TREASURY STOCK ACTIVITY - SCHEDULE OF TREASURY STOCK ACTIVITY (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2021 USD ($) shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | shares	2,876,644
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture | shares	(637,580)
Treasury Stock Change in Shares | shares	2,239,064
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | $	$ 457,946
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, before Forfeiture | $	(26,529)
Treasury Stock Change in Value | $	$ 431,417
Employee stock options
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | shares	2,005,500
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | $	$ 307,929
Hershey Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | shares	871,144
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value | $	$ 150,017