Of Debt	'	'	'		'		'	56,500	56,500
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	6,144	3,934	'		'		100	'	'
Accounts receivable from JBS USA, LLC	3,220	2,388	'		'		'	'	'
Other Inventory, in Transit, Gross	'	'	600		'		'	'	'
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	'	'	12,458	[1]	12,919	[1]	'	'	'
Repayments of Lines of Credit	'	'	'		'		$300	'	'
[1]	On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On May 5, 2010, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on May 5, 2015.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
JBS USA [Member]	'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'
Related party interest	$335	[1]	$592	[1]
JBS USA, LLC [Member]	'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'
Purchases from related parties	24,989	[2]	14,834	[2]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	12,458	[3]	12,919	[3]
Sales to related party	15,355	[2]	16,119	[2]
JBS USA, LLC [Member] | Expenses Paid By Company On Behalf Of Related Party [Member]	'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$533	[3]	$458	[3]
[1]	Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA arranged for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company on our behalf in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential liability claims. We agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2014, we have paid JBS USA $0.3 million for letter of credit costs. As of March 30, 2014, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf.
[2]	We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $6.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively. As of March 30, 2014 and December 29, 2013, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $3.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. As of March 30, 2014, approximately $0.6 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
[3]	On January 19, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate costs associated with JBS USA, LLC's procurement of SAP licenses and maintenance services for its combined companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA, LLC in proportion to the percentage of licenses used by each company. The agreement expires on the date of expiration, or earlier termination, of the underlying SAP license agreement. On May 5, 2010, the Company also entered into an agreement with JBS USA, LLC in order to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on May 5, 2015.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 12, 2012	31-May-10	Mar. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	ERISA Litigation [Member]	Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]	Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]	Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]	Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]	Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]
	Minimum [Member]			Proceeding Accounts [Member]	Loss Contingencies Awarded Original Value [Member]	Loss Contingencies Awarded Revised Value [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value	'	'	'	'	$25,800	$25,600
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$35,000	$29,300	$74,700	$45,400	'	'

