Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,126	$ 71,510
Short-term investments	440,037	323,256
Receivables, net of allowance	472,774	477,209
Inventories	606,214	644,930
Deferred income taxes	23,344	23,203
Other current assets	99,576	91,934
Total current assets	1,690,071	1,632,042
Investments in and advances to affiliates	384,071	364,840
Net property, plant and equipment	812,501	796,822
Notes receivable from affiliate	116,096	110,903
Goodwill	43,218	40,628
Intangible assets, net	19,826	19,496
Other assets	44,384	41,997
Total assets	3,110,167	3,006,728
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	30,354	16,219
Current maturities of long-term debt	44,183	40,885
Accounts payable	146,022	151,869
Deferred revenue	55,381	29,147
Deferred revenue from affiliates	10,079	27,806
Other current liabilities	246,980	295,483
Total current liabilities	532,999	561,409
Long-term debt, less current maturities	139,814	116,367
Deferred income taxes	47,593	66,300
Other liabilities	187,622	183,185
Total non-current and deferred liabilities	375,029	365,852
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,202,472 and 1,210,597 shares	1,202	1,211
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(154,806)	(156,065)
Retained earnings	2,350,143	2,233,778
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,196,539	2,078,924
Noncontrolling interests	5,600	543
Total equity	2,202,139	2,079,467
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,110,167	$ 3,006,728