Darling Ingredients (DAR) 10-Q 11 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	May 04, 2017
Document - Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	916,540
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Apr. 1, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		164,651,231

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 138,880	$ 114,564
Restricted cash	282	293
Accounts receivable, net	389,864	388,397
Inventories	342,114	330,815
Prepaid expenses	32,852	29,984
Income taxes refundable	6,978	7,479
Other current assets	16,331	21,770
Total current assets	927,301	893,302
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $891,451 at April 1, 2017 and $842,186 at December 31, 2016	1,532,583	1,515,575
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $315,008 at April 1, 2017 and $301,187 at December 31, 2016	697,820	711,927
Goodwill	1,233,271	1,225,893
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	270,921	292,717
Other assets	42,138	43,613
Deferred income taxes	15,627	14,990
Total assets	4,719,661	4,698,017
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	24,965	23,247
Accounts payable, principally trade	181,439	180,895
Income taxes payable	12,066	4,913
Accrued expenses	233,324	242,796
Total current liabilities	451,794	451,851
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,727,496	1,727,696
Other non-current liabilities	95,720	96,114
Deferred income taxes	340,814	346,134
Total liabilities	2,615,824	2,621,795
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 167,816,001 and 167,641,415 shares issued at April 1, 2017 and at December 31, 2016, respectively	1,678	1,676
Additional paid-in capital	1,506,253	1,499,431
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,164,276 and 3,028,857 shares at April 1, 2017 and at December 31, 2016, respectively	(42,809)	(40,909)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(324,348)	(340,006)
Retained earnings	858,588	852,802
Total Darling's stockholders’ equity	1,999,362	1,972,994
Noncontrolling interests	104,475	103,228
Total stockholders' equity	2,103,837	2,076,222
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,719,661	$ 4,698,017

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 891,451	$ 842,186
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 315,008	$ 301,187
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	167,816,001	167,641,415
Treasury stock, shares	3,164,276	3,028,857

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 880,072	$ 779,641
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	689,627	598,893
Selling, general and administrative expenses	87,917	81,469
Acquisition and integration costs	0	331
Depreciation and amortization	71,114	72,256
Total costs and expenses	848,658	752,949
Operating income	31,414	26,692
Other expense:
Interest expense	(21,680)	(23,901)
Foreign currency loss	(264)	(2,603)
Other expense, net	(960)	(1,305)
Total other expense	(22,904)	(27,809)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	706	5,643
Income before income taxes	9,216	4,526
Income tax expense	1,818	1,863
Net income	7,398	2,663
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,569)	(1,584)
Net income attributable to Darling	$ 5,829	$ 1,079
Basic income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.01
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.01

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Net income	$ 7,398	$ 2,663
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	15,679	57,531
Pension adjustments	759	726
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	15,336	57,551
Total comprehensive income	22,734	60,214
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,247	(420)
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling	21,487	60,634
Corn Option [Member]
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Corn option derivative adjustments	$ (1,102)	$ (706)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 7,398	$ 2,663
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	71,114	72,256
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant, equipment and other assets	(125)	698
Deferred taxes	(8,454)	(3,705)
Increase/(decrease) in long-term pension liability	702	(1,146)
Stock-based compensation expense	6,732	2,440
Deferred loan cost amortization	2,176	2,794
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(706)	(5,643)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries	25,000	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(753)	7,118
Income taxes refundable/payable	7,576	400
Inventories and prepaid expenses	(10,660)	(21,206)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(8,365)	3,336
Other	2,834	(14,962)
Net cash provided by operating activities	94,469	45,043
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(62,292)	(53,375)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(8,511)
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary	(2,250)	0
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets	1,340	1,424
Proceeds from insurance settlement	3,301	1,181
Net cash used by investing activities	(59,901)	(59,281)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	8,649	8,760
Payments on long-term debt	(9,265)	(16,207)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility	47,000	33,000
Payments on revolving credit facility	(52,327)	(21,000)
Net cash overdraft financing	(1,077)	0
Deferred loan costs	(1,135)	0
Issuance of common stock	22	45
Repurchase of treasury stock	0	(5,000)
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards	(1,995)	(1,788)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	(446)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(433)	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(10,561)	(2,636)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	309	7,316
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	24,316	(9,558)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	114,564	156,884
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	138,880	147,326
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Accrued capital expenditures	(2,787)	(6,595)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest	19,022	20,597
Income taxes, net of refunds	2,429	5,114
Debt issued for assets	0	10
Contribution of assets to unconsolidated subsidiary	$ 0	$ 2,674

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
General	General The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , have been prepared by Darling Ingredients Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Darling”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and operating results of the Company as of and for the respective periods. However, these operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, management of the Company believes, to the best of their knowledge, that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 .

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Darling and its consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests represent the outstanding ownership interest in the Company's consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by the Company. In the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) of the consolidated subsidiaries is shown as an allocation of the Company's net income and is presented separately as “Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests”. In the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in the Company consolidated subsidiaries' net assets held by parties other than the Company. These ownership interests are presented separately as “Noncontrolling interests” within “Stockholders' Equity.” All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. (b) Fiscal Periods The Company has a 52 / 53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest December 31 . Fiscal periods for the consolidated financial statements included herein are as of April 1, 2017 , and include the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2017 , and the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2016 . (c) Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue on sales when products are shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss. Certain customers may be required to prepay prior to shipment in order to maintain payment protection related to certain foreign and domestic sales. These amounts are recorded as unearned revenue and recognized when the products have shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss. The Company recognizes service revenue in the fiscal month the service occurs. (d) Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement Foreign currency translation is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflects the adjustments resulting from translating the foreign currency denominated financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, which is generally the local currency of the country. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal period end exchange rates, including intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of long-term investment nature. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates occurring during the period. Changes in exchange rates that affect cash flows and the related receivables or payables are recognized as transaction gains and losses in determining net income. The Company incurred net foreign currency translation gains of approximately $ 16.0 million and approximately $ 59.5 million for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , respectively. (e) Earnings Per Share Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method. Net Income per Common Share (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic: Net Income attributable to Darling $ 5,829 164,738 $ 0.04 $ 1,079 164,434 $ 0.01 Diluted: Effect of dilutive securities: Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock awards 2,012 157 Less: Pro forma treasury shares (886 ) (38 ) Diluted: Net income attributable to Darling $ 5,829 165,864 $ 0.04 $ 1,079 164,553 $ 0.01 For the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , respectively, 1,812,518 and 1,699,363 outstanding stock options were excluded from diluted income per common share as the effect was antidilutive. For the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , respectively, 636,445 and 606,255 shares of non-vested stock and stock equivalents were excluded from diluted income per common share as the effect was antidilutive.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories A summary of inventories follows (in thousands): April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Finished product $ 165,710 $ 156,542 Work in process 93,859 87,284 Raw material 34,078 39,859 Supplies and other 48,467 47,130 $ 342,114 $ 330,815 In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. This ASU amends Topic 330, Inventory . The ASU simplifies the measurement of inventory by requiring certain inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The adoption of this standard on January 1, 2017 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets The gross carrying amount of intangible assets not subject to amortization and intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows (in thousands): April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Trade names $ 51,983 $ 51,687 51,983 51,687 Finite Lived Intangible Assets: Routes 371,686 374,989 Permits 495,939 493,311 Non-compete agreements 3,564 3,638 Trade names 76,102 76,033 Royalty, consulting, land use rights and leasehold 13,554 13,456 960,845 961,427 Accumulated Amortization: Routes (107,661 ) (105,934 ) Permits (179,690 ) (170,165 ) Non-compete agreements (1,843 ) (1,788 ) Trade names (23,343 ) (21,042 ) Royalty, consulting, land use rights and leasehold (2,471 ) (2,258 ) (315,008 ) (301,187 ) Total Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization $ 697,820 $ 711,927 Gross intangible routes, permits, trade names, non-compete agreements and other intangibles partially decreased in fiscal 2017 as a result of approximately and $ 6.7 million of asset retirements. Amortization expense for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , was approximately $ 19.1 million , $ 19.2 million , respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Total Balance at December 31, 2016 Goodwill $ 813,621 $ 317,008 $ 111,178 $ 1,241,807 Accumulated impairment losses (15,914 ) — — (15,914 ) 797,707 317,008 111,178 1,225,893 Goodwill acquired during year — — — — Foreign currency translation 3,695 2,424 1,259 7,378 Balance at April 1, 2017 Goodwill 817,316 319,432 112,437 1,249,185 Accumulated impairment losses (15,914 ) — — (15,914 ) $ 801,402 $ 319,432 $ 112,437 $ 1,233,271

Investment in Unconsolidated Su

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary	Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries On January 21, 2011 , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darling entered into a limited liability company agreement with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation (“Valero”) to form Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC (the “DGD Joint Venture”). The DGD Joint Venture is owned 50% / 50% with Valero and was formed to design, engineer, construct and operate a renewable diesel plant (the “DGD Facility”), which is capable of processing approximately 12,000 barrels per day of input feedstock to produce renewable diesel fuel and certain other co-products, and is located adjacent to Valero's refinery in Norco, Louisiana. The DGD Joint Venture reached mechanical completion and began the production of renewable diesel in late June 2013. On May 31, 2011 , the DGD Joint Venture and Diamond Green Diesel LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the DGD Joint Venture (“Opco”), entered into (i) a facility agreement (the “Facility Agreement”) with Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valero (the “Lender”), and (ii) a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with the Lender, which provided the DGD Joint Venture with a 14 year multiple advance term loan facility of approximately $ 221.3 million (the “JV Loan”) to support the design, engineering and construction of the DGD Facility, which is now in production. The Facility Agreement and the Loan Agreement prohibit the Lender from assigning all or any portion of the Facility Agreement or the Loan Agreement to unaffiliated third parties. Opco has also pledged substantially all of its assets to the Lender, and the DGD Joint Venture has pledged all of Opco's equity interests to the Lender, until the JV Loan has been paid in full and the JV Loan has terminated in accordance with its terms. In addition to the DGD Joint Venture, the Company has investments in other unconsolidated subsidiaries that are insignificant to the Company. Selected financial information for the Company's DGD Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): (in thousands) March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets: Total current assets $ 212,915 $ 268,734 Property, plant and equipment, net 360,476 354,871 Other assets 10,226 12,164 Total assets $ 583,617 $ 635,769 Liabilities and members' equity: Total current portion of long term debt $ 17,023 $ 17,023 Total other current liabilities 24,100 23,200 Total long term debt 49,497 53,753 Total other long term liabilities 427 418 Total members' equity 492,570 541,375 Total liabilities and member's equity $ 583,617 $ 635,769 Three Months Ended (in thousands) March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 Revenues: Operating revenues $ 125,397 $ 71,768 Expenses: Total costs and expenses less depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 115,322 52,509 Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 8,113 5,378 Total costs and expenses 123,435 57,887 Operating income 1,962 13,881 Other income 223 15 Interest and debt expense, net (990 ) (2,814 ) Net income/(loss) $ 1,195 $ 11,082 As of April 1, 2017 under the equity method of accounting, the Company has an investment in the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $ 246.3 million on the consolidated balance sheet and has recorded an equity net gain of approximately $ 0.6 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , respectively. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company received a dividend distribution of $ 25.0 million from the DGD Joint Venture. Additionally, the biodiesel blenders tax credit expired on December 31, 2016, as a result the DGD Joint Venture fiscal 2017 results does not include any blenders tax credits, while fiscal 2016 included blenders tax credits.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt consists of the following (in thousands): April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amended Credit Agreement: Revolving Credit Facility ($5.3 million denominated in euro at December 31, 2016) $ — $ 5,280 Term Loan A ($77.6 million and $76.9 million denominated in CAD at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively) 120,859 120,103 Less unamortized deferred loan costs (1,024 ) (1,083 ) Carrying value Term Loan A 119,835 119,020 Term Loan B 582,000 583,500 Less unamortized deferred loan costs (5,924 ) (6,298 ) Carrying value Term Loan B 576,076 577,202 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 with effective interest of 5.72% 500,000 500,000 Less unamortized deferred loan costs (7,333 ) (7,667 ) Carrying value 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 492,667 492,333 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 - Denominated in euro with effective interest of 5.10% 550,329 543,840 Less unamortized deferred loan costs - Denominated in euro (8,690 ) (8,956 ) Carrying value 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 541,639 534,884 Other Notes and Obligations 22,244 22,224 1,752,461 1,750,943 Less Current Maturities 24,965 23,247 $ 1,727,496 $ 1,727,696 As of April 1, 2017 , the Company had outstanding debt under a term loan facility denominated in Canadian dollars of CAD$ 103.6 million . See below for discussion relating to the Company's debt agreements. In addition, as of April 1, 2017 , the Company had capital lease obligations denominated in Canadian dollars included in debt. The current and long-term capital lease obligation was approximately CAD$ 1.2 million and CAD$ 1.1 million , respectively. As of April 1, 2017 , the Company had outstanding debt under the Company's 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 denominated in euros of € 515.0 million . See below for discussion relating to the Company's debt agreements. In addition, at April 1, 2017 , the Company had capital lease obligations denominated in euros included in debt. The current and long-term capital lease obligation was approximately € 0.3 million and € 0.2 million , respectively. Senior Secured Credit Facilities . On January 6, 2014 , Darling, Darling International Canada Inc. (“Darling Canada”) and Darling International NL Holdings B.V. (“Darling NL”) entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Amended Credit Agreement”), restating its then existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 27, 2013 (the “Former Credit Agreement”), with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents from time to time party thereto. Effective December 16, 2016 , the Company, and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) with its lenders to the Amended Credit Agreement. Among other things, the Fourth Amendment extended the maturity date of the term A loans and revolving credit facility loans under the Amended Credit Agreement from September 27, 2018 to December 16, 2021, subject to a 91 -day “springing” adjustment if the term B loans are outstanding 91 days prior to the maturity date ( January 6, 2021 ) of the term B loans. The Company's Amended Credit Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate principal amount of $ 2.65 billion comprised of (i) the Company's $ 350.0 million term loan A facility, (ii) the Company's $ 1.3 billion term loan B facility and (iii) the Company's $ 1.0 billion five -year revolving loan facility (approximately $ 150.0 million of which is available for a letter of credit sub-facility and $ 50.0 million of which is available for a swingline sub-facility) (collectively, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The Amended Credit Agreement also permits Darling and the other borrowers thereunder to incur ancillary facilities provided by any revolving lender party to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (with certain restrictions). Up to $ 500.0 million of the revolving loan facility is available to be borrowed by (x) Darling in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros and other currencies to be agreed and available to each applicable lender, (y) Darling Canada in Canadian dollars and (z) Darling NL, Darling Ingredients International Holding B.V. (“Darling BV”) and CTH Germany GmbH (“CTH”) in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, euros and other currencies to be agreed and available to each applicable lender. The revolving loan facility and term loan A facility will mature on December 16, 2021, subject to a 91 -day “Springing” adjustment if the term B loans are outstanding 91 days prior to the maturity date (January 6, 2021) of the term B loans. The revolving loan facility will be used for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and other purposes not prohibited by the Amended Credit Agreement. The interest rate applicable to any borrowings under the term loan A facility and the revolving loan facility will equal either LIBOR/euro interbank offered rate/CDOR plus 2.00% per annum or base rate/Canadian prime rate plus 1.00% per annum, subject to certain step-downs based on the Company's total leverage ratio. The interest rate applicable to any borrowings under the term loan B facility will equal (a) for U.S. dollar term loans, either the base rate plus 1.50% or LIBOR plus 2.50% , and (b) for euro term loans, the euro interbank offered rate plus 2.75% , in each case subject to a step-down based on Darling’s total leverage ratio. For term loan B loans, the LIBOR rate shall not be less than 0.75% . As of April 1, 2017 , the Company had $ 43.3 million outstanding under the term loan A facility at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% per annum for a total of 2.99% per annum. The Company had $ 577.0 million outstanding under the term loan B facility at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50% per annum for a total of 3.49% per annum and $ 5.0 million outstanding under the term loan B facility at base rate plus a margin of 1.50% per annum for a total of 5.50% per annum. The Company had CAD$ 103.6 million outstanding under the term loan A facility at CDOR plus a margin of 2.00% per annum for a total of 2.9987% per annum. As of April 1, 2017 , the Company had unused capacity of $ 973.7 million under the Amended Credit Agreement taking into account amounts borrowed and letters of credit issued of $ 26.3 million . The Company also has foreign bank guarantees that are not part of the Company's Amended Credit Agreement in the amount of approximately $ 10.1 million at April 1, 2017 . 5.375 % Senior Notes due 2022. On January 2, 2014, Darling Escrow Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darling, issued and sold $ 500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.375% Notes due 2022 (the “ 5.375% Notes”). The 5.375% Notes, which were offered in a private offering in connection with the VION Acquisition, were issued pursuant to a 5.375% Notes Indenture, dated as of January 2, 2014 (the “Original 5.375% Indenture”) (as supplemented, the “537.5 Indenture”), among Darling Escrow Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto from time to time, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ 5.375% Trustee”). 4.75 % Senior Notes due 2022. On June 3, 2015, Darling Global Finance B.V. (the “ 4.75% Issuer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darling, issued and sold € 515.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “ 4.75% Notes”). The 4.75% Notes, which were offered in a private offering, were issued pursuant to a Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of June 3, 2015 (the “ 4.75% Indenture”), among the 4.75% Issuer, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto from time to time, Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as trustee (the “ 4.75% Trustee”) and principal paying agent, and Citigroup Global Markets Deutschland AG, as principal registrar. As of April 1, 2017 , the Company believes it is in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement, as well as all of the other covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, the 5.375% Indenture and the 4.75% Indenture.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company has provided income taxes for the three month periods ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , based on its estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire 2017 and 2016 fiscal years. The Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate is based on forecasts of income by jurisdiction, permanent differences between book and tax income, including Subpart F income, the relative proportion of income and losses by juridiction, and statutory income tax rates. Discrete events such as the assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits, audit settlements, recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapsing of statutes of limitation, recognizing or derecognizing deferred tax assets due to projections of income or loss and changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company expects to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries outside of the United States and has generally not provided deferred income taxes on the accumulated earnings of its foreign subsidiaries except for the accumulated earnings of certain joint venture companies. The Company periodically assesses whether it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions. The Company considers, among other things, its deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, its historical earnings and losses, current industry trends and its outlook for future years. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the difference between tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefits recognized for financial statement purposes. As of April 1, 2017 , the Company had $ 2.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits and $ 1.6 million of related accrued interest and penalties. An indemnity receivable of $ 3.0 million has been recorded for the uncertain tax positions related to the VION Acquisition. It is reasonably possible within the next twelve months that the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $ 1.7 million , excluding interest and penalties, primarily due to potential settlements and expiration of certain statutes of limitations. The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions include the United States (federal and state), Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, France and China. The Company is subject to regular examination by various tax authorities and although the final outcome of these examinations is not yet determinable, the Company does not anticipate that any of the examinations will have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position. The statute of limitations for the Company’s major tax jurisdictions is open for varying periods, but is generally closed through the 2010 tax year.

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	Other Comprehensive Income The Company follows FASB authoritative guidance for reporting and presentation of comprehensive income or loss and its components. Other comprehensive income (loss) is derived from adjustments that reflect pension adjustments, natural gas derivative adjustments, corn option adjustments and interest rate swap derivative adjustments. The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax impacts for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Before-Tax Tax (Expense) Net-of-Tax Amount or Benefit Amount April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Defined benefit pension plans Amortization of prior service cost/(benefit) $ 9 $ 7 $ (3 ) $ (3 ) $ 6 $ 4 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,203 1,168 (450 ) (446 ) 753 722 Total defined benefit pension plans 1,212 1,175 (453 ) (449 ) 759 726 Corn option derivatives Loss/(gain) reclassified to net income (1,185 ) (1,474 ) 460 572 (725 ) (902 ) Gain/(loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (615 ) 320 238 (124 ) (377 ) 196 Total corn option derivatives (1,800 ) (1,154 ) 698 448 (1,102 ) (706 ) Foreign currency translation 15,679 57,531 — — 15,679 57,531 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 15,091 $ 57,552 $ 245 $ (1 ) $ 15,336 $ 57,551 The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Statement of Operations Classification Derivative instruments Corn option derivatives $ 1,185 $ 1,474 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,185 1,474 Total before tax (460 ) (572 ) Income taxes 725 902 Net of tax Defined benefit pension plans Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit $ (9 ) $ (7 ) (a) Amortization of actuarial loss (1,203 ) (1,168 ) (a) Amortization of settlement — — (a) (1,212 ) (1,175 ) Total before tax 453 449 Income taxes (759 ) (726 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications $ (34 ) $ 176 Net of tax (a) These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 11 Employee Benefit Plans for additional information. The following table presents changes in each component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) as of April 1, 2017 as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Foreign Currency Derivative Defined Benefit Translation Instruments Pension Plans Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) December 31, 2016, attributable to Darling, net of tax $ (308,910 ) $ 2,468 $ (33,564 ) $ (340,006 ) Other comprehensive gain before reclassifications 15,679 (377 ) — 15,302 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) — (725 ) 759 34 Net current-period other comprehensive income 15,679 (1,102 ) 759 15,336 Noncontrolling interest (322 ) — — (322 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) April 1, 2017, attributable to Darling, net of tax (292,909 ) $ 1,366 $ (32,805 ) $ (324,348 )

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU amends Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including immediate recognition of all excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income statement, changing the threshold to qualify for equity classification up to the employees' maximum statutory tax rates, allowing an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures as they occur, and clarifying the classification on the statement of cash flows for the excess tax benefit and employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. The Company adopted this standard in the quarter ended April 1, 2017 and prior periods were not recasted. The impact of the adoption resulted in the following: • The Company recorded a tax expense of $ 0.1 million within income tax expense for the three months ended April 1, 2017 related to the excess tax expense on stock options, nonvested stock, director restricted stock units and performance units. Prior to the adoption this amount would have been recorded as reduction of additional paid-in capital. • The Company has made a policy election to account for forfeitures in the period they occur, rather than estimating a forfeiture rate. Applying this guidance on a modified retrospective basis resulted in an insignificant adjustment to opening retained earnings. • The Company no longer reclassifies the excess tax benefit from operating activities to financing activities in the statement of cash flows. The Company elected to apply this change in presentation prospectively and thus prior periods have not been adjusted. • The Company excluded the excess tax benefits from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares of common stock in the computation of the Company's diluted earnings per share for the three months ended April 1, 2017. This increased the Company's diluted weighted average common shares outstanding by approximately 185,000 shares in three months ended April 1, 2017. Fiscal 2017 Long-Term Incentive Opportunity Awards (2017 LTIP) . On February 6, 2017, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 2017 LTIP pursuant to which they awarded certain of the Company's key employees, 956,809 stock options and 559,388 performance share units (the “PSUs”) under the Company's 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The stock options vest 33.33% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. The PSUs are tied to three -year forward-looking performance periods and will be earned based on the Company's average return on capital employed (ROCE), as calculated in accordance with the terms of the award agreement, relative to the average ROCE of the Company's performance peer group companies, with the earned award to be determined in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, after the final results for the relevant performance period are determined. The PSUs were granted at a target of 100% , but each PSU will reduce or increase depending on the Company's ROCE relative to that of the performance peer group companies and is also subject to the application of a total shareholder return (TSR) cap/collar modifier depending on the Company's TSR during the performance period relative to that of the performance peer group companies. In addition, certain of the PSUs have a two -year holding requirement after vesting before the PSUs are settled in shares of the Company's Common Stock.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The Company has retirement and pension plans covering a substantial number of its domestic and foreign employees. Most retirement benefits are provided by the Company under separate final-pay noncontributory and contributory defined benefit and defined contribution plans for all salaried and hourly employees (excluding those covered by union-sponsored plans) who meet service and age requirements. Although various defined benefit formulas exist for employees, generally these are based on length of service and earnings patterns during employment. Effective January 1, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to proceed with the restructuring of its domestic retirement benefit program to include the closing of Darling's salaried and hourly defined benefit plans to new participants as well as the freezing of service and wage accruals thereunder effective December 31, 2011 (a curtailment of these plans for financial reporting purposes) and the enhancing of benefits under the Company's domestic defined contribution plans. The Company-sponsored domestic hourly union plan has not been curtailed; however, several locations of the Company-sponsored domestic hourly union plan have been curtailed as a result of collective bargaining renewals for those sites. Net pension cost for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 includes the following components (in thousands): Pension Benefits Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, Service cost $ 735 $ 637 Interest cost 1,669 1,745 Expected return on plan assets (1,788 ) (1,885 ) Amortization of prior service cost/(benefit) 9 7 Amortization of net loss 1,203 1,168 Curtailment gain — (1,223 ) Net pension cost $ 1,828 $ 449 The Company's funding policy for employee benefit pension plans is to contribute annually not less than the minimum amount required nor more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal and foreign income tax purposes. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. Based on actuarial estimates at April 1, 2017 , the Company expects to contribute approximately $ 4.4 million to its pension plans to meet funding requirements during the next twelve months. Additionally, the Company has made tax deductible discretionary and required contributions to its pension plans for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 of approximately $ 0.7 million and $ 0.8 million , respectively. The Company participates in various multiemployer pension plans which provide defined benefits to certain employees covered by labor contracts. These plans are not administered by the Company and contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of negotiated labor contracts to meet their pension benefit obligations to their participants. The Company's contributions to each multiemployer plan represent less than 5% of the total contributions to each such plan. Based on the most currently available information, the Company has determined that, if a withdrawal were to occur, withdrawal liabilities on two of the plans in which the Company currently participates could be material to the Company, with one of these material plans certified as critical or red zone. With respect to the other multiemployer pension plans in which the Company participates and which are not individually significant, six plans have certified as critical or red zone, one plan has certified as endangered or yellow zone as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The Company has received notices of withdrawal liability from two U.S. multiemployer plans in which it participated. As of April 1, 2017 , the Company has an aggregate accrued liability of approximately $ 1.8 million representing the present value of scheduled withdrawal liability payments under these multiemployer plans. While the Company has no ability to calculate a possible current liability for under-funded multiemployer plans that could terminate or could require additional funding under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the amounts could be material.

