Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 56,033	$ 55,055
Short-term investments	362,965	290,649
Receivables, net of allowance	535,013	651,404
Inventories	733,640	698,998
Deferred income taxes	27,642	23,449
Other current assets	128,651	134,394
Total current assets	1,843,944	1,853,949
Net property, plant and equipment	846,178	863,573
Investments in and advances to affiliates	522,071	406,900
Notes receivable from affiliates	194,244	180,386
Goodwill	14,846	43,218
Other intangible assets, net	4,060	18,997
Other assets	44,726	51,025
Total assets	3,470,069	3,418,048
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	28,834	67,699
Current maturities of long-term debt		11,697
Accounts payable	165,882	200,242
Deferred revenue	72,471	46,192
Other current liabilities	301,035	289,497
Total current liabilities	568,222	615,327
Long-term debt, less current maturities		80,480
Deferred income taxes	81,276	73,336
Other liabilities and deferred credits	177,992	168,935
Total non-current liabilities	259,268	322,751
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,170,550 and 1,188,955 shares	1,171	1,189
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(212,368)	(181,797)
Retained earnings	2,848,686	2,655,857
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,637,489	2,475,249
Noncontrolling interests	5,090	4,721
Total equity	2,642,579	2,479,970
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,470,069	$ 3,418,048