| DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION Document | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Entity Information | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HERSHEY CO |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-183 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-0691590 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 19 East Chocolate Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Hershey |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 17033 |
| City Area Code | 717 |
| Local Phone Number | 534-4200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, one dollar par value |
| Trading Symbol | HSY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000047111 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
