Pilgrim's Pride (PPC) 10-K 12 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Feb. 11, 2016	Jun. 26, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 28, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	PILGRIMS PRIDE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	802,481
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		254,823,286
Entity Public Float			$ 1,527,547,968
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 439,638	$ 576,143
Trade accounts and other receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	348,994	378,890
Accounts receivable from related parties	2,668	5,250
Inventories	801,357	790,305
Income taxes receivable	71,410	10,288
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	75,602	95,439
Assets held for sale	6,555	1,419
Total current assets	1,746,224	1,857,734
Other long-lived assets	15,672	24,406
Identified intangible assets, net	47,453	26,783
Goodwill	156,565	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,352,529	1,182,795
Total assets	3,318,443	3,091,718
Notes payable to banks	28,726	0
Accounts payable	482,954	399,486
Accounts payable to related parties	7,000	4,862
Accrued expenses	314,966	311,879
Income taxes payable	13,228	3,068
Current maturities of long-term debt	86	262
Total current liabilities	846,960	719,557
Long-term debt, less current maturities	985,509	3,980
Deferred tax liabilities	131,882	74,172
Other long-term liabilities	92,282	97,208
Total liabilities	$ 2,056,633	$ 894,917
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized; 259,685,145 and 259,029,033 shares issued at year-end 2015 and year-end 2014, respectively; 254,823,286 and 259,029,033 shares outstanding at year-end 2015 and year-end 2014, respectively	2,597	2,590
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,861,859 shares at year-end 2015	(99,233)	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,675,674	1,662,354
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	(261,252)	591,492
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(58,930)	(62,541)
Total Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation stockholders’ equity	1,258,856	2,193,895
Noncontrolling interest	2,954	2,906
Total stockholders’ equity	1,261,810	2,196,801
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,318,443	$ 3,091,718

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	259,685,145	259,029,033
Common stock, shares outstanding	254,823,286	259,029,033
Treasury stock, shares outstanding	4,861,859

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365	$ 8,411,148
Cost of sales	6,925,727	7,189,370	7,565,709
Gross profit	1,254,377	1,393,995	845,439
Selling, general and administrative expense	203,881	188,594	180,915
Administrative restructuring charges	5,605	2,286	5,661
Operating income	1,044,891	1,203,115	658,863
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest	37,548	82,097	87,006
Interest income	(3,673)	(4,826)	(2,125)
Foreign currency transaction losses	25,940	27,979	4,415
Miscellaneous, net	(7,682)	(4,526)	(4,373)
Income before income taxes	992,758	1,102,391	573,940
Income tax expense	346,796	390,953	24,227
Net income	645,962	711,438	549,713
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	48	(210)	158
Net income attributable to Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation	$ 645,914	$ 711,648	$ 549,555
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	258,442	258,974	258,826
Effect of dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	234	497	415
Diluted (in shares)	258,676	259,471	259,241
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per share of common stock outstanding:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.50	$ 2.75	$ 2.12
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.50	$ 2.74	$ 2.12

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 645,962	$ 711,438	$ 549,713
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Gain (loss) associated with available-for-sale securities, net of tax expense of $22, $19 and $0, respectively	36	(31)	62
Gain (loss) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $2,168, $(10,173) and $13,774, respectively	3,575	(16,775)	22,714
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,611	(16,806)	22,776
Comprehensive income	649,573	694,632	572,489
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	48	(210)	158
Comprehensive income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 649,525	$ 694,842	$ 572,331

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, tax	$ 22	$ 19	$ 0
Gains (losses) associated with pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	$ 2,168	$ (10,173)	$ 13,774

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

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 Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2012		258,999	0
Balance at Dec. 30, 2012	$ 908,997	$ 2,590	$ 0	$ 1,642,003	$ (669,711)	$ (68,511)	$ 2,626
Comprehensive income:
Net income	549,713				549,555		158
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	22,776					22,776
Share-based compensation plans:
Common stock issued under compensation plans (in shares)		30
Common stock issued under compensation plans	0	$ 0
Requisite service period recognition	3,345			3,345
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	7,771			7,771
Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	1,492,602	$ 2,590	$ 0	1,653,119	(120,156)	(45,735)	2,784
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2013		259,029	0
Comprehensive income:
Net income	711,438				711,648		(210)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16,806)					(16,806)
Issuance of subsidiary common stock	332						332
Equity contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	3,849			3,849
Share-based compensation plans:
Requisite service period recognition	4,928			4,928
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	458			458
Balance at Dec. 28, 2014	2,196,801	$ 2,590	$ 0	1,662,354	591,492	(62,541)	2,906
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2014		259,029	0
Comprehensive income:
Net income	645,962				645,914		48
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,611					3,611
Equity contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	3,690			3,690
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	3,060			3,060
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	6,474			6,474
Treasury stock purchases (in shares)			(4,862)
Treasury stock purchases	(99,233)		$ (99,233)
Special cash dividend	(1,498,470)				(1,498,470)
Other	0			188	(188)
Balance at Dec. 27, 2015	$ 1,261,810	$ 2,597	$ 99,233	$ 1,675,674	$ (261,252)	$ (58,930)	$ 2,954
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2015		259,685	4,862

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STO8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income, tax expense (benefit)	$ 2,190	$ (10,154)	$ 13,774

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 645,962	$ 711,438	$ 549,713
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	158,975	155,824	150,523
Asset impairment	4,813	0	4,004
Foreign currency transaction losses	0	38,129	3,382
Accretion of bond discount	0	2,243	456
Loss (gain) on property disposals	(10,372)	(1,407)	2,395
Share-based compensation	2,975	4,928	3,345
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	29,512	78,943	(4,999)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts and other receivables	61,294	(9,526)	7,235
Inventories	57,078	10,638	142,675
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,840	(38,010)	(6,070)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	61,882	44,833	49,625
Income taxes	(55,428)	74,705	(21,546)
Deposits	0	0	1,877
Long-term pension and other postretirement obligations	(3,500)	(5,784)	(6,837)
Other	3,797	(262)	2,755
Cash provided by operating activities	976,828	1,066,692	878,533
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment	(175,764)	(171,443)	(116,223)
Purchase of acquired business, net of cash acquired	(373,532)	0	0
Purchases of investment securities	0	(55,100)	(96,902)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investment securities	0	152,050	0
Proceeds from property disposals	14,610	11,108	31,337
Cash used in investing activities	(534,686)	(63,385)	(181,788)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable to banks	28,726	0	0
Proceeds from long-term debt	1,680,000	0	505,600
Payments on long-term debt	(683,780)	(910,234)	(758,578)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary common stock	0	332	0
Proceeds from equity contribution under Tax Sharing Agreement between JBS USA Food Company Holdings and Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	0	3,849	0
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	6,474	458	7,771
Payment of capitalized loan costs	(12,364)	0	(5,007)
Purchase of treasury stock	(99,233)	0	0
Payment of special cash dividend	(1,498,470)	0	0
Cash used in financing activities	(578,647)	(905,595)	(250,214)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	(29,775)	(6,505)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(136,505)	67,937	440,026
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	576,143	508,206	68,180
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	439,638	576,143	508,206
Supplemental Disclosure Information:
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)	24,210	71,558	80,320
Income taxes paid	$ 360,347	$ 257,152	$ 30,057

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFI

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (referred to herein as “Pilgrim’s,” “PPC,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar terms) is one of the largest chicken producers in the world, with operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pilgrim's products are sold to foodservice, retail and frozen entrée customers. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers, foodservice distributors and restaurants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico and in the northern and central regions of Mexico. Additionally, the Company exports chicken products to approximately 90 countries. Pilgrim's fresh chicken products consist of refrigerated (nonfrozen) whole chickens, whole cut-up chickens and selected chicken parts that are either marinated or non-marinated. The Company's prepared chicken products include fully cooked, ready-to-cook and individually frozen chicken parts, strips, nuggets and patties, some of which are either breaded or non-breaded and either marinated or non-marinated. As a vertically integrated company, we control every phase of the production of our products. We operate feed mills, hatcheries, processing plants and distribution centers in 12 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Pilgrim's has approximately 39,000 employees and has the capacity to process more than 37 million birds per week for a total of more than 10.8 billion pounds of live chicken annually. Approximately 4,130 contract growers supply poultry for the Company's operations. As of December 27, 2015 , JBS S.A., through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (together, “JBS”) beneficially owned 76.7% of the Company's outstanding common stock. Consolidated Financial Statements The Company operates on the basis of a 52 / 53 -week fiscal year ending on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2015 ) in the notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and its majority owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation. The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure nonmonetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset's acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period, except for certain accounts which are remeasured at a historical rate. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer's purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues. Shipping and Handling Costs Costs associated with the products shipped to customers are recognized in cost of sales. Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and totaled $4.7 million , $4.4 million and $4.9 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled $4.1 million , $3.8 million and $3.9 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Investments in Securities The Company's current investments are all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired and are, therefore, considered cash equivalents. The Company’s current investments are comprised of fixed income securities, primarily commercial paper, and a money market fund. These investments are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities of less than one year and those identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current assets. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities in excess of one year that management has not identified at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as long-term assets. Unrealized losses are charged against net earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Management reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary, such as the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the impact of changing interest rates in the short and long term, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company determines the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings using the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a settlement date basis. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest greater than 50% and exercises control over the entity are consolidated in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. The Company invests from time to time in ventures in which its ownership interest is less than 20% and over which it does not exercise significant influence. Such investments are accounted for under the cost method. The fair values for investments not traded on a quoted exchange are estimated based upon the historical performance of the ventures, the ventures’ forecasted financial performance and management’s evaluation of the ventures’ viability and business models. To the extent the book value of an investment exceeds its assessed fair value, the Company will record an appropriate impairment charge. Accounts Receivable The Company records accounts receivable when revenue is recognized. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts, reducing our receivables balance to an amount we estimate is collectible from our customers. Estimates used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts receivable, and periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We write off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent, based upon age or customer circumstances, that such amounts will not be collected. Generally, the Company does not require collateral for its accounts receivable. Inventories Live chicken inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and breeder hen inventories at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or market. The costs associated with breeder hen inventories are accumulated up to the production stage and amortized over their productive lives using the unit-of-production method. Finished poultry products, feed, eggs and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (average) or market. We record valuation adjustments for our inventory and for estimated obsolescence at or equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon known conditions affecting inventory, including significantly aged products, discontinued product lines, or damaged or obsolete products. We allocate meat costs between our various finished chicken products based on a by-product costing technique that reduces the cost of the whole bird by estimated yields and amounts to be recovered for certain by-product parts. This primarily includes leg quarters, wings, tenders and offal, which are carried in inventory at the estimated recovery amounts, with the remaining amount being reflected as our breast meat cost. Generally, the Company performs an evaluation of whether any lower of cost or market adjustments are required at the country level based on a number of factors, including: (i) pools of related inventory, (ii) product continuation or discontinuation, (iii) estimated market selling prices and (iv) expected distribution channels. If actual market conditions or other factors are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, and repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets. Estimated useful lives for building, machinery and equipment are five to 33 years and for automobiles and trucks are three to ten years. The charge to income resulting from amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for use when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When the above is true, the impairment charge is determined based upon the amount the net book value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. In making these determinations, the Company utilizes certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) future cash flows estimated to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, remaining length of service and estimated salvage values, (ii) estimated fair market value of the assets and (iii) determinations with respect to the lowest level of cash flows relevant to the respective impairment test, generally groupings of related operational facilities. Given the interdependency of the Company’s individual facilities during the production process, which operate as a vertically integrated network, it evaluates impairment of assets held for use at the country level (i.e., the U.S. and Mexico). Management believes this is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for its assets that are held for use in production activities. At the present time, the Company’s forecasts indicate that it can recover the carrying value of its assets held for use based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the operations. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for sale when the carrying amount of those assets exceeds their fair value less appropriate selling costs. Fair value is based on amounts documented in sales contracts or letters of intent accepted by the Company, amounts included in counteroffers initiated by the Company, or, in the absence of current contract negotiations, amounts determined using a sales comparison approach for real property and amounts determined using a cost approach for personal property. Under the sales comparison approach, sales and asking prices of reasonably comparable properties are considered to develop a range of unit prices within which the current real estate market is operating. Under the cost approach, a current cost to replace the asset new is calculated and then the estimated replacement cost is reduced to reflect the applicable decline in value resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and economic obsolescence. Appropriate selling costs includes reasonable broker's commissions, costs to produce title documents, filing fees, legal expenses and the like. We estimate appropriate closing costs as 4% to 6% of asset fair value. This range of rates is considered reasonable for our assets held for sale based on historical experience. Identified Intangible Assets Our identified intangible assets consist of assets subject to amortization such as trade names, customer relationships and non-compete agreements. We calculate amortization of those assets that are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The useful lives range from three to 15 years for trade names and non-compete agreements and 13 years for customer relationships. We review intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment. Book Overdraft Balances The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Litigation and Contingent Liabilities The Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to employment, environmental, product and other matters. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges of probable losses, to these matters. The Company estimates the amount of reserves required for these contingencies when losses are determined to be probable and after considerable analysis of each individual issue. The Company expenses legal costs related to such loss contingencies as they are incurred. The accrual for environmental remediation liabilities is measured on an undiscounted basis. These reserves may change in the future due to changes in the Company’s assumptions, the effectiveness of strategies, or other factors beyond the Company’s control. Accrued Self Insurance Insurance expense for casualty claims and employee-related health care benefits are estimated using historical and current experience and actuarial estimates. Stop-loss coverage is maintained with third-party insurers to limit the Company’s total exposure. Certain categories of claim liabilities are actuarially determined. The assumptions used to arrive at periodic expenses are reviewed regularly by management. However, actual expenses could differ from these estimates and could result in adjustments to be recognized. Income Taxes The Company follows provisions under ASC 740-10-30-27 in the Expenses-Income Taxes topic with regard to members of a group that file a consolidated tax return but issue separate financial statements. The Company files its own U.S. federal tax return, but it is included in certain state consolidated returns with JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS USA Holdings”). The income tax expense of the Company is computed using the separate return method. The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. The amount of deferred tax on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on the tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, potential for carry back of tax losses, projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances have been established primarily for net operating loss carry forwards of certain foreign subsidiaries. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company deems its earnings from Mexico and Puerto Rico as of December 27, 2015 to be permanently reinvested. As such, U.S. deferred income taxes have not been provided on these earnings. If such earnings were not considered indefinitely reinvested, certain deferred foreign and U.S. income taxes would be provided. The Company follows provisions under ASC 740-10-25 that provide a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits Our pension and other postemployment benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, long-term return on plan assets and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, amortized over either (i) the estimated average future service period of active plan participants if the plan is active or (ii) the estimated average future life expectancy of all plan participants if the plan is frozen. Operating Leases Rent expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless the lease contains an escalation clause which is not fixed or determinable. The lease term begins when we have the right to control the use of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the terms of the lease. If a lease has a fixed or determinable escalation clause, the difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rent for operating leases that do not have an escalation clause or where escalation is based on an inflation index is expensed over the lease term as it is payable. Risk Management The Company attempts to mitigate commodity purchase exposures through a program of risk management that includes the use of forward purchase contractual obligations and derivative financial instruments. The Company will also occasionally purchase derivative financial instruments in an attempt to mitigate currency exchange rate exposure related to the net assets of its Mexico operations that are denominated in Mexican pesos. The Company's Mexico subsidiaries also attempt to mitigate the foreign currency exposure on certain U.S. dollar-denominated transactions through the use of derivative financial instruments. We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We elected not to designate derivative financial instruments executed to mitigate commodity purchase exposures and foreign currency exposures as hedges of forecasted transactions. Therefore, we recognize changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to both the commodity derivative financial instruments and the foreign currency derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates in regard to receivables collectability; inventory valuation; realization of deferred tax assets; valuation of long-lived assets; valuation of contingent liabilities, liabilities subject to compromise and self insurance liabilities; valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations; and valuation of acquired businesses. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements During the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015, the Company early adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 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. This change in accounting principal should reduce the unnecessary complexity created by having different balance sheet presentation requirements for debt issuance costs and debt discount and premium and conform U.S. GAAP with the guidance in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Upon adoption of the guidance, the Company recognized $14.9 million of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of its debt liabilities. The Company held deferred debt issuance costs of $7.6 million at December 28, 2014 related to a line-of-credit arrangement for which there was no corresponding outstanding borrowing. Rather than retrospectively presenting these debt issuance costs in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, the Company will continue to present these costs as an asset. During the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015, the Company early adopted the FASB guidance for balance sheet classification of deferred taxes, which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This change in accounting principal should reduce the unnecessary complexity created by separating deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. This change should also eliminate costs incurred by an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into a current and noncurrent amount. The Company adopted this guidance with retrospective application. A description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items is included below: December 28, 2014 As Presented in Retrospective Adjustment Resulting from Adoption of As Presented in (In thousands) Current deferred tax assets $ 27,345 $ (27,345 ) $ — Current deferred tax liabilities 25,301 (25,301 ) — Deferred tax liabilities 76,216 (2,044 ) 74,172 During the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015, we early adopted the FASB's new accounting and presentation 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 adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Adopted as of December 27, 2015 In May 2014, the 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 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.

