Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 39,011	$ 47,651
Short-term investments	358,506	313,379
Receivables, net of allowance	538,249	521,892
Inventories	752,101	756,864
Deferred income taxes	22,218	24,586
Other current assets	126,937	118,391
Total current assets	1,837,022	1,782,763
Net property, plant and equipment	866,315	843,879
Investments in and advances to affiliates	403,969	410,542
Notes receivable from affiliate	128,090	202,931
Goodwill	43,218	43,218
Other intangible assets, net	19,219	19,843
Other assets	47,925	44,605
Total assets	3,345,758	3,347,781
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	65,377	28,786
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,009	25,138
Accounts payable	168,006	217,041
Deferred revenue	64,310	53,811
Deferred revenue from affiliates	1,787	24,131
Other current liabilities	313,960	327,668
Total current liabilities	625,449	676,575
Long-term debt, less current maturities	104,172	120,825
Deferred income taxes	28,300	33,929
Other liabilities and deferred credits	206,340	208,263
Total non-current liabilities	338,812	363,017
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,192,568 and 1,197,660 shares	1,193	1,198
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(182,336)	(171,544)
Retained earnings	2,558,209	2,474,896
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,377,066	2,304,550
Noncontrolling interests	4,431	3,639
Total equity	2,381,497	2,308,189
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,345,758	$ 3,347,781