Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) 10-Q 29 Oct 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Oct. 28, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	802,481
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		255,145,196

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 396,719	$ 576,143
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	369,681	378,890
Account receivable from related parties	2,581	5,250
Inventories	841,273	790,305
Income taxes receivable	4,971	10,288
Current deferred tax assets	37,561	27,345
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	96,857	95,439
Assets held for sale	6,555	1,419
Total current assets	1,756,198	1,885,079
Other long-lived assets	31,813	24,406
Identified intangible assets, net	32,177	26,783
Goodwill	174,431	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,347,239	1,182,795
Total assets	3,341,858	3,119,063
Notes payable to banks	5,869	0
Accounts payable	524,025	399,486
Account payable to related parties	10,402	4,862
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	304,459	311,879
Income taxes payable	20,874	3,068
Current deferred tax liabilities	40,368	25,301
Current maturities of long-term debt	102	262
Total current liabilities	906,099	744,858
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,000,398	3,980
Deferred tax liabilities	89,589	76,216
Other long-term liabilities	103,104	97,208
Total liabilities	2,099,190	922,262
Common stock	2,597	2,590
Treasury stock	(45,080)	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,672,501	1,662,354
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(324,400)	591,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(66,002)	(62,541)
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity	1,239,616	2,193,895
Noncontrolling interest	3,052	2,906
Total stockholders’ equity	1,242,668	2,196,801
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 3,341,858	$ 3,119,063

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,268,048	$ 6,219,324	$ 6,472,929
Cost of sales	1,827,985	1,817,783	5,125,640	5,458,083
Gross profit	284,544	450,265	1,093,684	1,014,846
Selling, general and administrative expense	52,620	44,629	150,961	138,437
Administrative restructuring charges	792	135	5,605	2,286
Operating income	231,132	405,501	937,118	874,123
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	10,501	11,372	26,870	45,407
Interest income	(319)	(1,171)	(3,086)	(2,974)
Foreign currency transaction loss	12,773	6,414	23,806	4,932
Miscellaneous, net	(2,071)	(610)	(7,135)	(2,609)
Income before income taxes	210,248	389,496	896,663	829,367
Income tax expense	73,153	133,693	313,751	284,932
Net income	137,095	255,803	582,912	544,435
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	(181)	146	(26)
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 137,062	$ 255,984	$ 582,766	$ 544,461
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	259,280	258,999	259,540	258,966
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	223	523	225	482
Diluted (in shares)	259,503	259,522	259,765	259,448
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding:
Basic (usd per share)	$ 0.53	$ 0.99	$ 2.25	$ 2.10
Diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.53	$ 0.99	$ 2.24	$ 2.10

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 137,095	$ 255,803	$ 582,912	$ 544,435
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $43, $10, $30 and $30, respectively	70	17	50	(12)
Loss associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $6,206, $396, $2,129 and $6,105, respectively	(10,234)	(653)	(3,511)	(10,068)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(10,164)	(636)	(3,461)	(10,080)
Comprehensive income	126,931	255,167	579,451	534,355
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	(181)	146	(26)
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 126,898	$ 255,348	$ 579,305	$ 534,381

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, tax expense	$ 43	$ 10	$ 30	$ 30
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax benefit	$ 6,206	$ 396	$ 2,129	$ 6,105

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance, shares at Dec. 29, 2013		259,029	0
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	$ 1,492,602	$ 2,590	$ 0	$ 1,653,119	$ (120,156)	$ (45,735)	$ 2,784
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	544,435				544,461		(26)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(10,080)					(10,080)
Issuance of subsidiary common stock	332						332
Share-based compensation plans:
Requisite service period recognition	3,504			3,504
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation				0
Balance, shares at Sep. 28, 2014		259,029	0
Balance at Sep. 28, 2014	2,030,793	$ 2,590	$ 0	1,656,623	424,305	(55,815)	3,090
Balance, shares at Dec. 28, 2014		259,029	0
Balance at Dec. 28, 2014	2,196,801	$ 2,590	$ 0	1,662,354	591,492	(62,541)	2,906
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	582,912				582,766		146
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(3,461)					(3,461)
Share-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)		671
Common stock issued under compensation plans	0	$ 7		(7)
Common stock forfeited under compensation plans (in shares)		(15)
Common stock forfeited under compensation plans	(85)	$ 0		(85)
Requisite service period recognition	2,217			2,217
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	7,834			7,834
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)			(1,915)
Treasury stock purchases	(45,080)		$ (45,080)
Special cash dividend	(1,498,470)				(1,498,470)
Other	0			188	(188)
Balance, shares at Sep. 27, 2015		259,685	1,915
Balance at Sep. 27, 2015	$ 1,242,668	$ 2,597	$ (45,080)	$ 1,672,501	$ (324,400)	$ (66,002)	$ 3,052

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 582,912	$ 544,435
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,485	112,740
Foreign currency transaction gain	0	8,585
Accretion of bond discount	0	342
Asset impairment	4,813	0
Gain on property disposals	(9,817)	(1,112)
Gain on investment securities	0	(49)
Share-based compensation	2,132	3,504
Deferred income tax benefit	(7,214)	(79,619)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables	40,694	(35,785)
Inventories	17,162	(10,339)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,415)	(16,694)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	92,159	36,686
Income taxes	17,836	239,944
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations	(2,668)	(1,764)
Other operating assets and liabilities	3,235	1,534
Cash provided by operating activities	856,314	802,408
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	(129,848)	(131,349)
Purchase of acquired business, net of cash acquired	(373,532)	0
Purchases of investment securities	0	(55,100)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	0	152,050
Proceeds from property disposals	13,553	8,422
Cash used in investing activities	(489,827)	(25,977)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from note payable to bank	5,869	0
Proceeds from revolving line of credit and long-term borrowings	1,680,000	0
Payments on revolving line of credit, long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	(683,742)	(410,199)
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	7,834	0
Sale of subsidiary common stock	0	332
Payment of capitalized loan costs	(12,322)	0
Purchase of treasury stock	(45,080)	0
Payment of special cash dividends	(1,498,470)	0
Cash used in financing activities	(545,911)	(409,867)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	(6,173)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(179,424)	360,391
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	576,143	508,206
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 396,719	$ 868,597

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BAS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Business Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “Pilgrim’s,” “PPC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar terms) is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pilgrim's products are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and in the northern and central regions of Mexico. Additionally, the Company exports chicken products to approximately 95 countries. Pilgrim's fresh chicken products consist of refrigerated (nonfrozen) whole chickens, whole cut-up chickens and selected chicken parts that are either marinated or non-marinated. The Company's prepared chicken products include fully cooked, ready-to-cook and individually frozen chicken parts, strips, nuggets and patties, some of which are either breaded or non-breaded and either marinated or non-marinated. As a vertically integrated company, we control every phase of the production of our products. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. As of September 27, 2015 , Pilgrim's had approximately 39,200 employees and the capacity to process more than 37 million birds per week for a total of more than 11 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 3,900 contract growers supply poultry for the Company's operations. As of September 27, 2015 , JBS USA Holdings, Inc. (“JBS USA”), an indirect subsidiary of Brazil-based JBS S.A., beneficially owned 75.8% 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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2015 . For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014 . Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2015 ) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation. The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Reportable Segment We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Book Overdraft The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. In June 2015, the FASB agreed to defer by one year the mandatory effective date of this standard, but will also provide entities the option to adopt the new guidance as of the original effective date. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, but we have the option to adopt the guidance as early as the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected either a transition approach to implement the standard or an adoption date. In April 2015, the FASB issued new presentation guidance for debt issuance costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. These disclosures include the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, the transition method, a description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2016 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which, in an effort to simplify unnecessarily complicated accounting guidance that can result in several potential outcomes, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Current accounting guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued new accounting and presentation guidance for adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in business combinations, which, in an effort to reduce the cost and complexity of financial reporting, requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance also requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2016 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements.