BUSINESS ACQUISITION

BUSINESS ACQUISITION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 currently employs more than 4,500 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 Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business from the acquisition date through December 27, 2015 totaled $250.6 million . The acquired business incurred a net loss from the acquisition date through December 27, 2015 totaling $13.7 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 as the assembled workforce. These benefits include complementary product offerings, an enhanced footprint in Mexico, 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 of property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets, 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 26,411 Other long-lived assets 199 Total assets acquired 289,861 Accounts payable 21,550 Other current liabilities 8,707 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 31,947 Other long-term liabilities 5,155 Total liabilities assumed 67,359 Total identifiable net assets 222,502 Goodwill 156,565 Total net assets $ 379,067 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% . The two trade names were valued at $9.7 million under this approach. • Customer relationships . The Company valued Tyson Mexico's customer relationships using the income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings model. Under this model, the fair value of the customer relationships asset is determined by estimating the net cash inflows from the relationships discounted to present value. In estimating the fair value of the customer relationships, net sales related to our existing customers were estimated to grow at a rate of 4.0% annually, but we also anticipate losing existing customers at an attrition rate of 15.0% . Income taxes were estimated at 30.0% of pre-tax income, a tax amortization benefit was estimated considering a rate of 15.8% and net cash flows attributable to our existing customers were discounted using a rate of 13.1% . Customer relationships were valued at $16.7 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 fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 8,493,751 $ 9,233,138 $ 9,058,555 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 662,926 714,453 536,419 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 2.56 2.75 2.07 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 December 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 and foreign currency derivative instruments. The Company maintains nonqualified deferred compensation plans for executives and other highly compensated employees. Investments are maintained within a trust and include money market funds, mutual funds and life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies is invested primarily in mutual funds. The following items were measured at fair value on a recurring basis: December 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 59 $ — $ — $ 59 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 1,618 — — 1,618 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (5,436 ) — — (5,436 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% (488,750 ) — — (488,750 ) 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Note Reference (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 59 $ 59 $ 8,416 $ 8,416 7 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 1,618 1,618 — — 7 Derivative assets - foreign currency futures instruments — — 2,563 2,563 7 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (5,436 ) (5,436 ) (8,580 ) (8,580 ) 7 Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments — — (14,103 ) (14,103 ) 7 Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% (500,000 ) (488,750 ) — — 11 The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, derivative trading accounts' margin cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certain other liabilities approximate their fair values due to their relatively short maturities. Derivative assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred compensation plan assets were recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices and are included in the line item Other assets in the 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 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 December 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES	TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade accounts and other receivables (including accounts receivable from related parties), less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 342,466 $ 371,268 Notes receivable - current 850 1,088 Other receivables 10,578 9,059 Receivables, gross 353,894 381,415 Allowance for doubtful accounts (4,900 ) (2,525 ) Receivables, net $ 348,994 $ 378,890 Accounts receivable from related parties (a) $ 2,668 $ 5,250 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.”

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Live chicken and hens $ 365,062 $ 363,438 Feed, eggs and other 215,859 198,681 Finished chicken products 191,988 227,649 Total chicken inventories 772,909 789,768 Commercial feed, table eggs and other 28,448 537 Total inventories $ 801,357 $ 790,305

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Fair Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 290,795 $ 290,795 $ 204,286 $ 204,286 Other 54,831 54,831 80 80 All of the fixed income securities classified as cash and cash equivalents above mature within 90 days and all of the fixed income securities classified as short-term investments above mature within one year. The specific identification method is used to determine the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings. Gross realized gains recognized during 2015 and 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled $1.2 million and $1.0 million , respectively. Gross realized losses recognized during 2015 and 2014 related to the Company's available-for-sale securities totaled $25,400 and $18,800 , respectively. Proceeds received from the sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities during 2015 and 2014 are disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on the Company's available-for-sale securities recognized during 2015 and 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 2015 and 2014 are disclosed in “Note 14. Stockholders' Equity.”

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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, natural gas, electricity and diesel fuel, which are all considered commodities. The Company considers these raw materials generally available from a number of different sources and believes it can obtain them to meet its requirements. These commodities are subject to price fluctuations and related price risk due to factors beyond our control, such as economic and political conditions, supply and demand, weather, governmental regulation and other circumstances. Generally, the Company purchases derivative financial instruments, specifically exchange-traded futures and options, in an attempt to mitigate price risk related to its anticipated consumption of commodity inputs for approximately the next 12 months. The Company may purchase longer-term derivative financial instruments on particular commodities if deemed appropriate. The Company has operations in Mexico and, therefore, has exposure to translational foreign exchange risk when the financial results of those operations are translated to U.S. dollars. The fair value of derivative assets is included in the line item Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets while the fair value of derivative liabilities is included in the line item Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the same statements. Our counterparties require that we post cash collateral for changes in the net fair value of the derivative contracts. We have not designated the derivative financial instruments that we have purchased to mitigate commodity purchase or foreign currency transaction exposures as cash flow hedges. Therefore, we recognize changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to these derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognized $21.8 million , $16.1 million and $25.1 million in net gains related to changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Information regarding the Company's outstanding derivative instruments and cash collateral posted with (owed to) brokers is included in the following table: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 1,677 $ 8,416 Commodity derivative liabilities (5,436 ) (22,683 ) Foreign currency derivative assets — 2,563 Cash collateral posted with brokers 9,381 25,205 Derivatives Coverage (a) : Corn 7.0 % (8.2 )% Soybean meal 4.1 % (16.1 )% Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn March 2017 September 2016 Soybean meal July 2016 July 2015 (a) Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated corn and soybean meal needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS	IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS Identified intangible assets consisted of the following: Useful Life (Years) Original Cost Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount (In thousands) December 28, 2014: Trade names 3–15 $ 40,143 $ (32,900 ) $ 7,243 Customer relationships 13 51,000 (31,460 ) 19,540 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Total intangible assets $ 91,443 $ (64,660 ) $ 26,783 December 27, 2015: Trade names 3–15 $ 49,843 $ (34,718 ) $ 15,125 Customer relationships 8-13 67,711 (35,383 ) 32,328 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Total intangible assets $ 117,854 $ (70,401 ) $ 47,453 We recognized amortization expense related to identified intangible assets of $5.7 million in 2015, $5.7 million in 2014 and $5.7 million in 2013. We expect to recognize amortization expense associated with identified intangible assets of $8.9 million in 2016, $8.0 million in 2017, $7.7 million in 2018, $6.1 million in 2019 and $2.1 million in 2020.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 105,165 $ 66,798 Buildings 1,131,379 1,086,690 Machinery and equipment 1,657,573 1,537,241 Autos and trucks 53,408 52,639 Construction-in-progress 152,619 129,701 Property, plant and equipment, gross 3,100,144 2,873,069 Accumulated depreciation (1,747,615 ) (1,690,274 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,352,529 $ 1,182,795 The Company recognized depreciation expense of $146.4 million , $136.4 million and $135.5 million during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. During 2015 , the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $14.6 million and recognized a gain of $10.4 million . PP&E sold in 2015 included broiler farms in Mexico, a rendering plant in Arkansas and miscellaneous equipment. During 2014 , the Company sold certain PP&E for cash of $11.1 million and recognized a gain of $1.4 million . 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. During 2015, the Company spent $175.8 million on capital projects and transferred $153.5 million of completed projects from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets. The Company has closed or idled various processing complexes, processing plants, hatcheries, broiler farms, and feed mills throughout the U.S. Neither the Board of Directors nor JBS has determined if it would be in the best interest of the Company to divest any of these idled assets. Management is therefore not certain that it can or will divest any of these assets within one year, is not actively marketing these assets and, accordingly, has not classified them as assets held for sale. The Company continues to depreciate these assets. At December 27, 2015 , the carrying amount of these idled assets was $70.2 million based on depreciable value of $199.4 million and accumulated depreciation of $129.1 million . 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 December 27, 2015 , the Company reported assets held for sale totaling $6.6 million in Assets held for sale on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets held for use during the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015 by comparing the book value of its invested capital, exclusive of assets held for sale, with the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of its long-lived assets held for use. The Company determined that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets held for use is recoverable over the remaining life of the primary asset in the group, and the long-lived assets for use pass the Step 1 recoverability test of ASC 360-10-35, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

CURRENT LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
CURRENT LIABILITIES	CURRENT LIABILITIES Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 436,188 $ 347,107 Book overdrafts 44,145 47,320 Other payables 2,621 5,059 Total accounts payable 482,954 399,486 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 7,000 4,862 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 112,583 123,495 Interest and debt-related fees 8,928 780 Insurance and self-insured claims 93,336 85,240 Derivative liabilities: Futures 5,436 8,580 Options — 14,103 Other accrued expenses 94,683 79,681 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 314,966 311,879 $ 804,920 $ 716,227 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.”

