| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 21, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | HENRY SCHEIN INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001000228 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 21, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-27078 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 11-3136595 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 135 Duryea Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Melville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 11747 |
| City Area Code | (631) |
| Local Phone Number | 843-5500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HSIC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