Derivatives

Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives The Company’s operations are exposed to market risks relating to commodity prices that affect the Company’s cost of raw materials, finished product prices and energy costs and the risk of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company makes limited use of derivative instruments to manage cash flow risks related to natural gas usage, diesel fuel usage, inventory, forecasted sales and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading purposes. Natural gas swaps and options are entered into with the intent of managing the overall cost of natural gas usage by reducing the potential impact of seasonal weather demands on natural gas that increases natural gas prices. Heating oil swaps and options are entered into with the intent of managing the overall cost of diesel fuel usage by reducing the potential impact of seasonal weather demands on diesel fuel that increases diesel fuel prices. Corn options and future contracts are entered into with the intent of managing U.S. forecasted sales of bakery by-products (“BBP”) by reducing the impact of changing prices. Foreign currency forward contracts are entered into to mitigate the foreign exchange rate risk for transactions designated in a currency other than the local functional currency. At April 1, 2017 , the Company had corn option contracts outstanding that qualified and were designated for hedge accounting as well as soybean meal option contracts, corn option and forward contracts and foreign currency forward contracts that did not qualify and were not designated for hedge accounting. Entities are required to report all derivative instruments in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, on the reason for holding the instrument. If certain conditions are met, entities may elect to designate a derivative instrument as a hedge of exposures to changes in fair value, cash flows or foreign currencies. If the hedged exposure is a cash flow exposure, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported initially as a component of other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. Any amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, as well as the ineffective portion of the gain or loss, are reported in earnings immediately. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change. Cash Flow Hedges In fiscal 2016 and the first three months of fiscal 2017 , the Company entered into corn option contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade that are designated as cash flow hedges. Under the terms of the corn option contracts, the Company hedged a portion of its U.S. forecasted sales of BBP into the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. As of April 1, 2017 , some of the contracts have been settled while the remaining contract positions and activity are disclosed below. From time to time, the Company may enter into corn option contracts in the future. As of April 1, 2017 , the Company had the following outstanding forward contract amounts that were entered into to hedge the future payments of intercompany note transactions, foreign currency transactions in currencies other than the functional currency and forecasted transactions in currencies other than the functional currency. All of these transactions are currently not designated for hedge accounting (in thousands): Functional Currency Contract Currency Type Amount Type Amount Brazilian real 28,544 Euro 7,670 Brazilian real 77,314 U.S. dollar 23,172 Brazilian real 805 Mexican peso 7,680 Euro 155,982 U.S. dollar 169,109 Euro 12,106 Polish zloty 52,000 Euro 5,083 Japanese yen 613,598 Euro 43,423 Chinese renminbi 321,089 Euro 12,116 Australian dollar 16,700 Polish zloty 19,624 Euro 4,538 British pound 171 Euro 200 Japanese yen 41,372 U.S. dollar 375 The Company estimates the amount that will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive gain at April 1, 2017 into earnings over the next 12 months will be approximately $ 2.2 million . As of April 1, 2017 , no amounts have been reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges. The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments under FASB authoritative guidance as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Derivatives Designated Balance Sheet Asset Derivatives Fair Value as Hedges Location April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Corn options Other current assets $ 2,645 $ 4,235 Corn options Other assets 253 — Total asset derivatives designated as hedges $ 2,898 $ 4,235 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 4,053 $ 8,939 Corn options and futures Other current assets 136 151 Soybean meal options Other current assets 243 — Total asset derivatives not designated as hedges $ 4,432 $ 9,090 Total asset derivatives $ 7,330 $ 13,325 Derivatives Designated Balance Sheet Liability Derivatives Fair Value as Hedges Location April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Corn options Accrued expenses $ 36 $ — Corn options Other non-current liabilities 30 — Total liability derivatives designated as hedges $ 66 $ — Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Foreign currency contracts Accrued expenses $ 681 $ 608 Corn options and futures Accrued expenses 76 122 Soybean meal options Accrued expenses 5 — Total liability derivatives not designated as hedges $ 762 $ 730 Total liability derivatives $ 828 $ 730 The effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) (a) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) (b) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) (c) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Corn options $ (615 ) $ 320 $ 1,185 $ 1,474 $ 88 $ 52 Total $ (615 ) $ 320 $ 1,185 $ 1,474 $ 88 $ 52 (a) Amount recognized in accumulated OCI (effective portion) is reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) of approximately $ (0.6) million and $ 0.3 million recorded net of taxes of approximately $ 0.2 million and $ (0.1) million as of April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , respectively. (b) Gains and (losses) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) for corn options are included in cost of sales, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. (c) Gains and (losses) recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion) for corn options are included in other income/ (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The table below summarizes the effect of derivatives not designated as hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 (in thousands): Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Three Months Ended Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Location April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Foreign Exchange Foreign currency loss/(gain) $ 3,146 $ 11,287 Foreign Exchange Selling, general and administrative expense (1,481 ) (2,911 ) Corn options and futures Net sales (22 ) 1 Corn options and futures Cost of sales and operating expenses 270 (532 ) Heating Oil swaps and options Net sales — (73 ) Soybean Meal Net sales (272 ) — Soybean Oil Net sales 45 — Total $ 1,686 $ 7,772 At April 1, 2017 , the Company had forward purchase agreements in place for purchases of approximately $ 23.7 million of natural gas and diesel fuel. These forward purchase agreements have no net settlement provisions and the Company intends to take physical delivery of the underlying product. Accordingly, the forward purchase agreements are not subject to the requirements of fair value accounting because they qualify and the Company has elected to account for these as normal purchases as defined in the FASB authoritative guidance.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements FASB authoritative guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of April 1, 2017 and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy under FASB authoritative guidance. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine the fair value. Fair Value Measurements at April 1, 2017 Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (In thousands of dollars) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Derivative instruments $ 7,330 $ — $ 7,330 $ — Total Assets $ 7,330 $ — $ 7,330 $ — Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 828 $ — $ 828 $ — 5.375% Senior notes 518,750 — 518,750 — 4.75% Senior notes 577,845 — 577,845 — Term loan A 121,464 — 121,464 — Term loan B 588,169 — 588,169 — Total Liabilities $ 1,807,056 $ — $ 1,807,056 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (In thousands of dollars) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Derivative instruments $ 13,325 $ — $ 13,325 $ — Total Assets $ 13,325 $ — $ 13,325 $ — Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 730 $ — $ 730 $ — 5.375% Senior notes 520,300 — 520,300 — 4.75% Senior notes 575,111 — 575,111 — Term loan A 120,403 — 120,403 — Term loan B 593,347 — 593,347 — Revolver debt 5,201 — 5,201 — Total Liabilities $ 1,815,092 $ — $ 1,815,092 $ — Derivative assets and liabilities consist of the Company’s soybean meal option contracts, corn option and future contracts and foreign currency contracts, which represents the difference between observable market rates of commonly quoted intervals for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and the fixed swap rate considering the instruments term, notional amount and credit risk. See Note 12 (Derivatives) for breakdown by instrument type. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments and as such have been excluded from the table above. The carrying amount for the Company's other debt is not deemed to be significantly different than the fair value and all other instruments have been recorded at fair value. The fair value of the senior notes, term loan A, term loan B and revolver debt is based on market quotation from third-party banks.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company is a party to various lawsuits, claims and loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of its business, including insured worker's compensation, auto, and general liability claims, assertions by certain regulatory and governmental agencies related to permitting requirements and/or air, wastewater and storm water discharges from the Company’s processing facilities, litigation involving tort, contract, statutory, labor, employment, and other claims, and tax matters. The Company’s workers compensation, auto and general liability policies contain significant deductibles or self-insured retentions. The Company estimates and accrues its expected ultimate claim costs related to accidents occurring during each fiscal year under these insurance policies and carries this accrual as a reserve until these claims are paid by the Company. As a result of the matters discussed above, the Company has established loss reserves for insurance, environmental, litigation and tax contingencies. At April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the reserves for insurance, environmental, litigation and tax contingencies reflected on the balance sheet in accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities were approximately $ 52.8 million and $ 51.9 million , respectively. The Company has insurance recovery receivables of approximately $ 15.9 million as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , related to the insurance contingencies. The Company's management believes these reserves for contingencies are reasonable and sufficient based upon present governmental regulations and information currently available to management; however, there can be no assurance that final costs related to these contingencies will not exceed current estimates. The Company believes that the likelihood is remote that any additional liability from the lawsuits and claims that may not be covered by insurance would have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Lower Passaic River Area . In December 2009 , the Company, along with numerous other entities, received notice from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that the Company (as successor-in-interest to Standard Tallow Company) is considered a potentially responsible party (a “PRP”) with respect to alleged contamination in the lower Passaic River area which is part of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site located in Newark, New Jersey. The Company’s designation as a PRP is based upon the operation of a former plant site located in Newark, New Jersey by Standard Tallow Company, an entity that the Company acquired in 1996. In the letter, EPA requested that the Company join a group of other parties in funding a remedial investigation and feasibility study at the site. As of the date of this report, the Company has not agreed to participate in the funding group. In March 2016, the Company received another letter from EPA notifying the Company that it had issued a Record of Decision selecting a remedy for the lower 8.3 miles of the lower Passaic River area at an estimated cost of $ 1.38 billion . The EPA letter makes no demand on the Company and lays out a framework for remedial design/remedial action implementation in which the EPA will first seek funding from major PRPs. The letter indicates that the EPA has sent the letter to over 100 parties, which include large chemical and refining companies, manufacturing companies, foundries, plastic companies, pharmaceutical companies and food and consumer product companies. The Company's ultimate liability, if any, for investigatory costs, remedial costs and/or natural resource damages in connection with the lower Passaic River area cannot be determined at this time; however, as of the date of this report, the Company has found no evidence that the former Standard Tallow Company plant site contributed any of the primary contaminants of concern to the Passaic River and, therefore, there is nothing that leads the Company to believe that this matter will have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Fresno Facility Permit Issue. The Company has been named as a defendant and a real party in interest in a lawsuit filed on April 9, 2012 in the Superior Court of the State of California, Fresno County, styled Concerned Citizens of West Fresno vs. Darling International Inc. The complaint, as subsequently amended, alleges that the Company's Fresno facility is operating without a proper use permit and seeks, among other things, injunctive relief. The complaint had at one time also alleged that the Company's Fresno facility constitutes a continuing private and public nuisance, but the plaintiff has since amended the complaint to drop these allegations. The City of Fresno was also named as a defendant in the original complaint but has since had a judgment entered in its favor and is no longer a defendant in the lawsuit; however, in December 2013 the City of Fresno filed a motion to intervene as a plaintiff in this matter. The Superior Court heard the motion on February 4, 2014, and entered an order on February 18, 2014 denying the motion. Rendering operations have been conducted on the site since 1955, and the Company believes that it possesses all of the required federal, state and local permits to continue to operate the facility in the manner currently conducted and that its operations do not constitute a private or public nuisance. Accordingly, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously in this matter. Discovery has begun and this matter was scheduled for trial in July 2014; however, the parties have agreed to stay the litigation while they participate in a mediation process, which remains ongoing. In January 2017, the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent with the City of Fresno pursuant to which the City and the Company will work toward the execution of a definitive agreement to relocate the facility to a different location in Fresno. Whether an agreement to relocate the facility ultimately gets executed is subject to the Company’s receipt of certain incentives and an agreement by the Concerned Citizens of West Fresno to settle and dismiss the aforementioned litigation. While management cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, management does not believe the outcome will have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Business Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Business Segments The Company sells its products domestically and internationally and operates within three industry segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients and Fuel Ingredients. The measure of segment profit (loss) includes all revenues, operating expenses (excluding certain amortization of intangibles), and selling, general and administrative expenses incurred at all operating locations and excludes general corporate expenses. Included in corporate activities are general corporate expenses and the amortization of certain intangibles. Assets of corporate activities include cash, unallocated prepaid expenses, deferred tax assets, prepaid pension, and miscellaneous other assets. Feed Ingredients Feed Ingredients consists principally of (i) the Company's U.S. ingredients business, including the Company's fats and proteins, used cooking oil, trap grease and food residuals collection businesses, the Rothsay ingredients business, and the ingredients and specialty products businesses conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Sonac name (proteins, fats, and plasma products) and (ii) the Company's bakery residuals business. Feed Ingredients operations process animal by-products and used cooking oil into fats, protein and hides. Food Ingredients Food Ingredients consists principally of (i) the gelatin and collagen hydrolysates business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Rousselot name, (ii) the natural casings and meat-by-products business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the CTH name and (iii) certain specialty products businesses conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Sonac name. Fuel Ingredients The Company's Fuel Ingredients segment consists of (i) the Company's biofuel business conducted under the Dar Pro® and Rothsay names (ii) the bioenergy business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Ecoson and Rendac names and (iii) the Company's investment in the DGD Joint Venture. Business Segments (in thousands): Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Net Sales $ 552,624 $ 267,788 $ 59,660 $ — $ 880,072 Cost of sales and operating expenses 432,610 211,001 46,016 — 689,627 Gross Margin 120,014 56,787 13,644 — 190,445 Selling, general and administrative expense 45,467 25,059 3,291 14,100 87,917 Acquisition and integration costs — — — — — Depreciation and amortization 43,719 17,601 6,845 2,949 71,114 Segment operating income/(loss) 30,828 14,127 3,508 (17,049 ) 31,414 Equity in net income/(loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 109 — 597 — 706 Segment income/(loss) 30,937 14,127 4,105 (17,049 ) 32,120 Total other expense (22,904 ) Income before income taxes $ 9,216 Segment assets at April 1, 2017 $ 2,474,563 $ 1,428,868 $ 638,808 $ 177,422 $ 4,719,661 Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Three Months Ended April 2, 2016 Net Sales $ 476,171 $ 247,897 $ 55,573 $ — $ 779,641 Cost of sales and operating expenses 372,657 185,554 40,682 — 598,893 Gross Margin 103,514 62,343 14,891 — 180,748 Selling, general and administrative expense 45,251 23,759 1,850 10,609 81,469 Acquisition and integration costs — — — 331 331 Depreciation and amortization 44,377 16,704 6,919 4,256 72,256 Segment operating income/(loss) 13,886 21,880 6,122 (15,196 ) 26,692 Equity in net income/(loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 102 — 5,541 — 5,643 Segment income/(loss) 13,988 21,880 11,663 (15,196 ) 32,335 Total other expense (27,809 ) Income before income taxes $ 4,526 Segment assets at December 31, 2016 $ 2,464,509 $ 1,414,409 $ 657,637 $ 161,462 $ 4,698,017

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Raw Material Agreement The Company entered into a Raw Material Agreement with the DGD Joint Venture in May 2011 pursuant to which the Company will offer to supply certain animal fats and used cooking oil at market prices, up to the DGD Joint Venture's full operational requirement of feedstock, but the DGD Joint Venture is not obligated to purchase the raw material offered by the Company. Additionally, the Company may offer other feedstocks to the DGD Joint Venture, such as inedible corn oil, purchased on a resale basis. For the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , the Company has recorded sales to the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $ 35.7 million and $ 23.7 million , respectively. At April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company has $ 6.6 million and $ 6.3 million in outstanding receivables due from the DGD Joint Venture, respectively. In addition, the Company has eliminated approximately $ 7.0 million of additional sales for the three months ended April 1, 2017 to defer the Company's portion of profit of approximately $ 1.4 million on those sales relating to inventory assets remaining on the DGD Joint Venture's balance sheet at April 1, 2017 . Revolving Loan Agreement On February 23, 2015, Darling through its wholly owned subsidiary Darling Green Energy LLC, (“Darling Green”) and a third party Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC (“Diamond Alternative” and together with Darling Green, the “DGD Lenders”) entered into a revolving loan agreement (the “DGD Loan Agreement”) with the DGD Joint Venture Opco. The DGD Lenders have committed to making loans available to Opco in the total amount of $ 10.0 million with each lender committed to $ 5.0 million of the total commitment. Any borrowings by Opco under the DGD Loan Agreement are at the applicable annum rate equal to the sum of (a) the LIBO Rate (meaning Reuters BBA Libor Rates Page 3750) on such day plus (b) 2.50% . The DGD Loan Agreement matures on December 31, 2017, unless extended by agreement of the parties. As of April 1, 2017 , no amounts are owed to Darling Green under the DGD Loan Agreement.