BUSINESS ACQUISITION

BUSINESS ACQUISITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITION	BUSINESS ACQUISITION On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired, indirectly through certain of its Mexican subsidiaries, 100% of the equity of Provemex Holding LLC and its subsidiaries (together, "Tyson Mexico") from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries for cash. Tyson Mexico is a vertically integrated poultry business based in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico. The acquired business has a production capacity of three million birds per week in its three plants and employs more than 5,400 people in its plants, offices and seven distribution centers. The acquisition further strengthens the Company's strategic position in the Mexico chicken market. The Company expects to maintain these operations working to capacity with the existing workforce. The Company plans to keep all current labor contracts in place. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Tyson Mexico (in thousands): Negotiated sales price $ 400,000 Working capital adjustment (20,933 ) Final purchase price $ 379,067 The results of operations of the acquired business since June 29, 2015 are included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business from the acquisition date through September 27, 2015 totaled $128.9 million . The acquired business incurred a net loss from the acquisition date through September 27, 2015 totaling $2.9 million . The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Tyson Mexico acquisition have been measured at their fair values at June 29, 2015 as set forth below. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. The factors contributing to the recognition of the amount of goodwill are based on several strategic and synergistic benefits that are expected to be realized from the acquisition as well the assembled workforce. These benefits include complementary product offerings, an enhanced footprint in Mexico and attractive synergy opportunities and value creation. The Company does not have tax basis in the goodwill, and therefore, the goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The preliminary fair values recorded were determined based upon a preliminary valuation and the estimates and assumptions used in such valuation are subject to change, which could be significant, within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The primary areas of acquisition accounting that are not yet finalized relate to the preliminary valuation, amounts for income taxes including deferred tax accounts, uncertain tax positions and net operating loss carryforwards inclusive of associated limitations and valuation allowances, certain legal matters and residual goodwill. The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tyson Mexico are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,535 Trade accounts and other receivables 24,173 Inventories 68,130 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,661 Property, plant and equipment 157,752 Identifiable intangible assets 9,700 Other long-lived assets 199 Total assets acquired 273,150 Accounts payable 21,550 Other current liabilities 9,504 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 32,305 Other long-term liabilities 5,155 Total liabilities assumed 68,514 Total identifiable net assets 204,636 Goodwill 174,431 Total net assets $ 379,067 The Company has evaluated and continues to evaluate pre-acquisition contingencies relating to Tyson Mexico that existed as of the acquisition date. Based on the evaluation to date, the Company has preliminarily determined that certain pre-acquisition contingencies are probable in nature and estimable as of the acquisition date. Accordingly, the Company has preliminarily recorded its best estimates for these contingencies as part of the preliminary valuation of the assets and liabilities acquired for Tyson Mexico. The Company continues to gather information relating to all pre-acquisition contingencies that it has assumed from Tyson Mexico. Any changes to the pre-acquisition contingency amounts recorded during the measurement period will be included in the final valuation and related amounts recognized. Subsequent to the end of the measurement period any adjustments to pre-acquisition contingency amounts will be reflected in the Company's results of operations. The Company performed a preliminary valuation of the assets and liabilities of Tyson Mexico at June 29, 2015. Significant assumptions used in the preliminary valuation and the bases for their determination are summarized as follows: • Property, plant and equipment, net . Property, plant and equipment at fair value gave consideration to the highest and best use of the assets. The valuation of the Company's real property improvements and the majority of its personal property was based on the cost approach. The valuation of the Company's land, as if vacant, and certain personal property assets was based on the market or sales comparison approach. • Indefinite-lived trade names . The Company valued two indefinite-lived trade names using the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method. Under this method, the asset value of each trade name was determined by estimating the hypothetical royalties that would have to be paid if it was not owned. Royalty rates were selected based on consideration of several factors, including (i) prior transactions involving Tyson Mexico trade names, (ii) incomes derived from license agreements on comparable trade names within the food and non-alcoholic beverages industry and (iii) the relative profitability and perceived contribution of each trade name. Royalty rates used in the determination of the fair values of the two trade names ranged from 4.0% to 5.0% of expected net sales related to the respective trade names and trade name maintenance costs were estimated as 1.4% of the royalty saved. The Company anticipates using both trade names for an indefinite period as demonstrated by the sustained use of each subject trade name. In estimating the fair value of the trade names, net sales related to the respective trade names were estimated to grow at a rate of 3.5% to 4.0% annually with a terminal year growth rate of 3.8% . Income taxes were estimated at 30.0% of pre-tax income, a tax amortization benefit was estimated considering a rate of 15.0% and the hypothetical savings generated by avoiding royalty costs were discounted using a rate of 12.0% . Trade names were valued at $9.7 million under this approach. The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for the Company and Tyson Mexico as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the Company's prior year, December 30, 2013. Thirteen Weeks Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 2,437,628 $ 6,532,971 $ 6,969,493 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 269,884 603,533 546,949 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 1.04 2.32 2.10 The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what the Company's results of operations would have been had it completed the acquisition on the date assumed, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from any synergies resulting from the acquisition.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value must be categorized into one of three different levels depending on the assumptions (i.e., inputs) used in the valuation: Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or Level 3 Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations. The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. As of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company held certain items that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included derivative assets and liabilities and deferred compensation plan assets. Derivative assets and liabilities consist of long and short positions on exchange-traded commodity futures instruments. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 4,825 $ — $ — $ 4,825 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 115 — — 115 Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments 1,611 — — 1,611 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (6,372 ) — — (6,372 ) Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments (4,965 ) — — (4,965 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% (495,940 ) — — (495,940 ) 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: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Note Reference (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 4,825 $ 4,825 $ 8,416 $ 8,416 6 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 115 115 — — 6 Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments 1,611 1,611 2,563 2,563 6 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (6,372 ) (6,372 ) (8,580 ) (8,580 ) 6 Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments (4,965 ) (4,965 ) (14,103 ) (14,103 ) 6 Fixed-rate senior notes payable (500,000 ) (495,940 ) (3,633 ) (3,979 ) 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 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 September 27, 2015 or December 28, 2014 , as applicable. In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Generally, assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of impairment charges when required by U.S. GAAP. There were no significant fair value measurement losses recognized for such assets and liabilities in the periods reported.

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIV

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 356,686 $ 371,268 Notes receivable - current 910 1,088 Other receivables 16,583 9,059 Receivables, gross 374,179 381,415 Allowance for doubtful accounts (4,498 ) (2,525 ) Receivables, net $ 369,681 $ 378,890 Account receivable from related parties (a) $ 2,581 $ 5,250 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Live chicken and hens $ 395,860 $ 363,438 Feed, eggs and other 216,034 198,681 Finished chicken products 225,735 227,649 Total chicken inventories 837,629 789,768 Commercial feed and other 3,644 537 Total inventories $ 841,273 $ 790,305

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES We recognize investments in available-for-sale securities as cash equivalents, current investments or long-term investments depending upon each security's length to maturity. Additionally, those securities identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current. The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Amortized Cost Fair Amortized Cost Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 262,738 $ 262,738 $ 204,286 $ 204,286 Other 51 51 80 80 All of the securities classified as cash and cash equivalents above mature within 90 days. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. Gross realized gains recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $193,200 , $390,400 , $51,900 and $310,000 , respectively. Gross realized losses recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $5,400 , $25,400 , $7,700 and $8,100 , respectively. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 are disclosed in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities recognized during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 that have been included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the net amount of gains and losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 are disclosed in “Note 13. Stockholders' Equity.”

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company utilizes various raw materials in its operations, including corn, soybean meal, soybean oil, sorghum and energy, such as natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel, which are all considered commodities. The Company considers these raw materials generally available from a number of different sources and believes it can obtain them to meet its requirements. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations and related price risk due to factors beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, supply and demand, weather, governmental regulation and other circumstances. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for approximately the next 12 months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate. The Company has operations in Mexico and, therefore, has exposure to translational foreign exchange risk when the financial results of those operations are translated to U.S. dollars. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments such as foreign currency forward contracts to manage this translational foreign exchange risk. The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets while the fair value of derivative liabilities is included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the same statements. Our counterparties require that we post cash collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts. We have not designated the derivative financial instruments that we have purchased to mitigate commodity purchase transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Therefore, we recognized changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognized net gains of $2.7 million and net gains of $28.0 million related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 . We also recognized net gains of $31.7 million and net gains of $14.0 million related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , respectively. Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 4,940 $ 8,416 Commodity derivative liabilities (11,337 ) (22,683 ) Cash collateral posted with brokers 26,275 25,205 Foreign currency derivative assets 1,611 2,563 Derivatives coverage (a) : Corn 3.4 % (8.2 )% Soybean meal 4.9 % (16.1 )% Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn March 2017 September 2016 Soybean meal December 2016 July 2015 (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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 103,772 $ 66,798 Buildings 1,123,176 1,086,690 Machinery and equipment 1,640,364 1,537,241 Autos and trucks 53,913 52,639 Construction-in-progress 158,621 129,701 PP&E, gross 3,079,846 2,873,069 Accumulated depreciation (1,732,607 ) (1,690,274 ) PP&E, net $ 1,347,239 $ 1,182,795 The Company recognized depreciation expense of $38.8 million and $33.9 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , respectively. The Company recognized depreciation expense of $109.4 million and $101.1 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , respectively. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 , we spent $ 129.8 million on capital projects and transferred $ 101.5 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. Capital expenditures were primarily incurred during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 to improve efficiencies and reduce costs in the U.S. and to expand capacity in Mexico. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 , the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $11.4 million and $13.6 million , respectively, and recognized net gains on these sales of $8.5 million and $9.8 million , respectively. PP&E sold in 2015 included broiler farms in Mexico, a rendering plant in Arkansas and miscellaneous equipment. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 , the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $4.1 million and $8.4 million and recognized a net loss of $26,700 and a net gain of $1.1 million , respectively. PP&E sold in 2014 included a warehouse, a commercial building and a vehicle maintenance center in Texas, an office building in Mexico City, a processing plant in Franconia, Pennsylvania, and miscellaneous equipment. Management has committed to the sale of certain properties and related assets, including, but not limited to, a processing complex in Texas, a processing plant in Louisiana and other miscellaneous assets, which no longer fit into the operating plans of the Company. The Company is actively marketing these properties and related assets for immediate sale and believes a sale of each property can be consummated within the next 12 months. At September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , the Company reported properties and related assets totaling $6.6 million and $1.4 million , respectively, in the line item Assets held for sale on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company tested the recoverability of its assets held for sale and determined that the aggregate carrying amounts of the Texas processing complex asset group and the Louisiana processing plant asset group were recoverable over the remaining life of the respective primary asset in each asset group. The Company has closed or idled various processing complexes, processing plants, hatcheries, broiler farms, and feed mills throughout the U.S. Neither the Board of Directors nor JBS USA has determined if it would be in the best interest of the Company to divest any of these idled assets. Management is therefore not certain that it can or will divest any of these assets within one year, is not actively marketing these assets and, accordingly, has not classified them as assets held for sale. The Company continues to depreciate these assets. At September 27, 2015 , the carrying amount of these idled assets was $52.7 million based on depreciable value of $149.9 million and accumulated depreciation of $97.2 million . The Company last tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets held and used in December 2014 . At that time, the Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets held and used was recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group and that long-lived assets held and used passed the Step 1 recoverability test under ASC 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets . There were no indicators present during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 that required the Company to test its long-lived assets held and used for recoverability.

