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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 16, 2017	Jun. 25, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Central Index Key	0001000228
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	HSIC
Entity Registrant Name	HENRY SCHEIN INC
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		79,196,697
Entity Public Float			$ 13,826,764,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,381	$ 72,086
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $90,329 and $77,008	1,254,139	1,229,816
Inventories, net	1,635,750	1,509,957
Deferred income taxes	0	58,159
Prepaid expenses and other	360,510	361,082
Total current assets	3,312,780	3,231,100
Property and equipment, net	333,906	318,476
Goodwill	2,019,740	1,907,593
Other intangibles, net	621,180	592,971
Investments and other	442,790	454,600
Total assets	6,730,396	6,504,740
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	977,249	1,005,798
Bank credit lines	437,476	328,631
Current maturities of long-term debt	65,923	17,331
Accrued expenses:
Payroll and related	266,463	258,416
Taxes	151,750	161,760
Other	391,785	375,061
Total current liabilities	2,290,646	2,146,997
Long-term debt	715,457	463,752
Deferred income taxes	51,589	252,862
Other liabilities	264,264	212,121
Total liabilities	3,321,956	3,075,732
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	607,636	542,194
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 240,000,000 shares authorized, 79,402,505 outstanding on December 31, 2016 and 82,415,320 outstanding on December 26, 2015	794	824
Additional paid-in capital	127,536	207,374
Retained earnings	2,981,777	2,895,997
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(317,041)	(219,939)
Total Henry Schein, Inc. stockholders' equity	2,793,066	2,884,256
Noncontrolling interests	7,738	2,558
Total stockholders' equity	2,800,804	2,886,814
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders' equity	$ 6,730,396	$ 6,504,740

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, reserves (in dollars)	$ 90,329	$ 77,008
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	79,402,505	82,415,320

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 11,571,668	$ 10,629,719	$ 10,371,390
Cost of sales	8,337,699	7,617,460	7,460,075
Gross profit	3,233,969	3,012,259	2,911,315
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	2,416,504	2,243,356	2,196,173
Restructuring costs	45,891	34,931	0
Operating income	771,574	733,972	715,142
Other income (expense):
Interest income	13,275	12,935	13,655
Interest expense	(31,893)	(26,008)	(24,057)
Other, net	2,879	(141)	4,572
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	755,835	720,758	709,312
Income taxes	(217,958)	(211,391)	(215,610)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	18,518	14,060	11,734
Net income	556,395	523,427	505,436
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(49,617)	(44,369)	(39,359)
Net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.	$ 506,778	$ 479,058	$ 466,077
Earnings per share attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 6.27	$ 5.78	$ 5.53
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 6.19	$ 5.69	$ 5.44
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	80,820	82,844	84,265
Diluted (in shares)	81,862	84,125	85,740

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 556,395	$ 523,427	$ 505,436
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(98,402)	(134,035)	(157,698)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities	(992)	1,994	(2,337)
Unrealized investment gain (loss)	2	134	379
Pension adjustment gain (loss)	(399)	2,270	(7,441)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(99,791)	(129,637)	(167,097)
Comprehensive income (loss)	456,604	393,790	338,339
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	(49,617)	(44,369)	(39,359)
Foreign currency translation (gain) loss	2,689	4,830	4,116
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(46,928)	(39,539)	(35,243)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.	$ 409,676	$ 354,251	$ 303,096

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	$ 2,788,001	$ 856	$ 318,225	$ 2,398,267	$ 67,849	$ 2,804
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013		85,622,452
Net income (excluding amounts attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests)	466,695	$ 0	0	466,077	0	618
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (excluding amounts attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests)	(153,618)	0	0	0	(153,582)	(36)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities, net of tax impact	(2,337)	0	0	0	(2,337)	0
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net of tax impact	379	0	0	0	379	0
Pension adjustment gain (loss), net of tax impact	(7,441)	0	0	0	(7,441)	0
Dividends paid	(544)	0	0	0	0	(544)
Initial noncontrolling interests and adjustments related to business acquisitions	753	0	744	0	0	9
Change in fair value of redeemable securities	(40,836)	0	(40,836)	0	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - Value	(299,989)	$ (25)	(78,143)	(221,821)	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - Shares		(2,528,209)
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, including tax benefit - Value	42,652	$ 6	42,646	0	0	0
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, including tax benefit - Shares		637,014
Stock-based compensation expense - Value	45,876	$ 5	45,871	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense - Shares		464,124
Shares withheld for payroll taxes - Value	(22,572)	$ (2)	(22,570)	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payroll taxes - Shares		(186,844)
Liability for cash settlement stock-based compensation awards	(574)	$ 0	(574)	0	0	0
Ending Balance at Dec. 27, 2014	2,816,445	$ 840	265,363	2,642,523	(95,132)	2,851
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 27, 2014		84,008,537
Net income (excluding amounts attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests)	479,839	$ 0	0	479,058	0	781
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (excluding amounts attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests)	(129,245)	0	0	0	(129,205)	(40)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities, net of tax impact	1,994	0	0	0	1,994	0
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net of tax impact	134	0	0	0	134	0
Pension adjustment gain (loss), net of tax impact	2,270	0	0	0	2,270	0
Dividends paid	(657)	0	0	0	0	(657)
Other adjustments	213	0	222	0	0	(9)
Initial noncontrolling interests and adjustments related to business acquisitions	(368)	0	0	0	0	(368)
Change in fair value of redeemable securities	(35,202)	0	(35,202)	0	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - Value	(299,852)	$ (21)	(74,247)	(225,584)	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - Shares		(2,084,297)
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, including tax benefit - Value	35,672	$ 3	35,669	0	0	0
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, including tax benefit - Shares		297,866
Stock-based compensation expense - Value	44,614	$ 4	44,610	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense - Shares		392,855
Shares withheld for payroll taxes - Value	(28,314)	$ (2)	(28,312)	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payroll taxes - Shares		(199,641)
Liability for cash settlement stock-based compensation awards	(729)	$ 0	(729)	0	0	0
Ending Balance at Dec. 26, 2015	$ 2,886,814	$ 824	207,374	2,895,997	(219,939)	2,558
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 26, 2015	82,415,320	82,415,320
Net income (excluding amounts attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests)	$ 507,635	$ 0	0	506,778	0	857
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (excluding amounts attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests)	(95,750)	0	0	0	(95,713)	(37)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities, net of tax impact	(992)	0	0	0	(992)	0
Unrealized investment gain (loss), net of tax impact	2	0	0	0	2	0
Pension adjustment gain (loss), net of tax impact	(399)	0	0	0	(399)	0
Dividends paid	(593)	0	0	0	0	(593)
Other adjustments	15	0	5	0	0	10
Initial noncontrolling interests and adjustments related to business acquisitions	4,943	0	0	0	0	4,943
Change in fair value of redeemable securities	(66,864)	0	(66,864)	0	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - Value	(550,024)	$ (35)	(128,991)	(420,998)	0	0
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - Shares		(3,461,782)
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, including tax benefit - Value	34,796	$ 2	34,794	0	0	0
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, including tax benefit - Shares		207,916
Stock-based compensation expense - Value	58,246	$ 4	58,242	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense - Shares		377,552
Shares withheld for payroll taxes - Value	(29,114)	$ (1)	(29,113)	0	0	0
Shares withheld for payroll taxes - Shares		(164,444)
Liability for cash settlement stock-based compensation awards	4,052	$ 0	4,052	0	0	0
Liability for cash settlement stock-based compensation awards, shares		27,943
Deferred tax benefit arising from acquisition of noncontrolling interest in partnership	48,037	$ 0	48,037	0	0	0
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,800,804	$ 794	$ 127,536	$ 2,981,777	$ (317,041)	$ 7,738
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	79,402,505	79,402,505

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 48,760	$ 43,588	$ 38,741
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2,652)	(4,790)	(4,080)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities, (tax benefit) tax	(33)	153	(155)
Unrealized investment gain (loss), tax benefit (tax)	0	0	(250)
Pension adjustment gain (loss), tax benefit (tax)	(548)	1,008	(2,781)
Stock issued upon exercise of stock options, tax benefit	$ 23,392	$ 20,802	$ 11,161

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 556,395	$ 523,427	$ 505,436
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	169,780	159,127	152,238
Stock-based compensation expense	58,246	44,614	45,876
Provision for losses on trade and other accounts receivable	2,647	3,184	4,619
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes	(37,066)	(6,241)	(1,092)
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(18,518)	(14,060)	(11,734)
Distributions from equity affiliates	20,351	18,029	15,727
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits	6,997	11,847	22,597
Other	11,611	7,549	3,303
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(1,904)	(120,001)	(81,441)
Inventories	(104,787)	(194,869)	(71,899)
Other current assets	(22,657)	(58,376)	(40,407)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(25,634)	212,611	49,281
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	615,461	586,841	592,504
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed assets	(70,179)	(71,684)	(82,116)
Payments related to equity investments and business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(228,575)	(171,861)	(424,283)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities	0	20	0
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	0	0	3,250
Other	(17,668)	(16,506)	(13,490)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(316,422)	(260,031)	(516,639)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (repayments of) bank borrowings	98,748	145,173	152,641
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	260,799	135,000	314,787
Debt issuance costs	(233)	(150)	(687)
Principal payments for long-term debt	(15,381)	(201,203)	(228,407)
Proceeds from issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options	11,404	14,870	31,491
Payments for repurchases of common stock	(550,024)	(299,852)	(299,989)
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	(463)	2,199	5,886
Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders	(32,350)	(33,301)	(24,986)
Acquisitions of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(72,729)	(82,107)	(105,383)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(300,229)	(319,371)	(154,647)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(8,515)	(24,827)	(20,360)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(9,705)	(17,388)	(99,142)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	72,086	89,474	188,616
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 62,381	$ 72,086	$ 89,474

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

We distribute health care products and services primarily to office-based health care practitioners with operations or affiliates in the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Henry Schein, Inc. and all of our controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 50% owned or investments in unconsolidated affiliates of less than 20% in which we have the ability to influence the operating or financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 6 for accounting treatment of Redeemable noncontrolling interests. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal Year

We report our results of operations and cash flows on a 52-53 week basis ending on the last Saturday of December. The year ended December 31, 2016 consisted of 53 weeks, and the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 consisted of 52 weeks.

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenue from the sale of dental, animal health and medical consumable products, as well as equipment, software products and services and other sources. Provisions for discounts, rebates to customers, customer returns and other contra-revenue adjustments are recorded based upon historical data and estimates and are provided for in the period in which the related sales are recognized.

Revenue derived from the sale of consumable products is recognized when products are shipped to customers. Such sales typically entail high-volume, low-dollar orders shipped using third-party common carriers. We believe that the shipment date is the most appropriate point in time indicating the completion of the earnings process because we have no post-shipment obligations, the product price is fixed and determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured and product returns are reasonably estimable.

Revenue derived from the sale of equipment is recognized when products are delivered to customers. Such sales typically entail scheduled deliveries of large equipment primarily by equipment service technicians. Some equipment sales require minimal installation, which is typically completed at the time of delivery.

Revenue derived from the sale of software products is recognized when products are shipped to customers. Such software is generally installed by customers and does not require extensive training due to the nature of its design. Revenue derived from post-contract customer support for software, including annual support and/or training, is recognized over the period in which the services are provided.

Revenue derived from multiple element arrangements, and the related deferral of such revenue (which is insignificant to our financial statements), is recognized as follows. When we sell software products together with related services (i.e., training and technical support) we allocate revenue to the delivered elements using the residual method, based upon vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of the undelivered elements, or defer it until such time as vendor-specific evidence of fair value is obtained. Multiple element arrangements that include elements that are not considered software consist primarily of equipment and the related installation service. We allocate revenue for such arrangements based on the relative selling prices of the elements applying the following hierarchy: first VSOE, then third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price if VSOE is not available, and finally our estimate of the selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. VSOE exists when we sell the deliverables separately and represents the actual price charged by us for each deliverable. Estimated selling price reflects our best estimate of what the selling prices of each deliverable would be if it were sold regularly on a standalone basis taking into consideration the cost structure of our business, technical skill required, customer location and other market conditions. Each element that has standalone value is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting. Revenue allocated to each unit of accounting is recognized when the service is provided or the product is delivered.

