Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 54,505	$ 71,510
Short-term investments	377,207	323,256
Receivables, net of allowance	523,169	477,209
Inventories	806,520	644,930
Deferred income taxes	23,057	23,203
Other current assets	133,301	91,934
Total current assets	1,917,759	1,632,042
Investments in and advances to affiliates	388,003	364,840
Net property, plant and equipment	828,137	796,822
Notes receivable from affiliate	118,510	110,903
Goodwill	43,218	40,628
Intangible assets, net	19,682	19,496
Other assets	43,604	41,997
Total assets	3,358,913	3,006,728
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	23,907	16,219
Current maturities of long-term debt	44,196	40,885
Accounts payable	221,348	151,869
Deferred revenue	92,176	29,147
Deferred revenue from affiliates	12,940	27,806
Other current liabilities	311,689	295,483
Total current liabilities	706,256	561,409
Long-term debt, less current maturities	139,672	116,367
Deferred income taxes	49,485	66,300
Other liabilities	192,256	183,185
Total non-current and deferred liabilities	381,413	365,852
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,201,422 and 1,210,597 shares	1,201	1,211
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(158,090)	(156,065)
Retained earnings	2,422,322	2,233,778
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,265,433	2,078,924
Noncontrolling interests	5,811	543
Total equity	2,271,244	2,079,467
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,358,913	$ 3,006,728