New Accounting Pronoucements

New Accounting Pronoucements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
New Accounting Pronoucements [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU amends Topic 715, Compensation - Retirement Benefits , which requires that an employer report the service cost component of net benefit costs to be disaggregated from all other components and reported in the same line item or items as other compensation costs. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU amends Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other , which will simplify the goodwill impairment calculation by eliminating Step 2 from the current goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The ASU eliminates existing guidance that requires an entity to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by hypothetically assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The initial adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This ASU amends Topic 805, Business Combinations , which narrows the existing definition of a business and provides a framework for evaluating whether a transaction should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of assets or a business. This ASU requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities (collectively, the set) is not a business. In order to be considered a business, the set would need to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. This ASU is effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The initial adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Restricted Cash. This ASU amends Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows , which includes new guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows in order to eliminate the discrepancies that currently exist in how companies present these changes. This ASU requires restricted cash to be included with cash and cash equivalents when explaining the changes in cash in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU amends Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, which is intended to reduce the existing diversity in practice for classifying various types of cash flows including debt extinguishment costs, zero-coupon debt, contingent consideration related to business combinations, insurance proceeds, equity method distributions and beneficial interest in securitizations. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (topic 842). Under the new ASU, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee‘s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The new lease guidance simplified the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. This ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of this new standard, specifically on its consolidated balance sheets, and does not expect adoption to significantly change the recognition, measurement or presentation of lease expense within the consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new ASU introduces a new five-step revenue recognition model in which an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, this ASU requires disclosures sufficient to enable the users to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures about contracts with customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the elective date of the standard by one year. This ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption and will become effective for the Company for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has substantially completed its assessment of this ASU to identify any potential changes in the amount and timing of revenue recognition for its current contracts and the expected impact on the Company's business processes, systems and controls. Based on this initial assessment, except for possible income statement reclassifications, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 to have a material impact on the Company's operations, cash flows and financial position. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09 to determine the transition method to utilize at adoption and any additional disclosures required.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In April and May 2017, the Company acquired a used cooking oil service provider in New Jersey and a rendering business in Florida for a combined purchase price of approximately $ 20.0 million , funded by cash on hand. The acquired assets consisted primarily of routes, trucks, land, buildings and non-compete agreements. The Company is in the process of completing purchase price allocation.

Guarantor Financial Information

Guarantor Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	Guarantor Financial Information The Company's 5.375% Notes and 4.75% Notes (see Note 7) are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the following Notes Guarantors, each of which is a 100% directly or indirectly owned subsidiary of Darling and which constitute all of Darling's existing restricted subsidiaries that are Credit Agreement Guarantors (other than Darling's foreign subsidiaries, Darling Global Finance B.V., which issued the 4.75% Notes and is discussed further below, or any receivables entity): Darling National, Griffin and its subsidiary Craig Protein, Darling AWS LLC, Terra Holding Company, Darling Global Holdings Inc., Darling Northstar LLC, TRS, EV Acquisition, Inc., Rousselot Inc., Rousselot Dubuque Inc., Sonac USA LLC and Rousselot Peabody Inc. In addition, the 4.75% Notes, which were issued by Darling Global Finance B.V., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Darling, are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Darling. The Notes Guarantors, and Darling in the case of the 4.75% Notes, fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 5.375% Notes and 4.75% Notes on a joint and several basis. The following financial statements present condensed consolidating financial data for (i) Darling, (ii) the combined Notes Guarantors, (iii) the combined other subsidiaries of the Company that did not guarantee the 5.375% Notes or the 4.75% Notes (the “Non-guarantors”), and (iv) eliminations necessary to arrive at the Company's consolidated financial statements, which include condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and the condensed consolidating statements of operations, the condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 . Separate financial information is not presented for Darling Global Finance B.V. since it was formed as a special purpose finance subsidiary for the purpose of issuing the 4.75% Notes and therefore does not have any substantial operations or assets. Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,492 $ 2,548 $ 134,840 $ — $ 138,880 Restricted cash 103 — 179 — 282 Accounts receivable 37,683 132,374 374,206 (154,399 ) 389,864 Inventories 15,485 86,262 240,367 — 342,114 Income taxes refundable 3,035 — 3,943 — 6,978 Prepaid expenses 12,066 2,210 18,576 — 32,852 Other current assets 4,861 2,568 10,060 (1,158 ) 16,331 Total current assets 74,725 225,962 782,171 (155,557 ) 927,301 Investment in subsidiaries 4,334,518 1,154,398 909,263 (6,398,179 ) — Property, plant and equipment, net 240,775 497,348 794,460 — 1,532,583 Intangible assets, net 12,935 283,060 401,825 — 697,820 Goodwill 21,860 549,956 661,455 — 1,233,271 Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 3,315 — 267,606 — 270,921 Other assets 34,987 396,174 161,982 (551,005 ) 42,138 Deferred taxes — — 15,627 — 15,627 $ 4,723,115 $ 3,106,898 $ 3,994,389 $ (7,104,741 ) $ 4,719,661 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current portion of long-term debt $ 5,712 $ — $ 20,411 $ (1,158 ) $ 24,965 Accounts payable 174,121 22,212 134,387 (149,281 ) 181,439 Income taxes payable 2,140 373 9,553 — 12,066 Accrued expenses 64,391 26,697 147,354 (5,118 ) 233,324 Total current liabilities 246,364 49,282 311,705 (155,557 ) 451,794 Long-term debt, net of current portion 1,107,240 — 1,171,260 (551,004 ) 1,727,496 Other noncurrent liabilities 62,795 — 32,925 — 95,720 Deferred income taxes 135,404 — 205,410 — 340,814 Total liabilities 1,551,803 49,282 1,721,300 (706,561 ) 2,615,824 Total stockholders’ equity 3,171,312 3,057,616 2,273,089 (6,398,180 ) 2,103,837 $ 4,723,115 $ 3,106,898 $ 3,994,389 $ (7,104,741 ) $ 4,719,661 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,470 $ 5,754 $ 107,340 $ — $ 114,564 Restricted cash 103 — 190 — 293 Accounts receivable 39,209 97,220 339,251 (87,283 ) 388,397 Inventories 16,573 85,890 228,352 — 330,815 Income taxes refundable 3,566 — 3,913 — 7,479 Prepaid expenses 11,152 2,769 16,063 — 29,984 Other current assets 5,859 3,165 19,221 (6,475 ) 21,770 Total current assets 77,932 194,798 714,330 (93,758 ) 893,302 Investment in subsidiaries 4,296,200 1,154,398 909,263 (6,359,861 ) — Property, plant and equipment, net 233,456 497,312 784,807 — 1,515,575 Intangible assets, net 13,746 291,724 406,457 — 711,927 Goodwill 21,860 549,960 654,073 — 1,225,893 Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary 1,438 — 291,279 — 292,717 Other assets 36,063 396,222 160,505 (549,177 ) 43,613 Deferred income taxes — — 14,990 — 14,990 $ 4,680,695 $ 3,084,414 $ 3,935,704 $ (7,002,796 ) $ 4,698,017 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current portion of long-term debt $ 4,220 $ — $ 25,502 $ (6,475 ) $ 23,247 Accounts payable 116,075 18,142 130,718 (84,040 ) 180,895 Income taxes payable (383 ) 373 4,923 — 4,913 Accrued expenses 86,581 33,834 125,624 (3,243 ) 242,796 Total current liabilities 206,493 52,349 286,767 (93,758 ) 451,851 Long-term debt, net of current portion 1,109,523 — 1,167,349 (549,176 ) 1,727,696 Other noncurrent liabilities 63,072 — 33,042 — 96,114 Deferred income taxes 140,543 — 205,591 — 346,134 Total liabilities 1,519,631 52,349 1,692,749 (642,934 ) 2,621,795 Total stockholders’ equity 3,161,064 3,032,065 2,242,955 (6,359,862 ) 2,076,222 $ 4,680,695 $ 3,084,414 $ 3,935,704 $ (7,002,796 ) $ 4,698,017 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations For the three months ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 136,157 $ 360,184 $ 441,350 $ (57,619 ) $ 880,072 Cost and expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses 109,663 292,771 344,812 (57,619 ) 689,627 Selling, general and administrative expenses 39,816 14,177 33,924 — 87,917 Acquisition and integration costs — — — — — Depreciation and amortization 10,285 25,436 35,393 — 71,114 Total costs and expenses 159,764 332,384 414,129 (57,619 ) 848,658 Operating income/(loss) (23,607 ) 27,800 27,221 — 31,414 Interest expense (13,586 ) 4,023 (12,117 ) — (21,680 ) Foreign currency gains/(losses) (6 ) (25 ) (233 ) — (264 ) Other expense, net (2,901 ) 32 1,909 — (960 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries (373 ) — 1,079 — 706 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries 38,318 — — (38,318 ) — Income/(loss) before taxes (2,155 ) 31,830 17,859 (38,318 ) 9,216 Income taxes (benefit) (7,984 ) 6,279 3,523 — 1,818 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,569 ) — (1,569 ) Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 5,829 $ 25,551 $ 12,767 $ (38,318 ) $ 5,829 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations For the three months ended April 2, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 108,371 $ 303,765 $ 411,037 $ (43,532 ) $ 779,641 Cost and expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses 89,483 236,336 316,606 (43,532 ) 598,893 Selling, general and administrative expenses 35,893 13,136 32,440 — 81,469 Acquisition and integration costs — — 331 — 331 Depreciation and amortization 11,425 26,808 34,023 — 72,256 Total costs and expenses 136,801 276,280 383,400 (43,532 ) 752,949 Operating income/(loss) (28,430 ) 27,485 27,637 — 26,692 Interest expense (15,522 ) 4,377 (12,756 ) — (23,901 ) Foreign currency gains/(losses) (31 ) 165 (2,737 ) — (2,603 ) Other expense, net (3,325 ) (5 ) 2,025 — (1,305 ) Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries (97 ) — 5,740 — 5,643 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries 28,971 — — (28,971 ) — Income/(loss) before taxes (18,434 ) 32,022 19,909 (28,971 ) 4,526 Income taxes (benefit) (19,513 ) 13,181 8,195 — 1,863 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,584 ) — (1,584 ) Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 1,079 $ 18,841 $ 10,130 $ (28,971 ) $ 1,079 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) For the three months ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net income/(loss) $ 7,398 $ 25,551 $ 12,767 $ (38,318 ) $ 7,398 Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation — — 15,679 — 15,679 Pension adjustments 641 — 118 — 759 Corn option derivative adjustments (1,102 ) — — — (1,102 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax (461 ) — 15,797 — 15,336 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 6,937 25,551 28,564 (38,318 ) 22,734 Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 1,247 — 1,247 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 6,937 $ 25,551 $ 27,317 $ (38,318 ) $ 21,487 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) For the three months ended April 2, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net income/(loss) $ 2,663 $ 18,841 $ 10,130 $ (28,971 ) $ 2,663 Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation — — 57,531 — 57,531 Pension adjustments 658 — 68 — 726 Corn option derivative adjustments (706 ) — — — (706 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax (48 ) — 57,599 — 57,551 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 2,615 18,841 67,729 (28,971 ) 60,214 Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (420 ) — (420 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 2,615 $ 18,841 $ 68,149 $ (28,971 ) $ 60,634 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows For the three months ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/(loss) $ 7,398 $ 25,551 $ 12,767 $ (38,318 ) $ 7,398 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries (38,318 ) — — 38,318 — Other operating cash flows 56,236 (9,676 ) 40,511 — 87,071 Net cash provided by operating activities 25,316 15,875 53,278 — 94,469 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (18,732 ) (19,689 ) (23,871 ) — (62,292 ) Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates (2,250 ) — — — (2,250 ) Gross proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 304 608 428 — 1,340 Proceeds from insurance settlements — — 3,301 — 3,301 Net cash used in investing activities (20,678 ) (19,081 ) (20,142 ) — (59,901 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds for long-term debt — — 8,649 — 8,649 Payments on long-term debt (1,522 ) — (7,743 ) — (9,265 ) Borrowings from revolving facilities 47,000 — — — 47,000 Payments on revolving facilities (47,000 ) — (5,327 ) — (52,327 ) Net cash overdraft financing — — (1,077 ) — (1,077 ) Deferred loan costs (1,135 ) — — — (1,135 ) Issuances of common stock 22 — — — 22 Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (1,981 ) — (14 ) — (1,995 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — (433 ) — (433 ) Net cash used in financing activities (4,616 ) — (5,945 ) — (10,561 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 309 — 309 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 22 (3,206 ) 27,500 — 24,316 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,470 5,754 107,340 — 114,564 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,492 $ 2,548 $ 134,840 $ — $ 138,880 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows For the three months ended April 2, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/(loss) $ 2,663 $ 18,841 $ 10,130 $ (28,971 ) $ 2,663 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries (28,971 ) — — 28,971 — Other operating cash flows 34,573 (4,953 ) 12,760 — 42,380 Net cash provided by operating activities 8,265 13,888 22,890 — 45,043 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (11,065 ) (21,764 ) (20,546 ) — (53,375 ) Acquisitions — — (8,511 ) — (8,511 ) Note receivable from affiliates — — (5,963 ) 5,963 — Gross proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 945 — 479 — 1,424 Proceeds from insurance settlements — — 1,181 — 1,181 Net cash used in investing activities (10,120 ) (21,764 ) (33,360 ) 5,963 (59,281 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds for long-term debt — — 8,760 — 8,760 Payments on long-term debt (5,291 ) — (10,916 ) — (16,207 ) Borrowings from revolving credit facility 33,000 — — — 33,000 Payments on revolving credit facility (21,000 ) — — — (21,000 ) Borrowings from affiliates — 5,963 — (5,963 ) — Issuances of common stock 45 — — — 45 Repurchase of treasury stock (5,000 ) — — — (5,000 ) Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (1,663 ) — (125 ) — (1,788 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (446 ) — — — (446 ) Net cash used in financing activities (355 ) 5,963 (2,281 ) (5,963 ) (2,636 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 7,316 — 7,316 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,210 ) (1,913 ) (5,435 ) — (9,558 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,443 3,993 149,448 — 156,884 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,233 $ 2,080 $ 144,013 $ — $ 147,326