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROW

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS Long-term debt consisted of the following components: Maturity December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: (In thousands) Senior notes payable at 5.75% 2025 $ 500,000 $ — U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 1.5945% 2020 500,000 — Revolving note payable 2020 — — Subordinated Loan Agreement (defined below) 2015 — — Other Various 462 4,242 Long-term debt 1,000,462 4,242 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (86 ) (262 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,000,376 3,980 Less: Capitalized financing costs (14,867 ) — Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs: $ 985,509 $ 3,980 Current notes payable to banks: Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE rate plus 0.90% 2016 $ 28,726 $ — Senior and Subordinated Notes On March 11, 2015, the Company completed a sale of $500.0 million principal amount of 5.75% senior notes due 2025 (the “Senior Notes”). The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes to repay $350.0 million and $150.0 million of the term loan indebtedness under the U.S. Credit Facility (defined below) on March 12, 2015 and April 22, 2015, respectively. The Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and outside the U.S. to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Senior Notes are governed by, and were issued pursuant to, an indenture dated as of March 11, 2015 by and among the Company, its guarantor subsidiary and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The Indenture provides, among other things, that the Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per annum from the date of issuance until maturity, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears, beginning on September 15, 2015. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's guarantor subsidiary. In addition, any of the Company’s other existing or future domestic restricted subsidiaries that incur or guarantee any other indebtedness (with limited exceptions) must also guarantee the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes and related guarantees are unsecured senior obligations of the Company and its guarantor subsidiary and rank equally with all of the Company’s and its guarantor subsidiary's other unsubordinated indebtedness. The Senior Notes and the Indenture also contain customary covenants and events of default, including failure to pay principal or interest on the Senior Notes when due, among others. U.S. Credit Facility On February 11, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries, To-Ricos, Ltd. and To-Ricos Distribution, Ltd., entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “U.S. Credit Facility”) with Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch (“Rabobank”), as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The U.S. Credit Facility provides for a revolving loan commitment of up to $700.0 million and a term loan commitment of up to $1.0 billion (the “Term Loans”). The term loan commitment is no longer available for additional 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 December 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 December 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 December 27, 2015 , the applicable borrowing base was $690.8 million and the amount available for borrowing under the revolving loan commitment was $670.7 million . The Company had letters of credit of $20.1 million and no outstanding borrowings under the revolving loan commitment as of December 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 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 The Company has entered into a Subordinated Loan Agreement with JBS USA Holdings dated June 23, 2011 (the “Subordinated Loan Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, the Company agreed to reimburse JBS USA Holdings up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA Holdings’ account that support certain obligations of the Company or its subsidiaries. JBS USA Holdings 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 Holdings for the letter of credit cost the Company would otherwise incur under its U.S. Credit Facility (as defined below). The total amount the Company paid in 2015, 2014 and 2013 to reimburse JBS USA Holdings was $0.9 million , $1.3 million and $2.2 million , respectively. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA Holdings for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. There remains no other commitment of JBS USA Holdings 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 $1.5 billion Mexican pesos. Outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate plus 0.90% . The Mexico Credit Facility will mature on July 23, 2017. As of December 27, 2015 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent of the loan commitment under the Mexico Credit Facility was $87.3 million , and there were $28.7 million outstanding borrowings under the Mexico Credit Facility that bear interest at a per annum rate of 4.33% . As of December 27, 2015 , the U.S. dollar-equivalent borrowing availability was $58.6 million .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Income before income taxes by jurisdiction is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) U.S. $ 920,250 $ 953,027 $ 469,395 Foreign 72,508 149,364 104,545 Total $ 992,758 $ 1,102,391 $ 573,940 The components of income tax expense (benefit) are set forth below: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 248,821 $ 262,403 $ (427 ) Foreign 43,638 22,867 26,206 State and other 26,019 24,056 3,512 Total current 318,478 309,326 29,291 Deferred: Federal 32,819 29,737 22,923 Foreign (11,249 ) 31,332 (3,648 ) State and other 6,748 20,558 (24,339 ) Total deferred 28,318 81,627 (5,064 ) $ 346,796 $ 390,953 $ 24,227 The effective tax rate for 2015 was 34.9% compared to 35.5% for 2014 . The effective tax rate for 2013 was 4.2% . The effective tax rate for 2014 differed from 2013 primarily as a result of decreases in the valuation allowance and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits during 2013 that did not occur during 2014 . The following table reconciles the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate: 2015 2014 2013 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State tax rate, net 2.3 2.6 2.3 Permanent items 0.1 0.4 1.4 Domestic production activity (1.9 ) (2.4 ) (1.2 ) Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate (0.9 ) (1.0 ) (1.0 ) Tax credits (0.7 ) — (3.0 ) Change in valuation allowance — — (31.0 ) Other 1.0 0.9 1.7 Total 34.9 % 35.5 % 4.2 % Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: PP&E and identified intangible assets $ 151,761 $ 126,537 Inventories 97,743 48,365 Insurance claims and losses 39,800 36,953 Other 15,054 26,801 Total deferred tax liabilities 304,358 238,656 Deferred tax assets: Net operating losses 4,297 5,842 Foreign net operating losses 16,595 7,873 Credit carry forwards 2,638 2,916 Allowance for doubtful accounts 4,382 4,261 Accrued liabilities 56,753 52,772 Workers compensation 41,217 43,309 Pension and other postretirement benefits 22,559 26,049 Other 31,956 30,612 Total deferred tax assets 180,397 173,634 Valuation allowance (7,921 ) (9,150 ) Net deferred tax assets 172,476 164,484 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 131,882 $ 74,172 In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company believes it has sufficient positive evidence to conclude that realization of its federal and state net deferred tax assets is more likely than not to be realized. The decrease in valuation allowance of $1.2 million during 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in foreign net operating losses. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company's valuation allowance is $7.9 million , of which $1.3 million relates to capital loss carry forwards and state net operating losses and $6.6 million relates to its Mexico operations. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company had state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $130.7 million that will begin to expire in 2016 . The Company also had Mexico net operating loss carry forwards at December 27, 2015 of approximately $55.8 million that begin to expire in 2016 . As of December 27, 2015 , the Company had approximately $2.6 million of state tax credit carry forwards that begin to expire in 2016 . On November 6, 2009, H.R. 3548 was signed into law and included a provision that allowed most business taxpayers an increased carry back period for net operating losses incurred in 2008 or 2009. As a result, during 2009 the Company utilized $547.7 million of its U.S. federal net operating losses under the expanded carry back provisions of H.R. 3548 and filed a claim for refund of $169.7 million . The Company received $122.6 million in refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) from the carry back claims during 2010. The Company anticipates receipt of the remainder of its claim pending resolution of its litigation with the IRS. See “Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information. The Company has not provided any deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its Mexico and Puerto Rico subsidiaries as of December 27, 2015 based upon the determination that such earnings will be indefinitely reinvested. It is not practicable to determine the amount of incremental taxes that might arise if these earnings were to be remitted. As of December 27, 2015, there is a tax effect of $6.5 million reflected in additional paid-in capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation on dividend equivalent rights and vested stock awards. As of December 28, 2014, there is a tax effect of $0.5 million reflected in additional paid-in-capital due to excess tax benefits related to compensation. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 17,396 $ 17,117 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during the current year 1,015 999 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during prior years 27 — Decrease as a result of tax positions taken during prior years (139 ) (101 ) Decrease for lapse in statute of limitations (1,189 ) (619 ) Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 17,110 $ 17,396 Included in unrecognized tax benefits of $17.1 million at December 27, 2015 , was $8.5 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce the Company's effective tax rate. It is not practicable at this time to estimate the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that will change in the next twelve months. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company had recorded a liability of $9.4 million for interest and penalties. During 2015 , accrued interest and penalty amounts related to uncertain tax positions decreased by $0.8 million . The Company operates in the U.S. (including multiple state jurisdictions), Puerto Rico and Mexico. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations for years prior to 2010 and is no longer subject to Mexico income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2009. The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Fifth Circuit”) 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 17. Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information. On September 13, 2013, the IRS issued the final, revised Tangible Property Repair Regulations for IRC Sections 162(a) and 263(a) which modify and supersede the Temporary Regulations that were issued on December 23, 2011. In addition, the IRS also released new proposed regulations for dispositions of tangible property under IRC Section 168. These final and proposed regulations are effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2014. The Company assessed the applicability of the regulations and concluded there was no significant impact to the Company’s tax fixed assets. The Company entered into a tax sharing agreement during 2014 with JBS USA Holdings effective for tax years starting 2010. The net tax receivable for tax year 2015 was accrued in 2015 . The net tax receivable for tax years 2010 through 2014 was accrued in 2014 .

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMEN

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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. Under all of our retirement plans, the Company’s expenses were $10.5 million , $5.9 million and $7.5 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company used a year-end measurement date of December 27, 2015 for its pension and postretirement benefits plans. Certain disclosures are listed below. Other disclosures are not material to the financial statements. Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors two qualified defined benefit pension plans named the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Plan for Union Employees (the “Union Plan”) and the Pilgrim’s Pride Pension Plan for Legacy Gold Kist Employees (the “GK Pension Plan”). The Union Plan covers certain locations or work groups within PPC. The GK Pension Plan covers certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007. Participation in the GK Pension Plan was frozen as of February 8, 2007 for all participants with the exception of terminated vested participants who are or may become permanently and totally disabled. The plan was frozen for that group as of March 31, 2007. Nonqualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors two nonqualified defined benefit retirement plans named the Former Gold Kist Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP Plan”) and the Former Gold Kist Inc. Directors’ Emeriti Retirement Plan (the “Directors’ Emeriti Plan”). Pilgrim’s Pride assumed sponsorship of the SERP Plan and Directors’ Emeriti Plan through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007. The SERP Plan provides benefits on compensation in excess of certain IRC limitations to certain former executives with whom Gold Kist negotiated individual agreements. Benefits under the SERP Plan were frozen as of February 8, 2007. The Directors’ Emeriti Plan provides benefits to former Gold Kist directors. Defined Benefit Postretirement Life Insurance Plan The Company sponsors one defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan named the Gold Kist Inc. Retiree Life Insurance Plan (the “Retiree Life Plan”). Pilgrim’s Pride assumed defined benefit postretirement medical and life insurance obligations, including the Retiree Life Plan, through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007. In January 2001, Gold Kist began to substantially curtail its programs for active employees. On July 1, 2003, Gold Kist terminated medical coverage for retirees age 65 or older, and only retired employees in the closed group between ages 55 and 65 could continue their coverage at rates above the average cost of the medical insurance plan for active employees. These retired employees all reached the age of 65 in 2012 and liabilities of the postretirement medical plan then ended. Defined Benefit Plans Obligations and Assets The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 190,401 $ 170,030 $ 1,657 $ 1,705 Interest cost 7,754 8,103 67 81 Actuarial losses (gains) (10,944 ) 24,670 44 (10 ) Benefits paid (6,074 ) (12,154 ) — — Settlements (a) (15,185 ) (248 ) (96 ) (119 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 165,952 $ 190,401 $ 1,672 $ 1,657 (a) A settlement is a transaction that is an irrevocable action, relieves the employer or the plan of primary responsibility for a pension or postretirement obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to affect the settlement. A settlement can be triggered when a plan pays lump sums totaling more than the sum of the plan’s interest cost and service cost. Both the GK Pension Plan and the Retiree Life Plan met this threshold in 2015 and both the SERP Plan and the Retiree Life Plan met this threshold in 2014. Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 113,552 $ 108,496 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets (3,024 ) 3,944 — — Contributions by employer 7,678 13,514 96 119 Benefits paid (6,074 ) (12,154 ) — — Settlements (15,185 ) (248 ) (96 ) (119 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 96,947 $ 113,552 $ — $ — Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year $ (69,005 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,672 ) $ (1,657 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year: (In thousands) Current liability $ (10,779 ) $ (9,373 ) $ (138 ) $ (129 ) Long-term liability (58,226 ) (67,476 ) (1,534 ) (1,528 ) Recognized liability $ (69,005 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,672 ) $ (1,657 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ (79 ) $ (127 ) The accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans was $166.0 million and $190.0 million at December 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 December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 . Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) Net pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 7,754 8,103 7,954 67 81 78 Estimated return on plan assets (6,684 ) (6,373 ) (5,393 ) — — — Settlement loss (gain) 3,843 93 — (4 ) (9 ) (15 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 714 56 1,001 — — — Net cost $ 5,627 $ 1,879 $ 3,562 $ 63 $ 72 $ 63 Economic Assumptions The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % Net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.22 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.22 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % 6.00 % 6.00 % NA NA NA 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: 2015 2014 Cash and cash equivalents — % — % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 7 % 6 % Fixed income securities 7 % 6 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 57 % 60 % Fixed income securities 29 % 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments. Absent regulatory or statutory limitations, the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the pooled separate accounts is 50% in each of fixed income securities and equity securities and the target asset allocation for the investment of pension assets in the common collective trust funds is 30% in fixed income securities and 70% in equity securities. The plans only invest in fixed income and equity instruments for which there is a ready public market. We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumptions based on the historical rates of returns for equity and fixed income securities of the type in which our plans invest. The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : 2015 2014(a) Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 $ 33 $ — $ — $ 33 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 3,816 — 3,816 — 4,147 — 4,147 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 969 — 969 — 1,062 — 1,062 International equity funds (f) — 1,606 — 1,606 — 1,719 — 1,719 Fixed income funds (g) — 6,337 — 6,337 — 6,609 — 6,609 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 22,069 — 22,069 — 29,964 — 29,964 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 16,843 — 16,843 — 18,411 — 18,411 International equity funds (f) — 16,629 — 16,629 — 19,730 — 19,730 Fixed income funds (g) — 28,531 — 28,531 — 31,877 — 31,877 Total assets $ 147 $ 96,800 $ — $ 96,947 $ 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 December 27, 2015 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2016 $ 14,205 $ 138 2017 11,660 139 2018 11,406 140 2019 11,063 139 2020 11,075 138 2021-2025 49,795 643 Total $ 109,204 $ 1,337 We anticipate contributing $10.8 million and $0.1 million , as required by funding regulations or laws, to our pension and other postretirement plans, respectively, during 2016 . Unrecognized Benefit Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income) The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 43,907 $ 16,957 $ 53,368 $ (127 ) $ (126 ) $ (49 ) Amortization (714 ) (56 ) (1,001 ) — — — Settlement adjustments (3,843 ) (93 ) — 4 9 15 Actuarial loss (gain) (10,944 ) 24,670 (24,315 ) 44 (10 ) (92 ) Asset loss (gain) 9,709 2,429 (11,095 ) — — — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ 16,957 $ (79 ) $ (127 ) $ (126 ) The Company expects to recognize in net pension cost throughout 2016 an actuarial loss of $0.7 million that was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 27, 2015 . Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors two defined contribution retirement savings plans named the Pilgrim’s Pride Retirement Savings Plan (the “RS Plan”) and the To-Ricos Employee Savings and Retirement Plan (the “To-Ricos Plan”). The RS Plan is an IRC Section 401(k) salary deferral plan maintained for certain eligible U.S. employees. Under the RS Plan, eligible U.S. employees may voluntarily contribute a percentage of their compensation. The Company matches up to 30.0% of the first 2.14% to 6.00% of salary based on the salary deferral and compensation levels up to $245,000 . The To-Ricos Plan is an IRC Section 1165(e) salary deferral plan maintained for certain eligible Puerto Rico employees. Under the To-Ricos Plan, eligible employees may voluntarily contribute a percentage of their compensation and there are various company matching provisions. The Company also maintains three postretirement plans for eligible Mexico employees, as required by Mexico law, which primarily cover termination benefits. The Company’s expenses related to its defined contribution plans totaled $4.8 million , $3.9 million and $3.9 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Certain retirement plans that the Company sponsors invest in a variety of financial instruments. Certain postretirement funds in which the Company participates hold significant amounts of mortgage-backed securities. However, none of the mortgages collateralizing these securities are considered subprime.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 during 2015 and 2014 : 2015 (a) 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 year $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) $ (45,797 ) $ 62 $ (45,735 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 4,004 (260 ) 3,744 (16,810 ) 319 (16,491 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (429 ) 296 (133 ) 35 (350 ) (315 ) Net current year other comprehensive income (loss) 3,575 36 3,611 (16,775 ) (31 ) (16,806 ) Balance, end of year $ (58,997 ) $ 67 $ (58,930 ) $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits. Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a) Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations 2015 2014 (In thousands) Realized gain on sale of securities $ 476 $ 562 Interest income Amortization of pension and other Union employees pension plan (b) — — (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (215 ) (19 ) (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (474 ) (37 ) (d) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (213 ) 506 Tax benefit (expense) 80 (191 ) Total reclassification for the period $ (133 ) $ 315 (a) Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations. (b) The Company sponsors the Union Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements. (c) The Company sponsors the GK Pension Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the SERP Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Directors’ Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors and the Retiree Life Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the “Legacy Gold Kist Plans”). (d) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 13. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock On July 28, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $150.0 million share repurchase authorization. The Company plans to repurchase shares through various means, which may include but are not limited to open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, the use of derivative instruments and/or accelerated share repurchase programs. The share repurchase program was originally scheduled to expire on July 27, 2016. On February 10, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of the share repurchase authorization to $300.0 million and an extension of the expiration to February 9, 2017. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such repurchases will vary and depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, as determined by the Company’s management team. The Company reserves the right to limit or terminate the repurchase program at any time without notice. As of December 27, 2015 , the Company had repurchased 4,861,859 shares under this program with a market value of approximately $99.2 million . The Company accounted for the shares repurchased using the cost method. The Company currently plans to maintain these shares as treasury stock. Special Cash 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.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION	INCENTIVE COMPENSATION The Company sponsors a short-term incentive plan that provides the grant of either cash or share-based bonus awards payable upon achievement of specified performance goals (the “STIP”). Full-time, salaried exempt employees of the Company and its affiliates who are selected by the administering committee are eligible to participate in the STIP. The Company has accrued $30.1 million in costs related to the STIP at December 27, 2015 related to cash bonus awards that could potentially be awarded during 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 and any consultants (the “LTIP”). The equity-based awards that may be granted under the LTIP include “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of the IRC, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). At December 27, 2015 , we have reserved approximately 5.2 million shares of common stock for future issuance under the LTIP. The following awards were outstanding during 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 % 67,715 Stock RSU LTIP 269,662 03/03/2014 17.18 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % 29,373 Stock RSU LTIP 158,226 02/26/2015 27.51 Performance / Service 12/31/2018 (b) 19,737 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: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of goods sold $ 596 $ 395 $ 361 Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,379 4,533 2,984 Total $ 2,975 $ 4,928 $ 3,345 Income tax benefit $ 868 $ 1,326 $ 471 The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below: 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands, except weighted average fair values) RSAs: Outstanding at beginning of year 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 273 $ 6.54 Granted — — — — 30 8.72 Vested — — (173 ) 6.62 (100 ) 7.10 Forfeited (30 ) 8.72 — — — — Outstanding at end of year — $ — 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 RSUs: Outstanding at beginning of year 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 — $ — Granted 428 21.00 463 16.70 815 8.82 Vested (671 ) 8.81 — — — — Forfeited (103 ) 18.90 (72 ) 10.34 (86 ) 8.89 Outstanding at end of year 774 $ 18.78 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 The total fair value of awards vested in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $22.4 million , $3.2 million and $0.7 million , respectively. At December 27, 2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards was $8.8 million . That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.22 years. Historically, we have issued new shares to satisfy award conversions.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Pilgrim's has been and, in some cases, continues to be a party to certain transactions with affiliated companies. 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) JBS USA Holding: Letter of credit fees (a) $ 1,268 $ 1,339 $ 2,156 Equity contribution under tax sharing agreement (b) 3,690 3,849 — JBS USA Food Company: Purchases from JBS USA Food Company (c) 103,542 115,337 80,809 Expenditures paid by JBS USA Food Company on behalf of Pilgrim’s (d) 40,611 31,149 55,730 Sales to JBS USA Food Company (c) 21,743 39,682 61,942 Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s on behalf of JBS USA Food Company (d) 3,998 4,925 1,733 Seara International Ltd.: Purchases from Seara International Ltd. 2,784 2,091 — JBS Global (UK) Ltd.: Sales to JBS Global (UK) Ltd. 305 255 — JBS Chile Ltda.: Sales to JBS Chile Ltda. 100 463 — Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. Purchases from Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. 60 — — JBS Aves Ltda.: Purchases from JBS Aves Ltda. — 4,072 — (a) Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA Holdings 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 Holdings up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA Holdings for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2015, we have paid JBS USA Holdings $1.3 million for letter of credit costs. As of December 27, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA Holdings for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. (b) The Company entered into a tax sharing agreement during 2014 with JBS USA Holdings effective for tax years starting 2010. The net tax receivable for tax year 2015 was accrued in 2015. The net tax receivable for tax years 2010 through 2014 was accrued in 2014. (c) We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding payable to JBS USA was $7.0 million and $4.8 million , respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA was $2.6 million and $1.4 million , respectively. As of December 27, 2015 , approximately $2.5 million of goods from JBS USA. were in transit and not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. (d) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA Holdings to allocate costs associated with the procurement by JBS USA Holdings of SAP licenses and maintenance services for both companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA Holdings 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 Holdings to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA Holdings will be reimbursed by JBS USA Holdings. 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 December 27, 2015, outstanding borrowings totaled $64.5 million .