Revenue derived from other sources including freight charges, equipment repairs and financial services, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the services are provided.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Due to the short-term maturity of such investments, the carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit of $98.5 million and $54.4 million, primarily related to payments for inventory, were classified as accounts payable as of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015.

Accounts Receivable and Reserves

The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by a valuation allowance that reflects our best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. The reserve for accounts receivable is comprised of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns. In addition to reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, we consider many factors in estimating our reserve, including historical data, experience, customer types, credit worthiness and economic trends. From time to time, we adjust our assumptions for anticipated changes in any of these or other factors expected to affect collectability.

Inventories and Reserves

Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method for merchandise or actual cost for large equipment and high tech equipment. In accordance with our policy for inventory valuation, we consider many factors including the condition and salability of the inventory, historical sales, forecasted sales and market and economic trends. From time to time, we adjust our assumptions for anticipated changes in any of these or other factors expected to affect the value of inventory.

Direct Shipping and Handling Costs

Freight and other direct shipping costs are included in cost of sales. Direct handling costs, which represent primarily direct compensation costs of employees who pick, pack and otherwise prepare, if necessary, merchandise for shipment to our customers are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. Direct shipping and handling costs were $86.2 million, $78.7 million and $78.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Advertising and Promotional Costs

We generally expense advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Total advertising and promotional expenses were $18.4 million, $19.2 million and $18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014. Additionally, advertising and promotional costs incurred in connection with direct marketing, including product catalogs and printed material, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period which is benefited, generally not exceeding one year. As of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, we had $3.5 million and $4.4 million of deferred direct marketing expenses included in other current assets.

Supplier Rebates

Supplier rebates are included as a reduction of cost of sales and are recognized over the period they are earned. The factors we consider in estimating supplier rebate accruals include forecasted inventory purchases and sales, in conjunction with supplier rebate contract terms, which generally provide for increasing rebates based on either increased purchase or sales volume.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization. Depreciation is computed primarily under the straight-line method (see Note 2 - Property and Equipment, Net for estimated useful lives). Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or the lease term.

Capitalized software costs consist of costs to purchase and develop software. Costs incurred during the application development stage for software bought and further customized by outside suppliers for our use and software developed by a supplier for our proprietary use are capitalized. Costs incurred for our own personnel who are directly associated with software development are capitalized.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactments of changes in tax laws or rates. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates will be recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with our 80% or greater owned U.S. subsidiaries.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The financial position and results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries are determined using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings.

Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative instruments to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective is to manage the impact that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could have on recognized asset and liability fair values, earnings and cash flows. Our risk management policy requires that derivative contracts used as hedges be effective at reducing the risks associated with the exposure being hedged and be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments primarily include foreign currency forward agreements related to certain intercompany loans and certain forecasted inventory purchase commitments with foreign suppliers.

Our foreign currency forward agreements related to forecasted inventory purchase commitments are designated as cash flow hedges. Our foreign currency forward agreements related to foreign currency balance sheet exposure provide economic hedges but are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.

For agreements not designated as hedges, changes in the value of the derivative, along with the transaction gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in earnings. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative, along with any gain or loss on the hedged item, is recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.

We classify the cash flows related to our hedging activities in the same category on our consolidated statements of cash flows as the cash flows related to the hedged item.

Acquisitions

The net assets of businesses purchased are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date and our consolidated financial statements include their results of operations from that date. Any excess of acquisition consideration over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The major classes of assets and liabilities that we generally allocate purchase price to, excluding goodwill, include identifiable intangible assets (i.e., trademarks and trade names, customer relationships and lists and non-compete agreements), property, plant and equipment, deferred taxes and other current and long-term assets and liabilities. The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on critical estimates, judgments and assumptions derived from: analysis of market conditions; discount rate; discounted cash flows; customer retention rates; and estimated useful lives. Some prior owners of such acquired subsidiaries are eligible to receive additional purchase price cash consideration if certain financial targets are met. For the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, there were no material adjustments recorded in our consolidated statement of income relating to changes in estimated contingent purchase price liabilities.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Some minority shareholders in certain of our subsidiaries have the right, at certain times, to require us to acquire their ownership interest in those entities at fair value. Their interests in these subsidiaries are classified outside permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheets and are carried at the estimated redemption amounts. The redemption amounts have been estimated based on expected future earnings and cash flow and, if such earnings and cash flow are not achieved, the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests might be impacted. Changes in the estimated redemption amounts of the noncontrolling interests subject to put options are reflected at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to Additional paid-in capital. Future reductions in the carrying amounts are subject to a “floor” amount that is equal to the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests at the time they were originally recorded. The recorded value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests cannot go below the floor level. These adjustments do not impact the calculation of earnings per share.

Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademarks) are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis at least once annually. Such impairment analyses for goodwill require a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of reporting units. We regard our reporting units to be our operating segments: health care distribution (global dental, animal health and medical) and technology and value-added services. Goodwill was allocated to such reporting units, for the purposes of preparing our impairment analyses, based on a specific identification basis.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, we tested goodwill for impairment using a quantitative analysis consisting of a two-step approach. The first step of our quantitative analysis consists of a comparison of the carrying value of our reporting units, including goodwill, to the estimated fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow methodology. If step one results in the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeding the fair value of such reporting unit, we would then proceed to step two which would require us to calculate the amount of impairment loss, if any, that we would record for such reporting unit. The calculation of the impairment loss in step two would be equivalent to the reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill less the implied fair value of such goodwill.

Our use of a discounted cash flow methodology includes estimates of future revenue based upon budget projections and growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates. We also develop estimates for future levels of gross and operating profits and projected capital expenditures. Our methodology also includes the use of estimated discount rates based upon industry and competitor analysis as well as other factors. The estimates that we use in our discounted cash flow methodology involve many assumptions by management that are based upon future growth projections.

For the year ended December 27, 2014, we tested goodwill impairment under the provisions of Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which allowed us to use qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their carrying values. The factors that we considered in developing our qualitative assessment included:

Macroeconomic conditions consisting of the overall sales growth of our business and the overall sales growth of each of our operating segments. We also consider our growth in market share in the markets in which we compete;

Credit markets and our ability to access debt facilities at favorable terms;

Key personnel and management expertise, as well as our growth strategies for the next several years; and

Our expectations of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit.

Our impairment analysis for indefinite-lived intangibles consists of a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of the assets. This comparison is made based on a review of historical, current and forecasted sales and gross profit levels, as well as a review of any factors that may indicate potential impairment. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, a present value technique, such as estimates of future cash flows, is utilized. We assessed the potential impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually (at the beginning of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Some factors we consider important that could trigger an interim impairment review include:

significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business (e.g., decision to divest a business); or

significant negative industry or economic trends.

If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated statements of income.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the results of our goodwill and intangible impairment analysis did not result in any impairments.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from such assets.

Definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of non-compete agreements, trademarks, trade names, customer lists, customer relationships and intellectual property. For long-lived assets used in operations, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. When an impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value.

Cost of Sales

The primary components of cost of sales include the cost of the product (net of purchase discounts, supplier chargebacks and rebates) and inbound and outbound freight charges. Costs related to purchasing, receiving, inspections, warehousing, internal inventory transfers and other costs of our distribution network are included in selling, general and administrative expenses along with other operating costs.

As a result of different practices of categorizing costs associated with distribution networks throughout our industry, our gross margins may not necessarily be comparable to other distribution companies. Total distribution network costs were $84.4 million, $70.4 million and $64.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes certain gains and losses that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net income as such amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation gain (loss), unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency hedging activities, unrealized investment gain (loss) and pension adjustment gain (loss).

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of the related liability, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. Further, ASU 2015-03 requires the amortization of debt issuance costs to be reported as interest expense. Similarly, debt issuance costs and any discount or premium are considered in the aggregate when determining the effective interest rate on the debt. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2015-03 must be applied retrospectively. Entities may choose to adopt the new requirements as of an earlier date for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The adoption of this ASU during 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 removes the previous requirement for an acquiring company to restate prior period financial results due to measurement-period adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement-period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 also requires presentation of the amount recorded in current period earnings by line item, either on the face of the income statement or within the notes to financial statements, which would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The guidance is to be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of the guidance. The adoption of this ASU during 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 (Topic 740), “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The standard will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The ASU may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 prospectively in the third quarter of 2016. As a result, all deferred tax assets and liabilities have been presented as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. There was no impact on our results of operations as a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17 and prior periods have not been adjusted.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under accounting principles generally accepted in United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2015-14”), which deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.

When effective, ASU 2014-09 will use either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures).

Currently, we are reviewing our various revenue streams within our two reportable segments: (i) health care distribution and (ii) technology and value-added services. We are gathering data to quantify the amount of sales by type of revenue stream. Concurrently, through the use of various data gathering methods, we are categorizing the types of sales for our business units for the purpose of comparing how we currently recognize revenue for the purpose of quantifying the impact, if any, that this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 contains guidance on accounting for leases and requires that most lease assets and liabilities and the associated rights and obligations be recognized on the Company’s balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 focuses on lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees classified as operating leases under previous generally accepted accounting principles. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. ASU 2016-02 will require disclosures regarding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The standard which requires the use of a modified retrospective approach will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the early stages of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Stock Compensation” (Topic 718) (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 contains amended guidance for share-based payment accounting. We will adopt the provisions of this standard during the first quarter of 2017.

The impact of ASU 2016-09 to our consolidated financial statements relating to our accounting for income taxes will require us to record all excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of income tax expense using the prospective method beginning as of January 1, 2017. Prior to the implementation of this ASU, excess tax benefits were recorded as a component of additional paid in capital and tax deficiencies were recognized either as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or in the income statement.

In addition, the ASU clarifies the classification of certain share based payment activities within the statements of cash flow. We have elected to prospectively present the amount of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation as a component of cash flow from operating activities.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. This ASU is required to be adopted using the modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance of this ASU is effective. Based upon the level and makeup of our financial asset portfolio, past loan loss activity and current known activity regarding our outstanding loans, we do not expect that this ASU will have a material impact on the results of our consolidated financial statements.

Property and Equipment, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment, Net

Note 2 – Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily under the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or the lease term. Property and equipment, including related estimated useful lives, consisted of the following:

			December 31,		December 26,
			2016		2015
Land			$	19,438	$	18,762
Buildings and permanent improvements				127,097		117,674
Leasehold improvements				95,048		89,766
Machinery and warehouse equipment				121,395		117,068
Furniture, fixtures and other				129,444		114,304
Computer equipment and software				372,322		339,006
				864,744		796,580
Less accumulated depreciation				(530,838)		(478,104)
	Property and equipment, net		$	333,906	$	318,476



			Estimated Useful
			Lives (in years)
		Buildings and permanent improvements	40
		Machinery and warehouse equipment	5-10
		Furniture, fixtures and other	3-10
		Computer equipment and software	3-10

Property and equipment related depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was $63.8 million, $60.2 million and $57.6 million.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

Note 3 – Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 were as follows:

			Health Care Distribution		Technology and Value-Added Services		Total
Balance as of December 27, 2014			$	1,710,554	$	173,569	$	1,884,123
	Adjustments to goodwill:
		Acquisitions		66,070		5,464		71,534
		Foreign currency translation		(34,602)		(13,462)		(48,064)
Balance as of December 26, 2015				1,742,022		165,571		1,907,593
	Adjustments to goodwill:
		Acquisitions		116,640		29,165		145,805
		Foreign currency translation		(27,127)		(6,531)		(33,658)
Balance as of December 31, 2016			$	1,831,535	$	188,205	$	2,019,740

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:


	December 31, 2016						December 26, 2015
			Accumulated						Accumulated
	Cost		Amortization		Net		Cost		Amortization		Net
Non-compete agreements	$	40,783	$	(6,927)	$	33,856	$	40,898	$	(10,131)	$	30,767
Trademarks / trade names - definite lived		136,211		(55,124)		81,087		114,271		(41,275)		72,996
Trademarks / trade names - indefinite lived		2,848		-		2,848		2,963		-		2,963
Customer relationships and lists		713,437		(288,417)		425,020		638,276		(236,485)		401,791
Other		134,254		(55,885)		78,369		127,532		(43,078)		84,454
Total	$	1,027,533	$	(406,353)	$	621,180	$	923,940	$	(330,969)	$	592,971

Non-compete agreements represent amounts paid primarily to key employees and prior owners of acquired businesses, as well as certain sales persons, in exchange for placing restrictions on their ability to pose a competitive risk to us. Such amounts are amortized, on a straight-line basis over the respective non-compete period, which generally commences upon termination of employment or separation from us. The weighted-average non-compete period for agreements currently being amortized was approximately 4.2 years as of December 31, 2016.

