Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,753	$ 47,651
Short-term investments	244,995	313,379
Receivables, net of allowance	574,301	521,892
Inventories	781,848	756,864
Deferred income taxes	22,753	24,586
Other current assets	132,742	118,391
Total current assets	1,788,392	1,782,763
Net property, plant and equipment	857,848	843,879
Investments in and advances to affiliates	396,559	410,542
Notes receivable from affiliates	175,001	202,931
Goodwill	43,218	43,218
Other intangible assets, net	19,074	19,843
Other assets	49,793	44,605
Total assets	3,329,885	3,347,781
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	54,870	28,786
Current maturities of long-term debt	11,856	25,138
Accounts payable	166,649	217,041
Deferred revenue	58,052	53,811
Deferred revenue from affiliates	11,308	24,131
Other current liabilities	283,548	327,668
Total current liabilities	586,283	676,575
Long-term debt, less current maturities	104,172	120,825
Deferred income taxes	38,244	33,929
Other liabilities and deferred credits	204,636	208,263
Total non-current liabilities	347,052	363,017
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,191,230 and 1,197,660 shares	1,191	1,198
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(194,984)	(171,544)
Retained earnings	2,585,523	2,474,896
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,391,730	2,304,550
Noncontrolling interests	4,820	3,639
Total equity	2,396,550	2,308,189
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,329,885	$ 3,347,781