Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 47,916	$ 36,459
Short-term investments	597,619	490,566
Receivables, net of allowance	526,365	633,965
Inventories	716,084	736,302
Deferred income taxes	45,247	45,647
Other current assets	121,270	110,053
Total current assets	2,054,501	2,052,992
Net property, plant and equipment	849,185	846,757
Investments in and advances to affiliates	539,004	523,063
Notes receivable from affiliates	201,555	197,270
Other assets	70,419	57,238
Total assets	3,714,664	3,677,320
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks	123,311	75,524
Accounts payable	165,036	214,218
Deferred revenue	69,724	51,158
Other current liabilities	292,623	293,932
Total current liabilities	650,694	634,832
Deferred income taxes	87,007	95,538
Other liabilities and deferred credits	227,262	226,677
Total non-current liabilities	314,269	322,215
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value, Authorized 1,250,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,170,550 shares	1,171	1,171
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(256,636)	(252,637)
Retained earnings	3,000,714	2,967,364
Total Seaboard stockholders' equity	2,745,249	2,715,898
Noncontrolling interests	4,452	4,375
Total equity	2,749,701	2,720,273
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,714,664	$ 3,677,320