Trademarks, trade names, customer lists and customer relationships were established through business acquisitions. Definite-lived trademarks and trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of approximately 7.8 years as of December 31, 2016. Customer relationships and customer lists are definite-lived intangible assets that are amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted-average period of approximately 10.8 years as of December 31, 2016.

Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was $97.2 million, $91.9 million and $89.6 million. The annual amortization expense expected to be recorded for existing intangibles assets for the years 2017 through 2021 is $104.9 million, $98.4 million, $91.1 million, $82.7 million and $71.2 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Investments and Other

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Investments And Other [Abstract]

Investments and Other

Note 4 – Investments and Other

Investments and other consisted of the following:

		December 31,		December 26,
		2016		2015
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		$	299,249	$	293,273
Non-current deferred foreign, state and local income taxes			16,685		58,249
Notes receivable (1)			27,492		27,509
Capitalized costs for internally generated software for resale			32,321		27,851
Distribution rights and exclusivity agreements, net of amortization			1,937		2,514
Acquisition related indemnification			51,294		32,828
Other long-term assets			13,812		12,376
	Total	$	442,790	$	454,600


(1)	Long-term notes receivable carry interest rates ranging from 1.0% to 12.0% and are due in varying installments through
	December 31, 2030.

Amortization expense related to other long-term assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was $8.7 million, $7.0 million and $5.0 million.

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Note 5 – Debt

Bank Credit Lines

On September 12, 2012, we entered into a new $500 million revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a $200 million expansion feature, which was originally set to expire on September 12, 2017. On September 22, 2014, we extended the expiration date of the Credit Agreement to September 22, 2019. The interest rate is based on the USD LIBOR plus a spread based on our leverage ratio at the end of each financial reporting quarter. The Credit Agreement provides, among other things, that we are required to maintain maximum leverage ratios, and contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. The Credit Agreement also contains customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions on liens, indebtedness, significant corporate changes (including mergers), dispositions and certain restrictive agreements. As of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, the borrowings outstanding on this revolving credit facility were $65.0 million and $40.0, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, there were $13.0 million and $11.4 million of letters of credit, respectively, provided to third parties under the credit facility.

As of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, we had various other short-term bank credit lines available, of which $372.5 million and $288.6 million, respectively, was outstanding. At December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, borrowings under all of our credit lines had a weighted average interest rate of 1.61% and 1.21%, respectively.

Private Placement Facilities

On August 10, 2010, we entered into $400 million private placement facilities with two insurance companies. On April 30, 2012, we increased our available credit facilities by $375 million by entering into an additional agreement with one insurance company and amending our existing agreements with two insurance companies. On September 22, 2014, we increased our available private placement facilities by $200 million to a total facility amount of $975 million, and extended the expiration date to September 22, 2017. These facilities are available on an uncommitted basis at fixed rate economic terms to be agreed upon at the time of issuance, from time to time through September 22, 2017. The facilities allow us to issue senior promissory notes to the lenders at a fixed rate based on an agreed upon spread over applicable treasury notes at the time of issuance. The term of each possible issuance will be selected by us and can range from five to 15 years (with an average life no longer than 12 years). The proceeds of any issuances under the facilities will be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures, to refinance existing indebtedness and/or to fund potential acquisitions. The agreements provide, among other things, that we maintain certain maximum leverage ratios, and contain restrictions relating to subsidiary indebtedness, liens, affiliate transactions, disposal of assets and certain changes in ownership. These facilities contain make-whole provisions in the event that we pay off the facilities prior to the applicable due dates.

The components of our private placement facility borrowings as of December 31, 2016 are presented in the following table:


	Amount of
	Borrowing		Borrowing
Date of Borrowing	Outstanding		Rate		Due Date
September 2, 2010	$	100,000	3.79	%	September 2, 2020
January 20, 2012		50,000	3.45		January 20, 2024
January 20, 2012 (1)		42,857	3.09		January 20, 2022
December 24, 2012		50,000	3.00		December 24, 2024
June 2, 2014		100,000	3.19		June 2, 2021
	$	342,857


(1) Annual repayments of approximately $7.1 million for this borrowing commenced on January 20, 2016.

U.S. Trade Accounts Receivable Securitization

On April 17, 2013, we entered into a facility agreement of up to $300 million with a bank, as agent, based on the securitization of our U.S. trade accounts receivable. This facility allowed us to replace public debt (approximately $220 million), which had a higher interest rate at Henry Schein Animal Health (formerly Butler Schein Animal Health) (“HSAH”) during February 2013 and provided funding for working capital and general corporate purposes. The financing was structured as an asset-backed securitization program with pricing committed for up to three years. On April 17, 2015, we extended the expiration date of this facility agreement to April 15, 2018, and on June 1, 2016, we extended the expiration date of this facility agreement to April 29, 2019 and increased the purchase limit under the facility from $300 million to $350 million. The borrowings outstanding under this securitization facility were $350.0 million and $90.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2016, the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was based on the asset-backed commercial paper rate of 101 basis points plus 75 basis points, for a combined rate of 1.76%. At December 26, 2015, the interest rate on borrowings under this facility was based on the asset-backed commercial paper rate of 40 basis points plus 75 basis points, for a combined rate of 1.15%.

We are required to pay a commitment fee of 30 basis points on the daily balance of the unused portion of the facility if our usage is greater than or equal to 50% of the facility limit or a commitment fee of 35 basis points on the daily balance of the unused portion of the facility if our usage is less than 50% of the facility limit.

Borrowings under this facility are presented as a component of Long-term debt within our consolidated balance sheet.

Long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

		December 31,		December 26,
		2016		2015
Private placement facilities		$	342,857	$	350,000
U.S. trade accounts receivable securitization			350,000		90,000
Notes payable to banks at a weighted-average interest rate of 21.37% and 8.83%			47,957		5
Various collateralized and uncollateralized loans payable with interest,
	in varying installments through 2023 at interest rates ranging
	from 2.56% to 12.9%		35,150		38,215
Capital lease obligations (see Note 17)			5,416		2,863
Total			781,380		481,083
Less current maturities			(65,923)		(17,331)
	Total long-term debt	$	715,457	$	463,752

As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate amounts of long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, maturing in each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

2017		$	65,923
2018			32,184
2019			358,568
2020			107,904
2021			107,867
Thereafter			108,934
	Total	$	781,380

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Note 6 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Some minority shareholders in certain of our subsidiaries have the right, at certain times, to require us to acquire their ownership interest in those entities at fair value. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480-10 is applicable for noncontrolling interests where we are or may be required to purchase all or a portion of the outstanding interest in a consolidated subsidiary from the noncontrolling interest holder under the terms of a put option contained in contractual agreements. The components of the change in the Redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 are presented in the following table:

		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Balance, beginning of period		$	542,194	$	564,527	$	497,539
Decrease in redeemable noncontrolling interests due to
	redemptions		(72,729)		(82,563)		(105,383)
Increase in redeemable noncontrolling interests due to
	business acquisitions		58,172		18,936		120,220
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests			48,760		43,588		38,741
Dividends declared			(32,973)		(32,706)		(23,346)
Effect of foreign currency translation loss attributable to
	redeemable noncontrolling interests		(2,652)		(4,790)		(4,080)
Change in fair value of redeemable securities			66,864		35,202		40,836
Balance, end of period		$	607,636	$	542,194	$	564,527

Changes in the estimated redemption amounts of the noncontrolling interests subject to put options are adjusted at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to Additional paid-in capital. Future reductions in the carrying amounts are subject to a “floor” amount that is equal to the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests at the time they were originally recorded. The recorded value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests cannot go below the floor level. These adjustments do not impact the calculation of earnings per share.

Comprehensive Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

Note 7 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes certain gains and losses that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income as such amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation gain (loss), unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency hedging activities, unrealized investment gain (loss) and pension adjustment gain (loss).

The following table summarizes our Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes as of:

			December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
			2016		2015		2014
Attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests:
		Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(13,025)	$	(10,373)	$	(5,583)

Attributable to noncontrolling interests:
		Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(113)	$	(76)	$	(36)

Attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.:
	Foreign currency translation loss		$	(296,212)	$	(200,499)	$	(71,294)
	Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities			(53)		939		(1,055)
	Unrealized investment loss			-		(2)		(136)
	Pension adjustment loss			(20,776)		(20,377)		(22,647)
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(317,041)	$	(219,939)	$	(95,132)

Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss			$	(330,179)	$	(230,388)	$	(100,751)

The following table summarizes the components of comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes as follows:

	December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
	2016		2015		2014
Net income	$	556,395	$	523,427	$	505,436

Foreign currency translation loss		(98,402)		(134,035)		(157,698)
Tax effect		-		-		-
Foreign currency translation loss		(98,402)		(134,035)		(157,698)

Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities		(1,025)		2,147		(2,492)
Tax effect		33		(153)		155
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities		(992)		1,994		(2,337)

Unrealized investment gain		2		134		629
Tax effect		-		-		(250)
Unrealized investment gain		2		134		379

Pension adjustment gain (loss)		(947)		3,278		(10,222)
Tax effect		548		(1,008)		2,781
Pension adjustment gain (loss)		(399)		2,270		(7,441)

Comprehensive income	$	456,604	$	393,790	$	338,339

During the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, we recognized, as a component of our comprehensive income, a foreign currency translation loss of $(98.4) million, $(134.0) million and $(157.7) million, respectively, due to changes in foreign exchange rates from the beginning of the period to the end of the period. Our financial statements are denominated in the U.S. Dollar currency. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. Dollar may have a significant impact on our comprehensive income. The foreign currency translation gain (loss) during the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates as follows:

		Foreign Currency
		Translation
		Gain (Loss)
		for the
		Year Ended		FX Rate in USD
		December 31,		December 31,	December 26,
Currency		2016		2016	2015
British Pound		$	(53,723)	1.23	1.49
Euro			(41,245)	1.05	1.10
Polish Zloty			(3,849)	0.24	0.26
Canadian Dollar			3,345	0.74	0.72
Brazilian Real			2,856	0.31	0.25
Swiss Franc			(2,365)	0.98	1.01
Australian Dollar			(562)	0.72	0.73
All other currencies			(2,859)
	Total	$	(98,402)

		Foreign Currency
		Translation
		Gain (Loss)
		for the
		Year Ended		FX Rate in USD
		December 26,		December 26,	December 27,
Currency		2015		2015	2014
Euro		$	(76,754)	1.10	1.22
Australian Dollar			(19,864)	0.73	0.81
British Pound			(15,404)	1.49	1.56
Canadian Dollar			(10,071)	0.72	0.86
Brazilian Real			(5,942)	0.25	0.37
Polish Zloty			(3,281)	0.26	0.28
Swiss Franc			928	1.01	1.01
All other currencies			(3,647)
	Total	$	(134,035)

		Foreign Currency
		Translation
		Loss
		for the
		Year Ended		FX Rate in USD
		December 27,		December 27,	December 28,
Currency		2014		2014	2013
Euro		$	(93,882)	1.22	1.38
Australian Dollar			(15,710)	0.81	0.89
British Pound			(19,150)	1.56	1.65
Canadian Dollar			(6,891)	0.86	0.94
Polish Zloty			(7,135)	0.28	0.33
Swiss Franc			(7,154)	1.01	1.12
All other currencies			(7,776)
	Total	$	(157,698)

The following table summarizes our total comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes as follows:

		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Comprehensive income attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.	$	409,676	$	354,251	$	303,096
Comprehensive income attributable to
	noncontrolling interests		820		741		582
Comprehensive income attributable to
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests		46,108		38,798		34,661
Comprehensive income		$	456,604	$	393,790	$	338,339

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC Topic 820”) provides a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles.

ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).

The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC Topic 820 are described as follows:

• Level 1— Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

• Level 2— Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

• Level 3— Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

The following section describes the fair values of our financial instruments and the methodologies that we used to measure their fair values.

Investments and notes receivable

There are no quoted market prices available for investments in unconsolidated affiliates and notes receivable; however, we believe the carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Debt

The fair value of our debt (including bank credit lines) as of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 was estimated at $1,218.9 million and $809.7 million, respectively. Factors that we considered when estimating the fair value of our debt include market conditions, prepayment and make-whole provisions, liquidity levels in the private placement market, variability in pricing from multiple lenders and term of debt.

Derivative contracts

Derivative contracts are valued using quoted market prices and significant other observable and unobservable inputs. We use derivative instruments to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our derivative instruments primarily include foreign currency forward agreements related to intercompany loans and certain forecasted inventory purchase commitments with suppliers.

The fair values for the majority of our foreign currency derivative contracts are obtained by comparing our contract rate to a published forward price of the underlying market rates, which is based on market rates for comparable transactions and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

Some minority shareholders in certain of our subsidiaries have the right, at certain times, to require us to acquire their ownership interest in those entities at fair value based on third-party valuations. The primary factor affecting the future value of redeemable noncontrolling interests is expected earnings and, if such earnings are not achieved, the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests might be impacted. The noncontrolling interests subject to put options are adjusted to their estimated redemption amounts each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to Additional paid-in capital. Future reductions in the carrying amounts are subject to a “floor” amount that is equal to the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests at the time they were originally recorded. The recorded value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests cannot go below the floor level. These adjustments do not impact the calculation of earnings per share. The values for Redeemable noncontrolling interests are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The details of the changes in Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented in Note 6.

The following table presents our assets and liabilities that are measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015:

			December 31, 2016
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	1,240	$	-	$	1,240
		Total assets	$	-	$	1,240	$	-	$	1,240

Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	931	$	-	$	931
		Total liabilities	$	-	$	931	$	-	$	931

Redeemable noncontrolling interests			$	-	$	-	$	607,636	$	607,636

			December 26, 2015
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	4,289	$	-	$	4,289
		Total assets	$	-	$	4,289	$	-	$	4,289

Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	2,477	$	-	$	2,477
		Total liabilities	$	-	$	2,477	$	-	$	2,477

Redeemable noncontrolling interests			$	-	$	-	$	542,194	$	542,194

Business Acquisitions and Divestiture	12 Months Ended
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations And Divestitures [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions and Divestiture	Note 9 – Business Acquisitions and Divestiture Acquisitions The operating results of all acquisitions are reflected in our financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. On January 12, 2016, we announced that our U.S. animal health business, Henry Schein Animal Health, completed the purchase of an 80.1% interest in Vetstreet, Inc., a leading software as a service (SaaS) provider of marketing solutions and health information analytics to veterinary practices and animal health product manufacturers. Vetstreet had sales in 2015 of approximately $40 million. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $17.9 million of initial goodwill. On February 3, 2016, we announced the completion of the acquisition of RxWorks, Inc., a leading provider of veterinary practice management software primarily to customers in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and other countries around the world. The company had sales for the 12 months ended June 30, 2015 of approximately $7 million. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $4.2 million of initial goodwill. On February 5, 2016, we announced that we have entered into an agreement to acquire a majority ownership interest in Dental Cremer S.A., a distributor of dental supplies and equipment in Brazil. Headquartered in Blumenau, Brazil, Dental Cremer, which is the dental distribution business of Cremer S.A., had 2015 sales of approximately $70 million. On December 28, 2016, we completed this transaction. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $37.5 million of initial goodwill. On March 23, 2016, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement with J. Morita Corp. to expand our presence in Japan. This transaction was completed on June 20, 2016 and, as a result, we own a 50% interest in One Piece Corp., a subsidiary of J. Morita, one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of dental equipment and supplies. One Piece Corp. had aggregate sales in fiscal 2015 of approximately $125 million. We completed certain other acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2016, which were immaterial to our financial statements individually and in the aggregate and resulted in the recording of approximately $69.9 million of initial goodwill through preliminary purchase price allocations. Total acquisition transaction costs incurred in the year ended December 31, 2016 were immaterial to our financial results. On March 31, 2015, we completed the acquisition of scil animal care company GmbH (“scil”), a specialty distributor of animal health laboratory and imaging diagnostic products and services to veterinarians primarily in North America and Europe. scil had annual sales in 2014 of approximately $83 million. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $3.5 million of initial goodwill. On July 10, 2015, we announced that, during the second quarter ended June 27, 2015, we made a 50% non-consolidating ownership investment in Maravet S.A. (“Maravet”), an animal health distributor in Romania. Maravet is a privately held company with annual sales of approximately $23 million. On September 1, 2015, we announced the completion of the acquisition of an 85% interest in Jorgen Kruuse A/S (“KRUUSE”), a leading distributor of veterinary supplies in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. KRUUSE had sales in 2014 of approximately $90 million. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $20.7 million of initial goodwill. On November 30, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Dental Trey (S.R.L.) (“Dental Trey”), a leading distributor of dental consumable merchandise and equipment in Italy. Dental Trey had sales for the 12 months ended June 30, 2015 of approximately $49 million. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $8.5 million of initial goodwill. We completed certain other acquisitions during the year ended December 26, 2015, which were immaterial to our financial statements individually and in the aggregate and resulted in the recording of approximately $27.1 million of initial goodwill through preliminary purchase price allocations. Total acquisition transaction costs incurred in the year ended December 26, 2015 were immaterial to our financial results. On December 30, 2013, we completed the acquisition of approximately 60% of the equity interest in BioHorizons, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced dental implants with annual revenues of approximately $115 million. Prior to completion of the acquisition, we funded BioHorizons, Inc. $145 million, which was recorded as a long-term loan included in Investments and Other within our consolidated balance sheet at December 28, 2013. This long-term loan was subsequently recorded as an intercompany loan upon completion of the acquisition and has been eliminated from our consolidated balance sheet as of December 27, 2014. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $143.7 million of initial goodwill. On February 3, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% ownership of five businesses in three European countries from Arseus NV. The businesses combine for annual sales of approximately $97 million and include a dental practice management software company in France and distributors of dental products in France, the Netherlands and Belgium. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $21.4 million of initial goodwill. On April 2, 2014, we completed our previously announced acquisition of an 80% ownership position in Medivet S.A., a privately held distributor of animal health products and services in Poland. Medivet has annual sales of approximately $80 million. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $18.7 million of initial goodwill. On June 30, 2014, we completed our previously announced acquisition by our U.S. Animal Health business, Butler Animal Health Supply LLC, together with our wholly-owned subsidiary, W.A. Butler Company, of a 60% ownership position in SmartPak Equine, LLC (“SmartPak”), a privately held provider of equine supplements and horse supplies in the United States. SmartPak had sales of approximately $105 million in 2013. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded $59.7 million of initial goodwill. On November 20, 2014, we entered into a long-term strategic agreement with Cardinal Health, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the physician office-focused commercial organization of Cardinal Health’s Medical segment was acquired and has been consolidated into the commercial organization of our medical group. The physician office sales team and physician office distribution business of Cardinal Health’s medical segment, with annual sales of more than $230 million, will be integrated into our medical group. Additionally, we committed to purchase Cardinal Health™ Brand products and utilize Cardinal Health as a primary source for various medical products. There was no goodwill recorded on this transaction. We completed certain other acquisitions during the year ended December 27, 2014, which were immaterial to our financial statements individually and in the aggregate and resulted in the recording of approximately $16.4 million of initial goodwill through preliminary purchase price allocations.

Plans of Restructuring

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Plans of Restructuring

Note 10 – Plans of Restructuring

On November 6, 2014, we announced a corporate initiative to rationalize our operations and provide expense efficiencies, which was expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2015. This initiative originally planned for the elimination of approximately 2% to 3% of our workforce and the closing of certain facilities. We subsequently announced our plan to extend these restructuring activities through the end of 2016 to further implement cost-savings initiatives, which ultimately resulted in the elimination of approximately 900 positions, representing slightly more than 4% of our workforce. The total costs associated with the actions to date for this restructuring include $34.9 million pre-tax, which was recorded in fiscal 2015 and $45.9 million pre-tax, which has been recorded in fiscal 2016. The costs associated with this restructuring are included in a separate line item, “Restructuring costs” within our consolidated statements of income.

As of December 31, 2016 our restructuring activities are complete and we do not expect to incur any additional restructuring charges in fiscal 2017.

The following table shows the amounts expensed and paid for restructuring costs that were incurred during our 2016, 2015 and 2014 fiscal years and the remaining accrued balance of restructuring costs as of December 31, 2016, which is included in Accrued expenses: Other and Other liabilities within our consolidated balance sheet:


			Facility
	Severance		Closing
	Costs		Costs		Other		Total
Balance, December 28, 2013	$	227	$	484	$	-	$	711
Provision		-		-		-		-
Payments and other adjustments		(107)		(183)		-		(290)
Balance, December 27, 2014	$	120	$	301	$	-	$	421
Provision		26,742		5,706		2,483		34,931
Payments and other adjustments		(17,759)		(3,856)		(1,672)		(23,287)
Balance, December 26, 2015	$	9,103	$	2,151	$	811	$	12,065
Provision		40,728		3,587		1,576		45,891
Payments and other adjustments		(27,477)		(3,284)		(1,492)		(32,253)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	22,354	$	2,454	$	895	$	25,703

The following table shows, by reportable segment, the amounts expensed and paid for restructuring costs that were incurred during our 2016, 2015 and 2014 fiscal years and the remaining accrued balance of restructuring costs as of December 31, 2016:

			Technology and
	Health Care		Value-Added
	Distribution		Services		Total
Balance, December 28, 2013	$	711	$	-	$	711
Provision		-		-		-
Payments and other adjustments		(290)		-		(290)
Balance, December 27, 2014	$	421	$	-	$	421
Provision		33,889		1,042		34,931
Payments and other adjustments		(22,248)		(1,039)		(23,287)
Balance, December 26, 2015	$	12,062	$	3	$	12,065
Provision		44,082		1,809		45,891
Payments and other adjustments		(30,906)		(1,347)		(32,253)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	25,238	$	465	$	25,703

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Note 11 – Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Henry Schein, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Our diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share, except that it reflects the effect of common shares issuable for presently unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units and upon exercise of stock options, using the treasury stock method in periods in which they have a dilutive effect.

