Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Entity number of employees Entity Number of Employees Entity number of part-time employees Entity Number of Part-Time Employees Entity Number of Part-Time Employees Percentage of employees Concentration Risk, Percentage Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Qualified production income deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent Business realignment and impairment charges Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Restructuring Charges, Percent Foreign rate differences Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Historic and solar tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent U.S. tax reform Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Domestic, Percent Tax contingencies Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Shanghai Golden Monkey Food Joint Stock Co., Ltd. Shanghai Golden Monkey Food Joint Stock Co., Ltd. [Member] Shanghai Golden Monkey Food Joint Stock Co., Ltd. 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Services Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Employee stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] 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Assets, Non-Current Total other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Payroll, compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Advertising, promotion and product allowances Accrued Marketing Costs, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Post-retirement benefits liabilities Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Pension benefits liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Other Other Miscellaneous Liabilities, Non-Current Other Miscellaneous Liabilities, Non-Current Total other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] 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[Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Units granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average fair value at date of grant (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Estimated values (USD per share) Dividend yields Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Schedule of Business Realignment Activity Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Liability Activity for Costs Qualifying as Exit and Disposal Costs Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Performance shares Performance Shares [Member] Performance stock units and restricted stock units Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee service share-based compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet 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Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Share based compensation arrangement, by share based payment award, equity instruments other than options, performance score, percentage Share Based Compensation Arrangement, By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Performance Score, Percentage Share Based Compensation Arrangement, By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Performance Score, Percentage Intrinsic value of share-based liabilities paid, combined with the fair value of shares vested (in millions of dollars) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Intrinsic Value Of Share Based Liabilities Paid Combined With Fair Value Of Shares Vested Intrinsic value of share-based liabilities paid, combined with the fair value of shares vested (in millions of dollars). Deferred performance stock units, deferred restricted stock units, and directors' fees and accumulated dividend amounts representing deferred stock units outstanding Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Issued Common stock, conversion basis (shares) Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Conversion Basis Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Conversion Basis Pirate Brands [Abstract] Pirate Brands [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Pirate Brands Pirate Brands [Member] Pirate Brands [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities 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Equity investments in tax credit qualifying partnerships Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Business acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Long-term borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment of tax receivable obligation Repayment of Tax Receivable Obligation Repayment of Tax Receivable Obligation Payment of SGM liability (see Note 2) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Cash dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 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, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental Disclosure Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Licensing Agreements Licensing Agreements [Member] Tyrrells and Shanghai Golden Monkey (SGM) Tyrrells and Shanghai Golden Monkey (SGM) [Member] Tyrrells and Shanghai Golden Monkey (SGM) [Member] Facility Closing Facility Closing [Member] Operation Optimization Program Operational Optimization Program [Member] Operational Optimization Program [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by 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Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Concentration Risk, Percentage Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Cumulative Amount of Mark-to-Market Losses on Commodity Derivatives Cumulative Amount of Mark-to-Market Losses on Commodity Derivatives Net Gain Loss On Commodity Derivative Positions Reclassified From Unallocated Derivative Gains Losses To Segment Income Net Gain Loss On Commodity Derivative Positions Reclassified From Unallocated Derivative Gains Losses To Segment Income The amount of gain (loss) from commodity derivative positions reclassified from unallocated derivative (gains) losses to segment income. Amortization of net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Amortization of prior service (credit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Effect on total service and interest cost components, one percentage point increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation, one percentage point increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect on total service and interest cost components, one percentage point decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation, one percentage point decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of increase in compensation levels Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase - RIPPLE BRAND COLLECTIVE, LLC [Abstract] - RIPPLE BRAND COLLECTIVE, LLC [Abstract] Ripple Brand Collective, LLC Ripple Brand Collective, LLC [Member] Ripple Brand Collective, LLC [Member] Trademarks Trademarks [Member] Other intangible assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Percentage of LIFO inventory Percentage of LIFO Inventory LIFO inventory amount LIFO Inventory Amount 5.45% Notes due 2016 Notes 5.45% Due 2016 [Member] Notes 5.45% Due 2016 [Member] 1.50% Notes due 2016 Notes 1.50% Due 2016 [Member] Notes 1.50% Due 2016 [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Excess Tax Benefit Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Excess Tax Benefit Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Excess Tax Benefit Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Reclassification from AOCI to Retained Earnings Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Restructuring Charges, Business Realignment Restructuring Charges, Business Realignment Restructuring Charges, Business Realignment Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Lease right-of-use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Ripple Brand Collective, LLC Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Allocation [Abstract] Ripple Brand Collective, LLC Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Allocation [Abstract] Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Other Non-US [Member] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Long-lived assets Shanghai Golden Monkey [Abstract] Shanghai Golden Monkey [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Payment of SGM liability (see Note 2) Selling, marketing and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Common Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance, stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Dividends (including dividend equivalents): Dividends, Common Stock [Abstract] Common Stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Exercise of stock options and incentive-based transactions Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Repurchase of common stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, tax effect Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect Ending balance, stockholders' equity