Summary of Significant Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Darling and its consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests represent the outstanding ownership interest in the Company's consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by the Company. In the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) of the consolidated subsidiaries is shown as an allocation of the Company's net income and is presented separately as “Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests”. In the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in the Company consolidated subsidiaries' net assets held by parties other than the Company. These ownership interests are presented separately as “Noncontrolling interests” within “Stockholders' Equity.” All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Periods	Fiscal Periods The Company has a 52 / 53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest December 31 . Fiscal periods for the consolidated financial statements included herein are as of April 1, 2017 , and include the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2017 , and the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2016 .
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue on sales when products are shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss. Certain customers may be required to prepay prior to shipment in order to maintain payment protection related to certain foreign and domestic sales. These amounts are recorded as unearned revenue and recognized when the products have shipped and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss. The Company recognizes service revenue in the fiscal month the service occurs.
Income Taxes	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company expects to indefinitely reinvest the earnings of its foreign subsidiaries outside of the United States and has generally not provided deferred income taxes on the accumulated earnings of its foreign subsidiaries except for the accumulated earnings of certain joint venture companies. The Company periodically assesses whether it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred income tax assets. In making this determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence and makes certain assumptions. The Company considers, among other things, its deferred tax liabilities, the overall business environment, its historical earnings and losses, current industry trends and its outlook for future years.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation and Remeasurement Foreign currency translation is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reflects the adjustments resulting from translating the foreign currency denominated financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars. The functional currency of the Company's foreign subsidiaries is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates, which is generally the local currency of the country. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at fiscal period end exchange rates, including intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of long-term investment nature. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates occurring during the period. Changes in exchange rates that affect cash flows and the related receivables or payables are recognized as transaction gains and losses in determining net income.

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net Income per Common Share	Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method. Net Income per Common Share (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic: Net Income attributable to Darling $ 5,829 164,738 $ 0.04 $ 1,079 164,434 $ 0.01 Diluted: Effect of dilutive securities: Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock awards 2,012 157 Less: Pro forma treasury shares (886 ) (38 ) Diluted: Net income attributable to Darling $ 5,829 165,864 $ 0.04 $ 1,079 164,553 $ 0.01

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	A summary of inventories follows (in thousands): April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Finished product $ 165,710 $ 156,542 Work in process 93,859 87,284 Raw material 34,078 39,859 Supplies and other 48,467 47,130 $ 342,114 $ 330,815

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The gross carrying amount of intangible assets not subject to amortization and intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows (in thousands): April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Trade names $ 51,983 $ 51,687 51,983 51,687 Finite Lived Intangible Assets: Routes 371,686 374,989 Permits 495,939 493,311 Non-compete agreements 3,564 3,638 Trade names 76,102 76,033 Royalty, consulting, land use rights and leasehold 13,554 13,456 960,845 961,427 Accumulated Amortization: Routes (107,661 ) (105,934 ) Permits (179,690 ) (170,165 ) Non-compete agreements (1,843 ) (1,788 ) Trade names (23,343 ) (21,042 ) Royalty, consulting, land use rights and leasehold (2,471 ) (2,258 ) (315,008 ) (301,187 ) Total Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization $ 697,820 $ 711,927

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands): Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Total Balance at December 31, 2016 Goodwill $ 813,621 $ 317,008 $ 111,178 $ 1,241,807 Accumulated impairment losses (15,914 ) — — (15,914 ) 797,707 317,008 111,178 1,225,893 Goodwill acquired during year — — — — Foreign currency translation 3,695 2,424 1,259 7,378 Balance at April 1, 2017 Goodwill 817,316 319,432 112,437 1,249,185 Accumulated impairment losses (15,914 ) — — (15,914 ) $ 801,402 $ 319,432 $ 112,437 $ 1,233,271

Investment in Unconsolidated 31

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Selected financial information for the Company's DGD Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): (in thousands) March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets: Total current assets $ 212,915 $ 268,734 Property, plant and equipment, net 360,476 354,871 Other assets 10,226 12,164 Total assets $ 583,617 $ 635,769 Liabilities and members' equity: Total current portion of long term debt $ 17,023 $ 17,023 Total other current liabilities 24,100 23,200 Total long term debt 49,497 53,753 Total other long term liabilities 427 418 Total members' equity 492,570 541,375 Total liabilities and member's equity $ 583,617 $ 635,769 Three Months Ended (in thousands) March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 Revenues: Operating revenues $ 125,397 $ 71,768 Expenses: Total costs and expenses less depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 115,322 52,509 Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 8,113 5,378 Total costs and expenses 123,435 57,887 Operating income 1,962 13,881 Other income 223 15 Interest and debt expense, net (990 ) (2,814 ) Net income/(loss) $ 1,195 $ 11,082

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt consists of the following (in thousands): April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amended Credit Agreement: Revolving Credit Facility ($5.3 million denominated in euro at December 31, 2016) $ — $ 5,280 Term Loan A ($77.6 million and $76.9 million denominated in CAD at April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively) 120,859 120,103 Less unamortized deferred loan costs (1,024 ) (1,083 ) Carrying value Term Loan A 119,835 119,020 Term Loan B 582,000 583,500 Less unamortized deferred loan costs (5,924 ) (6,298 ) Carrying value Term Loan B 576,076 577,202 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 with effective interest of 5.72% 500,000 500,000 Less unamortized deferred loan costs (7,333 ) (7,667 ) Carrying value 5.375% Senior Notes due 2022 492,667 492,333 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 - Denominated in euro with effective interest of 5.10% 550,329 543,840 Less unamortized deferred loan costs - Denominated in euro (8,690 ) (8,956 ) Carrying value 4.75% Senior Notes due 2022 541,639 534,884 Other Notes and Obligations 22,244 22,224 1,752,461 1,750,943 Less Current Maturities 24,965 23,247 $ 1,727,496 $ 1,727,696

Other Comprehensive Income (Tab

Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax impacts for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Before-Tax Tax (Expense) Net-of-Tax Amount or Benefit Amount April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Defined benefit pension plans Amortization of prior service cost/(benefit) $ 9 $ 7 $ (3 ) $ (3 ) $ 6 $ 4 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,203 1,168 (450 ) (446 ) 753 722 Total defined benefit pension plans 1,212 1,175 (453 ) (449 ) 759 726 Corn option derivatives Loss/(gain) reclassified to net income (1,185 ) (1,474 ) 460 572 (725 ) (902 ) Gain/(loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (615 ) 320 238 (124 ) (377 ) 196 Total corn option derivatives (1,800 ) (1,154 ) 698 448 (1,102 ) (706 ) Foreign currency translation 15,679 57,531 — — 15,679 57,531 Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 15,091 $ 57,552 $ 245 $ (1 ) $ 15,336 $ 57,551
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Statement of Operations Classification Derivative instruments Corn option derivatives $ 1,185 $ 1,474 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,185 1,474 Total before tax (460 ) (572 ) Income taxes 725 902 Net of tax Defined benefit pension plans Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit $ (9 ) $ (7 ) (a) Amortization of actuarial loss (1,203 ) (1,168 ) (a) Amortization of settlement — — (a) (1,212 ) (1,175 ) Total before tax 453 449 Income taxes (759 ) (726 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications $ (34 ) $ 176 Net of tax (a) These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 11 Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents changes in each component of accumulated comprehensive income (loss) as of April 1, 2017 as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Foreign Currency Derivative Defined Benefit Translation Instruments Pension Plans Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) December 31, 2016, attributable to Darling, net of tax $ (308,910 ) $ 2,468 $ (33,564 ) $ (340,006 ) Other comprehensive gain before reclassifications 15,679 (377 ) — 15,302 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) — (725 ) 759 34 Net current-period other comprehensive income 15,679 (1,102 ) 759 15,336 Noncontrolling interest (322 ) — — (322 ) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) April 1, 2017, attributable to Darling, net of tax (292,909 ) $ 1,366 $ (32,805 ) $ (324,348 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Net pension cost	Net pension cost for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 includes the following components (in thousands): Pension Benefits Three Months Ended April 1, April 2, Service cost $ 735 $ 637 Interest cost 1,669 1,745 Expected return on plan assets (1,788 ) (1,885 ) Amortization of prior service cost/(benefit) 9 7 Amortization of net loss 1,203 1,168 Curtailment gain — (1,223 ) Net pension cost $ 1,828 $ 449

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	All of these transactions are currently not designated for hedge accounting (in thousands): Functional Currency Contract Currency Type Amount Type Amount Brazilian real 28,544 Euro 7,670 Brazilian real 77,314 U.S. dollar 23,172 Brazilian real 805 Mexican peso 7,680 Euro 155,982 U.S. dollar 169,109 Euro 12,106 Polish zloty 52,000 Euro 5,083 Japanese yen 613,598 Euro 43,423 Chinese renminbi 321,089 Euro 12,116 Australian dollar 16,700 Polish zloty 19,624 Euro 4,538 British pound 171 Euro 200 Japanese yen 41,372 U.S. dollar 375
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments under FASB authoritative guidance as of April 1, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Derivatives Designated Balance Sheet Asset Derivatives Fair Value as Hedges Location April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Corn options Other current assets $ 2,645 $ 4,235 Corn options Other assets 253 — Total asset derivatives designated as hedges $ 2,898 $ 4,235 Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 4,053 $ 8,939 Corn options and futures Other current assets 136 151 Soybean meal options Other current assets 243 — Total asset derivatives not designated as hedges $ 4,432 $ 9,090 Total asset derivatives $ 7,330 $ 13,325 Derivatives Designated Balance Sheet Liability Derivatives Fair Value as Hedges Location April 1, 2017 December 31, 2016 Corn options Accrued expenses $ 36 $ — Corn options Other non-current liabilities 30 — Total liability derivatives designated as hedges $ 66 $ — Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Foreign currency contracts Accrued expenses $ 681 $ 608 Corn options and futures Accrued expenses 76 122 Soybean meal options Accrued expenses 5 — Total liability derivatives not designated as hedges $ 762 $ 730 Total liability derivatives $ 828 $ 730
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 is as follows (in thousands): Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) (a) Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) (b) Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) (c) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 Corn options $ (615 ) $ 320 $ 1,185 $ 1,474 $ 88 $ 52 Total $ (615 ) $ 320 $ 1,185 $ 1,474 $ 88 $ 52 (a) Amount recognized in accumulated OCI (effective portion) is reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) of approximately $ (0.6) million and $ 0.3 million recorded net of taxes of approximately $ 0.2 million and $ (0.1) million as of April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 , respectively. (b) Gains and (losses) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) for corn options are included in cost of sales, respectively, in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. (c) Gains and (losses) recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion) for corn options are included in other income/ (expense), net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The table below summarizes the effect of derivatives not designated as hedges on the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended April 1, 2017 and April 2, 2016 (in thousands): Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges Three Months Ended Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Location April 1, 2017 April 2, 2016 Foreign Exchange Foreign currency loss/(gain) $ 3,146 $ 11,287 Foreign Exchange Selling, general and administrative expense (1,481 ) (2,911 ) Corn options and futures Net sales (22 ) 1 Corn options and futures Cost of sales and operating expenses 270 (532 ) Heating Oil swaps and options Net sales — (73 ) Soybean Meal Net sales (272 ) — Soybean Oil Net sales 45 — Total $ 1,686 $ 7,772

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measured on recurring basis	The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine the fair value. Fair Value Measurements at April 1, 2017 Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (In thousands of dollars) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Derivative instruments $ 7,330 $ — $ 7,330 $ — Total Assets $ 7,330 $ — $ 7,330 $ — Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 828 $ — $ 828 $ — 5.375% Senior notes 518,750 — 518,750 — 4.75% Senior notes 577,845 — 577,845 — Term loan A 121,464 — 121,464 — Term loan B 588,169 — 588,169 — Total Liabilities $ 1,807,056 $ — $ 1,807,056 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs (In thousands of dollars) Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Derivative instruments $ 13,325 $ — $ 13,325 $ — Total Assets $ 13,325 $ — $ 13,325 $ — Liabilities: Derivative instruments $ 730 $ — $ 730 $ — 5.375% Senior notes 520,300 — 520,300 — 4.75% Senior notes 575,111 — 575,111 — Term loan A 120,403 — 120,403 — Term loan B 593,347 — 593,347 — Revolver debt 5,201 — 5,201 — Total Liabilities $ 1,815,092 $ — $ 1,815,092 $ —

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	Business Segments (in thousands): Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Three Months Ended April 1, 2017 Net Sales $ 552,624 $ 267,788 $ 59,660 $ — $ 880,072 Cost of sales and operating expenses 432,610 211,001 46,016 — 689,627 Gross Margin 120,014 56,787 13,644 — 190,445 Selling, general and administrative expense 45,467 25,059 3,291 14,100 87,917 Acquisition and integration costs — — — — — Depreciation and amortization 43,719 17,601 6,845 2,949 71,114 Segment operating income/(loss) 30,828 14,127 3,508 (17,049 ) 31,414 Equity in net income/(loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 109 — 597 — 706 Segment income/(loss) 30,937 14,127 4,105 (17,049 ) 32,120 Total other expense (22,904 ) Income before income taxes $ 9,216 Segment assets at April 1, 2017 $ 2,474,563 $ 1,428,868 $ 638,808 $ 177,422 $ 4,719,661 Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Three Months Ended April 2, 2016 Net Sales $ 476,171 $ 247,897 $ 55,573 $ — $ 779,641 Cost of sales and operating expenses 372,657 185,554 40,682 — 598,893 Gross Margin 103,514 62,343 14,891 — 180,748 Selling, general and administrative expense 45,251 23,759 1,850 10,609 81,469 Acquisition and integration costs — — — 331 331 Depreciation and amortization 44,377 16,704 6,919 4,256 72,256 Segment operating income/(loss) 13,886 21,880 6,122 (15,196 ) 26,692 Equity in net income/(loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries 102 — 5,541 — 5,643 Segment income/(loss) 13,988 21,880 11,663 (15,196 ) 32,335 Total other expense (27,809 ) Income before income taxes $ 4,526 Segment assets at December 31, 2016 $ 2,464,509 $ 1,414,409 $ 657,637 $ 161,462 $ 4,698,017

