Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,053	$ 71,510
Short-term investments	359,834	323,256
Receivables, net of allowance	494,167	477,209
Inventories	694,694	644,930
Deferred income taxes	23,078	23,203
Other current assets	95,761	91,934
Total current assets	1,720,587	1,632,042
Investments in and advances to affiliates	371,129	364,840
Net property, plant and equipment	801,600	796,822
Note receivable from affiliate	113,156	110,903
Goodwill	43,218	40,628
Intangible assets, net	19,972	19,496
Other assets	42,482	41,997
Total assets	3,112,144	3,006,728
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	39,583	16,219
Current maturities of long-term debt	41,447	40,885
Accounts payable	130,862	151,869
Deferred revenue	78,933	29,147
Deferred revenue from affiliates	38,486	27,806
Other current liabilities	248,290	295,483
Total current liabilities	577,601	561,409
Long-term debt, less current maturities	121,165	116,367
Deferred income taxes	64,717	66,300
Other liabilities	184,904	183,185
Total non-current and deferred liabilities	370,786	365,852
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,207,347 and 1,210,597 shares	1,207	1,211
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(153,135)	(156,065)
Retained earnings	2,309,654	2,233,778
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,157,726	2,078,924
Noncontrolling interests	6,031	543
Total equity	2,163,757	2,079,467
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,112,144	$ 3,006,728