Change in benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Currency translation and other Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Projected benefit obligation at end of year Change in plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Currency translation and other Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Other assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Accrued liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Other long-term liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Total Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax: Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax [Abstract] Actuarial net (loss) gain Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Tax Net prior service credit (cost) Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax Net amounts recognized in AOCI Equity and Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Business realignment charges Restructuring Charges [Member] Severance Employee Severance [Member] Accelerated depreciation and amortization Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization [Member] Accelerated Depreciation and Amortization [Member] Other program costs Other Restructuring [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Productivity Initiative 2015 [Member] Productivity Initiative 2015 [Member] Business realignment costs 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Defined Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, and Funded Status Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Computing the Benefit Obligation Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance [Abstract] Post-retirement benefit obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Accrued expenses and other reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other Stock-based compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost Derivative instruments Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Pension Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Lease financing obligation Deferred Tax Asset, Leasing Arrangements Amount of deferred tax asset attributable to taxable temporary differences from leasing arrangements. Accrued trade promotion reserves Deferred Tax Asset Tax Deferred Expense Accrued Trade Promotion Reserves This element reflects the tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax effects arising from all other reserves, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when losses pertaining to such reserves are actually incurred. Net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Acquired intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Inventories Deferred Tax Liabilities, Inventory Pension Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Compensation And Benefits, Pensions Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Compensation And Benefits, Pensions Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Included in: Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Non-current deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Non-current deferred tax liabilities, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Stock Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Trade Receivables SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Valuation Allowance of Net Deferred Taxes SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] Inventory Obsolescence Reserve SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Balance at Beginning of Period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Charged to Costs and Expenses SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Charged to Other Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Other Account Deductions from Reserves SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Balance at End of Period Schedule of the Changes in the Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization for Each Major Class of Intangible Asset Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amortization Expense, for the Next Five Years Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] North America North America [Member] 2015 Productivity Initiative Restructuring and related cost, expected cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost, Cash Portion Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost, Cash Portion Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost, Cash Portion Long-lived asset impairment charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated, Percent Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated, Percent Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated, Percent Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Customer-related Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Patents Patents [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived intangible assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-lived intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Indefinite-lived intangible assets, excluding goodwill Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total other intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] McLane Company, Inc. McLane Company, Inc. [Member] McLane Company, Inc. [Member] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Promotional Costs, Estimate Deviation, Percentage (Less Than) Promotional Costs, Estimate Deviation, Percentage Promotional Costs, Estimate Deviation, Percentage Unsettled Accrued Liabilities Unsettled Accrued Liabilities Unsettled Accrued Liabilities Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Business Realignment Activities Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of the Changes in the Outstanding Shares of Common Stock Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity Relating to the Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation by Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Category of Goods or Services Acquired [Domain] Inventories Inventories [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2022 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Finite-Lived Trademarks, Gross Finite-Lived Trademarks, Gross Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rates Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected term in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Other (Income) Expense, Net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Table Text Block] Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Adjustment Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense, net Schedule of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Asset and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding shares at beginning of year (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 (shares) Options exercisable as of December 31, 2018 (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercises (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding (USD per share) Options exercisable (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable, weighted aver remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Partnerships Qualifying For Tax Credits Partnerships Qualifying For Tax Credits [Member] Partnerships Qualifying For Tax Credits [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, change in tax rate, income tax expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Net Impact Change in Tax Rate and Mandatory Tax on Unremitted Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Net Impact Change in Tax Rate and Mandatory Tax on Unremitted Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, measurement period adjustment, income tax expense (benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amount of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Net tax expense (benefit) for interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Accrued net interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Expected reduction in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Investment tax credits and related tax depreciation benefits Income Tax Credits and Adjustments Write-down of equity investments in partnerships qualifying for historic tax credits Interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Derivative, term of contract Derivative, Term of Contract Derivative, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Minimum length of time, hedged in cash flow hedge Minimum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Minimum length of time over which the entity is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding those forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Maximum length of time, hedged in cash flow hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Fair value hedges, pre-tax benefit Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] $33.40 - $90.39 Exercise Price Range One [Member] Exercise