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES General We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Purchase Obligations The Company will sometimes enter into noncancelable contracts to purchase capital equipment and certain commodities such as corn, soybean meal, and electricity. At December 27, 2015 , the Company was party to outstanding purchase contracts totaling $161.2 million and $0.7 million payable in 2016 and 2017 , respectively. There were no outstanding purchase contracts in 2018. Operating Leases The Consolidated Statements of Operations include rental expense for operating leases of approximately $25.3 million , $15.2 million and $13.1 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company’s future minimum lease commitments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 21,778 2017 19,116 2018 15,711 2019 11,382 2020 7,033 Thereafter 10,382 Total $ 85,402 Certain of the Company’s operating leases include rent escalations. The Company includes the rent escalation in its minimum lease payments obligations and recognizes them as a component of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease term. The Company also maintains operating leases for various types of equipment, some of which contain residual value guarantees for the market value of assets at the end of the term of the lease. The terms of the lease maturities range from one to ten years. The maximum potential amount of the residual value guarantees is estimated to be approximately $48.5 million ; however, the actual amount would be offset by any recoverable amount based on the fair market value of the underlying leased assets. No liability has been recorded related to this contingency as the likelihood of payments under these guarantees is not considered to be probable and the fair value of such guarantees is immaterial. The Company historically has not experienced significant payments under similar residual guarantees. Financial Instruments Pursuant to the terms of the Subordinated Loan Agreement, we have agreed to reimburse JBS USA Holdings up to $56.5 million for draws upon any letters of credit issued for JBS USA Holdings’ account that support certain obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company’s loan agreements generally obligate the Company to reimburse the applicable lender for incremental increased costs due to a change in law that imposes (i) any reserve or special deposit requirement against assets of, deposits with or credit extended by such lender related to the loan, (ii) any tax, duty or other charge with respect to the loan (except standard income tax) or (iii) capital adequacy requirements. In addition, some of the Company’s loan agreements contain a withholding tax provision that requires the Company to pay additional amounts to the applicable lender or other financing party, generally if withholding taxes are imposed on such lender or other financing party as a result of a change in the applicable tax law. These increased cost and withholding tax provisions continue for the entire term of the applicable transaction, and there is no limitation on the maximum additional amounts the Company could be obligated to pay under such provisions. Any failure to pay amounts due under such provisions generally would trigger an event of default, and, in a secured financing transaction, would entitle the lender to foreclose upon the collateral to realize the amount due. Litigation We are a party to many routine contracts in which we provide general indemnities in the normal course of business to third parties for various risks. Among other considerations, we have not recorded a liability for any of these indemnities as based upon the likelihood of payment, the fair value of such indemnities would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows . The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. In the Company’s opinion, it has made appropriate and adequate accruals for claims where necessary; however, the ultimate liability for these matters is uncertain, and if significantly different than the amounts accrued, the ultimate outcome could have a material effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. For a discussion of the material legal proceedings and claims, see Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings.” Below is a summary of some of these material proceedings and claims. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims made and intends to vigorously defend these cases. 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. Tax Claims and Proceedings In 2009, the IRS asserted claims against the Company totaling $74.7 million . The Company 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, the Company filed a petition in Tax Court on May 26, 2010 in response to a Notice of Deficiency that was issued to the Company as the successor in interest to Gold Kist. The Notice of Deficiency and the Tax Court proceeding 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 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.

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS	MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, investment securities and trade accounts receivable. The Company’s cash equivalents and investment securities are high-quality debt and equity securities placed with major banks and financial institutions. The Company’s trade accounts receivable are generally unsecured. Credit evaluations are performed on all significant customers and updated as circumstances dictate. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across geographic areas. With the exception of one customer that accounts for approximately 8.2% of trade accounts and other receivables at December 27, 2015, and approximately 7.8% of net sales for 2015, the Company does not believe it has significant concentrations of credit risk in its trade accounts receivable. At December 27, 2015, approximately 45.6% of the Company’s employees were covered under collective bargaining agreements. Substantially all employees covered under collective bargaining agreements are covered under agreements that expire in 2016 or later, with the exception of four processing operations locations, where the collective bargaining agreement expired in 2015 and negotiations are ongoing. We have not experienced any labor-related work stoppage at any location in over ten years . We believe our relationship with our employees and union leadership is satisfactory. At any given time, we will likely be in some stage of contract negotiations with various collective bargaining units. The Company is currently in negotiations at four locations, and there is no assurance that agreement will be reached. In the absence of an agreement, we may become subject to labor disruption at one or more of these locations, which could have an adverse effect on our financial results. The aggregate carrying amount of net assets belonging to our Mexico operations was $ 576.6 million and $454.5 million at December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively.

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING	BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING We operate in one reportable business segment, as a producer and seller of chicken products we either produce or purchase for resale in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico. We conduct separate operations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Mexico; however, for geographic reporting purposes, we include Puerto Rico with our U.S. operations. Corporate expenses are allocated to Mexico based upon various apportionment methods for specific expenditures incurred related thereto with the remaining amounts allocated to the U.S. Net sales to customers by customer location and long-lived assets are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Net sales to customers by customer location: United States $ 6,722,455 $ 7,067,408 $ 6,816,246 Mexico 1,116,455 1,075,764 1,108,308 Asia 120,288 246,141 301,545 Canada, Caribbean and Central America 176,396 80,121 51,275 Africa 16,171 49,810 38,809 Europe 12,841 44,377 73,349 South America 12,114 18,102 19,224 Pacific 3,384 1,642 2,392 Total $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365 $ 8,411,148 December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Long-lived assets (a) : United States $ 1,108,776 $ 1,085,856 Mexico 243,753 96,939 Total $ 1,352,529 $ 1,182,795 (a) For this disclosure, we exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280-10-50-41, Segment Reporting . Long-lived assets, as used in ASC 280-10-50-41, implies hard assets that cannot be readily removed. The following table sets forth, for the periods beginning with 2013 , net sales attributable to each of our primary product lines and markets served with those products. We based the table on our internal sales reports and their classification of product types. 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) U.S. chicken: Prepared chicken $ 1,672,693 $ 1,787,389 $ 2,046,747 Fresh chicken 4,701,943 4,703,993 4,123,087 Export and other chicken 358,877 620,082 715,970 Total U.S. chicken 6,733,513 7,111,464 6,885,804 Mexico chicken 1,016,200 900,360 864,454 Total chicken 7,749,713 8,011,824 7,750,258 Other products: U.S. 409,841 535,572 614,409 Mexico 20,550 35,969 46,481 Total other products 430,391 571,541 660,890 Total net sales $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365 $ 8,411,148

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) 2015 First Second (a) Third (b) Fourth (b) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,052,919 $ 2,053,876 $ 2,112,529 $ 1,960,780 $ 8,180,104 Gross profit 377,120 432,020 284,544 160,693 1,254,377 Net income attributable to PPC common stockholders 204,215 241,489 137,062 63,148 645,914 Net income per share amounts - basic 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Net income per share amounts - diluted 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 91 364 2014 First Second Third Fourth Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,018,065 $ 2,186,817 $ 2,268,048 $ 2,110,435 $ 8,583,365 Gross profit (loss) 215,106 349,476 450,265 379,148 1,393,995 Net income attributable to PPC 98,117 190,360 255,983 167,188 711,648 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.74 0.99 0.65 2.75 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.73 0.99 0.64 2.74 Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 91 364 2013 First Second Third Fourth (b) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,036,929 $ 2,184,118 $ 2,142,816 $ 2,047,285 $ 8,411,148 Gross profit 118,434 282,507 236,573 207,925 845,439 Net income attributable to PPC 54,582 190,704 160,917 143,352 549,555 Net income per share amounts - basic and diluted 0.21 0.74 0.62 0.55 2.12 Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 91 364 (a) In the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized impairment charges of $4.8 million related to our Dallas, Texas and Bossier City, Louisiana plants held for sale. (b) On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired, indirectly through certain of its Mexican subsidiaries, 100% of the equity of Tyson Mexico from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. The results of operations of the acquired business since June 29, 2015 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business during the third and fourth quarters of 2015 were $128.9 million and $121.7 million , respectively. The acquired business incurred net losses of $2.9 million and $10.8 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively. (c) In the fourth quarter of 2013 , the Company recognized expenses related to the shutdown of our Dallas, Texas plant of $0.5 million and asset impairment charges of $0.5 million .

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALI

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II PILGRIM’S PRIDE CORPORATION VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Additions Beginning Balance Charged to Operating Results Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Ending Balance (In thousands) Trade Accounts and Other Receivables— Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: 2015 $ 2,525 $ 1,060 $ 1,314 (d) $ (1 ) (a) $ 4,900 2014 4,056 520 — 2,051 (a) 2,525 2013 3,757 1,668 — 1,369 (a) 4,056 Trade Accounts and Other Receivables— Allowance for Sales Adjustments: 2015 $ 7,425 $ 150,113 $ — $ 151,876 (b) $ 5,662 2014 7,089 220,123 — 219,787 (b) 7,425 2013 10,152 159,417 — 162,480 (b) 7,089 Deferred Tax Assets— Valuation Allowance: 2015 $ 9,150 $ — $ — $ (1,229 ) (c) $ 7,921 2014 10,400 (1,250 ) — — (c) 9,150 2013 188,354 (164,180 ) (13,774 ) — (c) 10,400 (a) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries. (b) Deductions either written off, rebilled or reclassified as liabilities for market development fund rebates. (c) Reductions in the valuation allowance. (d) Allowance for doubtful accounts assumed with the acquisition of Tyson Mexico.

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI31

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Financial Statements	The Company operates on the basis of a 52 / 53 -week fiscal year ending on the Sunday falling on or before December 31. The reader should assume any reference we make to a particular year (for example, 2015 ) in the notes to these Consolidated Financial Statements applies to our fiscal year and not the calendar year. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation and its majority owned subsidiaries. We eliminate all significant affiliate accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations	The Company measures the financial statements of its Mexico subsidiaries as if the U.S. dollar were the functional currency. Accordingly, we remeasure assets and liabilities, other than non-monetary assets, of the Mexico subsidiaries at current exchange rates. We remeasure nonmonetary assets using the historical exchange rate in effect on the date of each asset's acquisition. We remeasure income and expenses at average exchange rates in effect during the period, except for certain accounts which are remeasured at a historical rate. Currency exchange gains or losses are included in the line item Foreign currency transaction losses (gains) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Revenue Recognition	We recognize revenue when all of the following circumstances are satisfied: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exits, (ii) price is fixed or determinable, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured and (iv) delivery has occurred. Delivery occurs in the period in which the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership of the products specified in the customer's purchase order or sales agreement. Revenue is recorded net of estimated incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revisions to these estimates are charged back to net sales in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Costs associated with the products shipped to customers are recognized in cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses
Research and Development Costs	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when acquired to be cash equivalents. The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Investments in Securities	The Company’s current investments are comprised of fixed income securities, primarily commercial paper, and a money market fund. These investments are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities of less than one year and those identified by management at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as current assets. Investments in fixed income securities with remaining maturities in excess of one year that management has not identified at the time of purchase for funding operations in less than one year are classified as long-term assets. Unrealized losses are charged against net earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. Management reviews several factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary, such as the length of time a security is in an unrealized loss position, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the impact of changing interest rates in the short and long term, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company determines the cost of each security sold and each amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings using the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a settlement date basis. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest greater than 50% and exercises control over the entity are consolidated in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. The Company invests from time to time in ventures in which its ownership interest is less than 20% and over which it does not exercise significant influence. Such investments are accounted for under the cost method. The fair values for investments not traded on a quoted exchange are estimated based upon the historical performance of the ventures, the ventures’ forecasted financial performance and management’s evaluation of the ventures’ viability and business models. To the extent the book value of an investment exceeds its assessed fair value, the Company will record an appropriate impairment charge.
Accounts Receivable	The Company records accounts receivable when revenue is recognized. We record an allowance for doubtful accounts, reducing our receivables balance to an amount we estimate is collectible from our customers. Estimates used in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts are based on historical collection experience, current trends, aging of accounts receivable, and periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. We write off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent, based upon age or customer circumstances, that such amounts will not be collected. Generally, the Company does not require collateral for its accounts receivable.
Inventories	Live chicken inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and breeder hen inventories at the lower of cost, less accumulated amortization, or market. The costs associated with breeder hen inventories are accumulated up to the production stage and amortized over their productive lives using the unit-of-production method. Finished poultry products, feed, eggs and other inventories are stated at the lower of cost (average) or market. We record valuation adjustments for our inventory and for estimated obsolescence at or equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon known conditions affecting inventory, including significantly aged products, discontinued product lines, or damaged or obsolete products. We allocate meat costs between our various finished chicken products based on a by-product costing technique that reduces the cost of the whole bird by estimated yields and amounts to be recovered for certain by-product parts. This primarily includes leg quarters, wings, tenders and offal, which are carried in inventory at the estimated recovery amounts, with the remaining amount being reflected as our breast meat cost. Generally, the Company performs an evaluation of whether any lower of cost or market adjustments are required at the country level based on a number of factors, including: (i) pools of related inventory, (ii) product continuation or discontinuation, (iii) estimated market selling prices and (iv) expected distribution channels. If actual market conditions or other factors are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, and repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets. Estimated useful lives for building, machinery and equipment are five to 33 years and for automobiles and trucks are three to ten years. The charge to income resulting from amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with depreciation expense. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for use when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets. When the above is true, the impairment charge is determined based upon the amount the net book value of the assets exceeds their fair market value. In making these determinations, the Company utilizes certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (i) future cash flows estimated to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, remaining length of service and estimated salvage values, (ii) estimated fair market value of the assets and (iii) determinations with respect to the lowest level of cash flows relevant to the respective impairment test, generally groupings of related operational facilities. Given the interdependency of the Company’s individual facilities during the production process, which operate as a vertically integrated network, it evaluates impairment of assets held for use at the country level (i.e., the U.S. and Mexico). Management believes this is the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for its assets that are held for use in production activities. At the present time, the Company’s forecasts indicate that it can recover the carrying value of its assets held for use based on the projected undiscounted cash flows of the operations. The Company records impairment charges on long-lived assets held for sale when the carrying amount of those assets exceeds their fair value less appropriate selling costs. Fair value is based on amounts documented in sales contracts or letters of intent accepted by the Company, amounts included in counteroffers initiated by the Company, or, in the absence of current contract negotiations, amounts determined using a sales comparison approach for real property and amounts determined using a cost approach for personal property. Under the sales comparison approach, sales and asking prices of reasonably comparable properties are considered to develop a range of unit prices within which the current real estate market is operating. Under the cost approach, a current cost to replace the asset new is calculated and then the estimated replacement cost is reduced to reflect the applicable decline in value resulting from physical deterioration, functional obsolescence and economic obsolescence. Appropriate selling costs includes reasonable broker's commissions, costs to produce title documents, filing fees, legal expenses and the like. We estimate appropriate closing costs as 4% to 6% of asset fair value. This range of rates is considered reasonable for our assets held for sale based on historical experience.
Identified Intangible Assets	Our identified intangible assets consist of assets subject to amortization such as trade names, customer relationships and non-compete agreements. We calculate amortization of those assets that are subject to amortization on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. The useful lives range from three to 15 years for trade names and non-compete agreements and 13 years for customer relationships. We review intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment whenever an event or change in circumstances indicates the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. We test intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment and estimate their fair values using the same assumptions and techniques we employ on property, plant and equipment.
Book Overdraft Balances	The majority of the Company's disbursement bank accounts are zero balance accounts where cash needs are funded as checks are presented for payment by the holder. Checks issued pending clearance that result in overdraft balances for accounting purposes are classified as accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Litigation and Contingent Liabilities	The Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and other claims related to employment, environmental, product and other matters. The Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes, as well as potential ranges of probable losses, to these matters. The Company estimates the amount of reserves required for these contingencies when losses are determined to be probable and after considerable analysis of each individual issue. The Company expenses legal costs related to such loss contingencies as they are incurred. The accrual for environmental remediation liabilities is measured on an undiscounted basis. These reserves may change in the future due to changes in the Company’s assumptions, the effectiveness of strategies, or other factors beyond the Company’s control.
Accrued Self Insurance	Insurance expense for casualty claims and employee-related health care benefits are estimated using historical and current experience and actuarial estimates. Stop-loss coverage is maintained with third-party insurers to limit the Company’s total exposure. Certain categories of claim liabilities are actuarially determined. The assumptions used to arrive at periodic expenses are reviewed regularly by management. However, actual expenses could differ from these estimates and could result in adjustments to be recognized.
Income Taxes	The Company follows provisions under ASC 740-10-30-27 in the Expenses-Income Taxes topic with regard to members of a group that file a consolidated tax return but issue separate financial statements. The Company files its own U.S. federal tax return, but it is included in certain state consolidated returns with JBS USA Food Company Holdings (“JBS USA Holdings”). The income tax expense of the Company is computed using the separate return method. The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. The amount of deferred tax on these temporary differences is determined using the tax rates expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, as applicable, based on the tax rates and laws in the respective tax jurisdiction enacted as of the balance sheet date. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, potential for carry back of tax losses, projected future taxable income, applicable tax strategies, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Valuation allowances have been established primarily for net operating loss carry forwards of certain foreign subsidiaries. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company deems its earnings from Mexico and Puerto Rico as of December 27, 2015 to be permanently reinvested. As such, U.S. deferred income taxes have not been provided on these earnings. If such earnings were not considered indefinitely reinvested, certain deferred foreign and U.S. income taxes would be provided. The Company follows provisions under ASC 740-10-25 that provide a recognition threshold and measurement criteria for the financial statement recognition of a tax benefit taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Tax benefits are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the benefits will be sustained on examination. Tax benefits that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured using a probability weighting of the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a particular tax benefit is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances evaluated in light of all available evidence as of the balance sheet date. See “Note 12. Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits	Our pension and other postemployment benefit costs and obligations are dependent on the various actuarial assumptions used in calculating such amounts. These assumptions relate to discount rates, long-term return on plan assets and other factors. We base the discount rate assumptions on current investment yields on high-quality corporate long-term bonds. We determine the long-term return on plan assets based on historical portfolio results and management’s expectation of the future economic environment. Actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and, if in excess of the lesser of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair market value of plan assets, amortized over either (i) the estimated average future service period of active plan participants if the plan is active or (ii) the estimated average future life expectancy of all plan participants if the plan is frozen.
Operating Leases	Rent expense for operating leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless the lease contains an escalation clause which is not fixed or determinable. The lease term begins when we have the right to control the use of the leased property, which is typically before rent payments are due under the terms of the lease. If a lease has a fixed or determinable escalation clause, the difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rent for operating leases that do not have an escalation clause or where escalation is based on an inflation index is expensed over the lease term as it is payable.
Risk Management	The Company attempts to mitigate commodity purchase exposures through a program of risk management that includes the use of forward purchase contractual obligations and derivative financial instruments. The Company will also occasionally purchase derivative financial instruments in an attempt to mitigate currency exchange rate exposure related to the net assets of its Mexico operations that are denominated in Mexican pesos. The Company's Mexico subsidiaries also attempt to mitigate the foreign currency exposure on certain U.S. dollar-denominated transactions through the use of derivative financial instruments. We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. We elected not to designate derivative financial instruments executed to mitigate commodity purchase exposures and foreign currency exposures as hedges of forecasted transactions. Therefore, we recognize changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments immediately in earnings. Gains or losses related to both the commodity derivative financial instruments and the foreign currency derivative financial instruments are included in the line item Cost of sales in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We make significant estimates in regard to receivables collectability; inventory valuation; realization of deferred tax assets; valuation of long-lived assets; valuation of contingent liabilities, liabilities subject to compromise and self insurance liabilities; valuation of pension and other postretirement benefits obligations; and valuation of acquired businesses.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements During the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015, the Company early adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 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. This change in accounting principal should reduce the unnecessary complexity created by having different balance sheet presentation requirements for debt issuance costs and debt discount and premium and conform U.S. GAAP with the guidance in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). Upon adoption of the guidance, the Company recognized $14.9 million of debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of its debt liabilities. The Company held deferred debt issuance costs of $7.6 million at December 28, 2014 related to a line-of-credit arrangement for which there was no corresponding outstanding borrowing. Rather than retrospectively presenting these debt issuance costs in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability, the Company will continue to present these costs as an asset. During the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015, the Company early adopted the FASB guidance for balance sheet classification of deferred taxes, which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. This change in accounting principal should reduce the unnecessary complexity created by separating deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. This change should also eliminate costs incurred by an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into a current and noncurrent amount. The Company adopted this guidance with retrospective application. A description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items is included below: December 28, 2014 As Presented in Retrospective Adjustment Resulting from Adoption of As Presented in (In thousands) Current deferred tax assets $ 27,345 $ (27,345 ) $ — Current deferred tax liabilities 25,301 (25,301 ) — Deferred tax liabilities 76,216 (2,044 ) 74,172 During the thirteen weeks ended December 27, 2015, we early adopted the FASB's new accounting and presentation 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 adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Adopted as of December 27, 2015 In May 2014, the 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 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.

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI32

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted	A description of the prior-period information that has been retrospectively adjusted, and the effect of the change on the financial statement line items is included below: December 28, 2014 As Presented in Retrospective Adjustment Resulting from Adoption of As Presented in (In thousands) Current deferred tax assets $ 27,345 $ (27,345 ) $ — Current deferred tax liabilities 25,301 (25,301 ) — Deferred tax liabilities 76,216 (2,044 ) 74,172

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 26,411 Other long-lived assets 199 Total assets acquired 289,861 Accounts payable 21,550 Other current liabilities 8,707 Long-term deferred tax liabilities 31,947 Other long-term liabilities 5,155 Total liabilities assumed 67,359 Total identifiable net assets 222,502 Goodwill 156,565 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 fiscal year ended December 29, 2013. 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $ 8,493,751 $ 9,233,138 $ 9,058,555 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 662,926 714,453 536,419 Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation 2.56 2.75 2.07

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 59 $ — $ — $ 59 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 1,618 — — 1,618 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (5,436 ) — — (5,436 ) Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% (488,750 ) — — (488,750 )
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 Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair Note Reference (In thousands) Derivative assets - commodity futures instruments $ 59 $ 59 $ 8,416 $ 8,416 7 Derivative assets - commodity options instruments 1,618 1,618 — — 7 Derivative assets - foreign currency futures instruments — — 2,563 2,563 7 Derivative liabilities - commodity futures instruments (5,436 ) (5,436 ) (8,580 ) (8,580 ) 7 Derivative liabilities - commodity options instruments — — (14,103 ) (14,103 ) 7 Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75% (500,000 ) (488,750 ) — — 11

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE35

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Trade Accounts and Other Receivables	Trade accounts and other receivables (including accounts receivable from related parties), less allowance for doubtful accounts, consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 342,466 $ 371,268 Notes receivable - current 850 1,088 Other receivables 10,578 9,059 Receivables, gross 353,894 381,415 Allowance for doubtful accounts (4,900 ) (2,525 ) Receivables, net $ 348,994 $ 378,890 Accounts receivable from related parties (a) $ 2,668 $ 5,250 (a) Additional information regarding accounts receivable from related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.”

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Live chicken and hens $ 365,062 $ 363,438 Feed, eggs and other 215,859 198,681 Finished chicken products 191,988 227,649 Total chicken inventories 772,909 789,768 Commercial feed, table eggs and other 28,448 537 Total inventories $ 801,357 $ 790,305

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tabl

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Fair Fair (In thousands) Cash equivalents: Fixed income securities $ 290,795 $ 290,795 $ 204,286 $ 204,286 Other 54,831 54,831 80 80

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME38

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (Fair values in thousands) Fair values: Commodity derivative assets $ 1,677 $ 8,416 Commodity derivative liabilities (5,436 ) (22,683 ) Foreign currency derivative assets — 2,563 Cash collateral posted with brokers 9,381 25,205 Derivatives Coverage (a) : Corn 7.0 % (8.2 )% Soybean meal 4.1 % (16.1 )% Period through which stated percent of needs are covered: Corn March 2017 September 2016 Soybean meal July 2016 July 2015 (a) Derivatives coverage is the percent of anticipated corn and soybean meal needs covered by outstanding derivative instruments through a specified date.

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (T

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Identified intangible assets consisted of the following: Useful Life (Years) Original Cost Accumulated Amortization Carrying Amount (In thousands) December 28, 2014: Trade names 3–15 $ 40,143 $ (32,900 ) $ 7,243 Customer relationships 13 51,000 (31,460 ) 19,540 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Total intangible assets $ 91,443 $ (64,660 ) $ 26,783 December 27, 2015: Trade names 3–15 $ 49,843 $ (34,718 ) $ 15,125 Customer relationships 8-13 67,711 (35,383 ) 32,328 Non-compete agreements 3 300 (300 ) — Total intangible assets $ 117,854 $ (70,401 ) $ 47,453

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”), net consisted of the following: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Land $ 105,165 $ 66,798 Buildings 1,131,379 1,086,690 Machinery and equipment 1,657,573 1,537,241 Autos and trucks 53,408 52,639 Construction-in-progress 152,619 129,701 Property, plant and equipment, gross 3,100,144 2,873,069 Accumulated depreciation (1,747,615 ) (1,690,274 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,352,529 $ 1,182,795

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Current Liabilities	Current liabilities, other than income taxes and current maturities of long-term debt, consisted of the following components: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Accounts payable: Trade accounts $ 436,188 $ 347,107 Book overdrafts 44,145 47,320 Other payables 2,621 5,059 Total accounts payable 482,954 399,486 Accounts payable to related parties (a) 7,000 4,862 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities: Compensation and benefits 112,583 123,495 Interest and debt-related fees 8,928 780 Insurance and self-insured claims 93,336 85,240 Derivative liabilities: Futures 5,436 8,580 Options — 14,103 Other accrued expenses 94,683 79,681 Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities 314,966 311,879 $ 804,920 $ 716,227 (a) Additional information regarding accounts payable to related parties is included in “Note 16. Related Party Transactions.”

