Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] 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] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common stock Hershey Common Stock [Member] Hershey Common Stock [Member] Class B common stock Common Class B [Member] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance and restricted stock units Performance Shares And Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member] Performance Shares And Restricted Stock Units (RSU) [Member] 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) Earnings Per Share, Basic 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) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Other Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Total share repurchases (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares issued for stock options and incentive compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Net change (in shares) Treasury Stock Change in Shares Change in the number of common shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury during the period. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Total share repurchases Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Shares issued for stock options and incentive compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Net change Treasury Stock Change in Value Change in value of common shares of an entity that were issued, repurchased by the entity, and are held in its treasury during the period. Treasury stock is issued but is not outstanding. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Note that treasury stock may be recorded at its total cost or separately as par (or stated) value and additional paid in capital. Note: number of treasury shares concept is in another section within stockholders' equity. 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Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Effective income tax rate reconciliation, at federal statutory income tax rate, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, amount of unrecorded benefit Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded 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, Net Impact 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share - diluted (USD per share) Dividends paid per share: Dividends, Common Stock [Abstract] Dividends paid per share (USD per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements Changes Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] 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] Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. [Member] Amplify Snack Brands, Inc. 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Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) (effective portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] 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] Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Fair Value Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units [Member] Performance Stock Units and Restricted Stock Units [Member] 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 Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions of dollars) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value 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 Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value 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 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent 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 Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other long-term liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares issued: none at April 1, 2018 and December 31, 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: 150,559,192 at April 1, 2018 and 149,040,927 at December 31, 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Treasury Stock Activity Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table 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 April 1, 2018 (shares) Options exercisable as of April 1, 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 Accounts receivable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Inventories Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Prepaid expenses and other Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current Long-lived assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Long-lived Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Long-lived Assets Non-current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Other long-term liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Liabilities 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 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 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] Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [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] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net 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. 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 Short and Long-Term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of Net Sales and Earnings by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unallocated Mark-to-Market (Gains) Losses on Commodity Derivatives Allocation Of Net Derivative Gains Losses From Economic Hedges To Operating Results Of Reporting Segments Table [Table Text Block] Allocation Of Net Derivative Gains Losses From Economic Hedges To Operating Results Of Reporting Segments Table [Table Text Block] Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Expense Included within Segment Income Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Activity Relating to the Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] 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] 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] Trademarks Trademarks [Member] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Payments to acquire businesses, gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Consideration transferred, per share of common stock Business Acquisition, Share Price Equity interests received, common stock, value Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Received, Common Stock, Value Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Received, Common Stock, Value Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Finite-lived trademarks, gross Finite-Lived Trademarks, Gross Finite-lived customer relationships, gross Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Acquisition related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs 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 as of April 1, 2018 (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 as of April 1, 2018 (USD per share) Preferred stock, shares issued (shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued (shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Interest Expense Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] 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 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 2017-07 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cost of Goods Sold Selling, General and Administrative Expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 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 Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Lotte Shanghai Food Company Lotte Shanghai Food Company [Member] Lotte Shanghai Food Company [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Net Sales Operating Income (Loss) Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Costs associated with business realignment activities Acquisition-related costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Income before income taxes Pre-tax compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Impairment of long-lived assets (see Notes 8) Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Write-down of equity investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Other Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions and divestitures: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable—trade, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Taxes Payable Contributions to pension and other benefit plans Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Other assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital additions (including software) Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Equity investments in tax credit qualifying partnerships Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Business acquisition, 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 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 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, end of period Supplemental Disclosure Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Customer-related Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member] Patents Patents [Member] 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] 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 Other (Income) Expense, Net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Balance, December 31, 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Other comprehensive income - foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance, April 1, 2018 Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [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 Net income attributable to The Hershey Company Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Dividends (including dividend equivalents): Common Stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash 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 Reclassification of tax effects relating to U.S. tax reform Ending balance, stockholders' equity Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] 2016 Share Repurchase Program 2016 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2016 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2017 Share Repurchase Program 2017 Share Repurchase Program [Member] 2017 Share Repurchase Program [Member] Authorized stock repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount