Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 38,877	$ 55,055
Short-term investments	392,222	290,649
Receivables, net of allowance	548,306	651,404
Inventories	650,440	698,998
Deferred income taxes	23,750	23,449
Other current assets	124,823	134,394
Total current assets	1,778,418	1,853,949
Net property, plant and equipment	858,010	863,573
Investments in and advances to affiliates	408,643	406,900
Notes receivable from affiliates	184,735	180,386
Goodwill	43,218	43,218
Other intangible assets, net	18,935	18,997
Other assets	47,855	51,025
Total assets	3,339,814	3,418,048
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	46,006	67,699
Current maturities of long-term debt	11,426	11,697
Accounts payable	143,305	200,242
Deferred revenue	72,691	46,192
Other current liabilities	248,985	289,497
Total current liabilities	522,413	615,327
Long-term debt, less current maturities	80,484	80,480
Deferred income taxes	67,629	73,336
Other liabilities and deferred credits	170,845	168,935
Total non-current liabilities	318,958	322,751
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,187,288 and 1,188,955 shares	1,187	1,189
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(207,365)	(181,797)
Retained earnings	2,699,621	2,655,857
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,493,443	2,475,249
Noncontrolling interests	5,000	4,721
Total equity	2,498,443	2,479,970
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,339,814	$ 3,418,048