Price Range One [Member] $90.40 - $105.91 Exercise Price Range Two [Member] Exercise Price Range Two [Member] $105.92 - $111.76 Exercise Price Range Three [Member] Exercise Price Range Three [Member] $33.40 - $111.76 Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Number Outstanding as of 12/31/18 (shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable as of 12/31/18 (shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Weighted- Average Exercise Price (USD per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of year (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted (shares) Performance assumption change (shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Performance Assumption Change The change in the number of shares under a share-based award plan other than a stock option plan due to a change in the performance assumptions. Vested (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Outstanding at end of year (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Outstanding at beginning of year (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Performance assumption change Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Performance Assumption Change Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value as of the grant date pertaining to a share-based award plan other than a stock option plan due to a change in the performance assumptions. Vested (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at end of year (USD per share) Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Quoted prices in active markets of identical assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable—trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Other intangibles Other assets Deferred income taxes Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued income taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Short-term debt Short-term Debt Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other long-term liabilities Deferred income taxes Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares issued: none in 2018 and 2017 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Treasury—common stock shares, at cost: 150,172,840 in 2018 and 149,040,927 in 2017 Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total—The Hershey Company stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. [Member] Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. [Member] Business Acquisition and Divestitures [Line Items] Schedule of Purchase Consideration Allocation to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost of Sales Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block] Selling, Marketing and Administrative Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Short-term Investments Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable - Trade Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Computer Software Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block] Amplify Snack Brands, Inc [Abstract] Amplify Snack Brands, Inc [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Share Price Business Acquisition, Share Price Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Received, Common Stock, Value Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Received, Common Stock, Value Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Received, Common Stock, Value Purchase price 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income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Non-current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Values and Carrying Values of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Balance, December 31, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance, December 31, 2018 Amounts recognized in net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service (credit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Curtailment credit Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Settlement loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Total net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Change in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI, pre-tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract] Actuarial net (gain) loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Prior service (credit) cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, pre-tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Net amounts recognized in periodic benefit cost and AOCI Defined Benefit Plan, Amount Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Income Statement [Abstract] Selling, marketing and administrative expense Business realignment costs Operating profit Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income including noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to The Hershey Company Net income per share—basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income per share—diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Dividends paid per share: 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] Machinery and Equipment Machinery and Equipment [Member] Building and Building Improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Assets under capital lease arrangements, net Capital Leased Assets, Net Capital Leased Assets, Net Depreciation Depreciation Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Entity registrant name Entity Registrant Name Entity central index key Entity Central Index Key Current fiscal year end date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity filer category Entity Filer Category Document type Document Type Document period end date Document Period End Date Document fiscal year focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document fiscal period focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment flag Amendment Flag Entity common stock, shares outstanding (shares) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity well-known seasoned issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity voluntary filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity current reporting status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity public float Entity Public Float Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Purchase Obligations Covered by Purchase Agreements with Various Suppliers Future Maturity Schedule Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligations Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Unfunded Plan Unfunded Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Axis] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Retirement Plan Name [Domain] Hershey Company Puerto Rico Hourly Pension Plan Hershey Company Puerto Rico Hourly Pension Plan [Member] Hershey Company Puerto Rico Hourly Pension Plan [Member] Number of defined benefit, other post-retirement plans, and defined contribution other post-retirement plans (postretirement plan) Number of Defined Benefit Other Post-retirement Plans and Defined Contribution Other Post-retirement Plans Number of Defined Benefit Other Post-retirement Plans and Defined Contribution Other Post-retirement Plans Defined benefit plan, accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Defined benefit plan, ultimate health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined benefit plans, minimum future employer contributions in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans, Minimum Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Minimum Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined contribution pan, cost recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments, pre-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Reclassification to earnings due to sale of business, pre-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax Reclassification to earnings due to sale of business, pre-tax amount, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax Reclassification to earnings due to sale of business, after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Pension and post-retirement benefit plans: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax [Abstract] Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, pre-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, pre tax effect, pension and post-retirement benefit plans Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Pre Tax Effect, Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Pre Tax Effect, Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, tax effect, pension and post-retirement benefit plans Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect, Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect, Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, after tax pension and post-retirement benefit plans Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, After Tax Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, After