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR42

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following components: Maturity December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 Long-term debt and other long-term borrowing arrangements: (In thousands) Senior notes payable at 5.75% 2025 $ 500,000 $ — U.S. Credit Facility (defined below): Term note payable at 1.5945% 2020 500,000 — Revolving note payable 2020 — — Subordinated Loan Agreement (defined below) 2015 — — Other Various 462 4,242 Long-term debt 1,000,462 4,242 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (86 ) (262 ) Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,000,376 3,980 Less: Capitalized financing costs (14,867 ) — Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs: $ 985,509 $ 3,980 Current notes payable to banks: Mexico Credit Facility (defined below) with notes payable at TIIE rate plus 0.90% 2016 $ 28,726 $ —

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	Income before income taxes by jurisdiction is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) U.S. $ 920,250 $ 953,027 $ 469,395 Foreign 72,508 149,364 104,545 Total $ 992,758 $ 1,102,391 $ 573,940
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are set forth below: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 248,821 $ 262,403 $ (427 ) Foreign 43,638 22,867 26,206 State and other 26,019 24,056 3,512 Total current 318,478 309,326 29,291 Deferred: Federal 32,819 29,737 22,923 Foreign (11,249 ) 31,332 (3,648 ) State and other 6,748 20,558 (24,339 ) Total deferred 28,318 81,627 (5,064 ) $ 346,796 $ 390,953 $ 24,227
Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation	The following table reconciles the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate: 2015 2014 2013 Federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State tax rate, net 2.3 2.6 2.3 Permanent items 0.1 0.4 1.4 Domestic production activity (1.9 ) (2.4 ) (1.2 ) Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate (0.9 ) (1.0 ) (1.0 ) Tax credits (0.7 ) — (3.0 ) Change in valuation allowance — — (31.0 ) Other 1.0 0.9 1.7 Total 34.9 % 35.5 % 4.2 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Deferred tax liabilities: PP&E and identified intangible assets $ 151,761 $ 126,537 Inventories 97,743 48,365 Insurance claims and losses 39,800 36,953 Other 15,054 26,801 Total deferred tax liabilities 304,358 238,656 Deferred tax assets: Net operating losses 4,297 5,842 Foreign net operating losses 16,595 7,873 Credit carry forwards 2,638 2,916 Allowance for doubtful accounts 4,382 4,261 Accrued liabilities 56,753 52,772 Workers compensation 41,217 43,309 Pension and other postretirement benefits 22,559 26,049 Other 31,956 30,612 Total deferred tax assets 180,397 173,634 Valuation allowance (7,921 ) (9,150 ) Net deferred tax assets 172,476 164,484 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 131,882 $ 74,172
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 17,396 $ 17,117 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during the current year 1,015 999 Increase as a result of tax positions taken during prior years 27 — Decrease as a result of tax positions taken during prior years (139 ) (101 ) Decrease for lapse in statute of limitations (1,189 ) (619 ) Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 17,110 $ 17,396

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM44

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets for these plans were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation: (In thousands) Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 190,401 $ 170,030 $ 1,657 $ 1,705 Interest cost 7,754 8,103 67 81 Actuarial losses (gains) (10,944 ) 24,670 44 (10 ) Benefits paid (6,074 ) (12,154 ) — — Settlements (a) (15,185 ) (248 ) (96 ) (119 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of year $ 165,952 $ 190,401 $ 1,672 $ 1,657 (a) A settlement is a transaction that is an irrevocable action, relieves the employer or the plan of primary responsibility for a pension or postretirement obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to affect the settlement. A settlement can be triggered when a plan pays lump sums totaling more than the sum of the plan’s interest cost and service cost. Both the GK Pension Plan and the Retiree Life Plan met this threshold in 2015 and both the SERP Plan and the Retiree Life Plan met this threshold in 2014. Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in plan assets: (In thousands) Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 113,552 $ 108,496 $ — $ — Actual return on plan assets (3,024 ) 3,944 — — Contributions by employer 7,678 13,514 96 119 Benefits paid (6,074 ) (12,154 ) — — Settlements (15,185 ) (248 ) (96 ) (119 ) Fair value of plan assets, end of year $ 96,947 $ 113,552 $ — $ — Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Funded status: (In thousands) Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year $ (69,005 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,672 ) $ (1,657 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year: (In thousands) Current liability $ (10,779 ) $ (9,373 ) $ (138 ) $ (129 ) Long-term liability (58,226 ) (67,476 ) (1,534 ) (1,528 ) Recognized liability $ (69,005 ) $ (76,849 ) $ (1,672 ) $ (1,657 ) Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year: (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain) $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ (79 ) $ (127 )
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)	Net pension and other postretirement costs included the following components: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Interest cost 7,754 8,103 7,954 67 81 78 Estimated return on plan assets (6,684 ) (6,373 ) (5,393 ) — — — Settlement loss (gain) 3,843 93 — (4 ) (9 ) (15 ) Amortization of net loss (gain) 714 56 1,001 — — — Net cost $ 5,627 $ 1,879 $ 3,562 $ 63 $ 72 $ 63
Schedule of Economic Assumptions	The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension and other postretirement plan information were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Benefit obligation: Discount rate 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.47 % 4.22 % 4.95 % Net pension and other postretirement cost: Discount rate 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.22 % 4.22 % 4.95 % 4.22 % Expected return on plan assets 5.50 % 6.00 % 6.00 % NA NA NA
Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations	The following table reflects the pension plans’ actual asset allocations: 2015 2014 Cash and cash equivalents — % — % Pooled separate accounts (a) : Equity securities 7 % 6 % Fixed income securities 7 % 6 % Common collective trust funds (a) : Equity securities 57 % 60 % Fixed income securities 29 % 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 Securities and Exchange Commission. Often times, they will be invested in mutual funds or other marketable securities, but the unit price generally will be different from the value of the underlying securities because the fund may also hold cash for liquidity purposes, and the fees imposed by the fund are deducted from the fund value rather than charged separately to investors. Some PSAs and CCTs have no restrictions as to their investment strategy and can invest in riskier investments, such as derivatives, hedge funds, private equity funds, or similar investments.
Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions of Plan Assets	The fair value measurements of plan assets fell into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 : 2015 2014(a) Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total Level 1 (a) Level 2 (b) Level 3 (c) Total (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 147 $ — $ — $ 147 $ 33 $ — $ — $ 33 Pooled separate accounts: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 3,816 — 3,816 — 4,147 — 4,147 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 969 — 969 — 1,062 — 1,062 International equity funds (f) — 1,606 — 1,606 — 1,719 — 1,719 Fixed income funds (g) — 6,337 — 6,337 — 6,609 — 6,609 Common collective trusts funds: Large U.S. equity funds (d) — 22,069 — 22,069 — 29,964 — 29,964 Small/Mid U.S. equity funds (e) — 16,843 — 16,843 — 18,411 — 18,411 International equity funds (f) — 16,629 — 16,629 — 19,730 — 19,730 Fixed income funds (g) — 28,531 — 28,531 — 31,877 — 31,877 Total assets $ 147 $ 96,800 $ — $ 96,947 $ 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 December 27, 2015 expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter from our pension and other postretirement plans. Because our pension plans are primarily funded plans, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come primarily from the trusts established for these plans. Because our other postretirement plans are unfunded, the anticipated benefits with respect to these plans will come from our own assets. Pension Benefits Other Benefits (In thousands) 2016 $ 14,205 $ 138 2017 11,660 139 2018 11,406 140 2019 11,063 139 2020 11,075 138 2021-2025 49,795 643 Total $ 109,204 $ 1,337
Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts	The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were not recognized as components of net periodic benefits cost and the changes in those amounts are as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year $ 43,907 $ 16,957 $ 53,368 $ (127 ) $ (126 ) $ (49 ) Amortization (714 ) (56 ) (1,001 ) — — — Settlement adjustments (3,843 ) (93 ) — 4 9 15 Actuarial loss (gain) (10,944 ) 24,670 (24,315 ) 44 (10 ) (92 ) Asset loss (gain) 9,709 2,429 (11,095 ) — — — Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year $ 38,115 $ 43,907 $ 16,957 $ (79 ) $ (127 ) $ (126 )

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following tables provide information regarding the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss during 2015 and 2014 : 2015 (a) 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 year $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) $ (45,797 ) $ 62 $ (45,735 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 4,004 (260 ) 3,744 (16,810 ) 319 (16,491 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (429 ) 296 (133 ) 35 (350 ) (315 ) Net current year other comprehensive income (loss) 3,575 36 3,611 (16,775 ) (31 ) (16,806 ) Balance, end of year $ (58,997 ) $ 67 $ (58,930 ) $ (62,572 ) $ 31 $ (62,541 ) (a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(a) Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations 2015 2014 (In thousands) Realized gain on sale of securities $ 476 $ 562 Interest income Amortization of pension and other Union employees pension plan (b) — — (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (215 ) (19 ) (d) Cost of goods sold Legacy Gold Kist plans (c) (474 ) (37 ) (d) Selling, general and administrative expense Total before tax (213 ) 506 Tax benefit (expense) 80 (191 ) Total reclassification for the period $ (133 ) $ 315 (a) Amounts in parentheses represent debits to results of operations. (b) The Company sponsors the Union Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain locations or work groups with collective bargaining agreements. (c) The Company sponsors the GK Pension Plan, a qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain eligible U.S. employees who were employed at locations that the Company purchased through its acquisition of Gold Kist in 2007, the SERP Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist executives, the Directors’ Emeriti Plan, a nonqualified defined benefit retirement plan covering certain former Gold Kist directors and the Retiree Life Plan, a defined benefit postretirement life insurance plan covering certain retired Gold Kist employees (collectively, the “Legacy Gold Kist Plans”). (d) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See “Note 13. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Awards	The following awards were outstanding during 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 % 67,715 Stock RSU LTIP 269,662 03/03/2014 17.18 Performance / Service 12/31/2017 12.34 % 29,373 Stock RSU LTIP 158,226 02/26/2015 27.51 Performance / Service 12/31/2018 (b) 19,737 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: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Share-based compensation cost: Cost of goods sold $ 596 $ 395 $ 361 Selling, general and administrative expenses 2,379 4,533 2,984 Total $ 2,975 $ 4,928 $ 3,345 Income tax benefit $ 868 $ 1,326 $ 471
Schedule of RSA and RSU Activity	The Company’s RSA and RSU activity is included below: 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (In thousands, except weighted average fair values) RSAs: Outstanding at beginning of year 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 273 $ 6.54 Granted — — — — 30 8.72 Vested — — (173 ) 6.62 (100 ) 7.10 Forfeited (30 ) 8.72 — — — — Outstanding at end of year — $ — 30 $ 8.72 203 $ 6.59 RSUs: Outstanding at beginning of year 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81 — $ — Granted 428 21.00 463 16.70 815 8.82 Vested (671 ) 8.81 — — — — Forfeited (103 ) 18.90 (72 ) 10.34 (86 ) 8.89 Outstanding at end of year 774 $ 18.78 1,120 $ 11.97 729 $ 8.81

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) JBS USA Holding: Letter of credit fees (a) $ 1,268 $ 1,339 $ 2,156 Equity contribution under tax sharing agreement (b) 3,690 3,849 — JBS USA Food Company: Purchases from JBS USA Food Company (c) 103,542 115,337 80,809 Expenditures paid by JBS USA Food Company on behalf of Pilgrim’s (d) 40,611 31,149 55,730 Sales to JBS USA Food Company (c) 21,743 39,682 61,942 Expenditures paid by Pilgrim’s on behalf of JBS USA Food Company (d) 3,998 4,925 1,733 Seara International Ltd.: Purchases from Seara International Ltd. 2,784 2,091 — JBS Global (UK) Ltd.: Sales to JBS Global (UK) Ltd. 305 255 — JBS Chile Ltda.: Sales to JBS Chile Ltda. 100 463 — Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. Purchases from Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. 60 — — JBS Aves Ltda.: Purchases from JBS Aves Ltda. — 4,072 — (a) Beginning on October 26, 2011, JBS USA Holdings 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 Holdings up to $56.5 million for potential draws upon these letters of credit. We reimburse JBS USA Holdings for the letter of credit costs we would have otherwise incurred under our credit facilities. During 2015, we have paid JBS USA Holdings $1.3 million for letter of credit costs. As of December 27, 2015, the Company has accrued an obligation of $0.1 million to reimburse JBS USA Holdings for letter of credit costs incurred on its behalf. (b) The Company entered into a tax sharing agreement during 2014 with JBS USA Holdings effective for tax years starting 2010. The net tax receivable for tax year 2015 was accrued in 2015. The net tax receivable for tax years 2010 through 2014 was accrued in 2014. (c) We routinely execute transactions to both purchase products from JBS USA Food Company (“JBS USA”) and sell products to them. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding payable to JBS USA was $7.0 million and $4.8 million , respectively. As of December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, the outstanding receivable from JBS USA was $2.6 million and $1.4 million , respectively. As of December 27, 2015 , approximately $2.5 million of goods from JBS USA. were in transit and not reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. (d) The Company has an agreement with JBS USA Holdings to allocate costs associated with the procurement by JBS USA Holdings of SAP licenses and maintenance services for both companies. Under this agreement, the fees associated with procuring SAP licenses and maintenance services are allocated between the Company and JBS USA Holdings 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 Holdings to allocate the costs of supporting the business operations by one consolidated corporate team, which have historically been supported by their respective corporate teams. Expenditures paid by JBS USA on behalf of the Company will be reimbursed by the Company and expenditures paid by the Company on behalf of JBS USA Holdings will be reimbursed by JBS USA Holdings. This agreement expires on December 31, 2016.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments	The Company’s future minimum lease commitments under noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 21,778 2017 19,116 2018 15,711 2019 11,382 2020 7,033 Thereafter 10,382 Total $ 85,402

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPH49

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Sales and Long-lived Assets	Net sales to customers by customer location and long-lived assets are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) Net sales to customers by customer location: United States $ 6,722,455 $ 7,067,408 $ 6,816,246 Mexico 1,116,455 1,075,764 1,108,308 Asia 120,288 246,141 301,545 Canada, Caribbean and Central America 176,396 80,121 51,275 Africa 16,171 49,810 38,809 Europe 12,841 44,377 73,349 South America 12,114 18,102 19,224 Pacific 3,384 1,642 2,392 Total $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365 $ 8,411,148 December 27, 2015 December 28, 2014 (In thousands) Long-lived assets (a) : United States $ 1,108,776 $ 1,085,856 Mexico 243,753 96,939 Total $ 1,352,529 $ 1,182,795 (a) For this disclosure, we exclude financial instruments, deferred tax assets and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 280-10-50-41, Segment Reporting . Long-lived assets, as used in ASC 280-10-50-41, implies hard assets that cannot be readily removed.
Schedule of Sales by Product Lines	The following table sets forth, for the periods beginning with 2013 , net sales attributable to each of our primary product lines and markets served with those products. We based the table on our internal sales reports and their classification of product types. 2015 2014 2013 (In thousands) U.S. chicken: Prepared chicken $ 1,672,693 $ 1,787,389 $ 2,046,747 Fresh chicken 4,701,943 4,703,993 4,123,087 Export and other chicken 358,877 620,082 715,970 Total U.S. chicken 6,733,513 7,111,464 6,885,804 Mexico chicken 1,016,200 900,360 864,454 Total chicken 7,749,713 8,011,824 7,750,258 Other products: U.S. 409,841 535,572 614,409 Mexico 20,550 35,969 46,481 Total other products 430,391 571,541 660,890 Total net sales $ 8,180,104 $ 8,583,365 $ 8,411,148

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Results	2015 First Second (a) Third (b) Fourth (b) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,052,919 $ 2,053,876 $ 2,112,529 $ 1,960,780 $ 8,180,104 Gross profit 377,120 432,020 284,544 160,693 1,254,377 Net income attributable to PPC common stockholders 204,215 241,489 137,062 63,148 645,914 Net income per share amounts - basic 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Net income per share amounts - diluted 0.79 0.93 0.53 0.25 2.50 Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 91 364 2014 First Second Third Fourth Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,018,065 $ 2,186,817 $ 2,268,048 $ 2,110,435 $ 8,583,365 Gross profit (loss) 215,106 349,476 450,265 379,148 1,393,995 Net income attributable to PPC 98,117 190,360 255,983 167,188 711,648 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.74 0.99 0.65 2.75 Net income per share amounts - 0.38 0.73 0.99 0.64 2.74 Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 91 364 2013 First Second Third Fourth (b) Year (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $ 2,036,929 $ 2,184,118 $ 2,142,816 $ 2,047,285 $ 8,411,148 Gross profit 118,434 282,507 236,573 207,925 845,439 Net income attributable to PPC 54,582 190,704 160,917 143,352 549,555 Net income per share amounts - basic and diluted 0.21 0.74 0.62 0.55 2.12 Number of days in quarter 91 91 91 91 364 (a) In the second quarter of 2015, the Company recognized impairment charges of $4.8 million related to our Dallas, Texas and Bossier City, Louisiana plants held for sale. (b) On June 29, 2015, the Company acquired, indirectly through certain of its Mexican subsidiaries, 100% of the equity of Tyson Mexico from Tyson Foods, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries. The results of operations of the acquired business since June 29, 2015 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net sales generated by the acquired business during the third and fourth quarters of 2015 were $128.9 million and $121.7 million , respectively. The acquired business incurred net losses of $2.9 million and $10.8 million during the third and fourth quarters of 2015, respectively. (c) In the fourth quarter of 2013 , the Company recognized expenses related to the shutdown of our Dallas, Texas plant of $0.5 million and asset impairment charges of $0.5 million .

