Common Stock Repurchases [Abstract] Common Stock Repurchases [Abstract] Schedule of Common Stock Repurchases Schedule of Common Stock Repurchases [Table Text Block] This summary provides the cumulative share repurchases of Class A common stock Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Other Comprehensive Income (loss) [Table] Other Comprehensive Income (loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Investments [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Currency translation [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Postretirement benefits [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Other Income/Expense [Member] Other Income Expense [Member] Other Income/Expense [Member] Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Tax Tax Amount of reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Tax Tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments . Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Components of Other Income and Charges [Table] Components of Other Income and Expenses [Table] Components of Other Income and Expenses [Table] Components of Other Income and Expenses [Line Items] Components of Other Income and Expenses [Line Items] Components of Other Income and Expenses [Line Items] Recognized currency translation adjustment gain Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Foreign currency exchange gains, net Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Total realized gains (losses) included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Total unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Issuances Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Issuances Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Balance at end of period Total gains (losses) for the nine-month period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at end of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Period Increase (Decrease) Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Schedule Of Other Current Liabilities Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Components Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Acosta Case [Member] Acosta Case [Member] Acosta Case [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Tyson Fresh Meats Inc [Member] Tyson Fresh Meats Inc [Member] Tyson Fresh Meats Inc [Member] Garcia Case [Member] Garcia Case [Member] Garcia Case [Member] Bouaphakeo Case [Member] Bouaphakeo Case [Member] Bouaphakeo Case [Member] Gomez Case [Member] Gomez Case [Member] Gomez Case [Member] Carter Case [Member] Carter Case [Member] Carter Case [Member] Tyson Prepared Foods Plant [Member] Tyson Prepared Foods Plant [Member] Tyson Prepared Foods Plant [Member] Attorney General and the Secretary of the Environment of the State Of Oklahoma [Member] Attorney General and the Secretary of the Environment of the State of Oklahoma [Member] Attorney General and the Secretary of the Environment of the State of Oklahoma [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Loss Contingencies, Additional Parties, By Name [Axis] Loss Contingencies, Additional Parties, By Name [Axis] Loss Contingencies, Additional Parties, By Name [Axis] Loss Contingencies, Additional Parties, By Name [Domain] Loss Contingencies, Additional Parties, By Name [Domain] Loss Contingencies, Additional Parties, By Name [Domain] Poultry Integrators [Member] Poultry Integrators [Member] Poultry Integrators [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of cases filed Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Granted application for attorneys fees and expenses Granted application for attorneys' fees and expenses Granted application for attorneys' fees and expenses Filed application for attorneys' fees and expenses Filed application for attorneys' fees and expenses Application for attorneys' fees and expenses Loss Contingency, Settlement Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Loss Contingency, Number of Defendants Area of land encompassed, acres Area of Land Loss contingency, damages sought Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Common Stock and Warrants [Member] Common Stock and Warrants [Member] Common Stock and Warrants [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Available-for-sale Securities Amount available under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Debt Instruments [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Policy Text Block [Abstract] Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Major Components Of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Forward Contracts [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Purchase Contracts [Member] Purchase Contracts [Member] Purchase Contracts [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Gain/(Loss) on forwards Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Accrued salaries, wages and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Self-insurance reserves Self Insurance Reserve, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other Other Sundry Liabilities, Current Total other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, Plant And Equipment And Accumulated Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Commodity Contracts [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Foreign Currency [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Earnings Total Debt, Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Total Debt, Carrying Value Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Processed Products - Weighted-average method – chicken, prepared foods and international Chicken and Prepared Foods, Weighted Average Cost Inventory Amount Chicken and Prepared Foods, Weighted Average Cost Inventory Amount Processed Products - First-in, first-out method – beef and pork Beef and Pork, FIFO Inventory Amount Beef and Pork, FIFO Inventory Amount Livestock – first-in, first-out method Livestock, FIFO Inventory Amount Livestock, FIFO Inventory Amount Supplies and other – weighted-average method Supplies and Other, Weighted Average Cost Inventory Amount Supplies and Other, Weighted Average Cost Inventory Amount Total inventories