Guarantor Financial Informati38

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017
Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,492 $ 2,548 $ 134,840 $ — $ 138,880 Restricted cash 103 — 179 — 282 Accounts receivable 37,683 132,374 374,206 (154,399 ) 389,864 Inventories 15,485 86,262 240,367 — 342,114 Income taxes refundable 3,035 — 3,943 — 6,978 Prepaid expenses 12,066 2,210 18,576 — 32,852 Other current assets 4,861 2,568 10,060 (1,158 ) 16,331 Total current assets 74,725 225,962 782,171 (155,557 ) 927,301 Investment in subsidiaries 4,334,518 1,154,398 909,263 (6,398,179 ) — Property, plant and equipment, net 240,775 497,348 794,460 — 1,532,583 Intangible assets, net 12,935 283,060 401,825 — 697,820 Goodwill 21,860 549,956 661,455 — 1,233,271 Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 3,315 — 267,606 — 270,921 Other assets 34,987 396,174 161,982 (551,005 ) 42,138 Deferred taxes — — 15,627 — 15,627 $ 4,723,115 $ 3,106,898 $ 3,994,389 $ (7,104,741 ) $ 4,719,661 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current portion of long-term debt $ 5,712 $ — $ 20,411 $ (1,158 ) $ 24,965 Accounts payable 174,121 22,212 134,387 (149,281 ) 181,439 Income taxes payable 2,140 373 9,553 — 12,066 Accrued expenses 64,391 26,697 147,354 (5,118 ) 233,324 Total current liabilities 246,364 49,282 311,705 (155,557 ) 451,794 Long-term debt, net of current portion 1,107,240 — 1,171,260 (551,004 ) 1,727,496 Other noncurrent liabilities 62,795 — 32,925 — 95,720 Deferred income taxes 135,404 — 205,410 — 340,814 Total liabilities 1,551,803 49,282 1,721,300 (706,561 ) 2,615,824 Total stockholders’ equity 3,171,312 3,057,616 2,273,089 (6,398,180 ) 2,103,837 $ 4,723,115 $ 3,106,898 $ 3,994,389 $ (7,104,741 ) $ 4,719,661 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,470 $ 5,754 $ 107,340 $ — $ 114,564 Restricted cash 103 — 190 — 293 Accounts receivable 39,209 97,220 339,251 (87,283 ) 388,397 Inventories 16,573 85,890 228,352 — 330,815 Income taxes refundable 3,566 — 3,913 — 7,479 Prepaid expenses 11,152 2,769 16,063 — 29,984 Other current assets 5,859 3,165 19,221 (6,475 ) 21,770 Total current assets 77,932 194,798 714,330 (93,758 ) 893,302 Investment in subsidiaries 4,296,200 1,154,398 909,263 (6,359,861 ) — Property, plant and equipment, net 233,456 497,312 784,807 — 1,515,575 Intangible assets, net 13,746 291,724 406,457 — 711,927 Goodwill 21,860 549,960 654,073 — 1,225,893 Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary 1,438 — 291,279 — 292,717 Other assets 36,063 396,222 160,505 (549,177 ) 43,613 Deferred income taxes — — 14,990 — 14,990 $ 4,680,695 $ 3,084,414 $ 3,935,704 $ (7,002,796 ) $ 4,698,017 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current portion of long-term debt $ 4,220 $ — $ 25,502 $ (6,475 ) $ 23,247 Accounts payable 116,075 18,142 130,718 (84,040 ) 180,895 Income taxes payable (383 ) 373 4,923 — 4,913 Accrued expenses 86,581 33,834 125,624 (3,243 ) 242,796 Total current liabilities 206,493 52,349 286,767 (93,758 ) 451,851 Long-term debt, net of current portion 1,109,523 — 1,167,349 (549,176 ) 1,727,696 Other noncurrent liabilities 63,072 — 33,042 — 96,114 Deferred income taxes 140,543 — 205,591 — 346,134 Total liabilities 1,519,631 52,349 1,692,749 (642,934 ) 2,621,795 Total stockholders’ equity 3,161,064 3,032,065 2,242,955 (6,359,862 ) 2,076,222 $ 4,680,695 $ 3,084,414 $ 3,935,704 $ (7,002,796 ) $ 4,698,017
Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Operations	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations For the three months ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 136,157 $ 360,184 $ 441,350 $ (57,619 ) $ 880,072 Cost and expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses 109,663 292,771 344,812 (57,619 ) 689,627 Selling, general and administrative expenses 39,816 14,177 33,924 — 87,917 Acquisition and integration costs — — — — — Depreciation and amortization 10,285 25,436 35,393 — 71,114 Total costs and expenses 159,764 332,384 414,129 (57,619 ) 848,658 Operating income/(loss) (23,607 ) 27,800 27,221 — 31,414 Interest expense (13,586 ) 4,023 (12,117 ) — (21,680 ) Foreign currency gains/(losses) (6 ) (25 ) (233 ) — (264 ) Other expense, net (2,901 ) 32 1,909 — (960 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries (373 ) — 1,079 — 706 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries 38,318 — — (38,318 ) — Income/(loss) before taxes (2,155 ) 31,830 17,859 (38,318 ) 9,216 Income taxes (benefit) (7,984 ) 6,279 3,523 — 1,818 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,569 ) — (1,569 ) Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 5,829 $ 25,551 $ 12,767 $ (38,318 ) $ 5,829 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations For the three months ended April 2, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 108,371 $ 303,765 $ 411,037 $ (43,532 ) $ 779,641 Cost and expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses 89,483 236,336 316,606 (43,532 ) 598,893 Selling, general and administrative expenses 35,893 13,136 32,440 — 81,469 Acquisition and integration costs — — 331 — 331 Depreciation and amortization 11,425 26,808 34,023 — 72,256 Total costs and expenses 136,801 276,280 383,400 (43,532 ) 752,949 Operating income/(loss) (28,430 ) 27,485 27,637 — 26,692 Interest expense (15,522 ) 4,377 (12,756 ) — (23,901 ) Foreign currency gains/(losses) (31 ) 165 (2,737 ) — (2,603 ) Other expense, net (3,325 ) (5 ) 2,025 — (1,305 ) Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries (97 ) — 5,740 — 5,643 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries 28,971 — — (28,971 ) — Income/(loss) before taxes (18,434 ) 32,022 19,909 (28,971 ) 4,526 Income taxes (benefit) (19,513 ) 13,181 8,195 — 1,863 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,584 ) — (1,584 ) Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 1,079 $ 18,841 $ 10,130 $ (28,971 ) $ 1,079
Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) For the three months ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net income/(loss) $ 7,398 $ 25,551 $ 12,767 $ (38,318 ) $ 7,398 Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation — — 15,679 — 15,679 Pension adjustments 641 — 118 — 759 Corn option derivative adjustments (1,102 ) — — — (1,102 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax (461 ) — 15,797 — 15,336 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 6,937 25,551 28,564 (38,318 ) 22,734 Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — 1,247 — 1,247 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 6,937 $ 25,551 $ 27,317 $ (38,318 ) $ 21,487 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) For the three months ended April 2, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net income/(loss) $ 2,663 $ 18,841 $ 10,130 $ (28,971 ) $ 2,663 Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation — — 57,531 — 57,531 Pension adjustments 658 — 68 — 726 Corn option derivative adjustments (706 ) — — — (706 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax (48 ) — 57,599 — 57,551 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 2,615 18,841 67,729 (28,971 ) 60,214 Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (420 ) — (420 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 2,615 $ 18,841 $ 68,149 $ (28,971 ) $ 60,634
Guarantor Financial Information Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows For the three months ended April 1, 2017 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/(loss) $ 7,398 $ 25,551 $ 12,767 $ (38,318 ) $ 7,398 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries (38,318 ) — — 38,318 — Other operating cash flows 56,236 (9,676 ) 40,511 — 87,071 Net cash provided by operating activities 25,316 15,875 53,278 — 94,469 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (18,732 ) (19,689 ) (23,871 ) — (62,292 ) Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates (2,250 ) — — — (2,250 ) Gross proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 304 608 428 — 1,340 Proceeds from insurance settlements — — 3,301 — 3,301 Net cash used in investing activities (20,678 ) (19,081 ) (20,142 ) — (59,901 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds for long-term debt — — 8,649 — 8,649 Payments on long-term debt (1,522 ) — (7,743 ) — (9,265 ) Borrowings from revolving facilities 47,000 — — — 47,000 Payments on revolving facilities (47,000 ) — (5,327 ) — (52,327 ) Net cash overdraft financing — — (1,077 ) — (1,077 ) Deferred loan costs (1,135 ) — — — (1,135 ) Issuances of common stock 22 — — — 22 Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (1,981 ) — (14 ) — (1,995 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — (433 ) — (433 ) Net cash used in financing activities (4,616 ) — (5,945 ) — (10,561 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 309 — 309 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 22 (3,206 ) 27,500 — 24,316 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,470 5,754 107,340 — 114,564 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,492 $ 2,548 $ 134,840 $ — $ 138,880 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows For the three months ended April 2, 2016 (in thousands) Parent Guarantors Non-guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/(loss) $ 2,663 $ 18,841 $ 10,130 $ (28,971 ) $ 2,663 Earnings in investments in subsidiaries (28,971 ) — — 28,971 — Other operating cash flows 34,573 (4,953 ) 12,760 — 42,380 Net cash provided by operating activities 8,265 13,888 22,890 — 45,043 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (11,065 ) (21,764 ) (20,546 ) — (53,375 ) Acquisitions — — (8,511 ) — (8,511 ) Note receivable from affiliates — — (5,963 ) 5,963 — Gross proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 945 — 479 — 1,424 Proceeds from insurance settlements — — 1,181 — 1,181 Net cash used in investing activities (10,120 ) (21,764 ) (33,360 ) 5,963 (59,281 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds for long-term debt — — 8,760 — 8,760 Payments on long-term debt (5,291 ) — (10,916 ) — (16,207 ) Borrowings from revolving credit facility 33,000 — — — 33,000 Payments on revolving credit facility (21,000 ) — — — (21,000 ) Borrowings from affiliates — 5,963 — (5,963 ) — Issuances of common stock 45 — — — 45 Repurchase of treasury stock (5,000 ) — — — (5,000 ) Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (1,663 ) — (125 ) — (1,788 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation (446 ) — — — (446 ) Net cash used in financing activities (355 ) 5,963 (2,281 ) (5,963 ) (2,636 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 7,316 — 7,316 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,210 ) (1,913 ) (5,435 ) — (9,558 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,443 3,993 149,448 — 156,884 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 1,233 $ 2,080 $ 144,013 $ — $ 147,326

Summary of Significant Accoun39

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ 16,000	$ 59,500
Minimum fiscal year period in days	364 days
Maximum fiscal year period in days	371 days
Fiscal quarter period in days	91 days	91 days
Basic:
Net income	$ 5,829	$ 1,079
Shares (in shares)	164,738,000	164,434,000
Per Share (in usd per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.01
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock (in shares)	2,012,000	157,000
Less: Pro forma treasury shares (in shares)	(886,000)	(38,000)
Diluted:
Net Income	$ 5,829	$ 1,079
Shares (in shares)	165,864,000	164,553,000
Per Share (in usd per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.01
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	1,812,518	1,699,363
Non Vested Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	636,445	606,255

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished product	$ 165,710	$ 156,542
Work in process	93,859	87,284
Raw Material	34,078	39,859
Supplies and other	48,467	47,130
Inventories	$ 342,114	$ 330,815

Intangible Assets (Details)

Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 51,983		$ 51,687
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	960,845		961,427
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(315,008)		(301,187)
Intangible assets, net	697,820		711,927
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Period Increase (Decrease)	6,700
Amortization of Intangible Assets	19,100	$ 19,200
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	51,983		51,687
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	76,102		76,033
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(23,343)		(21,042)
Collection Routes [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	371,686		374,989
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(107,661)		(105,934)
Royalty, consulting land use and leasehold [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	13,554		13,456
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(2,471)		(2,258)
Permits [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	495,939		493,311
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(179,690)		(170,165)
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	3,564		3,638
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,843)		$ (1,788)

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,249,185	$ 1,241,807
Accumulated impairment losses	(15,914)	(15,914)
Goodwill	1,233,271	1,225,893
Goodwill acquired during year	0
Foreign currency translation	7,378
Feed Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	817,316	813,621
Accumulated impairment losses	(15,914)	(15,914)
Goodwill	801,402	797,707
Goodwill acquired during year	0
Foreign currency translation	3,695
Fuel Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	112,437	111,178
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	112,437	111,178
Goodwill acquired during year	0
Foreign currency translation	1,259
Food Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	319,432	317,008
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	319,432	$ 317,008
Goodwill acquired during year	0
Foreign currency translation	$ 2,424

Investment in Unconsolidated 43

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Details) barrel in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)barrel	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 21, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in the joint venture	$ 270,921		$ 292,717
Income (loss) from equity method investments	706	$ 5,643
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	$ 25,000	0
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				50.00%
Processing cabaility | barrel	12
Line of credit term	14 years
Term loan facility	$ 221,300
Investment in the joint venture	246,300
Income (loss) from equity method investments	600	$ 5,500
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	$ 25,000
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture [Member] | Valero Energy Corporation [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				50.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 44

