v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jun. 29, 2013
Jul. 26, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 29, 2013  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-28  
Entity Central Index Key 0001000228  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Registrant Name HENRY SCHEIN INC  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   86,491,195