A reconciliation of shares used in calculating earnings per basic and diluted share follows:

		Years Ended
		December 31,	December 26,	December 27,
		2016	2015	2014
Basic		80,820	82,844	84,265
Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units	1,042	1,281	1,475
	Diluted	81,862	84,125	85,740

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 12 – Income Taxes

Income before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates was as follows:

		Years ended
		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Domestic		$	625,792	$	591,320	$	543,433
Foreign			130,043		129,438		165,879
	Total	$	755,835	$	720,758	$	709,312

The provisions for income taxes were as follows:

				Years ended
				December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
				2016		2015		2014
Current income tax expense:
	U.S. Federal			$	185,438	$	162,948	$	156,956
	State and local				28,229		29,580		28,708
	Foreign				41,357		25,104		31,038
		Total current			255,024		217,632		216,702

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. Federal				(18,090)		(3,381)		(2,389)
	State and local				(4,809)		992		(2,682)
	Foreign				(14,167)		(3,852)		3,979
		Total deferred			(37,066)		(6,241)		(1,092)
			Total provision	$	217,958	$	211,391	$	215,610

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to our deferred income tax asset (liability) were as follows:

			Years Ended
			December 31,		December 26,
			2016		2015
Current deferred income tax asset (liability):
	Inventory, premium coupon redemptions and accounts receivable
		valuation allowances	$	-	$	25,403
	Uniform capitalization adjustments to inventories			-		10,719
	Other current assets			-		15,645
	Current deferred income tax asset (1)			-		51,767

Non-current deferred income tax asset (liability):
	Inventory, premium coupon redemptions and accounts receivable
		valuation allowances		29,422		-
	Uniform capitalization adjustments to inventories			10,632		-
	Property and equipment			(15,882)		(10,035)
	Stock-based compensation			41,677		35,942
	Intangibles amortization			(142,678)		(218,097)
	Other non-current asset (liability)			23,836		(19,377)
	Net operating losses of foreign subsidiaries			44,493		37,455
		Total non-current deferred tax liability		(8,500)		(174,112)
		Valuation allowance for non-current deferred tax assets (2)		(26,403)		(20,501)
	Net non-current deferred tax liability (1)			(34,903)		(194,613)
Net deferred income tax liability			$	(34,903)	$	(142,846)


(1)	Certain deferred tax amounts do not have a right of offset and are therefore reflected on a gross basis in
	non-current assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

(2)	Primarily relates to operating losses of acquired subsidiaries, the benefits of which are uncertain. Any future reductions
	of such valuation allowances will be reflected as a reduction of income tax expense in accordance with the provisions of
	ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.”

The assessment of the amount of value assigned to our deferred tax assets under the applicable accounting rules is judgmental. We are required to consider all available positive and negative evidence in evaluating the likelihood that we will be able to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets in the future. Such evidence includes scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and the results of recent operations. Since this evaluation requires consideration of events that may occur some years into the future, there is an element of judgment involved. Realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future periods. We believe that it is more likely than not that future taxable income will be sufficient to allow us to recover substantially all of the value assigned to our deferred tax assets. However, if future events cause us to conclude that it is not more likely than not that we will be able to recover all of the value assigned to our deferred tax assets, we will be required to adjust our valuation allowance accordingly.

During the third quarter of 2016, the Company elected to early adopt ASU No. 2015-17 (Topic 740), “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”, prospectively. As a result, all deferred tax assets and liabilities are presented as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. There was no impact on our results of operations as a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17 and prior periods have not been adjusted.

In 2016, we utilized federal and state net operating loss carryforwards upon filing the 2015 federal and state tax returns. As of December 31, 2016, we had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $8.0 million, which can be utilized against future foreign income through December 31, 2025. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, there were foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $153.4 million that have an indefinite life.

The tax provisions differ from the amount computed using the federal statutory income tax rate as follows:

		Years ended
		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate		$	264,542	$	252,265	$	248,260
State income tax provision, net of federal income tax effect			11,236		14,627		11,381
Foreign income tax provision			(18,036)		(25,942)		(22,960)
Pass through noncontrolling interest			(13,083)		(12,463)		(11,431)
Valuation allowance			1,472		(5,006)		(770)
Unrecognized tax benefits and audit settlements			3,066		13,867		11,501
Interest expense related to loans			(21,737)		(22,415)		(24,043)
Other			(9,502)		(3,542)		3,672
	Total income tax provision	$	217,958	$	211,391	$	215,610

For the year ended December 31, 2016, our effective tax rate was 28.8% compared to 29.3% for the prior year period. The difference between our effective tax rates and the federal statutory tax rates for both periods primarily relates to state and foreign income taxes and interest expense. During the second quarter of 2016, the effective tax rate was affected by a federal tax audit settlement, which reduced our income tax expense by approximately $4.5 million which is included in the unrecognized tax benefits amount above.

During the third quarter of 2015, we received a favorable response to a tax petition, which allowed us to conclude that it was more likely than not that certain unrecognized tax benefits, which had been previously reserved, would be realized. As a result, our provision for income taxes in 2015 included a $6.3 million income tax benefit, which is included in the unrecognized tax benefits amount above.

Absent the effects of this income tax benefit in the third quarter of 2015, our effective tax rate for the year ended December 26, 2015 would have been 30.2% as compared to our actual effective tax rate of 29.3%. The remaining difference between our effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate for the period primarily relates to state and foreign income taxes and interest expense.

Provision has not been made for U.S. or additional foreign taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which have been, and will continue to be reinvested. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they were remitted as dividends, if foreign earnings were loaned to us or a U.S. affiliate, or if we should sell, transfer or dispose of our stock in the foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to determine the amount of additional tax, if any, that might be payable on the foreign earnings because if we were to repatriate these earnings, we believe there would be various methods available to us, each with different U.S. tax consequences. As of December 31, 2016, the cumulative amount of reinvested earnings was approximately $937.0 million.

ASC Topic 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with other provisions contained within this guidance. This topic prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate audit settlement. In the normal course of business, our tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities for uncertain tax positions taken in respect to certain tax matters.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which are included in “Other liabilities” within our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $107.4 million, of which $81.4 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next 12 months; however, we do not expect the change to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

The total amounts of interest and penalties, which are classified as a component of the provision for income taxes, were approximately $17.1 million and $0, respectively, as of December 31, 2016.

The tax years subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions include the years 2012 and forward by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), as well as the years 2008 and forward for certain states and certain foreign jurisdictions. In December 2014, the IRS issued a Statutory Notice of Deficiency for 2009, 2010 and 2011. During the quarter ended March 28, 2015, we filed our petition to the U.S. Tax Court disputing the adjustments proposed by the IRS. During the quarter ended June 27, 2015, we were notified by the IRS that our protest was transferred to the Appellate Divisions (Appeals Section) of the IRS. During the quarter ended March 26, 2016, we filed our protest with the Appellate Division. The opening appeals conference was held on June 8, 2016 and a proposed settlement was reached. On July 13, 2016, a joint status report was filed with the Tax Court indicating a basis for settlement had been reached on all of the issues in this case. On October 7, 2016 an executed decision document was signed by the Internal Revenue Service’s Special Trial Attorney and submitted to the Tax Court finalizing the Appeals decision. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, we filed a Mutual Agreement Procedure request with the IRS for assistance from the U.S. Competent Authority for an open Transfer Pricing issue. We do not expect this to have a significant effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or the results of operations.

The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits excluding the effects of deferred taxes, interest and penalties:

	December 31,		December 26,
	2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	77,600	$	65,800
Additions based on current year tax positions		7,300		10,400
Additions based on prior year tax positions		20,400		19,600
Reductions based on prior year tax positions		(900)		(10,500)
Reductions resulting from settlements with taxing authorities		(9,700)		(7,600)
Reductions resulting from lapse in statutes of limitations		(4,300)		(100)
Balance, end of period	$	90,400	$	77,600

Concentrations of Risk	12 Months Ended
Concentrations of Risk	Dec. 31, 2016
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations of Risk	Note 13 – Concentrations of Risk Certain financial instruments potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk. These financial instruments consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade receivables, long-term investments, notes receivable and derivative instruments. In all cases, our maximum exposure to loss from credit risk equals the gross fair value of the financial instruments. We continuously assess the need for reserves for such losses, which have been within our expectations. We do not require collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk, except for long-term notes receivable. We limit our credit risk with respect to our cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments and derivative instruments, by monitoring the credit worthiness of the financial institutions who are the counter-parties to such financial instruments. As a risk management policy, we limit the amount of credit exposure by diversifying and utilizing numerous investment grade counter-parties. With respect to our trade receivables, our credit risk is somewhat limited due to a relatively large customer base and its dispersion across different types of health care professionals and geographic areas. No single customer accounted for more than 1% of our net sales in 2016 or 2015. With respect to our sources of supply, our top 10 health care distribution suppliers and our single largest supplier accounted for approximately 34% and 6%, respectively, of our aggregate purchases in 2016 and approximately 34% and 7%, respectively, of our aggregate purchases in 2015. Our long-term notes receivable primarily represent strategic financing arrangements with certain industry affiliates and amounts owed to us from sales of certain businesses. Generally, these notes are secured by certain assets of the counter-party; however, in most cases our security is subordinate to other commercial financial institutions. While we have exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by these counter-parties, we conduct ongoing assessments of their financial and operational performance.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	Note 14 – Derivatives and Hedging Activities We are exposed to market risks as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar and each other, and changes to the credit markets. We attempt to minimize these risks by primarily using foreign currency forward contracts and by maintaining counter-party credit limits. These hedging activities provide only limited protection against currency exchange and credit risks. Factors that could influence the effectiveness of our hedging programs include currency markets and availability of hedging instruments and liquidity of the credit markets. All foreign currency forward contracts that we enter into are components of hedging programs and are entered into for the sole purpose of hedging an existing or anticipated currency exposure. We do not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes and we manage our credit risks by diversifying our investments, maintaining a strong balance sheet and having multiple sources of capital. Fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar may positively or negatively affect our revenues, gross margins, operating expenses and retained earnings, all of which are expressed in U.S. dollars. Where we deem it prudent, we engage in hedging programs using primarily foreign currency forward contracts aimed at limiting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on earnings. We purchase short-term (i.e., 18 months or less) foreign currency forward contracts to protect against currency exchange risks associated with intercompany loans due from our international subsidiaries and the payment of merchandise purchases to our foreign suppliers. We do not hedge the translation of foreign currency profits into U.S. dollars, as we regard this as an accounting exposure, not an economic exposure. Our hedging activities have historically not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, additional disclosures related to derivatives and hedging activities required by ASC Topic 815 have been omitted.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Segment and Geographic Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment and Geographic Data

Note 15 – Segment and Geographic Data

We conduct our business through two reportable segments: (i) health care distribution and (ii) technology and value-added services. These segments offer different products and services to the same customer base.

The health care distribution reportable segment aggregates our global dental, animal health and medical operating segments. This segment distributes consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large equipment, equipment repair services, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection-control products and vitamins. Our global dental group serves office-based dental practitioners, dental laboratories, schools and other institutions. Our global animal health group serves animal health practices and clinics. Our global medical group serves office-based medical practitioners, ambulatory surgery centers, other alternate-care settings and other institutions. Our global dental, animal health and medical groups serve practitioners in 33 countries worldwide.

Our technology and value-added services group provides software, technology and other value-added services to health care practitioners. Our technology group offerings include practice management software systems for dental and medical practitioners and animal health clinics. Our value-added practice solutions include financial services on a non-recourse basis, e-services, continuing education services for practitioners, consulting and other services.

The following tables present information about our reportable and operating segments:

				Years Ended
				December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
				2016		2015		2014
Net Sales:
	Health care distribution (1):
		Dental		$	5,555,299	$	5,276,407	$	5,381,215
		Animal health			3,253,095		2,921,624		2,898,612
		Medical			2,337,661		2,072,915		1,742,685
			Total health care distribution		11,146,055		10,270,946		10,022,512
	Technology and value-added services (2)				425,613		358,773		348,878
		Total		$	11,571,668	$	10,629,719	$	10,371,390


(1)	Consists of consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large equipment, equipment repair services, branded and
	generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection-control products and vitamins.

(2)	Consists of practice management software and other value-added products, which are distributed primarily to health care providers,
	and financial services on a non-recourse basis, e-services, continuing education services for practitioners, consulting and
	other services.