Inventory, Net Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Accounting Policies [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Member] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Open market repurchases to fund certain obligations under equity compensation plans [Member] Open Market Repurchases [Member] Open Market Repurchases [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Remaining shares available to repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Increase (Decrease) in Authorized Shares Stock Repurchase Program, Increase (Decrease) in Authorized Shares Stock Repurchase Program, Increase (Decrease) in Authorized Shares Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Summary of Discontinued Operation's Results Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Other Income And Charges Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Commodity [Member] Commodity [Member] Corn (in bushels) Corn [Member] Corn [Member] Soy Meal (in tons) Soy Meal [Member] Soy Meal [Member] Soy Oil (in pounds) Soy Oil [Member] Soy Oil [Member] Live Cattle (in pounds) Live Cattle [Member] Live Cattle [Member] Lean Hogs (in pounds) Lean Hogs [Member] Lean Hogs [Member] Foreign Currency [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member] Residual Value Guarantees [Member] Residual Value Guarantees [Member] Residual Value Guarantees [Member] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Period (in years) Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Period Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Period Maximum potential amount Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Remaining Lease Period (in years) Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Remaining Lease Period Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Remaining Lease Period Amount recoverable through various recourse provisions Guarantee Obligations, Recourse Provisions, Value Guarantee Obligations, Recourse Provisions, Value Potential maximum obligation under cash flow assistance programs Cash Flow Assistance Program, Potential Maximum Obligation Cash Flow Assistance Program, Potential Maximum Obligation Total receivables under cash flow assistance programs Cash Flow Assistance Program, Receivables Cash Flow Assistance Program, Receivables Uncollectible receivables estimated under cash flow assistance programs Cash Flow Assistance Program, Estimated Allowance For Uncollectible Receivables Cash Flow Assistance Program, Estimated Allowance For Uncollectible Receivables Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Number of Businesses Acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase price of property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase price of intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] U.S. Treasury and Agency [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate And Asset-Backed [Member] Corporate And Asset Backed [Member] Corporate And Asset-Backed [Member] Short Term Investment Maturity Period Short Term Investment Maturity Period Short Term Investment Maturity Period Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturity Period Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturity Period Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturity Period Unrealized Gain/(Loss) AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAccumulatedinInvestments AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGainLossAccumulatedinInvestments Number of shares of Syntroleum Corporation acquired Available For Sale Securities, Shares Acquired Available For Sale Securities, Shares Acquired Number of warrants to purchase equivalent amount of shares in Syntroleum Corporation Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Exercise price of warrants, per share Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Convertible Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury Stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Investments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Postretirement benefits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Weifang Operation [Member] Weifang Operation [Member] Weifang Operation [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective tax rate for continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized tax benefits, reductions that could result from tax audit resolutions Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Income and Comprehensive Income Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement Of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Letters of Credit Outstanding, by Type [Axis] Letters of Credit Outstanding, by Type [Axis] Letters of Credit Outstanding, by Type [Axis] Letters of Credit Outstanding, by Type [Domain] Letters of Credit Outstanding, by Type [Domain] Letters of Credit Outstanding, by Type [Domain] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Standby Letters of Credit [Member] Bilateral Letters Of Credit [Member] Bilateral Letters Of Credit [Member] Bilateral letters of credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 3.25% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes Due October 15, 2013 [Member] Three Point Two Five Percentage Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes Due October Fifteen Two Thousand And Thirteen [Member] Three Point Two Five Percentage Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes Due October Fifteen, Two Thousand And Thirteen [Member] 2016 Notes [Member] Notes Due Two Thousand And Sixteen [Member] Notes Due Two Thousand And Sixteen [Member] 4.50% Senior Notes Due June 2022 (2022 Notes) [Member] Four Point Five Zero Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due June Two Thousand and Twenty Two [Member] Four Point Five Zero Percentage Senior Unsecured Notes Due June Two Thousand and Twenty Two [Member] GO Zone Tax-Exempt Bonds Due October 2033 [Member] Go Zone Tax Exempt Bonds Due October Two Thousand Thirty Three [Member] GO Zone Tax-Exempt Bonds Due October 2033 (0.30% at 1/1/2011) [Member] Credit Rating Adjustment [Axis] Credit Rating Adjustment [Axis] Credit Rating Adjustment [Axis] Credit Rating Adjustment [Domain] Credit Rating Adjustment [Domain] Credit Rating Adjustment [Domain] Prior To Credit Rating Adjustment [Member] Prior To Credit Rating Adjustment [Member] Prior To Credit Rating Adjustment [Member] After Credit Rating Adjustment [Member] After Credit Rating Adjustment [Member] After Credit Rating Adjustment [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Amount available for borrowing under credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit issued amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Shares able to be purchased through warrants Shares able to be purchased through warrants Shares able to be purchased through warrants Increase in stock price that would result in the issuance of additional stock Percent Increase In Stock Price That Would Result In Issuance Of Additional Stock Percent Increase In Stock Price That Would Result In Issuance Of Additional Stock Conversion price factoring convertible note hedge and warrant transactions, per share Debt Instrument, Conversion Price, Factoring Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions Debt Instrument, Conversion Price, Factoring Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions Additional stock issuance if increase in share price of ten percent Debt Instrument, Additional Stock Issuance If Increase In Share Price Debt Instrument, Additional Stock Issuance If Increase In Share Price Share Price Share Price Additional Stock Issuance Required if Warrants are Exercised at Price Equal to Period End Closing Share Price Additional Stock Issuance Required if Warrants are Exercised at Price Equal to Period End Closing Share Price Additional Stock Issuance Required if Warrants are Exercised at Price Equal to Period End Closing Share Price Interest rate at period end Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Issue price percent of face value Issue price percent of face value Issue price percent of face value Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from the sale of Gulf Opportunity Zone tax-exempt bonds Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Tax Exempt Debt Syntroleum Corporation Responsibility of Guarantee Syntroleum Corporation Responsibility of Guarantee Syntroleum Corporation Responsibility of Guarantee Syntroleum Corporation Maximum Guarantee Responsibility Syntroleum Corporation Maximum Guarantee Responsibility Syntroleum Corporation Maximum Guarantee Responsibility Discontinued Operation Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Information, By Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Pretax loss Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Property, Plant And Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Grain [Member] Grain [Member] Grain [Member] Maximum length of time hedged forecasted transactions, months Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Maximum length Of time hedged undesignated positions, months Maximum Length Of Time Hedged Undesignated Positions Maximum Length Of Time Hedged Undesignated Positions. Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] TFI Parent [Member] Parent Company [Member] TFM Parent, Guarantors [Member] Non-Guarantors [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Sales Revenue, Net Cost of Sales Cost of Goods Sold Gross Profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Other (Income) Expense: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense, net Total interest expense (income) Total interest expense (income) Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries Equity In Net Earnings Of Subsidiaries Total Other (Income) Expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income Tax Expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Net Income Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to Tyson Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income Attributable to Tyson Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from OCI to Earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Buildings And Leasehold Improvements [Member] Buildings And Leasehold Improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Machinery And Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Land Improvements And Other [Member] Land Improvements and Other [Member] Land Improvements and Other [Member] Buildings And Equipment Under Construction [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Basis Of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Ownership interest percentage, investment in Dynamic Fuels, LLC joint venture Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Variable interest entity total assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Variable interest entity net property, plant and equipment Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Property, Plant and Equipment Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Property, Plant and Equipment Variable interest entity total liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Variable interest entity long-term debt Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Long-term Debt Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Long-term Debt Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Net Property, Plant and Equipment Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current debt Debt, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Other current liabilities Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost - 52 million shares at December 28, 2013, and 48 million shares at September 28, 2013 Treasury Stock, Value Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Debt Securities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value And Carrying Value Of Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Netting [Member] Netting [Member] Commodity Derivatives Derivative Asset Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts, Assets Foreign Currency Derivative Assets at Fair Value Available-for-Sale Securities, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Current Available for Sale Securities, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Deferred Compensation Assets Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities Derivative