Comprehensive Income - Total Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Comprehensive Income Net Of Applicable Taxes [Abstract]
Comprehensive income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.	$ 95,233	$ 57,222	$ 148,318	$ 169,134
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	115	110	189	214
Comprehensive income attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,814	7,480	17,470	16,699
Comprehensive income	$ 107,162	$ 64,812	$ 165,977	$ 186,047

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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