CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 471,462	$ 423,388	$ 404,656
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	9,474	33,347	(2,310)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities	95	2,865	(618)
Unrealized investment gain (loss)	(100)	414	347
Pension adjustment gain (loss)	4,871	(5,451)	(6,238)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	14,340	31,175	(8,819)
Comprehensive income	485,802	454,563	395,837
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	(39,908)	(35,312)	(36,995)
Foreign currency translation (gain) loss	654	(904)	889
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(39,254)	(36,216)	(36,106)
Comprehensive income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.	$ 446,548	$ 418,347	$ 359,731

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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