			Years ended
			December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
			2016		2015		2014
Operating Income:
	Health care distribution		$	652,106	$	626,574	$	611,771
	Technology and value-added services			119,468		107,398		103,371
		Total	$	771,574	$	733,972	$	715,142

Income before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates:
	Health care distribution		$	640,184	$	617,582	$	609,619
	Technology and value-added services			115,651		103,176		99,693
		Total	$	755,835	$	720,758	$	709,312

Depreciation and Amortization:
	Health care distribution		$	146,276	$	141,184	$	136,126
	Technology and value-added services			23,504		17,943		16,112
		Total	$	169,780	$	159,127	$	152,238

Income Tax Expense:
	Health care distribution		$	185,571	$	180,133	$	185,649
	Technology and value-added services			32,387		31,258		29,961
		Total	$	217,958	$	211,391	$	215,610

Interest Income:
	Health care distribution		$	13,086	$	12,833	$	13,585
	Technology and value-added services			189		102		70
		Total	$	13,275	$	12,935	$	13,655

Interest Expense:
	Health care distribution		$	31,845	$	25,926	$	23,916
	Technology and value-added services			48		82		141
		Total	$	31,893	$	26,008	$	24,057

Purchases of Fixed Assets:
	Health care distribution		$	66,943	$	68,235	$	74,955
	Technology and value-added services			3,236		3,449		7,161
		Total	$	70,179	$	71,684	$	82,116
			As of
			December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
			2016		2015		2014
Total Assets:
	Health care distribution		$	6,294,735	$	6,129,285	$	5,756,993
	Technology and value-added services			435,661		375,455		381,814
		Total	$	6,730,396	$	6,504,740	$	6,138,807

The following table presents information about our operations by geographic area as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2016. Net sales by geographic area are based on the respective locations of our subsidiaries. No country, except for the United States, generated net sales greater than 10% of consolidated net sales. There were no material amounts of sales or transfers among geographic areas and there were no material amounts of export sales.

		2016				2015				2014
		Net Sales		Long-Lived Assets		Net Sales		Long-Lived Assets		Net Sales		Long-Lived Assets
United States		$	7,536,897	$	1,803,689	$	6,798,847	$	1,739,546	$	6,247,056	$	1,771,719
Other			4,034,771		1,171,137		3,830,872		1,079,494		4,124,334		1,067,636
	Consolidated total	$	11,571,668	$	2,974,826	$	10,629,719	$	2,819,040	$	10,371,390	$	2,839,355

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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+ Details

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Employee Benefit Plans

Note 16 – Employee Benefit Plans

Stock-based Compensation

Our accompanying consolidated statements of income reflect pre-tax share-based compensation expense of $58.2 million ($41.4 million after-tax), $44.6 million ($31.5 million after-tax) and $45.9 million ($31.9 million after-tax) for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Our accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows present our stock-based compensation expense as an adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities for all periods presented. In the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows, we presented $(0.5) million, $2.2 million and $5.9 million of benefits associated with tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation as a cash inflow from financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. We measure stock-based compensation at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and recognize the cost (net of estimated forfeitures) as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Our stock-based compensation expense is reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income.

Stock-based awards are provided to certain employees and non-employee directors under the terms of our 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and our 2015 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan (together, the “Plans”). The Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Prior to March 2009, awards under the Plans principally included a combination of at-the-money stock options and restricted stock/units. Since March 2009, equity-based awards have been granted solely in the form of restricted stock/units, with the exception of providing stock options to employees pursuant to certain pre-existing contractual obligations. As of December 31, 2016, there were 31,229 shares authorized and 4,678 shares available to be granted under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan and 900 shares authorized and 141 shares available to be granted under the 2015 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan.

Grants of restricted stock/units are stock-based awards granted to recipients with specified vesting provisions. In the case of restricted stock, common stock is delivered on the date of grant, subject to vesting conditions. In the case of restricted stock units, common stock is generally delivered on or following satisfaction of vesting conditions. We issue restricted stock/units that vest solely based on the recipient’s continued service over time (primarily four-year cliff vesting, except for grants made under the 2015 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan, which are primarily 12-month cliff vesting) and restricted stock/units that vest based on our achieving specified performance measurements and the recipient’s continued service over time (primarily three-year cliff vesting).

With respect to time-based restricted stock/units, we estimate the fair value on the date of grant based on our closing stock price. With respect to performance-based restricted stock/units, the number of shares that ultimately vest and are received by the recipient is based upon our performance as measured against specified targets over a specified period, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Although there is no guarantee that performance targets will be achieved, we estimate the fair value of performance-based restricted stock/units based on our closing stock price at time of grant.

The Plans provide for adjustments to the performance-based restricted stock/units targets for significant events such as acquisitions, divestitures, new business ventures, certain capital transactions (including share repurchases), restructuring costs, if any, changes in accounting principles or in applicable laws or regulations and certain foreign exchange fluctuations. Over the performance period, the number of shares of common stock that will ultimately vest and be issued and the related compensation expense is adjusted upward or downward based upon our estimation of achieving such performance targets. The ultimate number of shares delivered to recipients and the related compensation cost recognized as an expense will be based on our actual performance metrics as defined under the Plans.

We record deferred income tax assets for awards that will result in future deductions on our income tax returns based on the amount of compensation cost recognized and our statutory tax rate in the jurisdiction in which we will receive a deduction. Differences between the deferred income tax assets recognized for financial reporting purposes and the actual tax deduction reported on our income tax return are recorded in additional paid-in capital (if the tax deduction exceeds the deferred income tax asset) or in earnings (if the deferred income tax asset exceeds the tax deduction and no additional paid-in capital exists from previous awards).

Stock-based compensation grants for the three years ended December 31, 2016 primarily consisted of restricted stock/unit grants. Certain stock-based compensation granted may require us to settle in the form of a cash payment. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a liability of $0.8 million relating to the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation to be settled in cash, as well as an expense of $0.3 million relating to the change in the fair value of these grants. The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock-based awards granted before forfeitures was $167.80, $140.80 and $119.45 per share during the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards as of December 31, 2016 was $85.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years.

A summary of the stock option activity under the Plans is presented below:

	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 26,			December 27,
	2016			2015			2014

		Weighted			Weighted			Weighted
		Average			Average			Average
		Exercise			Exercise			Exercise
	Shares	Price		Shares	Price		Shares	Price
Outstanding at beginning of year	385	$	56.00	684	$	53.41	1,323	$	51.53
Granted	-		-	-		-	-		-
Exercised	(208)		54.99	(299)		50.09	(639)		49.51
Forfeited	-		-	-		-	-		-
Outstanding at end of year	177	$	57.19	385	$	56.00	684	$	53.41

Options exercisable at end of year	177	$	57.19	385	$	56.00	684	$	53.41

During the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, we did not grant any stock options.

The following table represents the intrinsic values of:

	As of
	December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
	2016		2015		2014
Stock options outstanding	$	16,681	$	38,882	$	57,421
Stock options exercisable		16,681		38,882		57,421

The total cash received as a result of stock option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was approximately $11.4 million, $14.9 million and $31.5 million. In connection with these exercises, the tax benefits that we realized for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were $23.4 million, $20.8 million and $11.2 million. We settle employee stock option exercises with newly issued common shares.

The total intrinsic value per share of restricted stock/units that vested was $163.71, $143.20 and $119.36 during the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014. The following table summarizes the status of our non-vested restricted stock/units for the year ended December 31, 2016:


	Time-Based Restricted Stock/Units
		Weighted Average
		Grant Date Fair		Intrinsic Value
	Shares/Units	Value Per Share		Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	775	$	99.29
Granted	175		155.06
Vested	(239)		74.66
Forfeited	(41)		124.22
Outstanding at end of period	670	$	121.08	$	151.71
	Performance-Based Restricted Stock/Units
		Weighted Average
		Grant Date Fair		Intrinsic Value
	Shares/Units	Value Per Share		Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	930	$	91.33
Granted	246		159.78
Vested	(214)		90.58
Forfeited	(37)		137.92
Outstanding at end of period	925	$	108.09	$	151.71

401(k) Plans

We offer qualified 401(k) plans to substantially all our domestic full-time employees. As determined by our Board of Directors, matching contributions to these plans generally do not exceed 100% of the participants’ contributions up to 7% of their base compensation, subject to applicable legal limits. Matching contributions consist of cash and were allocated entirely to the participants’ investment elections on file, subject to a 20% allocation limit to the Henry Schein Stock Fund. Forfeitures attributable to participants whose employment terminates prior to becoming fully vested are used to reduce our matching contributions and offset administrative expenses of the 401(k) plans.

Assets of the 401(k) and other defined contribution plans are held in self-directed accounts enabling participants to choose from various investment fund options. Matching contributions and administrative expenses related to these plans charged to operations during the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 amounted to $34.0 million, $31.5 million and $28.6 million.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

We offer an unfunded, non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan to eligible employees. This plan generally covers officers and certain highly-compensated employees after they have reached the maximum IRS allowed pre-tax 401(k) contribution limit. Our contributions to this plan are equal to the 401(k) employee-elected contribution percentage applied to base compensation for the portion of the year in which such employees are not eligible to make pre-tax contributions to the 401(k) plan. The amounts charged to operations during the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 amounted to $0.3 million, $1.5 million and $1.9 million.

Deferred Compensation Plan

During 2011, we began to offer a deferred compensation plan to a select group of management or highly compensated employees of the Company and certain associated companies. This plan allows for the elective deferral of base salary, bonus and/or commission compensation by eligible employees. The amounts charged to operations during the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were approximately $1.7 million, $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 17 – Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

We lease facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring through 2033. We expect that in the normal course of business, leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases.

Future minimum annual rental payments under our non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016 were:

2017		$	84,010
2018			67,633
2019			52,382
2020			40,749
2021			29,374
Thereafter			63,393
	Total minimum operating lease payments	$	337,541

Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was $79.6 million, $76.0 million and $76.1 million.

Capital Leases

We lease certain equipment under capital leases. Future minimum annual lease payments under our capital leases together with the present value of the minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 2016 were:

2017		$	1,517
2018			1,244
2019			738
2020			310
2021			266
Thereafter			1,834
Total minimum capital lease payments			5,909
	Less: Amount representing interest at 1.38% to 19.15%		(493)
	Total present value of minimum capital lease payments	$	5,416

Purchase Commitments

In our health care distribution business, we sometimes enter into long-term purchase commitments to ensure the availability of products for distribution. Future minimum annual payments for inventory purchase commitments as of December 31, 2016 were:

2017		$	179,562
2018			116,394
2019			91,780
2020			101,280
2021			111,680
Thereafter			116,200
	Total minimum inventory purchase commitment payments	$	716,896

Litigation

In September 2015, Henry Schein, Inc. was served with a summons and complaint in an action commenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entitled SourceOne Dental, Inc. v. Patterson Companies, Inc., Henry Schein, Inc. and Benco Dental Supply Company, Civil Action No. 15-cv-05440-JMA-GRB. Plaintiff alleges that, through its website, it markets and sells dental supplies and equipment to dentists. Plaintiff alleges, among other things, that defendants conspired to eliminate plaintiff as a viable competitor and to exclude plaintiff from the market for the marketing, distribution and sale of dental supplies and equipment in the United States and that defendants unlawfully agreed with one another to boycott dentists, manufacturers and state dental associations that deal with, or considered dealing with, plaintiff. Plaintiff asserts the following claims: (i) unreasonable restraint of trade in violation of state and federal antitrust laws; (ii) tortious interference with prospective business relations; (iii) civil conspiracy; and (iv) aiding and abetting the other defendants’ ongoing tortious and anticompetitive conduct. Plaintiff seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, punitive damages, interest and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against the action.

Beginning in January 2016, class action complaints were filed against Patterson Companies, Inc., Benco Dental Supply Co. and Henry Schein, Inc. Each of these complaints allege, among other things, that defendants conspired to fix prices, allocate customers and foreclose competitors by boycotting manufacturers, state dental associations and others that deal with defendants’ competitors. Subject to certain exclusions, these classes seek to represent all persons who purchased dental supplies or equipment in the United States directly from any of the defendants or Burkhart Dental Supply Co. since August 31, 2008. Each class action complaint asserts a single count under Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and seeks equitable relief, compensatory and treble damages, jointly and severally, and reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expert fees. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against these actions.

From time to time, we may become a party to other legal proceedings, including, without limitation, product liability claims, employment matters, commercial disputes, governmental inquiries and investigations (which may in some cases involve our entering into settlement arrangements or consent decrees), and other matters arising out of the ordinary course of our business. While the results of any legal proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty, in our opinion none of these other pending matters are currently anticipated to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

As of December 31, 2016, we had accrued our best estimate of potential losses relating to claims that were probable to result in liability and for which we were able to reasonably estimate a loss. This accrued amount, as well as related expenses, was not material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Our method for determining estimated losses considers currently available facts, presently enacted laws and regulations and other factors, including probable recoveries from third parties.