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Assets, Liabilities and members' equity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 360,476	$ 354,871
Total assets	583,617	635,769
Liabilities and members' equity:
Total current portion of long term debt	17,023	17,023
Total long term debt	49,497	53,753
Total liabilities and member's equity	492,570	541,375
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture [Member]
ASSETS
Total current assets	212,915	268,734
Other assets	10,226	12,164
Liabilities and members' equity:
Total other current liabilities	24,100	23,200
Total other long term liabilities	427	418
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	$ 583,617	$ 635,769

Investment in Unconsolidated 45

Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Revenues and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Expenses:
Operating income	$ 1,962	$ 13,881
Interest and debt expense, net	(990)	(2,814)
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Revenues:
Operating revenues	125,397	71,768
Expenses:
Total costs and expenses less depreciation, amortization and accretion expense	115,322	52,509
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense	8,113	5,378
Total costs and expenses	123,435	57,887
Other income	223	15
Net income/(loss)	$ 1,195	$ 11,082

Debt (Schedule of Long-term Deb

Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, CAD in Millions	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017CAD	Apr. 01, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 03, 2015	Jan. 02, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	$ 1,752,461			$ 1,750,943
Current portion of long-term debt	24,965			23,247
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,727,496			1,727,696
Capital lease obligations, current		CAD 1.2	€ 0.3
Capital lease obligations, noncurrent		CAD 1.1	€ 0.2
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	119,835			119,020
Long-term Debt, Gross	120,859			120,103
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(1,024)			(1,083)
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	576,076			577,202
Long-term Debt, Gross	582,000			583,500
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(5,924)			(6,298)
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 5.375% Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	492,667			492,333
Long-term Debt, Gross	500,000			500,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ (7,333)			$ (7,667)
Stated interest rate						5.375%
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	5.72%	5.72%	5.72%	5.72%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 541,639			$ 534,884
Long-term Debt, Gross	550,329			543,840
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ (8,690)			$ (8,956)
Line of credit outstanding | €			€ 515
Stated interest rate					4.75%
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage	5.10%	5.10%	5.10%	5.10%
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 22,244			$ 22,224
Letter of Credit [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	26,300
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0			5,280
Canada, Dollars | Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	77,600	CAD 103.6		76,900
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	0			$ 5,300
U.S. dollar | Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	43,300
U.S. dollar | Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	577,000
Base Rate [Member] | U.S. dollar | Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	$ 5,000

Debt (Senior Secured Credit Fac

Debt (Senior Secured Credit Facilities) (Details) CAD in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017CAD	Apr. 01, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 03, 2015EUR (€)
Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit term	5 years
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.99%	2.99%	2.99%
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Canadian Dealer Offered Rate (CDOR) [Member] | Canada, Dollars
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.9987%	2.9987%	2.9987%
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 350,000,000
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Canada, Dollars
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	77,600,000	CAD 103.6		$ 76,900,000
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | U.S. dollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	43,300,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	1,000,000,000
Company availability under revolving loan facility	$ 973,700,000
Letter of Credit [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Springing Adjustment, Term	91 days
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000
Line of credit outstanding	26,300,000
Swingline Sub-Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Springing Adjustment, Loans Outstanding, Period	91 days
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 1,300,000,000
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | U.S. dollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	$ 577,000,000
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.49%	3.49%	3.49%
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | U.S. dollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	$ 5,000,000
Foreign Line of Credit [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding	10,100,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument | €					€ 515,000,000
Line of credit outstanding | €			€ 515,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,650,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Secured Debt [Member] | Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Canadian Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Secured Debt [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Company availability under revolving loan facility	$ 500,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | U.S. dollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Secured Debt [Member] | Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Euro
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Secured Debt [Member] | Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Euro Interbank Offered Rate [Member] | Euro
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Secured Debt [Member] | Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Senior Secured Facilities [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | U.S. dollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%

Debt (Senior Notes Due 2022) (D

Debt (Senior Notes Due 2022) (Details) - Senior Notes [Member]	Jun. 03, 2015EUR (€)	Jan. 02, 2014USD ($)
Senior Notes 5.375% Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument | $		$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate		5.375%
Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument | €	€ 515,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.75%

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2.7
Income tax penalties and interest accrued	1.6
Indemnity receivable	3
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, estimated change, upper bound	$ 1.7

Other Comprehensive Income (Sch

Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of OCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Before-Tax Amount:
Amortization of prior service cost	$ 9	$ 7
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,203	1,168
Total defined benefit pension plans	1,212	1,175
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	(600)
Other Comprehensive income (loss)	15,091	57,552
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:
Amortization of prior service cost	(3)	(3)
Amortization of actuarial loss	(450)	(446)
Total defined benefit pension plans	(453)	(449)
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	(200)	100
Other Comprehensive income (loss)	245	(1)
Net-of-Tax Amount:
Amortization of prior service cost	6	4
Amortization of actuarial loss	753	722
Total defined benefit pension plans	759	726
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss		300
Foreign currency translation	15,679	57,531
Net current-period other comprehensive income	15,336	57,551
Corn Option [Member]
Before-Tax Amount:
Loss reclassified to net income	(1,185)	(1,474)
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	(615)	320
Total swap derivatives	(1,800)	(1,154)
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:
Loss reclassified to net income	460	572
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	238	(124)
Total swap derivatives	698	448
Net-of-Tax Amount:
Loss reclassified to net income	(725)	(902)
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	(377)	196
Total swap derivatives	(1,102)	(706)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Before-Tax Amount:
Foreign currency translation	15,679	57,531
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Net-of-Tax Amount:
Foreign currency translation	$ 15,679	$ 57,531

Other Comprehensive Income (Rec

Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	$ 689,627	$ 598,893
Amortization of prior service cost	9	7
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,203	1,168
Total before tax	9,216	4,526
Income taxes	(1,818)	(1,863)
Net income attributable to Darling	5,829	1,079
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Darling	(34)	176
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	1,185	1,474
Income taxes	(460)	(572)
Net income attributable to Darling	725	902
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments [Member] | Corn Option [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales and operating expenses	1,185	1,474
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service cost	(9)	(7)
Amortization of actuarial loss	(1,203)	(1,168)
Amortization of settlement	0	0
Total before tax	(1,212)	(1,175)
Income taxes	453	449
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (759)	$ (726)

Other Comprehensive Income (S52

Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) December 31, 2016, attributable to Darling, net of tax	$ (340,006)
Other comprehensive gain before reclassifications	15,302
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	34
Net current-period other comprehensive income	15,336	$ 57,551
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) April 1, 2017, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(324,348)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(322)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) December 31, 2016, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(308,910)
Other comprehensive gain before reclassifications	15,679
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income	15,679
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) April 1, 2017, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(292,909)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(322)
Derivative Instruments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) December 31, 2016, attributable to Darling, net of tax	2,468
Other comprehensive gain before reclassifications	(377)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	(725)
Net current-period other comprehensive income	(1,102)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) April 1, 2017, attributable to Darling, net of tax	1,366
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) December 31, 2016, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(33,564)
Other comprehensive gain before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	759
Net current-period other comprehensive income	759
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) April 1, 2017, attributable to Darling, net of tax	(32,805)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Income tax expense		$ 1,818	$ 1,863
Shares (in shares)		165,864,000	164,553,000
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock		$ 0	$ 5,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in shares)	956,809
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in shares)	559,388
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Annual Vesting After Initial Cliff		33.33%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Period Two		3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Target Percentage		100.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Holding Requirement		2 years
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Income tax expense		$ 100
Shares (in shares)		185,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)plan	Apr. 02, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Amount Company expects to contribute to its pension plans	$ 4,400
Pension Contributions	$ 700	$ 800
Multiemployer Plans [Abstract]
Number Of Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation Could Be Material | plan	2
Number Of Multiemployer Plans Withdrawal Obligation Could Be Material Certified Red Zone | plan	1
Number of Multiemployer Plans, Certified Red Zone | plan	6
Number of Multiemployer Plans, Certified Yellow Zone | plan	1
Number Of Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation | plan	2
Accrued liability representing the present value of scheduled withdrawal liability payments for under-funded multi-employer plan	$ 1,800
Maximum [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Abstract]
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions To Individual Plan, Percent	5.00%
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 735	637
Interest cost	1,669	1,745
Expected return on plan assets	(1,788)	(1,885)
Amortization of prior service cost/(benefit)	9	7
Amortization of net loss	1,203	1,168
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments	0	(1,223)
Net pension cost	$ 1,828	$ 449

Derivatives (Forward Contracts

Derivatives (Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - Apr. 01, 2017 - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] € in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, £ in Thousands, PLN in Thousands, MXN in Thousands, BRL in Thousands, AUD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	CNY (¥)	USD ($)	PLN	GBP (£)	MXN	EUR (€)	AUD	JPY (¥)	BRL
BRI/EUR 1 [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | BRL									BRL 28,544
BRI/EUR 1 [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						€ 7,670
BRI/EUR 2 [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | BRL									77,314
BRI/EUR 2 [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | $		$ 23,172
BRI/MXN [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | BRL									BRL 805
BRI/MXN [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | MXN					MXN 7,680
EUR/USD [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						155,982
EUR/USD [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | $		169,109
EUR/PLN [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						12,106
EUR/PLN [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | PLN			PLN 52,000
EUR/JPN [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						5,083
EUR/JPN [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | ¥								¥ 613,598
EUR/CNY [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						43,423
EUR/CNY [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | ¥	¥ 321,089
EUR/AUD [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						12,116
EUR/AUD [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | AUD							AUD 16,700
EUR/GBP [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | £				£ 171
EUR/GBP [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						200
PLN/EUR [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | PLN			PLN 19,624
PLN/EUR [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount						€ 4,538
JPN/USD [Member] | Short [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | ¥								¥ 41,372
JPN/USD [Member] | Long [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount | $		$ 375

Derivatives (Fair Value) (Detai

Derivatives (Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	$ 7,330	$ 13,325
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	828	730
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	2,898	4,235
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	66	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn Option [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	2,645	4,235
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn Option [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	253	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn Option [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	36	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn Option [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	30	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	4,432	9,090
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	762	730
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn Option [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	76	122
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	4,053	8,939
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	681	608
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn options and futures [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	136	151
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Soybean Meal [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives Fair Value	243	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Soybean Meal [Member] | Accrued Expenses [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives Fair Value	$ 5	$ 0

Derivatives (Gain (Loss) on Der

Derivatives (Gain (Loss) on Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ (615)	$ 320
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1,185	1,474
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	88	52
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	(600)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax		300
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	(200)	100
Corn Option [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss activity recognized in other comprehensive loss	(615)	320
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(377)	196
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	238	(124)
Corn Option [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(615)	320
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	1,185	1,474
Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	$ 88	$ 52

Derivatives (Narrative) (Detail

Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Net income	$ 7,398,000	$ 2,663,000
Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Forward purchase amount	23,700,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within 12 months	2,200,000
Net income	$ 0

Derivatives Derivative Effect o

Derivatives Derivative Effect of Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	$ 1,686	$ 7,772
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	3,146	11,287
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	(1,481)	(2,911)
Corn options and futures [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	(22)	1
Corn options and futures [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	270	(532)
Heating Oil Swaps And Options [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	0	(73)
Soybean Meal [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	(272)	0
Soybean Oil Options [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges	$ 45	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	$ 7,330	$ 13,325
Total Assets	7,330	13,325
Derivative instruments	828	730
Total Liabilities	1,807,056	1,815,092
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total Assets	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	7,330	13,325
Total Assets	7,330	13,325
Derivative instruments	828	730
Total Liabilities	1,807,056	1,815,092
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total Assets	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total Liabilities	0	0
Term Loan A Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	121,464	120,403
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	121,464	120,403
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Term Loan B Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	588,169	593,347
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	588,169	593,347
Term Loan B Facility [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes		5,201
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes		0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes		5,201
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes		0
Senior Notes 5.375% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	518,750	520,300
Senior Notes 5.375% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Senior Notes 5.375% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	518,750	520,300
Senior Notes 5.375% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	577,845	575,111
Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	0
Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	577,845	575,111
Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 0	$ 0

Contingencies (Details)

Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016Partymi	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss, Area of Land | mi	8.3
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 1,380
Loss Contingency, Number of Parties | Party	100
Insurance Environmental and Litigation Matters [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reserves for insurance, environmental and litigation contingencies		52.8	$ 51.9
Insurance Settlements Receivable, Noncurrent		$ 15.9	$ 15.9

Business Segments (Narrative) (

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details)	Apr. 01, 2017segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Business Segments	3

Business Segments (Details)

Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 880,072	$ 779,641
Cost of sales and operating expenses	689,627	598,893
Selling, general and administrative expenses	87,917	81,469
Depreciation and amortization	71,114	72,256
Operating income	31,414	26,692
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	706	5,643
Total other expense	(22,904)	(27,809)
Income before income taxes	9,216	4,526
Segment Assets	4,719,661		$ 4,698,017
Feed Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	552,624	476,171
Cost of sales and operating expenses	432,610	372,657
Gross Margin	120,014	103,514
Selling, general and administrative expenses	45,467	45,251
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	43,719	44,377
Operating income	30,828	13,886
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	109	102
Segment income/(loss)	30,937	13,988
Segment Assets	2,474,563		2,464,509
Food Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	267,788	247,897
Cost of sales and operating expenses	211,001	185,554
Gross Margin	56,787	62,343
Selling, general and administrative expenses	25,059	23,759
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	17,601	16,704
Operating income	14,127	21,880
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Segment income/(loss)	14,127	21,880
Segment Assets	1,428,868		1,414,409
Fuel Ingredients [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	59,660	55,573
Cost of sales and operating expenses	46,016	40,682
Gross Margin	13,644	14,891
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,291	1,850
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	6,845	6,919
Operating income	3,508	6,122
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	597	5,541
Segment income/(loss)	4,105	11,663
Segment Assets	638,808		657,637
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Cost of sales and operating expenses	0	0
Gross Margin	0	0
Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,100	10,609
Acquisition and integration costs	0	331
Depreciation and amortization	2,949	4,256
Operating income	(17,049)	(15,196)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Segment income/(loss)	(17,049)	(15,196)
Segment Assets	177,422		161,462
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net sales	880,072	779,641
Cost of sales and operating expenses	689,627	598,893
Gross Margin	190,445	180,748
Selling, general and administrative expenses	87,917	81,469
Acquisition and integration costs	0	331
Depreciation and amortization	71,114	72,256
Operating income	31,414	26,692
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	706	5,643
Segment income/(loss)	32,120	$ 32,335
Segment Assets	$ 4,719,661		$ 4,698,017