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI51

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) employee in Thousands, $ in Thousands, bird / WK in Millions, lb in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)employeebird / WKstategrowercountrylb	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of countries to which the company exports products | country	90
Number of states in which entity operates | state	12
Number of employees | employee	39
Maximum processing capacity, more than (number of birds per week) | bird / WK	37
Number of pounds of live chicken processed annually, more than | lb	10.8
Number of contract growers that supply poultry | grower	4,130
Ownership percentage	76.70%
Advertising costs	$ 4,700	$ 4,400	$ 4,900
Research and development costs	4,100	3,800	$ 3,900
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred debt issuance costs	14,867	$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs impact from direct deduction of debt liabilities	$ 14,900
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	13 years	13 years
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fiscal period duration	364 days
Estimated closing costs, percent of asset fair value	4.00%
Minimum [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	8 years
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Automobiles and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Fiscal period duration	371 days
Estimated closing costs, percent of asset fair value	6.00%
Maximum [Member] | Trade names [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	15 years	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Non-compete agreements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Intangible assets, estimated useful life	13 years
Maximum [Member] | Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	33 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	33 years
Maximum [Member] | Automobiles and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, estimated useful life	10 years
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Deferred debt issuance costs		$ 7,600

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNI52

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Current deferred tax assets		$ 0
Current deferred tax liabilities		0
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 131,882	74,172
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Current deferred tax assets		27,345
Current deferred tax liabilities		25,301
Deferred tax liabilities		76,216
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Current deferred tax assets		(27,345)
Current deferred tax liabilities		(25,301)
Deferred tax liabilities		$ (2,044)

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	Dec. 27, 2015	Jun. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 156,565		$ 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		26,411
Other long-lived assets		199
Total assets acquired		289,861
Accounts payable		21,550
Other current liabilities		8,707
Long-term deferred tax liabilities		31,947
Other long-term liabilities		5,155
Total liabilities assumed		67,359
Total identifiable net assets		222,502
Goodwill		156,565
Total net assets		$ 379,067

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Pro Forma Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 8,493,751	$ 9,233,138	$ 9,058,555
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	$ 662,926	$ 714,453	$ 536,419
Net income attributable to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation per common share - diluted (in usd per share)	$ 2.56	$ 2.75	$ 2.07

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative

BUSINESS ACQUISITION (Narrative) (Details) bird / WK in Millions, $ in Millions	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)trade_name	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)employeebird / WKdistribution_centerplant	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)employeebird / WKdistribution_centerplant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum processing capacity of employees per week (in birds per week) | bird / WK		37		37
Number of employees of acquiree (more than) | employee		39,000		39,000
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		3
Number of processing plants acquired | plant		3		3
Number of employees of acquiree (more than) | employee		4,500		4,500
Number of distribution centers acquired | distribution_center		7		7
Net sales of acquiree since acquisition date		$ 121.7	$ 128.9	$ 250.6
Net loss of acquiree since acquisition date		$ (10.8)	$ (2.9)	$ 13.7
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%
Tyson Mexico [Member] | Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, net sales growth rate used in determination of fair value	4.00%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, customer attrition rate used in determination of fair value	15.00%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, income tax rate used in determination of fair value	30.00%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, income tax amortization benefit rate used in determination of fair value	15.80%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, discount rate used in determination of fair value	13.10%
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired, fair value	$ 16.7

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedu

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 59
Derivative liabilities	(5,436)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	(488,750)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,618
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	59
Derivative liabilities	(5,436)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	(488,750)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,618
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0
Derivative liabilities	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Options Instruments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 0

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECE58

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable	$ 342,466	$ 371,268
Notes receivable - current	850	1,088
Other receivables	10,578	9,059
Receivables, gross	353,894	381,415
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,900)	(2,525)
Receivables, net	348,994	378,890
Accounts receivable from related parties	$ 2,668	$ 5,250

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Sche59

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%
Carrying Amount [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	$ (500,000)	$ 0
Fair Value [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed-rate senior notes payable at 5.75%	(488,750)	0
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	59	8,416
Derivative liabilities	(5,436)	(8,580)
Commodity Futures Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	59	8,416
Derivative liabilities	(5,436)	(8,580)
Commodity Options Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,618	0
Derivative liabilities	0	(14,103)
Commodity Options Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1,618	0
Derivative liabilities	0	(14,103)
Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0	2,563
Foreign Currency Futures Instruments [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative assets	$ 0	$ 2,563

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 801,357	$ 790,305
Chicken inventories [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	772,909	789,768
Live chicken and hens [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	365,062	363,438
Feed, eggs and other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	215,859	198,681
Finished chicken products [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	191,988	227,649
Commercial feed, table eggs and other [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Total inventories	$ 28,448	$ 537

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Deta

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains recognized on available-for-sale securities	$ 1,200,000	$ 1,000,000
Gross realized losses recognized on available-for-sale securities	25,400	18,800
Cash equivalents, fixed income securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	290,795,000	204,286,000
Fair Value	290,795,000	204,286,000
Cash equivalents, other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Cost	54,831,000	80,000
Fair Value	$ 54,831,000	$ 80,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME62

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Outstanding Derivative Instruments and Cash Collateral) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair values:
Cash collateral posted with brokers	$ 9,381	$ 25,205
Corn [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	7.00%	(8.20%)
Soybean meal [Member]
Derivatives Coverage:
Derivatives Coverage	4.10%	(16.10%)
Commodity [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets	$ 1,677	$ 8,416
Derivative liabilities	(5,436)	(22,683)
Foreign currency [Member]
Fair values:
Derivative assets	$ 0	$ 2,563

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME63

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments	$ 21.8	$ 16.1	$ 25.1

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (S

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Original Cost	$ 117,854	$ 91,443
Accumulated Amortization	(70,401)	(64,660)
Carrying Amount	47,453	26,783
Trade names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Original Cost	49,843	40,143
Accumulated Amortization	(34,718)	(32,900)
Carrying Amount	$ 15,125	$ 7,243
Trade names [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	3 years	3 years
Trade names [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	15 years	15 years
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	13 years	13 years
Original Cost	$ 67,711	$ 51,000
Accumulated Amortization	(35,383)	(31,460)
Carrying Amount	$ 32,328	$ 19,540
Customer relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	8 years
Customer relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	13 years
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	3 years	3 years
Original Cost	$ 300	$ 300
Accumulated Amortization	(300)	(300)
Carrying Amount	$ 0	$ 0
Non-compete agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	3 years
Non-compete agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (Years)	15 years

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (N

IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 5.7	$ 5.7	$ 5.7
Expected amortization expense, 2016	8.9
Expected amortization expense, 2017	8
Expected amortization expense, 2018	7.7
Expected amortization expense, 2019	6.1
Expected amortization expense, 2020	$ 2.1

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT66

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 3,100,144	$ 2,873,069
Accumulated depreciation	(1,747,615)	(1,690,274)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,352,529	1,182,795
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	105,165	66,798
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,131,379	1,086,690
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,657,573	1,537,241
Autos and trucks [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	53,408	52,639
Construction-in-progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 152,619	$ 129,701

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT67

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 146,400	$ 136,400	$ 135,500
Proceeds from property disposals	14,610	11,108	31,337
Gain (loss) on property disposals	10,400	1,400
Expenditures for capital projects	175,764	171,443	$ 116,223
Completed projects transferred from construction-in-progress to depreciable assets	153,500
Idled assets property, plant and equipment, net	70,200
Idled asset property, plant and equipment gross	199,400
Idled asset accumulated depreciation	129,100
Assets held for sale	$ 6,555	$ 1,419

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details)

CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounts payable:
Trade accounts	$ 436,188	$ 347,107
Book overdrafts	44,145	47,320
Other payables	2,621	5,059
Total accounts payable	482,954	399,486
Accounts payable to related parties	7,000	4,862
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Compensation and benefits	112,583	123,495
Interest and debt-related fees	8,928	780
Insurance and self-insured claims	93,336	85,240
Derivative liabilities:
Other accrued expenses	94,683	79,681
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	314,966	311,879
Total current liabilities	804,920	716,227
Futures [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	5,436	8,580
Options [Member]
Derivative liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$ 0	$ 14,103

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR69

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt and Other Borrowing Arrangements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,000,462	$ 4,242
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(86)	(262)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	1,000,376	3,980
Less: Capitalized financing costs	(14,867)	0
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of capitalized financing costs:	985,509	3,980
Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current notes payable to banks	$ 28,726	0
Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Tiie Rate Plus [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate	0.90%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.75%
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	0
Term Note Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.5945%
Long-term debt	$ 500,000	0
Revolving Note Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	0
Subordinated Loan Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0	0
Other Long Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 462	$ 4,242

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORR70

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Narrative) (Details)	Apr. 22, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 12, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 11, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 23, 2014MXN	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 11, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 26, 2011USD ($)	Jun. 23, 2011USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties					$ 7,000,000	$ 4,862,000
JBS USA Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties					100,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Agreed reimbursement of debt, up to									$ 56,500,000
2015 US Credit Facility Term Loans [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Reimbursement to JBS USA for letter of credit cost	$ 150,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,000,000,000
Debt outstanding					500,000,000
2015 US Credit Facility Revolver [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 700,000,000
Long-term line of credit					0
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.50%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.25%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			2.75%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			0.50%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			0.25%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate			1.75%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Reimbursement to JBS USA for letter of credit cost		$ 350,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity					690,800,000
Feature to increase revolving loan commitment			$ 1,000,000,000
Number of days past due			15 days
Current borrowing capacity					670,700,000
Letters of credit issued					20,100,000
Credit facility, capital expenditures limit			$ 500,000,000
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | US and Puerto Rico Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests securing obligations			100.00%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interests securing obligations			65.00%
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Swingline Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 75,000,000
2015 US Credit Facility [Member] | Radobank [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 125,000,000
Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity				MXN 1,500,000,000	87,300,000
Current borrowing capacity					58,600,000
Long-term line of credit					$ 28,700,000
Credit facility, interest rate at end of period					4.33%
Mexico Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | TIIE Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable interest rate				0.90%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate					5.75%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 5.75% Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount								$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate								5.75%
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member] | JBS USA Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Agreed reimbursement of debt, up to										$ 56,500,000
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Subordinated Loan Agreement 2011 [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility availed										$ 56,500,000
Accounts payable to related parties					$ 100,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | JBS USA Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Reimbursement to JBS USA for letter of credit cost					$ 900,000	$ 1,300,000	$ 2,200,000

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Incom

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$ 920,250	$ 953,027	$ 469,395
Foreign	72,508	149,364	104,545
Income before income taxes	$ 992,758	$ 1,102,391	$ 573,940

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Inc72

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 248,821	$ 262,403	$ (427)
Foreign	43,638	22,867	26,206
State and other	26,019	24,056	3,512
Total current	318,478	309,326	29,291
Deferred:
Federal	32,819	29,737	22,923
Foreign	(11,249)	31,332	(3,648)
State and other	6,748	20,558	(24,339)
Total deferred	28,318	81,627	(5,064)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 346,796	$ 390,953	$ 24,227

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Inc73

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax rate, net	2.30%	2.60%	2.30%
Permanent items	0.10%	0.40%	1.40%
Domestic production activity	(1.90%)	(2.40%)	(1.20%)
Difference in U.S. statutory tax rate and foreign country effective tax rate	(0.90%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Tax credits	(0.70%)	(0.00%)	(3.00%)
Change in valuation allowance	0.00%	0.00%	(31.00%)
Other	1.00%	0.90%	1.70%
Total	34.90%	35.50%	4.20%

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Defer

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities:
PP&E and identified intangible assets	$ 151,761	$ 126,537
Inventories	97,743	48,365
Insurance claims and losses	39,800	36,953
Other	15,054	26,801
Total deferred tax liabilities	304,358	238,656
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating losses	4,297	5,842
Foreign net operating losses	16,595	7,873
Credit carry forwards	2,638	2,916
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4,382	4,261
Accrued liabilities	56,753	52,772
Workers compensation	41,217	43,309
Pension and other postretirement benefits	22,559	26,049
Other	31,956	30,612
Total deferred tax assets	180,397	173,634
Valuation allowance	(7,921)	(9,150)
Net deferred tax assets	172,476	164,484
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 131,882	$ 74,172

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrec

INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$ 17,396	$ 17,117
Increase as a result of tax positions taken during the current year	1,015	999
Increase as a result of tax positions taken during prior years	27	0
Decrease as a result of tax positions taken during prior years	(139)	(101)
Decrease for lapse in statute of limitations	(1,189)	(619)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$ 17,110	$ 17,396

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Detai

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 26, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Effective tax rate, continuing operations	34.90%	35.50%	4.20%
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	$ (1,200)
Valuation allowance	7,921	$ 9,150
Net operating loss carry forwards					$ 547,700
Claim for refund					$ 169,700
Refunds received from Internal Revenue Service				$ 122,600
Unrecognized tax benefits	17,110	17,396	$ 17,117
Amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce effective tax rate	8,500
Liability for interest and penalties	9,400
Decrease in accrued interest and penalty amounts related to uncertain tax positions	800
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation	6,474	$ 458	$ 7,771
United States [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	1,300
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	6,600
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 55,800
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2016
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 130,700
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2016
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 2,600
Tax credit carry forwards, expiration date	Jan. 1, 2016

