PENSION AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - NARRATIVE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2023	Sep. 29, 2024	Oct. 01, 2023	Sep. 29, 2024	Oct. 01, 2023
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions		$ 1,134	$ 987	$ 2,120	$ 4,849
Non-cash pre tax settlement charge		0	(943)	0	(5,332)
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions		3,498	5,314	7,980	16,224
Non-cash pre tax settlement charge		$ 0	(926)	$ 0	$ (926)
Other Benefits  | The Hershey Company Retiree Medical and Life Insurance Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment to acquire annuity contract	$ 88,689
Non-cash pre tax settlement charge			$ (926)