TREASURY STOCK ACTIVITY - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2023	Sep. 29, 2024	Dec. 04, 2023	May 31, 2021	Jul. 24, 2018
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (shares)		2,505,097
Stock repurchased during period, value		$ 494,191
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount		$ 470,000
2018 Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount					$ 500,000
2021 Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 500,000
2023 Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 500,000
Hershey Trust Company
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased (shares)	1,000,000
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (USD per share)	$ 239.91
Stock repurchased during period, value	$ 239,910