CURRENT LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
CURRENT LIABILITIES	CURRENT LIABILITIES Current liabilities, other than current notes payable to banks, income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 480,155 $ 347,107 Book overdrafts 37,811 47,320 Other payables 6,059 5,059 Total accounts payable 524,025 399,486 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 10,402 4,862 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 98,888 123,495 Interest and debt-related fees 1,714 780 Insurance and self-insured claims 88,639 85,240 Derivative liabilities: Futures 6,372 8,580 Options 4,965 14,103 Other accrued expenses 103,881 79,681 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 304,459 311,879 $ 838,886 $ 716,227 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements, including current notes payable to banks, consisted of the following components: Maturity September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: Senior notes payable at 5.75% 2025 $ 500,000 $ — U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 1.45% 2020 500,000 — Revolving note payable 2020 — — JBS USA Holdings, Inc. Subordinated Loan Facility 2015 — — Other Various 500 4,242 Long-term debt 1,000,500 4,242 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (102 ) (262 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 1,000,398 $ 3,980 Current notes payable to banks Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 1.05% 2016 $ 5,869 $ — Senior Notes On March 11, 2015, the Company completed a sale of $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.75% senior notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”). The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes to repay $350.0 million and $150.0 million of the term loan indebtedness under the the U.S. Credit Facility (defined below) on March 12, 2015 and April 22, 2015, respectively. The Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Senior Notes are governed by, and were issued pursuant to, an indenture dated as of March 11, 2015 by and among the Company, its guarantor subsidiary and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The Indenture provides, among other things, that the Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum from the date of issuance until maturity, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears, beginning on September 15, 2015. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's guarantor subsidiary. In addition, any of the Company’s other existing or future domestic restricted subsidiaries that incur or guarantee any other indebtedness (with limited exceptions) must also guarantee the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes and related guarantees are unsecured senior obligations of the Company and its guarantor subsidiary and rank equally with all of the Company’s and its guarantor subsidiary's other unsubordinated indebtedness. The Senior Notes and the Indenture also contain customary covenants and events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes when due, among others. U.S. Credit Facility On February 11, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries, To-Ricos, Ltd. and To-Ricos Distribution, Ltd., entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch (“Rabobank”), as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The U.S. Credit Facility provides for a revolving loan commitment of up to $700.0 million and a term loan commitment of up to $1.0 billion (the “Term Loans”). The U.S. Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows us, at any time, to increase the aggregate revolving loan and term loan commitments by up to an additional $1.0 billion , subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including obtaining the lenders’ agreement to participate in the increase. The revolving loan commitment under the U.S. Credit Facility matures on February 10, 2020. All principal on the Term Loans is due at maturity on February 10, 2020. Because the Company prepaid $350.0 million of the Term Loans with proceeds from the Senior Notes, the Company is not required to pay quarterly installments. Covenants in the U.S. Credit Facility also require the Company to use the proceeds it receives from certain asset sales and specified debt or equity issuances and upon the occurrence of other events to repay outstanding borrowings under the U.S. Credit Facility. The Company had Term Loans outstanding totaling $500.0 million as of September 27, 2015 . The U.S. Credit Facility includes a $75.0 million sub-limit for swingline loans and a $125.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. Outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment and the Term Loans bear interest at a per annum rate equal to (i) in the case of LIBOR loans, LIBOR plus 1.50% through September 27, 2015 and, based on our net senior secured leverage ratio, between LIBOR plus 1.25% and LIBOR plus 2.75% and (ii) in the case of alternate base rate loans, the base rate plus 0.50% through September 27, 2015 and, based on our net senior secured leverage ratio, between the base rate plus 0.25% and base rate plus 1.75% thereafter. Actual borrowings by the Company under the revolving loan commitment of the U.S. Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base, which is a formula based on certain eligible inventory, eligible receivables and restricted cash under the control of Rabobank, in its capacity as administrative agent. The borrowing base formula will be reduced by the sum of (i) inventory reserves, (ii) rent and collateral access reserves, and (iii) any amount more than 15 days past due that is owed by the Company or its subsidiaries to any person on account of the purchase price of agricultural products or services (including poultry and livestock) if that person is entitled to any grower's or producer's lien or other security arrangement. As of September 27, 2015 , the applicable borrowing base was $700.0 million and the amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $679.9 million . The Company had letters of credit of $20.1 million and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment as of September 27, 2015 . The U.S. Credit Facility contains financial covenants and various other covenants that may adversely affect the Company's ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends or make certain restricted payments, consummate certain assets sales, enter into certain transactions with JBS USA and the Company's other affiliates, merge, consolidate and/or sell or dispose of all or substantially all of the Company's assets. The U.S. Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a minimum level of tangible net worth covenant. The U.S. Credit Facility also provides that the Company may not incur capital expenditures in excess of $500.0 million in any fiscal year. The Company is currently in compliance with the covenants under the U.S. Credit Facility. All obligations under the U.S. Credit Facility will continue to be unconditionally guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries and will continue to be secured by a first priority lien on (i) the domestic (including Puerto Rico) accounts and inventory of the Company and its subsidiaries, (ii) 100% of the equity interests in the Company's domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the equity interests in the Company's direct foreign subsidiaries and (iii) substantially all of the assets of the Company and the guarantors under the U.S. Credit Facility. Subordinated Loan Agreement On June 23, 2011, the Company entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement with JBS USA (the “Subordinated Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse JBS USA up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA's account that support certain obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries. JBS USA agreed to arrange for letters of credit to be issued on its account in the amount of $56.5 million to an insurance company serving the Company in order to allow that insurance company to return cash it held as collateral against potential workers compensation, auto and general liability claims. In return for providing this letter of credit, the Company has agreed to reimburse JBS USA for the letter of credit cost the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility (as defined below). In the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 , the Company reimbursed JBS USA $0.3 million and $0.7 million , respectively, for letter of credit costs. As of September 27, 2015 , the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. There remains no other commitment of JBS USA to make advances under the Subordinated Loan Agreement. Mexico Credit Facility On July 23, 2014, certain of our Mexican subsidiaries entered into an unsecured credit agreement (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) with BBVA Bancomer, S.A. Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, as lender. The loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility is Mex$ 560.0 million . Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate plus 1.05% . The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on July 23, 2017. As of September 27, 2015 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $33.0 million , and there were $5.9 million outstanding borrowings due January 2016 under the Mexico Credit Facility that bear interest at a per annum rate of 4.33% .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company recorded income tax expense of $313.8 million , a 35.0% effective tax rate, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to income tax expense of $284.9 million , a 34.4% effective tax rate, for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 . The income tax expense recognized for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, respectively, was primarily the result of the tax expense recorded on the Company's year-to-date income. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of September 27, 2015 , the Company did not believe it had sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal capital loss carry forwards and a portion of its foreign net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , there is tax effect of $2.1 million and $6.1 million , respectively, reflected in other comprehensive income. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 , there is tax effect of $7.8 million reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation on dividend equivalent rights and vested stock awards. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 , there is no tax effect reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess compensation. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009. The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rendered judgment in favor of the Company regarding the IRS' amended proof of claim relating to the tax year ended June 26, 2004 for Gold Kist Inc. (“Gold Kist”). See “Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information.

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS The Company sponsors programs that provide retirement benefits to most of its employees. These programs include qualified defined benefit pension plans, nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan and defined contribution retirement savings plans. Expenses recognized under all of these retirement plans totaled $2.3 million , $1.5 million , $8.4 million and $4.3 million in the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 and the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 , respectively. Defined Benefit Plans Obligations and Assets The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these defined benefit plans were as follows: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 190,401 $ 1,657 $ 170,030 $ 1,705 Interest cost 5,815 50 6,078 60 Actuarial losses (gains) 981 (11 ) 14,908 76 Benefits paid (4,622 ) (96 ) (8,636 ) (111 ) Curtailments and settlements (14,265 ) — — — Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 178,310 $ 1,600 $ 182,380 $ 1,730 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period $ 113,552 $ — $ 108,496 $ — Actual return on plan assets (3,822 ) — 3,549 — Contributions by employer 7,603 96 11,492 111 Benefits paid (4,622 ) (96 ) (8,636 ) (111 ) Curtailments and settlements (14,265 ) — — — Fair value of plan assets, end of period $ 98,446 $ — $ 114,901 $ — September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period $ (79,864 ) $ (1,600 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,657 ) September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period: (In thousands) Current liability $ (9,358 ) $ (129 ) $ (9,373 ) $ (129 ) Long-term liability (70,506 ) (1,471 ) (67,476 ) (1,528 ) Recognized liability $ (79,864 ) $ (1,600 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,657 ) September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 49,558 $ (138 ) $ 43,907 $ (127 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans was $178.3 million and $190.0 million at September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Each of our defined benefit pension plans had accumulated benefit obligations that exceeded the fair value of plan assets at September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Net Periodic Benefit Costs Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Interest cost $ 1,938 $ 16 $ 2,026 $ 20 Estimated return on plan assets (1,671 ) — (1,593 ) — Settlement loss 357 — — — Amortization of net loss 179 — 14 — Net costs $ 803 $ 16 $ 447 $ 20 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Interest cost $ 5,815 $ 50 $ 6,078 $ 60 Estimated return on plan assets (5,013 ) — (4,780 ) — Settlement loss 3,629 — — — Amortization of net loss 536 — 42 — Net costs $ 4,967 $ 50 $ 1,340 $ 60 Economic Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period: Discount rate 4.45 % 4.45 % 4.22 % 4.22 % Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.95 % Expected return on plan assets 6.00 % NA 6.00 % NA Discount rates were determined based on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. The expected rate of return on plan assets was determined based on the current interest rate environment and historical market premiums relative to the fixed income rates of equities and other asset classes. We also take into consideration anticipated asset allocations, investment strategies and the views of various investment professionals when developing this rate. Plan Assets The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents — % — % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 6 % 6 % Fixed income securities 7 % 6 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 56 % 60 % Fixed income securities 31 % 28 % Total assets 100 % 100 % (a) Pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”) and common collective trust funds (“CCTs”) are two of the most common types of alternative vehicles in which benefit plans invest. These investments are pooled funds that look like mutual funds, but they are not registered with the SEC. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments. Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the pooled separate accounts is 50% in each of fixed income securities and equity securities and the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the common collective trust funds is 30% in fixed income securities and 70% in equity securities. The plans only invest in fixed income and equity instruments for which there is a ready public market. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for equity and fixed income securities of the type in which our plans invest. The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 157 $ — $ — $ 157 $ 33 $ — $ — $ 33 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 3,745 — 3,745 — 4,147 — 4,147 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 933 — 933 — 1,062 — 1,062 International equity funds (f) — 1,481 — 1,481 — 1,719 — 1,719 Fixed income funds (g) — 6,687 — 6,687 — 6,609 — 6,609 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 23,116 — 23,116 — 29,964 — 29,964 Small U.S. equity funds (e) — 16,273 — 16,273 — 18,411 — 18,411 International equity funds (f) — 15,856 — 15,856 — 19,730 — 19,730 Fixed income funds (g) — 30,198 — 30,198 — 31,877 — 31,877 Total assets $ 157 $ 98,289 $ — $ 98,446 $ 33 $ 113,519 $ — $ 113,552 (a) Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are used to determine fair value. (b) Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and inputs that are observable for the asset are used to determine fair value. (c) Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations, are used to determine fair value. (d) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in large, well-established U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than fixed income options but have the potential for higher returns over longer time periods. (e) This category is generally comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in small to medium-sized U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than larger U.S. equity investment options but have the potential for higher returns. (f) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in companies with their principal place of business or office outside of the U.S. (g) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in bonds, or debt of a company or government entity (including U.S. and non-U.S. entities). It may also include real estate investment options that directly own property. These investment options typically carry more risk than short-term fixed income investment options (including, for real estate investment options, liquidity risk), but less overall risk than equities. The valuation of plan assets in Level 2 is determined using a market approach based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or other inputs that are observable for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 2 securities primarily include equity and fixed income securities funds. Benefit Payments The following table reflects the benefits as of September 27, 2015 expected to be paid through 2024 from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 (remaining) $ 3,365 $ 32 2016 12,937 130 2017 12,502 130 2018 11,769 130 2019 11,278 130 2020-2024 52,157 627 Total $ 104,008 $ 1,179 We anticipate contributing $1.8 million , as required by funding regulations or laws, to our pension plans during the remainder of 2015 . We do not anticipate making further contributions to our other postretirement plans during the remainder of 2015. Unrecognized Benefit Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period $ 43,907 $ (127 ) $ 16,957 $ (126 ) Amortization (536 ) — (42 ) — Curtailment and settlement adjustments (3,629 ) — — — Actuarial loss (gain) 981 (11 ) 14,908 76 Asset loss (gain) 8,835 — 1,232 — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period $ 49,558 $ (138 ) $ 33,055 $ (50 ) The Company expects to recognize in net pension cost throughout the remainder of 2015 an actuarial loss of $0.2 million that was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 27, 2015 . Remeasurement The Company remeasures both plan assets and obligations on a quarterly basis.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 (a) Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 (a) Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) $ (45,797 ) $ 62 $ (45,735 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (3,845 ) 133 (3,712 ) (10,094 ) 169 (9,925 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 334 (83 ) 251 26 (181 ) (155 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (3,511 ) 50 (3,461 ) (10,068 ) (12 ) (10,080 ) Balance, end of period $ (66,083 ) $ 81 $ (66,002 ) $ (55,865 ) $ 50 $ (55,815 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Realized gain on sale of securities $ 133 $ 290 Selling, general and administrative expense Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses: Union employees pension plan (b)(d) (19 ) — Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (161 ) — Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (356 ) (42 ) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (403 ) 248 Tax benefit (expense) 152 (93 ) Total reclassification for the period $ (251 ) 155 (a) Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations. (b) The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements. (c) The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees. (d) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Treasury Stock On July 28, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. The Company plans to repurchase shares through various means, which may include but are not limited to open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, the use of derivative instruments and/or accelerated share repurchase programs. The share repurchase program expires on July 27, 2016. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such repurchases will vary and depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, as determined by the Company’s management team. The Company reserves the right to limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time without notice. As of September 27, 2015, the Company had repurchased 1,914,977 shares under this program with a market value of approximately $45.1 million . The Company accounted for the shares repurchased using the cost method. Special Cash Dividend On February 17, 2015 , the Company paid a special cash dividend from retained earnings of approximately $1.5 billion , or $5.77 per share, to stockholders of record as of January 30, 2015 . The Company used proceeds from the U.S. Credit Facility, along with cash on hand, to fund the special cash dividend. Restrictions on Dividends Both the U.S. Credit Facility and the Indenture governing the Senior Notes restrict, but do not prohibit, the Company from declaring dividends.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	INCENTIVE COMPENSATION The Company sponsors a short-term incentive plan that provides the grant of either cash or share-based bonus awards payable upon achievement of specified performance goals (the “STIP”). Full-time, salaried exempt employees of the Company and its affiliates who are selected by the administering committee are eligible to participate in the STIP. The Company has accrued $19.4 million in costs related to the STIP at September 27, 2015 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded during the remainder of 2015 and 2016 . The Company also sponsors a performance-based, omnibus long-term incentive plan that provides for the grant of a broad range of long-term equity-based and cash-based awards to the Company's officers and other employees, members of the Board of Directors and any consultants (the “LTIP”). The equity-based awards that may be granted under the LTIP include “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). At September 27, 2015 , we have reserved approximately 5.1 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP. The following awards were outstanding during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 : Award Type Benefit Plan Awards Granted Grant Date Grant Date Fair Value per Award (a) Vesting Condition Vesting Date Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (a) Estimated Forfeiture Rate Awards Forfeited to Date Settlement Method RSU LTIP 608,561 02/04/2013 $ 8.89 Service 12/31/2014 $ 32.79 9.66 % 144,382 Stock RSA LTIP 15,000 02/25/2013 8.72 Service 02/24/2015 27.55 — % — Stock RSA LTIP 15,000 02/25/2013 8.72 Service 02/24/2016 — % 15,000 Stock RSU LTIP 206,933 02/26/2013 8.62 Service 12/31/2014 32.79 — % — Stock RSU LTIP 462,518 02/19/2014 16.70 Service 12/31/2016 13.49 % 61,669 Stock RSU LTIP 269,662 03/03/2014 17.18 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % 23,499 Stock RSU LTIP 158,226 02/26/2015 27.51 Performance / Service 12/31/2018 (b) 13,158 Stock (a) The fair value of each RSA and RSU granted or vested represents the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant date or vesting date. (b) The estimated forfeiture rate for these awards will be set if or when performance conditions associated with the awards are satisfied. Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of sales $ 166 $ 60 $ 431 $ 231 Selling, general and administrative expense 698 1,067 1,701 3,273 Total $ 864 $ 1,127 $ 2,132 $ 3,504 Income tax benefit $ 261 $ 156 $ 620 $ 672 The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands, except weighted average fair values) RSAs: Outstanding at beginning of period 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 Vested (15 ) 8.72 (173 ) 6.22 Forfeited (15 ) 8.72 — — Outstanding at end of period — $ — 30 $ 8.72 RSUs: Outstanding at beginning of period 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 Granted 428 21.00 462 16.70 Vested (671 ) 8.81 — — Forfeited (85 ) 18.51 (71 ) 10.34 Outstanding at end of period 792 $ 18.83 1,120 $ 11.97 The total fair value of awards vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 was $22.4 million and $3.2 million , respectively. At September 27, 2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $10.0 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.39 years. Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company enters into transactions in the normal course of business with affiliates of JBS S.A. 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. The following table presents the impact of these transactions on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 (In thousands) JBS USA : Letter of credit fees (a) $ 317 $ 335 $ 950 $ 1,005 JBS USA, LLC: Purchases from JBS USA, LLC (b) 28,765 31,994 83,059 85,333 Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (c) 11,514 2,099 28,483 21,013 Sales to JBS USA, LLC (b) 5,197 2,763 17,442 36,234 Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC (c) 519 891 2,548 2,197 JBS Chile Ltda.: Sales to JBS Chile Ltda. 35 — 269 — JBS Global (UK) Ltd.: Sales to JBS Global (UK) Ltd. 18 — 49 — (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 2015 , we have paid JBS USA $0.7 million for letter of credit costs. As of September 27, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. (b) We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $10.4 million and $4.8 million , respectively. As of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $2.5 million and $1.4 million , respectively. As of September 27, 2015 , approximately $ 1.7 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. (c) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA, LLC 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. The Company also has an agreement with JBS USA, LLC to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on December 31, 2016. On June 25, 2015, the Company signed an intercompany revolving note to its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pilgrim's Pride S. de R.L. de C.V., in a principal amount of $100.0 million . The note bears interest based on three-month LIBOR plus a margin of 2.5% and has a maturity date of June 24, 2020. The proceeds of the note were used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition of Tyson Mexico (as defined in “Note 2. Business Acquisition”). Interest is payable quarterly and principal is due upon maturity. The outstanding note balance eliminates upon consolidation. As of September 27, 2015, outstanding borrowings totaled $64.5 million . On December 28, 2009, JBS USA became the holder of the majority of the common stock of the Company. As of September 27, 2015, JBS USA beneficially owned 75.8% of the total outstanding shares of the Company's common stock.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In the Company’s opinion, it has made appropriate and adequate accruals for claims where necessary; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if significantly different than the amounts accrued, the ultimate outcome could have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. For a discussion of the material legal proceedings and claims, see Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings.” Below is a summary of some of these material proceedings and claims. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend these cases. Tax Claims and Proceedings In 2009, the IRS asserted claims against the Company totaling $74.7 million . We entered into two Stipulations of Settled Issues agreements with the IRS on December 12, 2012 that accounted for approximately $29.3 million of the claims and should result in no additional tax due. In connection with the remaining $45.4 million claimed by the IRS, we filed a petition in the U.S. Tax Court (“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 related to an ordinary loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004. On December 11, 2013, the Tax Court issued its opinion in the Tax Court case holding the loss that Gold Kist claimed for its tax year ended June 26, 2004 was capital in nature. On April 14, 2014, the Company appealed the Tax Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Fifth Circuit”). On February 25, 2015, the Fifth Circuit issued its opinion, which reversed the Tax Court’s judgment and rendered judgment in favor of the Company. The IRS did not appeal the Fifth Circuit's decision, which has become final, and no additional tax should be due in connection with this matter. ERISA Claims and Proceedings Claims have been brought against certain current and former directors, executive officers and employees of the Company, the Pilgrim’s Pride Administrative Committee and the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Committee seeking unspecified damages under section 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. §1132. These claims were brought by individual participants in the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan, individually and on behalf of a putative class, alleging that the defendants breached fiduciary duties to plan participants and beneficiaries or otherwise violated ERISA. Although the Company is not a named defendant in these claims, our bylaws require us to indemnify our current and former directors and officers from any liabilities and expenses incurred by them in connection with actions they took in good faith while serving as an officer or director. In these actions the plaintiffs assert claims in excess of $35.0 million . The likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of any possible loss to the Company cannot be determined at this time.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B24

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statements	Consolidated Financial Statements The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments unless otherwise disclosed) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2015 . For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014 . Pilgrim’s operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2015 ) in the notes to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations	The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure non-monetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset’s acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Reportable Segment	Reportable Segment We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer’s purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Book Overdraft	Book Overdraft The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, which provides for a single five-step model to be applied to all revenue contracts with customers. The new standard also requires additional financial statement disclosures that will enable users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows relating to customer contracts. Companies have an option to use either a retrospective approach or cumulative effect adjustment approach to implement the standard. In June 2015, the FASB agreed to defer by one year the mandatory effective date of this standard, but will also provide entities the option to adopt the new guidance as of the original effective date. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, but we have the option to adopt the guidance as early as the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements and have not yet selected either a transition approach to implement the standard or an adoption date. In April 2015, the FASB issued new presentation guidance for debt issuance costs, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. These disclosures include the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle, the transition method, a description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2016 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements. In July 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the subsequent measurement of inventory, which, in an effort to simplify unnecessarily complicated accounting guidance that can result in several potential outcomes, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Current accounting guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2017 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued new accounting and presentation guidance for adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in business combinations, which, in an effort to reduce the cost and complexity of financial reporting, requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance also requires an acquiring entity in a business combination to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The provisions of the new guidance will be effective as of the beginning of our 2016 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements.

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Consideration Paid	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Tyson Mexico (in thousands): Negotiated sales price $ 400,000 Working capital adjustment (20,933 ) Final purchase price $ 379,067
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The preliminary fair values recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Tyson Mexico are as follows (in thousands): Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,535 Trade accounts and other receivables 24,173 Inventories 68,130 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,661 Property, plant and equipment 157,752 Identifiable intangible assets 9,700 Other long-lived assets 199 Total assets acquired 273,150 Accounts payable 21,550 Other current liabilities 9,504 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 32,305 Other long-term liabilities 5,155 Total liabilities assumed 68,514 Total identifiable net assets 204,636 Goodwill 174,431 Total net assets $ 379,067
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined financial results for the Company and Tyson Mexico as if the acquisition had been completed at the beginning of the Company's prior year, December 30, 2013. Thirteen Weeks Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 2,437,628 $ 6,532,971 $ 6,969,493 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 269,884 603,533 546,949 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 1.04 2.32 2.10

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis	The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: September 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 4,825 $ — $ — $ 4,825 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 115 — — 115 Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments 1,611 — — 1,611 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (6,372 ) — — (6,372 ) Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments (4,965 ) — — (4,965 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% (495,940 ) — — (495,940 )
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Note Reference (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 4,825 $ 4,825 $ 8,416 $ 8,416 6 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 115 115 — — 6 Derivative assets - foreign currency instruments 1,611 1,611 2,563 2,563 6 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (6,372 ) (6,372 ) (8,580 ) (8,580 ) 6 Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments (4,965 ) (4,965 ) (14,103 ) (14,103 ) 6 Fixed-rate senior notes payable (500,000 ) (495,940 ) (3,633 ) (3,979 ) 9

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE27

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables	Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 356,686 $ 371,268 Notes receivable - current 910 1,088 Other receivables 16,583 9,059 Receivables, gross 374,179 381,415 Allowance for doubtful accounts (4,498 ) (2,525 ) Receivables, net $ 369,681 $ 378,890 Account receivable from related parties (a) $ 2,581 $ 5,250 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Live chicken and hens $ 395,860 $ 363,438 Feed, eggs and other 216,034 198,681 Finished chicken products 225,735 227,649 Total chicken inventories 837,629 789,768 Commercial feed and other 3,644 537 Total inventories $ 841,273 $ 790,305

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tabl

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Available-For-Sale Securities	The following table summarizes our investments in available-for-sale securities: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Amortized Cost Fair Amortized Cost Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 262,738 $ 262,738 $ 204,286 $ 204,286 Other 51 51 80 80

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME30

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral	Information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 4,940 $ 8,416 Commodity derivative liabilities (11,337 ) (22,683 ) Cash collateral posted with brokers 26,275 25,205 Foreign currency derivative assets 1,611 2,563 Derivatives coverage (a) : Corn 3.4 % (8.2 )% Soybean meal 4.9 % (16.1 )% Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn March 2017 September 2016 Soybean meal December 2016 July 2015 (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 (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 103,772 $ 66,798 Buildings 1,123,176 1,086,690 Machinery and equipment 1,640,364 1,537,241 Autos and trucks 53,913 52,639 Construction-in-progress 158,621 129,701 PP&E, gross 3,079,846 2,873,069 Accumulated depreciation (1,732,607 ) (1,690,274 ) PP&E, net $ 1,347,239 $ 1,182,795

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Current Liabilities	Current liabilities, other than current notes payable to banks, income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 480,155 $ 347,107 Book overdrafts 37,811 47,320 Other payables 6,059 5,059 Total accounts payable 524,025 399,486 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 10,402 4,862 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 98,888 123,495 Interest and debt-related fees 1,714 780 Insurance and self-insured claims 88,639 85,240 Derivative liabilities: Futures 6,372 8,580 Options 4,965 14,103 Other accrued expenses 103,881 79,681 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 304,459 311,879 $ 838,886 $ 716,227 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable from related parties is included in "Note 15. Related Party Transactions."

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR33

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements	Long-term debt and other borrowing arrangements, including current notes payable to banks, consisted of the following components: Maturity September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: Senior notes payable at 5.75% 2025 $ 500,000 $ — U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 1.45% 2020 500,000 — Revolving note payable 2020 — — JBS USA Holdings, Inc. Subordinated Loan Facility 2015 — — Other Various 500 4,242 Long-term debt 1,000,500 4,242 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (102 ) (262 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 1,000,398 $ 3,980 Current notes payable to banks Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE Rate plus 1.05% 2016 $ 5,869 $ —

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM34

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets	The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for these defined benefit plans were as follows: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 190,401 $ 1,657 $ 170,030 $ 1,705 Interest cost 5,815 50 6,078 60 Actuarial losses (gains) 981 (11 ) 14,908 76 Benefits paid (4,622 ) (96 ) (8,636 ) (111 ) Curtailments and settlements (14,265 ) — — — Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 178,310 $ 1,600 $ 182,380 $ 1,730 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period $ 113,552 $ — $ 108,496 $ — Actual return on plan assets (3,822 ) — 3,549 — Contributions by employer 7,603 96 11,492 111 Benefits paid (4,622 ) (96 ) (8,636 ) (111 ) Curtailments and settlements (14,265 ) — — — Fair value of plan assets, end of period $ 98,446 $ — $ 114,901 $ — September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period $ (79,864 ) $ (1,600 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,657 ) September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period: (In thousands) Current liability $ (9,358 ) $ (129 ) $ (9,373 ) $ (129 ) Long-term liability (70,506 ) (1,471 ) (67,476 ) (1,528 ) Recognized liability $ (79,864 ) $ (1,600 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,657 ) September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 49,558 $ (138 ) $ 43,907 $ (127 )
Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs	Net defined benefit pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Interest cost $ 1,938 $ 16 $ 2,026 $ 20 Estimated return on plan assets (1,671 ) — (1,593 ) — Settlement loss 357 — — — Amortization of net loss 179 — 14 — Net costs $ 803 $ 16 $ 447 $ 20 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Interest cost $ 5,815 $ 50 $ 6,078 $ 60 Estimated return on plan assets (5,013 ) — (4,780 ) — Settlement loss 3,629 — — — Amortization of net loss 536 — 42 — Net costs $ 4,967 $ 50 $ 1,340 $ 60
Schedule of Economic Assumptions	The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period: Discount rate 4.45 % 4.45 % 4.22 % 4.22 % Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.95 % Expected return on plan assets 6.00 % NA 6.00 % NA
Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations	The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations: September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents — % — % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 6 % 6 % Fixed income securities 7 % 6 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 56 % 60 % Fixed income securities 31 % 28 % Total assets 100 % 100 % (a) Pooled separate accounts (“PSAs”) and common collective trust funds (“CCTs”) are two of the most common types of alternative vehicles in which benefit plans invest. These investments are pooled funds that look like mutual funds, but they are not registered with the SEC. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments.
Schedule of Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets	The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : September 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 157 $ — $ — $ 157 $ 33 $ — $ — $ 33 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 3,745 — 3,745 — 4,147 — 4,147 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 933 — 933 — 1,062 — 1,062 International equity funds (f) — 1,481 — 1,481 — 1,719 — 1,719 Fixed income funds (g) — 6,687 — 6,687 — 6,609 — 6,609 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 23,116 — 23,116 — 29,964 — 29,964 Small U.S. equity funds (e) — 16,273 — 16,273 — 18,411 — 18,411 International equity funds (f) — 15,856 — 15,856 — 19,730 — 19,730 Fixed income funds (g) — 30,198 — 30,198 — 31,877 — 31,877 Total assets $ 157 $ 98,289 $ — $ 98,446 $ 33 $ 113,519 $ — $ 113,552 (a) Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are used to determine fair value. (b) Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and inputs that are observable for the asset are used to determine fair value. (c) Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations, are used to determine fair value. (d) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in large, well-established U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than fixed income options but have the potential for higher returns over longer time periods. (e) This category is generally comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in small to medium-sized U.S. companies. These investment options typically carry more risk than larger U.S. equity investment options but have the potential for higher returns. (f) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in stocks, or shares of ownership, in companies with their principal place of business or office outside of the U.S. (g) This category is comprised of investment options that invest in bonds, or debt of a company or government entity (including U.S. and non-U.S. entities). It may also include real estate investment options that directly own property. These investment options typically carry more risk than short-term fixed income investment options (including, for real estate investment options, liquidity risk), but less overall risk than equities.
Schedule of Benefit Payments	The following table reflects the benefits as of September 27, 2015 expected to be paid through 2024 from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2015 (remaining) $ 3,365 $ 32 2016 12,937 130 2017 12,502 130 2018 11,769 130 2019 11,278 130 2020-2024 52,157 627 Total $ 104,008 $ 1,179
Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Pension Benefits Other Benefits Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period $ 43,907 $ (127 ) $ 16,957 $ (126 ) Amortization (536 ) — (42 ) — Curtailment and settlement adjustments (3,629 ) — — — Actuarial loss (gain) 981 (11 ) 14,908 76 Asset loss (gain) 8,835 — 1,232 — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period $ 49,558 $ (138 ) $ 33,055 $ (50 )

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Unrealized Actuarial Losses	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 (a) Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 (a) Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities Total (In thousands) Balance, beginning of period $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) $ (45,797 ) $ 62 $ (45,735 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (3,845 ) 133 (3,712 ) (10,094 ) 169 (9,925 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income 334 (83 ) 251 26 (181 ) (155 ) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (3,511 ) 50 (3,461 ) (10,068 ) (12 ) (10,080 ) Balance, end of period $ (66,083 ) $ 81 $ (66,002 ) $ (55,865 ) $ 50 $ (55,815 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands) Realized gain on sale of securities $ 133 $ 290 Selling, general and administrative expense Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses: Union employees pension plan (b)(d) (19 ) — Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (161 ) — Cost of sales Legacy Gold Kist plans (c)(d) (356 ) (42 ) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (403 ) 248 Tax benefit (expense) 152 (93 ) Total reclassification for the period $ (251 ) 155 (a) Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations. (b) The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements. (c) The Company sponsors the Pilgrim's Pride Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors' Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors, and the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees. (d) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Schedule of Awards	The following awards were outstanding during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 : Award Type Benefit Plan Awards Granted Grant Date Grant Date Fair Value per Award (a) Vesting Condition Vesting Date Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (a) Estimated Forfeiture Rate Awards Forfeited to Date Settlement Method RSU LTIP 608,561 02/04/2013 $ 8.89 Service 12/31/2014 $ 32.79 9.66 % 144,382 Stock RSA LTIP 15,000 02/25/2013 8.72 Service 02/24/2015 27.55 — % — Stock RSA LTIP 15,000 02/25/2013 8.72 Service 02/24/2016 — % 15,000 Stock RSU LTIP 206,933 02/26/2013 8.62 Service 12/31/2014 32.79 — % — Stock RSU LTIP 462,518 02/19/2014 16.70 Service 12/31/2016 13.49 % 61,669 Stock RSU LTIP 269,662 03/03/2014 17.18 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % 23,499 Stock RSU LTIP 158,226 02/26/2015 27.51 Performance / Service 12/31/2018 (b) 13,158 Stock (a) The fair value of each RSA and RSU granted or vested represents the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant date or vesting date. (b) The estimated forfeiture rate for these awards will be set if or when performance conditions associated with the awards are satisfied.
Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit	Compensation costs and the income tax benefit recognized for our share-based compensation arrangements are included below: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of sales $ 166 $ 60 $ 431 $ 231 Selling, general and administrative expense 698 1,067 1,701 3,273 Total $ 864 $ 1,127 $ 2,132 $ 3,504 Income tax benefit $ 261 $ 156 $ 620 $ 672
Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity	The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below: Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2014 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands, except weighted average fair values) RSAs: Outstanding at beginning of period 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 Vested (15 ) 8.72 (173 ) 6.22 Forfeited (15 ) 8.72 — — Outstanding at end of period — $ — 30 $ 8.72 RSUs: Outstanding at beginning of period 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 Granted 428 21.00 462 16.70 Vested (671 ) 8.81 — — Forfeited (85 ) 18.51 (71 ) 10.34 Outstanding at end of period 792 $ 18.83 1,120 $ 11.97

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	The Company enters into transactions in the normal course of business with affiliates of JBS S.A. 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. The following table presents the impact of these transactions on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income: Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 September 27, 2015 September 28, 2014 (In thousands) JBS USA : Letter of credit fees (a) $ 317 $ 335 $ 950 $ 1,005 JBS USA, LLC: Purchases from JBS USA, LLC (b) 28,765 31,994 83,059 85,333 Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (c) 11,514 2,099 28,483 21,013 Sales to JBS USA, LLC (b) 5,197 2,763 17,442 36,234 Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation on behalf of JBS USA, LLC (c) 519 891 2,548 2,197 JBS Chile Ltda.: Sales to JBS Chile Ltda. 35 — 269 — JBS Global (UK) Ltd.: Sales to JBS Global (UK) Ltd. 18 — 49 — (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 2015 , we have paid JBS USA $0.7 million for letter of credit costs. As of September 27, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. (b) We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA, LLC and sell products to them. As of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding payable to JBS USA, LLC was $10.4 million and $4.8 million , respectively. As of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA, LLC was $2.5 million and $1.4 million , respectively. As of September 27, 2015 , approximately $ 1.7 million of goods from JBS USA, LLC were in transit and not reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. (c) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA, LLC 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. The Company also has an agreement with JBS USA, LLC to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA, LLC on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA, LLC will be reimbursed by JBS USA, LLC. This agreement expires on December 31, 2016.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND B38

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) bird / WK in Millions, lb in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015bird / WKsegmentemployeegrowercountrystatelb
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of countries in which entity exports products | country	95
Number of states in which entity operates | state	12
Number of employees | employee	39,200
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) (more than) | bird / WK	37
Maximum annual processing capacity of employees (in pounds) (more than)	11
Number of contract growers | grower	3,900
Percentage of beneficial ownership by holding company	75.80%
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Minimum [Member]
Fiscal Period [Line Items]
Fiscal Period Duration	364 days
Maximum [Member]
Fiscal Period [Line Items]
Fiscal Period Duration	371 days

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative) (Details) bird / WK in Millions, $ in Millions	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)employeebird / WKtrade_namedistribution_centerplant	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)bird / WK
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK		37
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of equity acquired	100.00%
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK	3
Number of processing plants acquired | plant	3
Number of employees of acquiree (more than) | employee	5,400
Number of distribution centers acquired | distribution_center	7
Net sales of acquiree since acquisition date		$ 128.9
Net loss of acquiree since acquisition date		$ 2.9
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, number of trade names valued using the income approach | trade_name	2
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, royalty rate saved used in determination of fair value	1.40%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value, terminal year	3.80%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, income tax rate used in determination of fair value	30.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, income tax amortization benefit rate used in determination of fair value	15.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, discount rate used in determination of fair value	12.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, fair value	$ 9.7
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, royalty rates used in determination of fair value	4.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value	3.50%
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Trade Names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, royalty rates used in determination of fair value	5.00%
Indefinite-lived trade names acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value	4.00%

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Considera

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Consideration Paid) (Details) - Tyson Mexico [Member] $ in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Negotiated sales price	$ 400,000
Working capital adjustment	(20,933)
Final purchase price	$ 379,067

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Fair Valu

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 174,431		$ 0
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 5,535
Trade accounts and other receivables		24,173
Inventories		68,130
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		7,661
Property, plant and equipment		157,752
Identifiable intangible assets		9,700
Other long-lived assets		199
Total assets acquired		273,150
Accounts payable		21,550
Other current liabilities		9,504
Long-term deferred tax liabilities		32,305
Other long-term liabilities		5,155
Total liabilities assumed		68,514
Total identifiable net assets		204,636
Goodwill		174,431
Total net assets		$ 379,067

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,437,628	$ 6,532,971	$ 6,969,493
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 269,884	$ 603,533	$ 546,949
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per common share - diluted (in usd per share)	$ 1.04	$ 2.32	$ 2.10

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedu

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 11, 2015
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%	5.75%
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	$ (495,940)
Recurring [Member] | Commodity futures instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,825
Derivative liabilities	(6,372)
Recurring [Member] | Commodity options instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	115
Derivative liabilities	(4,965)
Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,611
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(495,940)
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity futures instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,825
Derivative liabilities	(6,372)
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity options instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	115
Derivative liabilities	(4,965)
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,611
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity futures instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity options instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity futures instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity options instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Foreign currency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Sche44

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	$ (500,000)	$ (3,633)
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable	(495,940)	(3,979)
Commodity futures instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,825	8,416
Derivative liabilities	(6,372)	(8,580)
Commodity futures instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	4,825	8,416
Derivative liabilities	(6,372)	(8,580)
Commodity options instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	115	0
Derivative liabilities	(4,965)	(14,103)
Commodity options instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	115	0
Derivative liabilities	(4,965)	(14,103)
Foreign currency [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,611	2,563
Foreign currency [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 1,611	$ 2,563

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE45

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 356,686	$ 371,268
Notes receivable - current	910	1,088
Other receivables	16,583	9,059
Receivables, gross	374,179	381,415
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,498)	(2,525)
Receivables, net	369,681	378,890
Account receivable from related parties	$ 2,581	$ 5,250

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 841,273	$ 790,305
Live Chicken and Hens [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	395,860	363,438
Feed, Eggs and Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	216,034	198,681
Finished Chicken Products [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	225,735	227,649
Chicken Inventories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	837,629	789,768
Commercial Feed and Other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 3,644	$ 537

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Deta

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains, available-for-sale securities	$ 193,200	$ 51,900	$ 390,400	$ 310,000
Gross realized losses, available-for-sale securities	5,400	$ 7,700	25,400	$ 8,100
Fixed income securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed income securities, Amortized Cost	262,738,000		262,738,000		$ 204,286,000
Fixed income securities, Fair Value	262,738,000		262,738,000		204,286,000
Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed income securities, Amortized Cost	51,000		51,000		80,000
Fixed income securities, Fair Value	$ 51,000		$ 51,000		$ 80,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME48

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments	$ 2.7	$ 28	$ 31.7	$ 14

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME49

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair values:
Cash collateral posted with brokers	$ 26,275	$ 25,205
Corn [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives coverage (as a percentage)	3.40%	(8.20%)
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Maturity date	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Soybean Meal [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives coverage (as a percentage)	4.90%	(16.10%)
Period through which stated percent of needs are covered:
Maturity date	Dec. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Commodity [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets, gross	$ 4,940	$ 8,416
Derivative liabilities, gross	(11,337)	(22,683)
Foreign Currency [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets, gross	$ 1,611	$ 2,563

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT50

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 38,800,000	$ 33,900,000	$ 109,400,000	$ 101,100,000
Payments for capital projects			129,848,000	131,349,000
Transfer of property, plant and equipment			101,500,000
Proceeds from property disposals	11,400,000	4,100,000	13,553,000	8,422,000
Net gain (loss) on property disposals	8,500,000	$ (26,700)	9,800,000	$ 1,100,000
Assets held for sale	6,555,000		6,555,000		$ 1,419,000
Idled assets, carrying amount	52,700,000		52,700,000
Idled assets, depreciable value	149,900,000		149,900,000
Idled assets, accumulated depreciation	$ 97,200,000		$ 97,200,000

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT51

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	$ 3,079,846	$ 2,873,069
Accumulated depreciation	(1,732,607)	(1,690,274)
PP&E, net	1,347,239	1,182,795
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	103,772	66,798
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	1,123,176	1,086,690
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	1,640,364	1,537,241
Autos and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	53,913	52,639
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
PP&E, gross	$ 158,621	$ 129,701

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounts payable:
Trade accounts	$ 480,155	$ 347,107
Book overdrafts	37,811	47,320
Other payables	6,059	5,059
Total accounts payable	524,025	399,486
Accounts payable to related parties	10,402	4,862
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits	98,888	123,495
Interest and debt-related fees	1,714	780
Insurance and self-insured claims	88,639	85,240
Derivative liabilities:
Other accrued expenses	103,881	79,681
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	304,459	311,879
Total accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	838,886	716,227
Futures [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	6,372	8,580
Options [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$ 4,965	$ 14,103

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR53

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	Apr. 22, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 12, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 11, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 23, 2014MXN	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 11, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 26, 2011USD ($)	Jun. 23, 2011USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt					$ 1,000,500,000	$ 1,000,500,000		$ 4,242,000
Accounts payable to related parties					10,402,000	10,402,000		4,862,000
Short-term borrowings under credit facility					5,869,000	5,869,000		0
JBS USA [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount									$ 56,500,000
Agreed repayment of debt									$ 56,500,000
2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt					$ 0	$ 0		0
2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					1.45%	1.45%
Long-term debt					$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000		0
Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				MXN 560,000,000	33,000,000	33,000,000
Short-term borrowings under credit facility					$ 5,900,000	$ 5,900,000
Interest rate on short-term credit facility amounts outstanding					4.33%	4.33%
Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | TIIE Rate [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				1.05%		1.05%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount							$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate					5.75%	5.75%	5.75%
Long-term debt					$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000		0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt					0	0		$ 0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member] | JBS USA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Agreed repayment of debt										$ 56,500,000
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member] | JBS USA [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit					300,000	700,000
Credit facility availed										$ 56,500,000
Accounts payable to related parties					100,000	100,000
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit		$ 350,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity					700,000,000	700,000,000
Available increase to aggregate revolving loan commitment			$ 1,000,000,000
Number of days past due (more than)			15 days
Current borrowing capacity					679,900,000	679,900,000
Letters of credit outstanding					20,100,000	20,100,000
Credit facility, capital expenditures limit			$ 500,000,000
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Swingline Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			75,000,000
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 125,000,000
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | US and Puerto Rico Subsidiaries [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest guaranteed for debt			100.00%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Foreign Subsidiaries [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest guaranteed for debt			65.00%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.50%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.25%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.75%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			0.50%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			0.25%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.75%
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 700,000,000
Outstanding borrowings					0	0
Radobank [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit	$ 150,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,000,000,000
Long-term debt					$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR54

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 23, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 11, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 1,000,500		$ 4,242
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt		(102)		(262)
Long-term debt, less current maturities		$ 1,000,398		3,980
Line of Credit [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		1.45%
Long-term debt		$ 500,000		0
Line of Credit [Member] | 2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		0		0
Line of Credit [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current notes payable to banks		$ 5,869		0
Line of Credit [Member] | Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | TIIE Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.05%	1.05%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.75%	5.75%
Long-term debt		$ 500,000		0
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		0		0
Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 500		$ 4,242

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 73,153	$ 133,693	$ 313,751	$ 284,932
Effective income tax rate			35.00%	34.40%
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax benefit	$ 6,206	$ 396	$ 2,129	$ 6,105
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation			7,834
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation			$ 7,834	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM56

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Retirement plan expenses	$ 2,300,000	$ 1,500,000	$ 8,400,000	$ 4,300,000
Accumulated benefit obligation, defined benefit pension plans	$ 178,300,000		178,300,000		$ 190,000,000
Actuarial gain (loss) expected to be recognized in net pension cost, remainder of 2015			(200,000)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expected contributions, remainder of 2015			1,800,000
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expected contributions, remainder of 2015			$ 0
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations			50.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations			30.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations			70.00%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM57

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period			$ 113,552
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$ 98,446		98,446
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period			190,401	$ 170,030
Interest cost	1,938	$ 2,026	5,815	6,078
Actuarial losses (gains)			981	14,908
Benefits paid			(4,622)	(8,636)
Curtailments and settlements			(14,265)	0
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	178,310	182,380	178,310	182,380
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period			113,552	108,496
Actual return on plan assets			(3,822)	3,549
Contributions by employer			7,603	11,492
Benefits paid			(4,622)	(8,636)
Curtailments and settlements			(14,265)	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	98,446	114,901	98,446	114,901
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period	(79,864)		(79,864)		$ (76,849)
Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period:
Current liability	(9,358)		(9,358)		(9,373)
Long-term liability	(70,506)		(70,506)		(67,476)
Recognized liability	(79,864)		(79,864)		(76,849)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	49,558	33,055	49,558	33,055	43,907	$ 16,957
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period			1,657	1,705
Interest cost	16	20	50	60
Actuarial losses (gains)			(11)	76
Benefits paid			(96)	(111)
Curtailments and settlements			0	0
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	1,600	1,730	1,600	1,730
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period			0	0
Actual return on plan assets			0	0
Contributions by employer			96	111
Benefits paid			(96)	(111)
Curtailments and settlements			0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	0	0
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of period	(1,600)		(1,600)		(1,657)
Amounts recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of period:
Current liability	(129)		(129)		(129)
Long-term liability	(1,471)		(1,471)		(1,528)
Recognized liability	(1,600)		(1,600)		(1,657)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ (138)	$ (50)	$ (138)	$ (50)	$ (127)	$ (126)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM58

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,938	$ 2,026	$ 5,815	$ 6,078
Estimated return on plan assets	(1,671)	(1,593)	(5,013)	(4,780)
Settlement loss	357	0	3,629	0
Amortization of net loss	179	14	536	42
Net costs	803	447	4,967	1,340
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Interest cost	16	20	50	60
Estimated return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Settlement loss	0	0	0	0
Amortization of net loss	0	0	0	0
Net costs	$ 16	$ 20	$ 50	$ 60

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM59

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Economic Assumptions) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014
Pension Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
Discount rate	4.45%		4.22%
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.95%
Expected return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Assumptions used to measure benefit obligation at end of period:
Discount rate	4.45%		4.22%
Assumptions used to measure net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.95%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM60

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	100.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	0.00%	0.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	6.00%	6.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	56.00%	60.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	7.00%	6.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	31.00%	28.00%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM61

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 98,446	$ 113,552
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	157	33
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	98,289	113,519
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	157	33
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	157	33
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,745	4,147
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,745	4,147
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23,116	29,964
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23,116	29,964
Large U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	933	1,062
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	933	1,062
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16,273	18,411
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16,273	18,411
Small/Mid U.S. equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,481	1,719
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,481	1,719
International equity funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,856	19,730
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	15,856	19,730
International equity funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,687	6,609
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	6,687	6,609
Fixed income funds [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	30,198	31,877
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	30,198	31,877
Fixed income funds [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM62

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2015 (remaining)	$ 3,365
2,016	12,937
2,017	12,502
2,018	11,769
2,019	11,278
2020-2024	52,157
Total	104,008
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2015 (remaining)	32
2,016	130
2,017	130
2,018	130
2,019	130
2020-2024	627
Total	$ 1,179

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM63

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Actuarial loss (gain)	$ 10,234	$ 653	$ 3,511	$ 10,068
Pension Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period			43,907	16,957
Amortization			(536)	(42)
Curtailment and settlement adjustments			(3,629)	0
Actuarial loss (gain)			981	14,908
Asset loss (gain)			8,835	1,232
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	49,558	33,055	49,558	33,055
Other Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of period			(127)	(126)
Amortization			0	0
Curtailment and settlement adjustments			0	0
Actuarial loss (gain)			(11)	76
Asset loss (gain)			0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of period	$ (138)	$ (50)	$ (138)	$ (50)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Changes in Unrealized Actuarial Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			$ (62,541)	$ (45,735)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(3,712)	(9,925)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income			251	(155)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	$ (10,164)	$ (636)	(3,461)	(10,080)
Balance, end of period	(66,002)	(55,815)	(66,002)	(55,815)
Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			(62,572)	(45,797)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(3,845)	(10,094)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income			334	26
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax			(3,511)	(10,068)
Balance, end of period	(66,083)	(55,865)	(66,083)	(55,865)
Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			31	62
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			133	169
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income			(83)	(181)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax			50	(12)
Balance, end of period	$ 81	$ 50	$ 81	$ 50

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedul65

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total reclassification for the period	$ (251)	$ 155
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total before tax	(403)	248
Tax benefit (expense)	152	(93)
Total reclassification for the period	(251)	155
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Realized gain on sale of securities	133	290
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Union Plan [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(19)	0
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member] | Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(356)	(42)
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (161)	$ 0

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 17, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 28, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Share repurchase, authorized amount			$ 150,000,000
Shares repurchased under program (in shares)		1,914,977
Market value of shares repurchased under program		$ 45,080,000		$ 0
Special cash dividend	$ 1,500,000,000	$ 1,498,470,000
Special cash dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 5.77

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrati

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Fair value of awards vested	$ 22.4	$ 3.2
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 10
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 4 months 21 days
Incentive Plan [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Accrued costs related to the STIP	$ 19.4
Reserved shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP (in shares)	5.1

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedul

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Awards) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
RSU 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	608,561
Grant Date	Feb. 4, 2013
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.89
Vesting Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 32.79
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	9.66%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	144,382
RSA 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	15,000
Grant Date	Feb. 25, 2013
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.72
Vesting Date	Feb. 24, 2015
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.55
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSA 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	15,000
Grant Date	Feb. 25, 2013
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.72
Vesting Date	Feb. 24, 2016
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	15,000
RSU 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	206,933
Grant Date	Feb. 26, 2013
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 8.62
Vesting Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 32.79
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	0
RSU 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	462,518
Grant Date	Feb. 19, 2014
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 16.70
Vesting Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	13.49%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	61,669
RSU 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	269,662
Grant Date	Mar. 3, 2014
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 17.18
Vesting Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Estimated Forfeiture Rate	12.34%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	23,499
RSU 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	158,226
Grant Date	Feb. 26, 2015
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.51
Vesting Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	13,158

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched69

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	$ 864	$ 1,127	$ 2,132	$ 3,504
Income tax benefit	261	156	620	672
Cost of goods sold [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	166	60	431	231
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation costs	$ 698	$ 1,067	$ 1,701	$ 3,273

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched70

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Restricted Stock Awards (RSA) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	30	203
Vested (in shares)	(15)	(173)
Forfeited (in shares)	(15)	0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	0	30
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 8.72	$ 6.59
Vested (in dollars per share)	8.72	6.22
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	8.72	0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 8.72
Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,120	729
Granted (in shares)	428	462
Vested (in shares)	(671)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(85)	(71)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	792	1,120
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.97	$ 8.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	21	16.70
Vested (in dollars per share)	8.81	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	18.51	10.34
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.83	$ 11.97

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Nar

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 25, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Issuance of intercompany loan receivable	$ 100
Intercompany note receivable		$ 64.5
Percentage of beneficial ownership by holding company		75.80%
Three-month LIBOR [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Margin on variable interest rate	2.50%

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 28, 2014	Oct. 26, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties	$ 10,402		$ 10,402		$ 4,862
JBS USA [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Letter of credit fees	317	$ 335	950	$ 1,005
JBS USA, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	28,765	31,994	83,059	85,333
Expenditures paid	11,514	2,099	28,483	21,013
Sales to related party	5,197	2,763	17,442	36,234
Accounts payable to related parties	10,400		10,400		4,800
Account receivable from related parties	2,500		2,500		$ 1,400
Goods in transit	1,700		1,700
JBS USA, LLC [Member] | Expenses Paid By Company On Behalf Of Related Party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid	519	891	2,548	2,197
JBS Chile Ltda. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	35	0	269	0
JBS Global (UK) Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related party	18	$ 0	49	$ 0
Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Debt issued						$ 56,500
Agreed repayment of debt						$ 56,500
Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA, LLC [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit			700
Accounts payable to related parties	$ 100		$ 100

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 12, 2012	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 27, 2009
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought	$ 29.3		$ 74.7
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Proceeding Accounts [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought		$ 45.4
ERISA Litigation [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought		$ 35