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 23, 2015	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments on long-term debt		$ (9,265,000)	$ (16,207,000)
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties		35,700,000	$ 23,700,000
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current		6,600,000		$ 6,300,000
Related Party Sales Eliminated		7,000,000
Deferred Revenue, Additions		1,400,000
Revolving Loan Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revolving Loan Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 10,000,000
Revolving Loan Agreement, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding		$ 0
Revolving Loan Agreement [Member] | Lender One [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revolving Loan Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 5,000,000
LIBO Rate [Member] | Revolving Loan Agreement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	May 11, 2017USD ($)
Used Cooking Oil Service Provider And Rendering [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business combination, consideration transferred	$ 20

Guarantor Financial Informati66

Guarantor Financial Information (Narrative) (Details)	Apr. 01, 2017
Guarantor Financial Information [Abstract]
Company's percentage of directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries	100.00%

Guarantor Financial Informati67

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 138,880	$ 114,564	$ 147,326	$ 156,884
Restricted cash	282	293
Accounts receivable, net	389,864	388,397
Inventories	342,114	330,815
Income taxes refundable	6,978	7,479
Prepaid expenses	32,852	29,984
Other current assets	16,331	21,770
Total current assets	927,301	893,302
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,532,583	1,515,575
Intangible assets, net	697,820	711,927
Goodwill	1,233,271	1,225,893
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	270,921	292,717
Other assets	42,138	43,613
Deferred income taxes	15,627	14,990
Total assets	4,719,661	4,698,017
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	24,965	23,247
Accounts payable	181,439	180,895
Income taxes payable	12,066	4,913
Accrued expenses	233,324	242,796
Total current liabilities	451,794	451,851
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,727,496	1,727,696
Other non-current liabilities	95,720	96,114
Deferred income taxes	340,814	346,134
Total liabilities	2,615,824	2,621,795
Total stockholders’ equity	2,103,837	2,076,222
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,719,661	4,698,017
Parent [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,492	1,470	1,233	3,443
Restricted cash	103	103
Accounts receivable, net	37,683	39,209
Inventories	15,485	16,573
Income taxes refundable	3,035	3,566
Prepaid expenses	12,066	11,152
Other current assets	4,861	5,859
Total current assets	74,725	77,932
Investment in subsidiaries	4,334,518	4,296,200
Property, plant and equipment, net	240,775	233,456
Intangible assets, net	12,935	13,746
Goodwill	21,860	21,860
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	3,315	1,438
Other assets	34,987	36,063
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total assets	4,723,115	4,680,695
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	5,712	4,220
Accounts payable	174,121	116,075
Income taxes payable	2,140	(383)
Accrued expenses	64,391	86,581
Total current liabilities	246,364	206,493
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,107,240	1,109,523
Other non-current liabilities	62,795	63,072
Deferred income taxes	135,404	140,543
Total liabilities	1,551,803	1,519,631
Total stockholders’ equity	3,171,312	3,161,064
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,723,115	4,680,695
Guarantors [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	2,548	5,754	2,080	3,993
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	132,374	97,220
Inventories	86,262	85,890
Income taxes refundable	0	0
Prepaid expenses	2,210	2,769
Other current assets	2,568	3,165
Total current assets	225,962	194,798
Investment in subsidiaries	1,154,398	1,154,398
Property, plant and equipment, net	497,348	497,312
Intangible assets, net	283,060	291,724
Goodwill	549,956	549,960
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Other assets	396,174	396,222
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total assets	3,106,898	3,084,414
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	0	0
Accounts payable	22,212	18,142
Income taxes payable	373	373
Accrued expenses	26,697	33,834
Total current liabilities	49,282	52,349
Long-term debt, net of current portion	0	0
Other non-current liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total liabilities	49,282	52,349
Total stockholders’ equity	3,057,616	3,032,065
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,106,898	3,084,414
Non-guarantors [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	134,840	107,340	144,013	149,448
Restricted cash	179	190
Accounts receivable, net	374,206	339,251
Inventories	240,367	228,352
Income taxes refundable	3,943	3,913
Prepaid expenses	18,576	16,063
Other current assets	10,060	19,221
Total current assets	782,171	714,330
Investment in subsidiaries	909,263	909,263
Property, plant and equipment, net	794,460	784,807
Intangible assets, net	401,825	406,457
Goodwill	661,455	654,073
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	267,606	291,279
Other assets	161,982	160,505
Deferred income taxes	15,627	14,990
Total assets	3,994,389	3,935,704
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	20,411	25,502
Accounts payable	134,387	130,718
Income taxes payable	9,553	4,923
Accrued expenses	147,354	125,624
Total current liabilities	311,705	286,767
Long-term debt, net of current portion	1,171,260	1,167,349
Other non-current liabilities	32,925	33,042
Deferred income taxes	205,410	205,591
Total liabilities	1,721,300	1,692,749
Total stockholders’ equity	2,273,089	2,242,955
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,994,389	3,935,704
Eliminations [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	(154,399)	(87,283)
Inventories	0	0
Income taxes refundable	0	0
Prepaid expenses	0	0
Other current assets	(1,158)	(6,475)
Total current assets	(155,557)	(93,758)
Investment in subsidiaries	(6,398,179)	(6,359,861)
Property, plant and equipment, net	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Other assets	(551,005)	(549,177)
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total assets	(7,104,741)	(7,002,796)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt	(1,158)	(6,475)
Accounts payable	(149,281)	(84,040)
Income taxes payable	0	0
Accrued expenses	(5,118)	(3,243)
Total current liabilities	(155,557)	(93,758)
Long-term debt, net of current portion	(551,004)	(549,176)
Other non-current liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Total liabilities	(706,561)	(642,934)
Total stockholders’ equity	(6,398,180)	(6,359,862)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ (7,104,741)	$ (7,002,796)

Guarantor Financial Informati68

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Net sales	$ 880,072	$ 779,641
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	689,627	598,893
Selling, general and administrative expenses	87,917	81,469
Acquisition and integration costs	0	331
Depreciation and amortization	71,114	72,256
Total costs and expenses	848,658	752,949
Operating income	31,414	26,692
Interest expense	(21,680)	(23,901)
Foreign currency gains/ (losses)	(264)	(2,603)
Other expense, net	(960)	(1,305)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	706	5,643
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Income before income taxes	9,216	4,526
Income tax expense	1,818	1,863
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,569)	(1,584)
Net income attributable to Darling	5,829	1,079
Parent [Member]
Net sales	136,157	108,371
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	109,663	89,483
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,816	35,893
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	10,285	11,425
Total costs and expenses	159,764	136,801
Operating income	(23,607)	(28,430)
Interest expense	(13,586)	(15,522)
Foreign currency gains/ (losses)	(6)	(31)
Other expense, net	(2,901)	(3,325)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	(373)	(97)
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	38,318	28,971
Income before income taxes	(2,155)	(18,434)
Income tax expense	(7,984)	(19,513)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Darling	5,829	1,079
Guarantors [Member]
Net sales	360,184	303,765
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	292,771	236,336
Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,177	13,136
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	25,436	26,808
Total costs and expenses	332,384	276,280
Operating income	27,800	27,485
Interest expense	4,023	4,377
Foreign currency gains/ (losses)	(25)	165
Other expense, net	32	(5)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Income before income taxes	31,830	32,022
Income tax expense	6,279	13,181
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Darling	25,551	18,841
Non-guarantors [Member]
Net sales	441,350	411,037
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	344,812	316,606
Selling, general and administrative expenses	33,924	32,440
Acquisition and integration costs	0	331
Depreciation and amortization	35,393	34,023
Total costs and expenses	414,129	383,400
Operating income	27,221	27,637
Interest expense	(12,117)	(12,756)
Foreign currency gains/ (losses)	(233)	(2,737)
Other expense, net	1,909	2,025
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	1,079	5,740
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Income before income taxes	17,859	19,909
Income tax expense	3,523	8,195
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,569)	(1,584)
Net income attributable to Darling	12,767	10,130
Eliminations [Member]
Net sales	(57,619)	(43,532)
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	(57,619)	(43,532)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	0	0
Acquisition and integration costs	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Total costs and expenses	(57,619)	(43,532)
Operating income	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Foreign currency gains/ (losses)	0	0
Other expense, net	0	0
Equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	(38,318)	(28,971)
Income before income taxes	(38,318)	(28,971)
Income tax expense	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to Darling	$ (38,318)	$ (28,971)

Guarantor Financial Informati69

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Net income	$ 7,398	$ 2,663
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	15,679	57,531
Pension adjustments	759	726
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	15,336	57,551
Total comprehensive income	22,734	60,214
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,247	(420)
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling	21,487	60,634
Parent [Member]
Net income	7,398	2,663
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Pension adjustments	641	658
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	(461)	(48)
Total comprehensive income	6,937	2,615
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling	6,937	2,615
Guarantors [Member]
Net income	25,551	18,841
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Pension adjustments	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0
Total comprehensive income	25,551	18,841
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling	25,551	18,841
Non-guarantors [Member]
Net income	12,767	10,130
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	15,679	57,531
Pension adjustments	118	68
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	15,797	57,599
Total comprehensive income	28,564	67,729
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,247	(420)
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling	27,317	68,149
Corn Option [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Derivative adjustments	(1,102)	(706)
Corn Option [Member] | Parent [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Derivative adjustments	(1,102)	(706)
Corn Option [Member] | Guarantors [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Derivative adjustments	0	0
Corn Option [Member] | Non-guarantors [Member]
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Derivative adjustments	0	0
Eliminations [Member]
Net income	(38,318)	(28,971)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Pension adjustments	0	0
Derivative adjustments	0	0
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	0	0
Total comprehensive income	(38,318)	(28,971)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling	$ (38,318)	$ (28,971)

Guarantor Financial Informati70

Guarantor Financial Information (Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Apr. 02, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 7,398	$ 2,663
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Other operating cash flows	87,071	42,380
Net cash provided by operating activities	94,469	45,043
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(62,292)	(53,375)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(8,511)
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	(2,250)	0
Note receivable from affiliates		0
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets	1,340	1,424
Proceeds from insurance settlement	3,301	1,181
Net cash used by investing activities	(59,901)	(59,281)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	8,649	8,760
Payments on long-term debt	(9,265)	(16,207)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility	47,000	33,000
Payments on revolving credit facility	(52,327)	(21,000)
Net cash overdraft financing	(1,077)	0
Borrowings from affiliates		0
Deferred loan costs	(1,135)	0
Issuance of common stock	22	45
Repurchase of treasury stock	0	(5,000)
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards	(1,995)	(1,788)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	(446)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(433)	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(10,561)	(2,636)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	309	7,316
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	24,316	(9,558)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	114,564	156,884
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	138,880	147,326
Parent [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	7,398	2,663
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	(38,318)	(28,971)
Other operating cash flows	56,236	34,573
Net cash provided by operating activities	25,316	8,265
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(18,732)	(11,065)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	(2,250)
Note receivable from affiliates		0
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets	304	945
Proceeds from insurance settlement	0	0
Net cash used by investing activities	(20,678)	(10,120)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	(1,522)	(5,291)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility	47,000	33,000
Payments on revolving credit facility	(47,000)	(21,000)
Net cash overdraft financing	0
Borrowings from affiliates		0
Deferred loan costs	(1,135)
Issuance of common stock	22	45
Repurchase of treasury stock		(5,000)
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards	(1,981)	(1,663)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		(446)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(4,616)	(355)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	22	(2,210)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,470	3,443
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,492	1,233
Guarantors [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	25,551	18,841
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Other operating cash flows	(9,676)	(4,953)
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,875	13,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(19,689)	(21,764)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	0
Note receivable from affiliates		0
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets	608	0
Proceeds from insurance settlement	0	0
Net cash used by investing activities	(19,081)	(21,764)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0
Borrowings from revolving credit facility	0	0
Payments on revolving credit facility	0	0
Net cash overdraft financing	0
Borrowings from affiliates		5,963
Deferred loan costs	0
Issuance of common stock	0	0
Repurchase of treasury stock		0
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0
Net cash used by financing activities	0	5,963
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(3,206)	(1,913)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,754	3,993
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,548	2,080
Non-guarantors [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	12,767	10,130
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Other operating cash flows	40,511	12,760
Net cash provided by operating activities	53,278	22,890
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(23,871)	(20,546)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(8,511)
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	0
Note receivable from affiliates		(5,963)
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets	428	479
Proceeds from insurance settlement	3,301	1,181
Net cash used by investing activities	(20,142)	(33,360)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	8,649	8,760
Payments on long-term debt	(7,743)	(10,916)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility	0	0
Payments on revolving credit facility	(5,327)	0
Net cash overdraft financing	(1,077)
Borrowings from affiliates		0
Deferred loan costs	0
Issuance of common stock	0	0
Repurchase of treasury stock		0
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards	(14)	(125)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(433)
Net cash used by financing activities	(5,945)	(2,281)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	309	7,316
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	27,500	(5,435)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	107,340	149,448
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	134,840	144,013
Eliminations [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	(38,318)	(28,971)
Earnings in investments in subsidiaries	38,318	28,971
Other operating cash flows	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Investment in subsidiaries and affiliates	0
Note receivable from affiliates		5,963
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets	0	0
Proceeds from insurance settlement	0	0
Net cash used by investing activities	0	5,963
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0
Borrowings from revolving credit facility	0	0
Payments on revolving credit facility	0	0
Net cash overdraft financing	0
Borrowings from affiliates		(5,963)
Deferred loan costs	0
Issuance of common stock	0	0
Repurchase of treasury stock		0
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0
Net cash used by financing activities	0	(5,963)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 0	$ 0