Employment, Consulting and Non-Compete Agreements

We have definite-lived employment, consulting and non-compete agreements that have varying base aggregate annual payments for the years 2017 through 2021 and thereafter of approximately $16.3 million, $3.8 million, $2.3 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million. We also have lifetime consulting agreements that provide for current compensation of $0.5 million per year, increasing $25 every fifth year with the next increase in 2017. In addition, some agreements have provisions for additional incentives and compensation.

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

Note 18 – Quarterly Information (Unaudited)

The following tables present certain quarterly financial data:

		Quarters ended
		March 26,		June 25,		September 24,		December 31,
		2016 (1)		2016 (1)		2016 (1)		2016 (1)
Net sales		$	2,712,956	$	2,872,630	$	2,865,148	$	3,120,934
Gross profit			779,305		803,316		789,491		861,857
Restructuring costs			4,058		20,383		5,370		16,080
Operating income			176,194		180,677		200,721		213,982
Net income			124,533		133,098		145,291		153,473

Amounts attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:
Net income			113,752		120,097		133,713		139,216

Earnings per share attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:

	Basic	$	1.39	$	1.47	$	1.65	$	1.75
	Diluted		1.37		1.46		1.63		1.73
		Quarters ended
		March 28,		June 27,		September 26,		December 26,
		2015 (1)		2015 (1)		2015 (1) (2)		2015 (1)
Net sales		$	2,463,646	$	2,629,320	$	2,685,835	$	2,850,918
Gross profit			713,395		750,678		748,908		799,278
Restructuring costs			6,862		7,222		8,438		12,409
Operating income			161,367		183,030		188,882		200,693
Net income			111,580		129,608		141,396		140,843

Amounts attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:
Net income			103,447		117,928		127,735		129,948

Earnings per share attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:

	Basic	$	1.24	$	1.42	$	1.54	$	1.58
	Diluted		1.22		1.40		1.52		1.56

(1)	See Note 10 - "Plans of Restructuring" for details of the restructuring costs incurred during the fiscal years of 2016 and 2015.

(2)	See Note 12 - "Incomes Taxes" for details of the income tax benefit from a favorable tax ruling received by a subsidiary, net of noncontrolling interest, during the third quarter of 2015.

We experience fluctuations in quarterly financial results. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.

Our business is subject to seasonal and other quarterly fluctuations. Revenues and profitability generally have been higher in the third and fourth quarters due to the timing of sales of seasonal products (including influenza vaccine, equipment and software products), purchasing patterns of office-based health care practitioners and year-end promotions. Revenues and profitability generally have been lower in the first quarter, primarily due to increased sales in the prior two quarters. We expect our historical seasonality of sales to continue in the foreseeable future. Quarterly results may also be materially adversely affected by a variety of other factors, including:

• timing and amount of sales and marketing expenditures;

• timing of pricing changes offered by our suppliers;

• timing of the introduction of new products and services by our suppliers;

• timing of the release of upgrades and enhancements to our technology-related products and services;

• changes in or availability of supplier contracts or rebate programs;

• supplier rebates based upon attaining certain growth goals;

• changes in the way suppliers introduce or deliver products to market;

• costs of developing new applications and services;

• our ability to correctly identify customer needs and preferences and predict future needs and preferences;

• uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of data security or disruptions of our information technology systems;

• unexpected regulatory actions, or government regulation generally;

• exclusivity requirements with certain suppliers may prohibit us from distributing competitive products manufactured by other suppliers;

• loss of sales representatives;

• costs related to acquisitions and/or integrations of technologies or businesses;

• costs associated with our self-insured medical and dental insurance programs;

• general market and economic conditions, as well as those specific to the health care industry and related industries;

• our success in establishing or maintaining business relationships;

• unexpected difficulties in developing and manufacturing products;

• product demand and availability or recalls by manufacturers;

• exposure to product liability and other claims in the event that the use of the products we sell results in injury;

• increases in shipping costs or service issues with our third-party shippers;

• fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies;

• restructuring costs;

• the adoption or repeal of legislation; and

• changes in accounting principles.

Any change in one or more of these or other factors could cause our annual or quarterly financial results to fluctuate. If our financial results do not meet market expectations, our stock price may decline.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Note 19 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash paid for interest and income taxes was:

	Years ended
	December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
	2016		2015		2014
Interest	$	29,391	$	24,033	$	22,285
Income taxes		205,196		180,897		208,272

There was approximately $63.8 million, $5.0 million and $3.3 million of debt assumed as a part of the acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively. Debt assumed during the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily relates to the acquisitions of Dental Cremer S.A. and Dental Speed Graph. Debt assumed during the year ended December 26, 2015 relates to the acquisitions of scil animal care company GmbH, Jorgen Kruuse A/S and Dental Trey (S.R.L.). Debt assumed during the year ended December 27, 2014 relates to the acquisitions of BioHorizons, Inc. and Medivet S.A.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, we had $(1.0) million, $2.1 million and $(2.5) million of non-cash net unrealized gains (losses) related to foreign currency hedging activities, respectively.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

(in thousands)

					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to		Charged to				Balance at
			beginning of		statement of		other				end of
Description			period		income (1)		accounts (2)		Deductions (3)		period

Year ended December 31, 2016:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts,
		sales returns and other	$	77,008	$	2,647	$	16,909	$	(6,235)	$	90,329

Year ended December 26, 2015:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts,
		sales returns and other	$	80,671	$	3,184	$	1,124	$	(7,971)	$	77,008

Year ended December 27, 2014:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts,
		sales returns and other	$	78,298	$	4,619	$	5,828	$	(8,074)	$	80,671

(1)	Represents amounts charged to bad debt expense.

(2)	Amounts charged to net sales primarily relate to increases in allowances for sales returns.