SUPPLEMENTAL_GUARANTOR_FINANCI2

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$514,975	$508,206	$43,560	$68,180
Investment in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902	'	'
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	373,609	376,678	'	'
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	3,220	2,388	'	'
Inventories	793,516	808,832	'	'
Income taxes receivable	20,635	64,868	'	'
Current deferred tax assets	2,227	2,227	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	72,914	61,848	'	'
Assets held for sale	5,849	7,033	'	'
Total current assets	1,823,950	1,928,982	'	'
Deferred tax assets	16,049	18,921	'	'
Other long-lived assets	33,895	40,163	'	'
Identified intangible assets, net	31,089	32,525	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,165,434	1,151,811	'	'
Total assets	3,070,417	3,172,402	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	205,357	410,234	'	'
Accounts payable	381,745	370,360	'	'
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	6,144	3,934	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	275,730	283,355	'	'
Current deferred tax liabilities	15,495	15,515	'	'
Total current liabilities	884,471	1,083,398	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	502,077	501,999	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	10,452	13,944	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	87,428	80,459	'	'
Total liabilities	1,484,428	1,679,800	'	'
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	1,583,135	1,489,818	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	2,854	2,784	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	1,585,989	1,492,602	974,183	908,997
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,070,417	3,172,402	'	'
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Investment in available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'	'
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	'	'	'	'
Inventories	'	'	'	'
Income taxes receivable	-587	-587	'	'
Current deferred tax assets	-8,181	-7,190	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	-8,768	-7,777	'	'
Intercompany receivable	-42,148	-49,935	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-501,431	-472,431	'	'
Deferred tax assets	-5,995	-5,998	'	'
Other long-lived assets	-180,000	-180,000	'	'
Identified intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	-4,768	-4,764	'	'
Total assets	-743,110	-720,905	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	'	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	-587	-587	'	'
Current deferred tax liabilities	-7,190	-7,190	'	'
Total current liabilities	-7,777	-7,777	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	-25,000	-25,000	'	'
Intercompany payable	-42,148	-49,935	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	-6,986	-5,995	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	-81,911	-88,707	'	'
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	-661,199	-632,198	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	-661,199	-632,198	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	-743,110	-720,905	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	373,605	413,092	14,735	27,657
Investment in available-for-sale securities	37,005	96,902	'	'
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	328,375	327,367	'	'
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	3,220	2,388	'	'
Inventories	680,895	696,604	'	'
Income taxes receivable	13,596	52,662	'	'
Current deferred tax assets	'	3,213	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	45,413	34,881	'	'
Assets held for sale	5,849	6,798	'	'
Total current assets	1,487,958	1,633,907	'	'
Intercompany receivable	-86,466	-64,772	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	501,431	472,431	'	'
Deferred tax assets	5,995	5,995	'	'
Other long-lived assets	33,472	37,282	'	'
Identified intangible assets, net	22,482	23,463	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,023,140	1,009,711	'	'
Total assets	2,988,012	3,118,017	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	205,357	410,234	'	'
Accounts payable	320,458	308,154	'	'
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	6,144	3,934	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	244,954	269,062	'	'
Income taxes payable	'	'	'	'
Current deferred tax liabilities	7,190	7,190	'	'
Total current liabilities	784,103	998,574	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	527,077	526,999	'	'
Intercompany payable	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	12,937	13,944	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	84,135	77,228	'	'
Total liabilities	1,408,252	1,616,745	'	'
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	1,579,760	1,501,272	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	1,579,760	1,501,272	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,988,012	3,118,017	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Investment in available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	1,409	1,380	'	'
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	'	'	'	'
Inventories	20,912	20,215	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	'	'	'
Current deferred tax assets	9,902	5,698	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	260	270	'	'
Assets held for sale	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	32,483	27,563	'	'
Intercompany receivable	128,609	114,707	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	'	'	'	'
Other long-lived assets	'	'	'	'
Identified intangible assets, net	'	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	45,038	44,643	'	'
Total assets	206,130	186,913	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	16,279	12,711	'	'
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	35,356	33,821	'	'
Income taxes payable	'	'	'	'
Current deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	51,635	46,532	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	4,204	5,698	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'
Total liabilities	55,839	52,230	'	'
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	150,291	134,683	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	150,291	134,683	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	206,130	186,913	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	141,370	95,114	28,825	40,523
Investment in available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	43,825	47,931	'	'
Account receivable from JBS USA, LLC	'	'	'	'
Inventories	91,709	92,013	'	'
Income taxes receivable	7,626	12,793	'	'
Current deferred tax assets	506	506	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27,241	26,697	'	'
Assets held for sale	'	235	'	'
Total current assets	312,277	275,289	'	'
Intercompany receivable	5	'	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	16,049	18,924	'	'
Other long-lived assets	180,423	182,881	'	'
Identified intangible assets, net	8,607	9,062	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	102,024	102,221	'	'
Total assets	619,385	588,377	'	'
Current maturities of long-term debt	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	45,008	49,495	'	'
Accounts payable to JBS USA, LLC	'	'	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-4,580	-19,528	'	'
Income taxes payable	587	587	'	'
Current deferred tax liabilities	15,495	15,515	'	'
Total current liabilities	56,510	46,069	'	'
Long-term debt, less current maturities	'	'	'	'
Intercompany payable	42,148	49,935	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	297	297	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	3,293	3,231	'	'
Total liabilities	102,248	99,532	'	'
Total Pilgrim's Pride Corporation stockholders' equity	514,283	486,061	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	2,854	2,784	'	'
Total stockholders' equity	517,137	488,845	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$619,385	$588,377	'	'