Tax Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Plans Reclassification to earnings, pre-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Reclassification to earnings, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax Reclassification to earnings, after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax Cash flow hedges: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax [Abstract] Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) (effective portion) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedging derivatives, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Gains (losses) on cash flow hedging derivatives, after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, pre tax effect, cash flow hedges Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Pre Tax Effect, Cash Flow Hedges Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Pre Tax Effect, Cash Flow Hedges Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, tax effect, cash flow hedges Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect, Cash Flow Hedges Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, Tax Effect, Cash Flow Hedges Tax cuts and jobs act, reclassification from aoci to retained earnings, after tax, cash flow hedges Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, After Tax, Cash Flow Hedges Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Reclassification From AOCI To Retained Earnings, After Tax, Cash Flow Hedges Reclassification to earnings, pre-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax Reclassification to earnings, tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Reclassification to earnings, after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), pre-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), tax (expense) benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), after-tax amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income including noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to The Hershey Company Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Interest Expense Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions for tax positions taken during prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions taken during prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions taken during the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Expiration of statutes of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance at end of year Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current provision for income taxes Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total provision for income taxes Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Confectionery and confectionery-based portfolio Confectionery and Confectionery-based Portfolio [Member] Confectionery and Confectionery-based Portfolio [Member] Snacks portfolio Snacks Portfolio [Member] Snacks Portfolio [Member] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Basic earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract] Allocation of distributed earnings (cash dividends paid) Dividends Allocation of undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic Total earnings—basic Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Total weighted-average shares—basic (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Earnings Per Share—basic (USD per share) Diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Two Class Method [Abstract] Allocation of total earnings used in basic computation Reallocation of total earnings as a result of conversion of Class B common stock to Common stock Distributed Earnings Reallocation of undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted Total earnings—diluted Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Diluted Conversion of Class B common stock to Common shares outstanding Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Common Stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Common Stock Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive effect of share-based payment arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Total weighted-average shares—diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings Per Share—diluted (USD per share) Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements Changes Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of the Classification of Derivative Assets and Liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Global all-cap Global all-cap [Member] Equity Security which comprises equity funds that the MSCI World index. U.S. government/agency US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate bonds Corporate Bond Securities [Member] Collateralized obligations Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] International government/corporate bonds Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Diversified credit Diversified credit [Member] Diversified credit [Member] Global diversified assets Global diversified assets [Member] Global diversified assets [Member] Global real estate investment trusts Global real estate investment trusts [Member] Global real estate investment trusts [Member] Global infrastructure Global infrastructure [Member] Global infrastructure [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Measured at Net Asset Value Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Measured at Net Asset Value Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Measured at Net Asset Value Treasury stock, shares, beginning of the period (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares [Roll Forward] Treasury Stock, Shares [Roll Forward] Treasury Stock, Shares [Roll Forward] Stock repurchases: Share Repurchase Program [Abstract] Share Repurchase Program [Abstract] Stock issuances: Stock Issued or Granted During Period, Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Stock issued during period, shares, share-based compensation (gross) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Treasury stock, shares, end of the period (shares) Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Foreign Line of Credit Foreign Line of Credit [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt instrument, covenant, pre-tax income from operations to consolidated interest expense, minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Pre-tax Income From Operations To Consolidated Interest Expense, Minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Pre-tax Income From Operations To Consolidated Interest Expense, Minimum Short-term foreign bank loans against the lines of credit Line of Credit, Current Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Maximum amount of short term borrowing outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period Computer Software Software and Software Development Costs [Member] Capitalized computer software, accumulated amortization Capitalized Computer Software, Accumulated Amortization Research and development costs Research and Development Expense Advertising expense Advertising Expense Prepaid advertising expense Prepaid Advertising Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Net Mark to Market Valuation of Certain Derivative Positions Recognized in Unallocated Derivative Gains Losses Net Mark to Market Valuation of Certain Derivative Positions Recognized in Unallocated Derivative (Gains) Losses Changes in the values of derivative positions that is recorded in unallocated derivative (gains)/losses Pre-tax compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Domestic Plans Domestic Plan [Member] Cash Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Fixed income securities Debt Securities [Member] Alternative investments, including real estate, listed infrastructure and other Other Investments [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, gross Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment loss Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Acquired during the period (see Note 2) Goodwill, Acquired During Period Divested during the period Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Foreign Currency Translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill, ending balance Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Schedule of Stock Compensation Costs Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity Relating to the Grants of Stock Options Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value Estimated on the Grant Date and the Weighted Average Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Outstanding Stock Options Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity Relating to Grants of PSUs and RSUs Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of Information Pertaining to Fair Value of PSUs and RSUs Granted for Potential Future Distribution Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase