v3.19.1
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Apr. 19, 2019
Jun. 29, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity registrant name HERSHEY CO    
Entity central index key 0000047111    
Current fiscal year end date --12-31    
Entity filer category Large Accelerated Filer    
Document type 10-Q    
Document period end date Mar. 31, 2019    
Document fiscal year focus 2019    
Document fiscal period focus Q1    
Amendment flag false    
Entity current reporting status Yes    
Entity public float     $ 13,038,400,227
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Common stock      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity common stock, shares outstanding (shares)   148,185,733  
Class B common stock      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity common stock, shares outstanding (shares)   60,613,777