SUPPLEMENTAL_GUARANTOR_FINANCI3

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	$2,018,065	$2,036,929
Cost of sales	1,802,959	1,918,495
Gross profit	215,106	118,434
Selling, general and administrative expense	45,201	43,992
Administrative restructuring charges	1,713	484
Operating income	168,192	73,958
Interest expense, net	19,473	24,821
Interest income	-811	-216
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	337	-7,624
Miscellaneous, net	-1,006	-5
Income before income taxes	150,199	56,982
Income tax expense	52,012	2,754
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	98,187	54,228
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	'	'
Net income	98,187	54,228
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	70	-354
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	98,117	54,582
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	-105,548	-67,724
Cost of sales	-105,548	-67,724
Gross profit	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	'	'
Administrative restructuring charges	'	'
Operating income	'	'
Interest expense, net	'	'
Interest income	'	'
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	'	'
Miscellaneous, net	68	-41
Income before income taxes	-68	41
Income tax expense	'	'
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	-68	41
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	-31,759	-44,638
Net income	-31,827	-44,597
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	-31,827	-44,597
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	1,753,068	1,769,794
Cost of sales	1,597,091	1,704,798
Gross profit	155,977	64,996
Selling, general and administrative expense	38,575	37,484
Administrative restructuring charges	1,713	484
Operating income	115,689	27,028
Interest expense, net	19,325	24,683
Interest income	-162	-3
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	3	-10
Miscellaneous, net	-2,641	-1,715
Income before income taxes	99,164	4,073
Income tax expense	32,806	-5,871
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	66,358	9,944
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	31,759	44,638
Net income	98,117	54,582
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	98,117	54,582
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	112,550	75,660
Cost of sales	98,853	66,934
Gross profit	13,697	8,726
Selling, general and administrative expense	1,238	1,008
Administrative restructuring charges	'	'
Operating income	12,459	7,718
Interest expense, net	-14	'
Interest income	'	'
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	'	'
Miscellaneous, net	1,645	1,221
Income before income taxes	10,828	6,497
Income tax expense	5,764	1,969
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	5,064	4,528
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	'	'
Net income	5,064	4,528
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	5,064	4,528
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales	257,995	259,199
Cost of sales	212,563	214,487
Gross profit	45,432	44,712
Selling, general and administrative expense	5,388	5,500
Administrative restructuring charges	'	'
Operating income	40,044	39,212
Interest expense, net	162	138
Interest income	-649	-213
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain)	334	-7,614
Miscellaneous, net	-78	530
Income before income taxes	40,275	46,371
Income tax expense	13,442	6,656
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	26,833	39,715
Equity in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries	'	'
Net income	26,833	39,715
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	70	-354
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$26,763	$40,069

SUPPLEMENTAL_GUARANTOR_FINANCI4

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	$98,187	$54,228
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-36	'
Gains (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	-5,786	10,410
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,822	10,410
Comprehensive income	92,365	64,638
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	70	-354
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	92,295	64,992
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	-31,827	-44,597
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax	'	'
Gains (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Comprehensive income	-31,827	-44,597
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	-31,827	-44,597
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	98,117	54,582
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax	-36	'
Gains (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	-5,786	10,410
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-5,822	10,410
Comprehensive income	92,295	64,992
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	92,295	64,992
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	5,064	4,528
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax	'	'
Gains (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Comprehensive income	5,064	4,528
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	'	'
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	5,064	4,528
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Net income	26,833	39,715
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'
Loss associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax	'	'
Gains (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	'	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'
Comprehensive income	26,833	39,715
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	70	-354
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$26,763	$40,069

SUPPLEMENTAL_GUARANTOR_FINANCI5

SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	$195,701	$20,639
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	-47,760	-25,778
Purchases of investment securities	-37,000	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	96,950	'
Proceeds from property disposals	1,511	1,660
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	13,701	-24,118
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	288,500
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-204,913	-311,005
Cash used in financing activities	-204,913	-22,505
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,280	1,364
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,769	-24,620
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	508,206	68,180
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	514,975	43,560
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	-68	41
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	'	'
Purchases of investment securities	'	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	'	'
Proceeds from property disposals	'	'
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	'
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	'	'
Other financing activities	68	-41
Cash used in financing activities	68	-41
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	147,553	30,076
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	-43,177	-21,547
Purchases of investment securities	-37,000	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	96,950	'
Proceeds from property disposals	1,100	1,054
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	17,873	-20,493
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	288,500
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	-204,913	-311,005
Other financing activities	'	'
Cash used in financing activities	-204,913	-22,505
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-39,487	-12,922
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	413,092	27,657
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	373,605	14,735
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	1,854	1,445
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	-1,854	-1,445
Purchases of investment securities	'	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	'	'
Proceeds from property disposals	'	'
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-1,854	-1,445
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	'
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	'	'
Other financing activities	'	'
Cash used in financing activities	'	'
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Cash flows provided (used in) by operating activities	46,362	-10,923
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	-2,729	-2,786
Purchases of investment securities	'	'
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	'	'
Proceeds from property disposals	411	606
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,318	-2,180
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	'	'
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	'	'
Other financing activities	-68	41
Cash used in financing activities	-68	41
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,280	1,364
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	46,256	-11,698
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	95,114	40,523
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$141,370	$28,825