Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Oct. 01, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 50,937	$ 41,124
Short-term investments	300,203	332,205
Receivables, net of allowance	480,957	359,944
Inventories	658,051	533,761
Deferred income taxes	22,398	18,393
Deferred costs		84,141
Other current assets	114,693	115,844
Total current assets	1,627,239	1,485,412
Investments in and advances to affiliates	353,167	331,322
Net property, plant and equipment	777,568	701,131
Note receivable from affiliate	110,736	90,109
Goodwill	40,628	40,628
Intangible assets, net	19,559	19,746
Other assets	41,662	65,738
Total assets	2,970,559	2,734,086
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	104,000	78,729
Current maturities of long-term debt	36,724	1,697
Accounts payable	125,755	146,265
Deferred revenue	43,563	122,344
Deferred revenue from affiliates	17,571	38,719
Other current liabilities	270,398	250,441
Total current liabilities	598,011	638,195
Long-term debt, less current maturities	118,378	91,407
Deferred income taxes	59,395	75,695
Other liabilities	158,358	150,540
Total non-current and deferred liabilities	336,131	317,642
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,215,279 and 1,215,879 shares	1,215	1,216
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(129,452)	(123,907)
Retained earnings	2,163,650	1,897,897
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,035,413	1,775,206
Noncontrolling interests	1,004	3,043
Total equity	2,036,417	1,778,249
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,970,559	$ 2,734,086