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM77

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Obligations and Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$ 113,552
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	96,947	$ 113,552
Pension Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	190,401	170,030
Interest cost	7,754	8,103	$ 7,954
Actuarial losses (gains)	(10,944)	24,670
Benefits paid	(6,074)	(12,154)
Settlements	(15,185)	(248)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	165,952	190,401	170,030
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	113,552	108,496
Actual return on plan assets	(3,024)	3,944
Contributions by employer	7,678	13,514
Benefits paid	(6,074)	(12,154)
Settlements	(15,185)	(248)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	96,947	113,552	108,496
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	(69,005)	(76,849)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Current liability	(10,779)	(9,373)
Long-term liability	(58,226)	(67,476)
Recognized liability	(69,005)	(76,849)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	38,115	43,907	16,957	$ 53,368
Other Benefits [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,657	1,705
Interest cost	67	81
Actuarial losses (gains)	44	(10)
Benefits paid	0	0
Settlements	(96)	(119)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	1,672	1,657	1,705
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Contributions by employer	96	119
Benefits paid	0	0
Settlements	(96)	(119)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	0	0	0
Funded status:
Unfunded benefit obligation, end of year	(1,672)	(1,657)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at end of year:
Current liability	(138)	(129)
Long-term liability	(1,534)	(1,528)
Recognized liability	(1,672)	(1,657)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$ (79)	$ (127)	$ (126)	$ (49)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM78

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Interest cost	7,754	8,103	7,954
Estimated return on plan assets	(6,684)	(6,373)	(5,393)
Settlement loss (gain)	3,843	93	0
Amortization of net loss (gain)	714	56	1,001
Net cost	5,627	1,879	3,562
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Service cost	0	0	0
Interest cost	67	81	78
Estimated return on plan assets	0	0	0
Settlement loss (gain)	(4)	(9)	(15)
Amortization of net loss (gain)	0	0	0
Net cost	$ 63	$ 72	$ 63

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM79

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Economic Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Benefit obligation:
Discount rate	4.47%	4.22%	4.95%
Net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.95%	4.22%
Expected return on plan assets	5.50%	6.00%	6.00%
Other Benefits [Member]
Benefit obligation:
Discount rate	4.47%	4.22%	4.95%
Net pension and other postretirement cost:
Discount rate	4.22%	4.95%	4.22%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM80

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Plan Asset Allocations) (Details)	Dec. 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	7.00%	6.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	57.00%	60.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	7.00%	6.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	29.00%	28.00%

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM81

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 96,947	$ 113,552
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	147	33
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	96,800	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	147	33
Cash and cash equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	147	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	3,816	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	3,816	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	22,069	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	22,069	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	969	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	969	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	16,843	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	16,843	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	1,606	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	1,606	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	16,629	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	16,629	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	6,337	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	6,337	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	28,531	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	28,531	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 POSTRETIREM82

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,016	$ 14,205
2,017	11,660
2,018	11,406
2,019	11,063
2,020	11,075
2021-2025	49,795
Total	109,204
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
2,016	138
2,017	139
2,018	140
2,019	139
2,020	138
2021-2025	643
Total	$ 1,337

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM83

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Schedule of Unrecognized Benefit Amounts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Actuarial loss (gain)	$ (3,575)	$ 16,775	$ (22,714)
Pension Benefits [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	43,907	16,957	53,368
Amortization	(714)	(56)	(1,001)
Settlement adjustments	(3,843)	(93)	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	(10,944)	24,670	(24,315)
Asset loss (gain)	9,709	2,429	(11,095)
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	38,115	43,907	16,957
Other Benefits [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Net actuarial loss (gain), beginning of year	(127)	(126)	(49)
Amortization	0	0	0
Settlement adjustments	4	9	15
Actuarial loss (gain)	44	(10)	(92)
Asset loss (gain)	0	0	0
Net actuarial loss (gain), end of year	$ (79)	$ (127)	$ (126)

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREM84

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Retirement plan expenses	$ 10,500,000	$ 5,900,000	$ 7,500,000
Accumulated benefit obligation, defined benefit pension plans	166,000,000	190,000,000
Actuarial loss expected to be recognized in net pension cost throughout 2015	$ 700,000
Maximum annual contribution per employee, percent	30.00%
Maximum annual contribution per employee, amount	$ 245,000
Expenses related to defined contribution plans	$ 4,800,000	$ 3,900,000	$ 3,900,000
Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Matching contribution, percent of employees' salary	2.14%
Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Matching contribution, percent of employees' salary	6.00%
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expected contributions during 2015	$ 10,800,000
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expected contributions during 2015	$ 100,000
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	30.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Pooled separate accounts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	50.00%
Equity securities [Member] | Common collective trusts funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	70.00%

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$ (62,541)	$ (45,735)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,744	(16,491)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	(133)	(315)
Net current year other comprehensive income (loss)	3,611	(16,806)
Balance, end of year	(58,930)	(62,541)
Losses Related to Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	(62,572)	(45,797)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,004	(16,810)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	(429)	35
Net current year other comprehensive income (loss)	3,575	(16,775)
Balance, end of year	(58,997)	(62,572)
Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	31	62
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(260)	319
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income	296	(350)
Net current year other comprehensive income (loss)	36	(31)
Balance, end of year	$ 67	$ 31

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedul86

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Schedule of Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Total before tax	$ (213)	$ 506
Tax benefit (expense)	80	(191)
Total reclassification for the period	(133)	315
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Realized gain on sale of securities	476	562
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	(474)	(37)
Cost of goods sold [Member] | Union Plan [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	0	0
Cost of goods sold [Member] | Legacy Gold Kist Plans [Member]
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses:
Amortization of pension and other postretirement plan actuarial losses	$ (215)	$ (19)

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 17, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Feb. 10, 2016	Jul. 28, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 150,000,000
Stock repurchased (in shares)		4,861,859
Stock repurchased		$ 99,200,000
Dividends	$ 1,500,000,000
Dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 5.77
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 300,000,000

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedul

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Awards) (Details) - $ / shares	Feb. 26, 2015	Mar. 03, 2014	Feb. 19, 2014	Feb. 26, 2013	Feb. 25, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013
RSU 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)						608,561
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)						$ 8.89
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)						$ 32.79
Estimated Forfeiture Rate						9.66%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)						144,382
RSA 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)					15,000
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)					$ 8.72
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)					$ 27.55
Estimated Forfeiture Rate					0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)					0
RSA 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)					15,000
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)					$ 8.72
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 Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)				$ 8.62
Vesting Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)				$ 32.79
Estimated Forfeiture Rate				0.00%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)				0
RSU 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)			462,518
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)			$ 16.70
Estimated Forfeiture Rate			13.49%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)			67,715
RSU 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)		269,662
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)		$ 17.18
Estimated Forfeiture Rate		12.34%
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)		29,373
RSU 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards Granted (in shares)	158,226
Grant Date Fair Value per Award (in dollars per share)	$ 27.51
Awards Forfeited to Date (in shares)	19,737

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched89

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Compensation Cost and Income Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation cost	$ 2,975	$ 4,928	$ 3,345
Income tax benefit	868	1,326	471
Cost of goods sold [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation cost	596	395	361
Selling, general and administrative expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation cost	$ 2,379	$ 4,533	$ 2,984

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Sched90

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Schedule of Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	30	203	273
Granted (in shares)	0	0	30
Vested (in shares)	0	(173)	(100)
Forfeited (in shares)	(30)	0	0
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	0	30	203
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 8.72	$ 6.59	$ 6.54
Granted (in dollars per share)	0	0	8.72
Vested (in dollars per share)	0	6.62	7.10
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	8.72	0	0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 8.72	$ 6.59
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Number
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	1,120	729	0
Granted (in shares)	428	463	815
Vested (in shares)	(671)	0	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(103)	(72)	(86)
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	774	1,120	729
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 11.97	$ 8.81	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	21	16.70	8.82
Vested (in dollars per share)	8.81	0	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	18.90	10.34	8.89
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.78	$ 11.97	$ 8.81

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrati

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Accrued in costs related to the STIP	$ 30.1
Reserved common stock for future issuance under the LTIP (in shares)	5.2
Total fair value of the shares vested	$ 22.4	$ 3.2	$ 0.7
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to all nonvested awards	$ 8.8
Weighted average period unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 2 months 19 days

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Related Party Transactions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Oct. 26, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity contribution under tax sharing agreement	$ 0	$ 3,849	$ 0
Accounts payable to related parties	7,000	4,862
JBS USA Holdings [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties	100
JBS USA Holdings [Member] | Letter of Credit [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreed reimbursement of debt, up to				$ 56,500
JBS USA Holdings [Member] | Letter of credit fees [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Letter of credit fees	1,268	1,339	2,156
Reimbursement to JBS USA for letter of credit cost	1,300
JBS USA Holdings [Member] | Tax sharing agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity contribution under tax sharing agreement	3,690	3,849	0
JBS USA Holdings [Member] | Draws on letters of credit [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Letters of credit issued				$ 56,500
JBS USA Food Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	103,542	115,337	80,809
Sales to related parties	21,743	39,682	61,942
Accounts payable to related parties	7,000	4,800
Accounts receivable to related parties	2,600	1,400
Related Party, Goods in Transit	2,500
JBS USA Food Company [Member] | Expenditures paid by related party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid on our behalf/on behalf of related parties	40,611	31,149	55,730
JBS USA Food Company [Member] | Expenditures paid on behalf of related party [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenditures paid on our behalf/on behalf of related parties	3,998	4,925	1,733
Seara International Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	2,784	2,091	0
JBS Global (UK) Ltd. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related parties	305	255	0
JBS Chile Ltda [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sales to related parties	100	463	0
Macedo Agroindustrial Ltda. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	60	0	0
JBS Aves Ltda. [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchases from related parties	$ 0	$ 4,072	$ 0

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 revolving note	$ 100
Intercompany revolving note, outstanding balance		$ 64.5
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Intercompany revolving note, margin on variable rate	2.50%

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES94

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Schedule of Future Minimum Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 21,778
2,017	19,116
2,018	15,711
2,019	11,382
2,020	7,033
Thereafter	10,382
Total	$ 85,402

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES95

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 12, 2012	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Outstanding purchase contracts, payable in 2016		$ 161,200,000
Outstanding purchase contracts, payable in 2017		700,000
Outstanding purchase contracts, payable in 2018		0
Rental expense for operating leases		25,300,000	$ 15,200,000	$ 13,100,000
Maximum potential amount of residual value guarantees		48,500,000
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Asserted claims	$ 29,300,000	74,700,000
Due To Internal Revenue Service [Member] | Proceeding Accounts [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Asserted claims		45,400,000
JBS Wisconsin [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Amount agreed to reimburse JBS USA for draws that support obligations of the Company and its subsidiaries		$ 56,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating leases, terms of lease maturities		1 year
Minimum [Member] | ERISA Litigation [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Asserted claims		$ 35,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Operating leases, terms of lease maturities		10 years

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIO96

MARKET RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)location	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Collective bargaining agreements, locations not covered	4
Period over which there have been no labor-related work stoppages	10 years
Collective bargaining agreements, number of locations currently in negotiations	4
Aggregate carrying amount of net assets | $	$ 576.6	$ 454.5
Trade accounts and other receivables [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	8.20%
Net sales [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	7.80%
Workforce subject to collective bargaining agreements [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	45.60%

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPH97

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING (Schedule of Net Sales and Long-lived Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | segment													1
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total	$ 1,960,780	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,053,876	$ 2,052,919	$ 2,110,435	$ 2,268,048	$ 2,186,817	$ 2,018,065	$ 2,047,285	$ 2,142,816	$ 2,184,118	$ 2,036,929	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365	$ 8,411,148
Long-lived assets:
Total	1,352,529				1,182,795								1,352,529	1,182,795
United States [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													6,722,455	7,067,408	6,816,246
Long-lived assets:
Total	1,108,776				1,085,856								1,108,776	1,085,856
Mexico [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													1,116,455	1,075,764	1,108,308
Long-lived assets:
Total	$ 243,753				$ 96,939								243,753	96,939
Asia [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													120,288	246,141	301,545
Canada, Caribbean and Central America [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													176,396	80,121	51,275
Africa [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													16,171	49,810	38,809
Europe [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													12,841	44,377	73,349
South America [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													12,114	18,102	19,224
Pacific [Member]
Net sales to customers by customer location:
Total													$ 3,384	$ 1,642	$ 2,392

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPH98

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REPORTING (Schedule of Sales by Product Lines) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 1,960,780	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,053,876	$ 2,052,919	$ 2,110,435	$ 2,268,048	$ 2,186,817	$ 2,018,065	$ 2,047,285	$ 2,142,816	$ 2,184,118	$ 2,036,929	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365	$ 8,411,148
Total chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													7,749,713	8,011,824	7,750,258
Total other products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													430,391	571,541	660,890
United States [Member] | Prepared chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													1,672,693	1,787,389	2,046,747
United States [Member] | Fresh chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													4,701,943	4,703,993	4,123,087
United States [Member] | Export and other chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													358,877	620,082	715,970
United States [Member] | Total chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													6,733,513	7,111,464	6,885,804
United States [Member] | Total other products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													409,841	535,572	614,409
Mexico [Member] | Total chicken [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													1,016,200	900,360	864,454
Mexico [Member] | Total other products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales													$ 20,550	$ 35,969	$ 46,481

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)99

QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,960,780	$ 2,112,529	$ 2,053,876	$ 2,052,919	$ 2,110,435	$ 2,268,048	$ 2,186,817	$ 2,018,065	$ 2,047,285	$ 2,142,816	$ 2,184,118	$ 2,036,929	$ 8,180,104	$ 8,583,365	$ 8,411,148
Gross profit	160,693	284,544	432,020	377,120	379,148	450,265	349,476	215,106	207,925	236,573	282,507	118,434	1,254,377	1,393,995	845,439
Net income attributable to PPC common stockholders	$ 63,148	$ 137,062	$ 241,489	$ 204,215	$ 167,188	$ 255,983	$ 190,360	$ 98,117	$ 143,352	$ 160,917	$ 190,704	$ 54,582	$ 645,914	$ 711,648	$ 549,555
Net income per share amounts - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.53	$ 0.93	$ 0.79	$ 0.65	$ 0.99	$ 0.74	$ 0.38					$ 2.50	$ 2.75	$ 2.12
Net income per share amounts - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.53	$ 0.93	$ 0.79	$ 0.64	$ 0.99	$ 0.73	$ 0.38					$ 2.50	$ 2.74	2.12
Net income per share amounts - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)									$ 0.55	$ 0.62	$ 0.74	$ 0.21			$ 2.12
Number of days in quarter	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	364 days	364 days	364 days
Impairment charges, plants held for sale			$ 4,800
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total exit or disposal costs									$ 500
Asset impairment charges									$ 500				$ 4,813	$ 0	$ 4,004
Tyson Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales of acquiree since acquisition date	$ 121,700	$ 128,900											250,600
Net loss of acquiree since acquisition date	$ 10,800	$ 2,900											$ (13,700)

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QU100

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,525	$ 4,056	$ 3,757
Additions, Charged to Operating Results	1,060	520	1,668
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	1,314	0	0
Deductions	(1)	2,051	1,369
Ending Balance	4,900	2,525	4,056
Allowance For Sales Adjustments [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	7,425	7,089	10,152
Additions, Charged to Operating Results	150,113	220,123	159,417
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	151,876	219,787	162,480
Ending Balance	5,662	7,425	7,089
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	9,150	10,400	188,354
Additions, Charged to Operating Results	0	(1,250)	(164,180)
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	(13,774)
Deductions	(1,229)	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 7,921	$ 9,150	$ 10,400