Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 43,285	$ 47,651
Short-term investments	350,802	313,379
Receivables, net of allowance	500,517	521,892
Inventories	842,464	756,864
Deferred income taxes	24,586	24,586
Other current assets	117,481	118,391
Total current assets	1,879,135	1,782,763
Net property, plant and equipment	848,879	843,879
Investments in and advances to affiliates	404,322	410,542
Notes receivable from affiliate	124,811	202,931
Goodwill	43,218	43,218
Other intangible assets, net	19,364	19,843
Other assets	48,605	44,605
Total assets	3,368,334	3,347,781
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	51,571	28,786
Current maturities of long-term debt	22,927	25,138
Accounts payable	173,250	217,041
Deferred revenue	76,950	53,811
Deferred revenue from affiliates	17,183	24,131
Other current liabilities	316,079	327,668
Total current liabilities	657,960	676,575
Long-term debt, less current maturities	109,898	120,825
Deferred income taxes	29,992	33,929
Other liabilities and deferred credits	209,421	208,263
Total non-current liabilities	349,311	363,017
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,197,513 and 1,197,660 shares	1,198	1,198
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(176,045)	(171,544)
Retained earnings	2,531,983	2,474,896
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,357,136	2,304,550
Noncontrolling interests	3,927	3,639
Total equity	2,361,063	2,308,189
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,368,334	$ 3,347,781