Liability Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts, Liabilities Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Total Liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Derivative assets and liabilities posted cash collateral Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Total Current Assets Investment in Subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Total Current Liabilities Total Tyson Shareholders' Equity Total Shareholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [abstract] Class B [Member] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items] Income from continuing operations Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income from continuing operations attributable to Tyson Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Less Dividends Declared: Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock options and restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Convertible 2013 Notes Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Warrants Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Tyson - Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Net Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Tyson - Diluted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson - Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson - Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Sales Gross Profit Operating Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes Income from Continuing Operations Net Income Attributable to Tyson Amounts attributable to Tyson: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Net Loss from Discontinued Operation Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic, Shares Diluted, Shares Net Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable to Tyson: NetIncomeLossPerShareFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParent [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Per Share From Continuing Operations Attributable To Parent [Abstract] Basic (USD per share) Diluted (USD per share) Net Loss Per Share from Discontinued Operation Attributable to Tyson: NetIncomeLossPerShareFromDiscontinuedOperationAttributableToParent [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Per Share From Discontinued Operation Attributable To Parent [Abstract] Basic (USD per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Diluted (USD per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net Income Per Share Attributable to Tyson: Basic (USD per share) Diluted (USD per share) Dividends Declared Per Share: Dividends, Cash [Abstract] Dividends Declared (USD per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Schedule Of Earnings Per Share, Basic And Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment (Purchases of)/ Proceeds from marketable securities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash Used for Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net change in debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Purchases of Tyson Class A common stock Dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net change in intercompany balances Net change in intercompany balances Net change in intercompany balances Cash Used for Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Other [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Chicken [Member] Chicken [Member] Chicken Beef [Member] Beef [Member] Beef Pork [Member] Pork [Member] Pork Prepared Foods [Member] Prepared Foods [Member] Prepared Foods [Member] International [Member] International [Member] International [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating Income (Loss) Total Other (Income) Expense Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Number Of Classes Of Common Stock Number Of Classes Of Common Stock Number of classes of common stock Percentage amount of per share cash dividends paid to holders of Class B stock that cannot exceed paid to holders of Class A stock Cash Dividends, Paid Ratio To Other Class Of Stock, Maximum Cash Dividends, Paid Ratio To Other Class Of Stock, Maximum Undistributed earnings (losses), ratio used to calculate allocation to class of stock Undistributed Earnings (Losses), Ratio Used to Calculate Allocation to Class of Stock Undistributed Earnings (Losses), Ratio Used to Calculate Allocation to Class of Stock Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Number of Operating Segments Number of Operating Segments 3.25% Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes Due October 15, 2013 (2013 Notes) [Member] 6.60% Senior Notes Due April 2016 (2016 Notes) [Member] Senior Notes Six Point Six Zero Percentage Due April Two Thousand And Sixteen [Member] Senior Notes Six Point Six Zero Percentage Due April Two Thousand And Sixteen [Member] 7.00% Notes Due May 2018 [Member] Notes Seven Point Zero Zero Percentage Due May Two Thousand And Eighteen [Member] Notes Seven Point Zero Zero Percentage Due May Two Thousand And Eighteen[Member] 7.00% Notes Due January 2028 [Member] Notes Seven Point Zero Zero Percentage Due January Two Thousand And Twenty Eight [Member] Notes Seven Point Zero Zero Percentage Due January Two Thousand And Twenty Eight [Member] GO Zone Tax-Exempt Bonds Due October 2033 [Member] Revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Senior Notes Long-term Debt, Gross Discount on senior notes GO Zone tax-exempt bonds due October 2033 Tax Exempt Bonds Tax Exempt Bonds Other Other Long-term Debt Total debt Less current debt Total long-term debt Stated interest rate Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Convertible debt discount Repayment of Convertible Debt, Operating Activities Repayment of Convertible Debt, Operating Activities Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Net changes in working capital Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Cash Provided by Operating Activities Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sale of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Payments on debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Net proceeds from borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Schedule Of Notional Amount Of Derivatives Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]