(3)	Deductions primarily consist of fully reserved accounts receivable that have been written off.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Henry Schein, Inc. and all of our controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 50% owned or investments in unconsolidated affiliates of less than 20% in which we have the ability to influence the operating or financial decisions, are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 6 for accounting treatment of Redeemable noncontrolling interests. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year We report our results of operations and cash flows on a 52-53 week basis ending on the last Saturday of December. The year ended December 31, 2016 consisted of 53 weeks, and the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 consisted of 52 weeks.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We generate revenue from the sale of dental, animal health and medical consumable products, as well as equipment, software products and services and other sources. Provisions for discounts, rebates to customers, customer returns and other contra-revenue adjustments are recorded based upon historical data and estimates and are provided for in the period in which the related sales are recognized. Revenue derived from the sale of consumable products is recognized when products are shipped to customers. Such sales typically entail high-volume, low-dollar orders shipped using third-party common carriers. We believe that the shipment date is the most appropriate point in time indicating the completion of the earnings process because we have no post-shipment obligations, the product price is fixed and determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured and product returns are reasonably estimable. Revenue derived from the sale of equipment is recognized when products are delivered to customers. Such sales typically entail scheduled deliveries of large equipment primarily by equipment service technicians. Some equipment sales require minimal installation, which is typically completed at the time of delivery. Revenue derived from the sale of software products is recognized when products are shipped to customers. Such software is generally installed by customers and does not require extensive training due to the nature of its design. Revenue derived from post-contract customer support for software, including annual support and/or training, is recognized over the period in which the services are provided. Revenue derived from multiple element arrangements, and the related deferral of such revenue (which is insignificant to our financial statements), is recognized as follows. When we sell software products together with related services (i.e., training and technical support) we allocate revenue to the delivered elements using the residual method, based upon vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of the undelivered elements, or defer it until such time as vendor-specific evidence of fair value is obtained. Multiple element arrangements that include elements that are not considered software consist primarily of equipment and the related installation service. We allocate revenue for such arrangements based on the relative selling prices of the elements applying the following hierarchy: first VSOE, then third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price if VSOE is not available, and finally our estimate of the selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. VSOE exists when we sell the deliverables separately and represents the actual price charged by us for each deliverable. Estimated selling price reflects our best estimate of what the selling prices of each deliverable would be if it were sold regularly on a standalone basis taking into consideration the cost structure of our business, technical skill required, customer location and other market conditions. Each element that has standalone value is accounted for as a separate unit of accounting. Revenue allocated to each unit of accounting is recognized when the service is provided or the product is delivered. Revenue derived from other sources including freight charges, equipment repairs and financial services, is recognized when the related product revenue is recognized or when the services are provided.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Due to the short-term maturity of such investments, the carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit of $98.5 million and $54.4 million, primarily related to payments for inventory, were classified as accounts payable as of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015.
Accounts Receivable and Reserves	Accounts Receivable and Reserves The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by a valuation allowance that reflects our best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. The reserve for accounts receivable is comprised of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns. In addition to reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, we consider many factors in estimating our reserve, including historical data, experience, customer types, credit worthiness and economic trends. From time to time, we adjust our assumptions for anticipated changes in any of these or other factors expected to affect collectability.
Inventories and Reserves	Inventories and Reserves Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method for merchandise or actual cost for large equipment and high tech equipment. In accordance with our policy for inventory valuation, we consider many factors including the condition and salability of the inventory, historical sales, forecasted sales and market and economic trends. From time to time, we adjust our assumptions for anticipated changes in any of these or other factors expected to affect the value of inventory.
Direct Shipping and Handling Costs	Direct Shipping and Handling Costs Freight and other direct shipping costs are included in cost of sales. Direct handling costs, which represent primarily direct compensation costs of employees who pick, pack and otherwise prepare, if necessary, merchandise for shipment to our customers are reflected in selling, general and administrative expenses. Direct shipping and handling costs were $86.2 million, $78.7 million and $78.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.
Advertising and Promotional Costs	Advertising and Promotional Costs We generally expense advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Total advertising and promotional expenses were $18.4 million, $19.2 million and $18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014. Additionally, advertising and promotional costs incurred in connection with direct marketing, including product catalogs and printed material, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period which is benefited, generally not exceeding one year. As of December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, we had $3.5 million and $4.4 million of deferred direct marketing expenses included in other current assets.
Supplier Rebates	Supplier Rebates Supplier rebates are included as a reduction of cost of sales and are recognized over the period they are earned. The factors we consider in estimating supplier rebate accruals include forecasted inventory purchases and sales, in conjunction with supplier rebate contract terms, which generally provide for increasing rebates based on either increased purchase or sales volume.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization. Depreciation is computed primarily under the straight-line method (see Note 2 - Property and Equipment, Net for estimated useful lives). Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the assets or the lease term. Capitalized software costs consist of costs to purchase and develop software. Costs incurred during the application development stage for software bought and further customized by outside suppliers for our use and software developed by a supplier for our proprietary use are capitalized. Costs incurred for our own personnel who are directly associated with software development are capitalized.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes under an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, we generally consider all expected future events other than enactments of changes in tax laws or rates. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates will be recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with our 80% or greater owned U.S. subsidiaries.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions The financial position and results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries are determined using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in earnings.
Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments	Risk Management and Derivative Financial Instruments We use derivative instruments to minimize our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Our objective is to manage the impact that foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could have on recognized asset and liability fair values, earnings and cash flows. Our risk management policy requires that derivative contracts used as hedges be effective at reducing the risks associated with the exposure being hedged and be designated as a hedge at the inception of the contract. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments primarily include foreign currency forward agreements related to certain intercompany loans and certain forecasted inventory purchase commitments with foreign suppliers. Our foreign currency forward agreements related to forecasted inventory purchase commitments are designated as cash flow hedges. Our foreign currency forward agreements related to foreign currency balance sheet exposure provide economic hedges but are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. For agreements not designated as hedges, changes in the value of the derivative, along with the transaction gain or loss on the hedged item, are recorded in earnings. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative, along with any gain or loss on the hedged item, is recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. We classify the cash flows related to our hedging activities in the same category on our consolidated statements of cash flows as the cash flows related to the hedged item.
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The net assets of businesses purchased are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date and our consolidated financial statements include their results of operations from that date. Any excess of acquisition consideration over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The major classes of assets and liabilities that we generally allocate purchase price to, excluding goodwill, include identifiable intangible assets (i.e., trademarks and trade names, customer relationships and lists and non-compete agreements), property, plant and equipment, deferred taxes and other current and long-term assets and liabilities. The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on critical estimates, judgments and assumptions derived from: analysis of market conditions; discount rate; discounted cash flows; customer retention rates; and estimated useful lives. Some prior owners of such acquired subsidiaries are eligible to receive additional purchase price cash consideration if certain financial targets are met. For the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, there were no material adjustments recorded in our consolidated statement of income relating to changes in estimated contingent purchase price liabilities.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Some minority shareholders in certain of our subsidiaries have the right, at certain times, to require us to acquire their ownership interest in those entities at fair value. Their interests in these subsidiaries are classified outside permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheets and are carried at the estimated redemption amounts. The redemption amounts have been estimated based on expected future earnings and cash flow and, if such earnings and cash flow are not achieved, the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests might be impacted. Changes in the estimated redemption amounts of the noncontrolling interests subject to put options are reflected at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to Additional paid-in capital. Future reductions in the carrying amounts are subject to a “floor” amount that is equal to the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests at the time they were originally recorded. The recorded value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests cannot go below the floor level. These adjustments do not impact the calculation of earnings per share.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangibles Assets	Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trademarks) are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis at least once annually. Such impairment analyses for goodwill require a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of reporting units. We regard our reporting units to be our operating segments: health care distribution (global dental, animal health and medical) and technology and value-added services. Goodwill was allocated to such reporting units, for the purposes of preparing our impairment analyses, based on a specific identification basis. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015, we tested goodwill for impairment using a quantitative analysis consisting of a two-step approach. The first step of our quantitative analysis consists of a comparison of the carrying value of our reporting units, including goodwill, to the estimated fair value of our reporting units using a discounted cash flow methodology. If step one results in the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeding the fair value of such reporting unit, we would then proceed to step two which would require us to calculate the amount of impairment loss, if any, that we would record for such reporting unit. The calculation of the impairment loss in step two would be equivalent to the reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill less the implied fair value of such goodwill. Our use of a discounted cash flow methodology includes estimates of future revenue based upon budget projections and growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates. We also develop estimates for future levels of gross and operating profits and projected capital expenditures. Our methodology also includes the use of estimated discount rates based upon industry and competitor analysis as well as other factors. The estimates that we use in our discounted cash flow methodology involve many assumptions by management that are based upon future growth projections. For the year ended December 27, 2014, we tested goodwill impairment under the provisions of Accounting Standards Update 2011-08, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which allowed us to use qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units are less than their carrying values. The factors that we considered in developing our qualitative assessment included: Macroeconomic conditions consisting of the overall sales growth of our business and the overall sales growth of each of our operating segments. We also consider our growth in market share in the markets in which we compete; Credit markets and our ability to access debt facilities at favorable terms; Key personnel and management expertise, as well as our growth strategies for the next several years; and Our expectations of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit. Our impairment analysis for indefinite-lived intangibles consists of a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of the assets. This comparison is made based on a review of historical, current and forecasted sales and gross profit levels, as well as a review of any factors that may indicate potential impairment. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, a present value technique, such as estimates of future cash flows, is utilized. We assessed the potential impairment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets annually (at the beginning of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Some factors we consider important that could trigger an interim impairment review include: significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business (e.g., decision to divest a business); or significant negative industry or economic trends. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, the results of our goodwill and intangible impairment analysis did not result in any impairments.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, other than goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangibles, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from such assets. Definite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of non-compete agreements, trademarks, trade names, customer lists, customer relationships and intellectual property. For long-lived assets used in operations, impairment losses are only recorded if the asset’s carrying amount is not recoverable through its undiscounted, probability-weighted future cash flows. We measure the impairment loss based on the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. When an impairment exists, the related assets are written down to fair value.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales The primary components of cost of sales include the cost of the product (net of purchase discounts, supplier chargebacks and rebates) and inbound and outbound freight charges. Costs related to purchasing, receiving, inspections, warehousing, internal inventory transfers and other costs of our distribution network are included in selling, general and administrative expenses along with other operating costs. As a result of different practices of categorizing costs associated with distribution networks throughout our industry, our gross margins may not necessarily be comparable to other distribution companies. Total distribution network costs were $84.4 million, $70.4 million and $64.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income includes certain gains and losses that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, are excluded from net income as such amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. Our comprehensive income is primarily comprised of net income, foreign currency translation gain (loss), unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency hedging activities, unrealized investment gain (loss) and pension adjustment gain (loss).
Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the face amount of the related liability, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. Further, ASU 2015-03 requires the amortization of debt issuance costs to be reported as interest expense. Similarly, debt issuance costs and any discount or premium are considered in the aggregate when determining the effective interest rate on the debt. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2015-03 must be applied retrospectively. Entities may choose to adopt the new requirements as of an earlier date for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The adoption of this ASU during 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments” (“ASU 2015-16”). ASU 2015-16 removes the previous requirement for an acquiring company to restate prior period financial results due to measurement-period adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement-period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 also requires presentation of the amount recorded in current period earnings by line item, either on the face of the income statement or within the notes to financial statements, which would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The guidance is to be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of the guidance. The adoption of this ASU during 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17 (Topic 740), “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The standard will be effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The ASU may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 prospectively in the third quarter of 2016. As a result, all deferred tax assets and liabilities have been presented as noncurrent on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016. There was no impact on our results of operations as a result of the adoption of ASU 2015-17 and prior periods have not been adjusted. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under accounting principles generally accepted in United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing U.S. GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2015-14”), which deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after that date. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. When effective, ASU 2014-09 will use either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). Currently, we are reviewing our various revenue streams within our two reportable segments: (i) health care distribution and (ii) technology and value-added services. We are gathering data to quantify the amount of sales by type of revenue stream. Concurrently, through the use of various data gathering methods, we are categorizing the types of sales for our business units for the purpose of comparing how we currently recognize revenue for the purpose of quantifying the impact, if any, that this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 contains guidance on accounting for leases and requires that most lease assets and liabilities and the associated rights and obligations be recognized on the Company’s balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 focuses on lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees classified as operating leases under previous generally accepted accounting principles. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. ASU 2016-02 will require disclosures regarding the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The standard which requires the use of a modified retrospective approach will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the early stages of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Stock Compensation” (Topic 718) (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 contains amended guidance for share-based payment accounting. We will adopt the provisions of this standard during the first quarter of 2017. The impact of ASU 2016-09 to our consolidated financial statements relating to our accounting for income taxes will require us to record all excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of income tax expense using the prospective method beginning as of January 1, 2017. Prior to the implementation of this ASU, excess tax benefits were recorded as a component of additional paid in capital and tax deficiencies were recognized either as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or in the income statement. In addition, the ASU clarifies the classification of certain share based payment activities within the statements of cash flow. We have elected to prospectively present the amount of excess tax benefits related to stock compensation as a component of cash flow from operating activities. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. This ASU is required to be adopted using the modified retrospective basis, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance of this ASU is effective. Based upon the level and makeup of our financial asset portfolio, past loan loss activity and current known activity regarding our outstanding loans, we do not expect that this ASU will have a material impact on the results of our consolidated financial statements.

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and equipment, including related estimated useful lives

			December 31,		December 26,
			2016		2015
Land			$	19,438	$	18,762
Buildings and permanent improvements				127,097		117,674
Leasehold improvements				95,048		89,766
Machinery and warehouse equipment				121,395		117,068
Furniture, fixtures and other				129,444		114,304
Computer equipment and software				372,322		339,006
				864,744		796,580
Less accumulated depreciation				(530,838)		(478,104)
	Property and equipment, net		$	333,906	$	318,476



			Estimated Useful
			Lives (in years)
		Buildings and permanent improvements	40
		Machinery and warehouse equipment	5-10
		Furniture, fixtures and other	3-10
		Computer equipment and software	3-10

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

			Health Care Distribution		Technology and Value-Added Services		Total
Balance as of December 27, 2014			$	1,710,554	$	173,569	$	1,884,123
	Adjustments to goodwill:
		Acquisitions		66,070		5,464		71,534
		Foreign currency translation		(34,602)		(13,462)		(48,064)
Balance as of December 26, 2015				1,742,022		165,571		1,907,593
	Adjustments to goodwill:
		Acquisitions		116,640		29,165		145,805
		Foreign currency translation		(27,127)		(6,531)		(33,658)
Balance as of December 31, 2016			$	1,831,535	$	188,205	$	2,019,740

Other intangible assets - finite-lived


	December 31, 2016						December 26, 2015
			Accumulated						Accumulated
	Cost		Amortization		Net		Cost		Amortization		Net
Non-compete agreements	$	40,783	$	(6,927)	$	33,856	$	40,898	$	(10,131)	$	30,767
Trademarks / trade names - definite lived		136,211		(55,124)		81,087		114,271		(41,275)		72,996
Trademarks / trade names - indefinite lived		2,848		-		2,848		2,963		-		2,963
Customer relationships and lists		713,437		(288,417)		425,020		638,276		(236,485)		401,791
Other		134,254		(55,885)		78,369		127,532		(43,078)		84,454
Total	$	1,027,533	$	(406,353)	$	621,180	$	923,940	$	(330,969)	$	592,971

Other intangible assets - indefinite-lived


	December 31, 2016						December 26, 2015
			Accumulated						Accumulated
	Cost		Amortization		Net		Cost		Amortization		Net
Non-compete agreements	$	40,783	$	(6,927)	$	33,856	$	40,898	$	(10,131)	$	30,767
Trademarks / trade names - definite lived		136,211		(55,124)		81,087		114,271		(41,275)		72,996
Trademarks / trade names - indefinite lived		2,848		-		2,848		2,963		-		2,963
Customer relationships and lists		713,437		(288,417)		425,020		638,276		(236,485)		401,791
Other		134,254		(55,885)		78,369		127,532		(43,078)		84,454
Total	$	1,027,533	$	(406,353)	$	621,180	$	923,940	$	(330,969)	$	592,971

Investments and Other (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Investments And Other [Abstract]

Investments and other

		December 31,		December 26,
		2016		2015
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		$	299,249	$	293,273
Non-current deferred foreign, state and local income taxes			16,685		58,249
Notes receivable (1)			27,492		27,509
Capitalized costs for internally generated software for resale			32,321		27,851
Distribution rights and exclusivity agreements, net of amortization			1,937		2,514
Acquisition related indemnification			51,294		32,828
Other long-term assets			13,812		12,376
	Total	$	442,790	$	454,600


(1)	Long-term notes receivable carry interest rates ranging from 1.0% to 12.0% and are due in varying installments through
	December 31, 2030.

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Private placement facilities


	Amount of
	Borrowing		Borrowing
Date of Borrowing	Outstanding		Rate		Due Date
September 2, 2010	$	100,000	3.79	%	September 2, 2020
January 20, 2012		50,000	3.45		January 20, 2024
January 20, 2012 (1)		42,857	3.09		January 20, 2022
December 24, 2012		50,000	3.00		December 24, 2024
June 2, 2014		100,000	3.19		June 2, 2021
	$	342,857


(1) Annual repayments of approximately $7.1 million for this borrowing commenced on January 20, 2016.

Schedule of long-term debt

		December 31,		December 26,
		2016		2015
Private placement facilities		$	342,857	$	350,000
U.S. trade accounts receivable securitization			350,000		90,000
Notes payable to banks at a weighted-average interest rate of 21.37% and 8.83%			47,957		5
Various collateralized and uncollateralized loans payable with interest,
	in varying installments through 2023 at interest rates ranging
	from 2.56% to 12.9%		35,150		38,215
Capital lease obligations (see Note 17)			5,416		2,863
Total			781,380		481,083
Less current maturities			(65,923)		(17,331)
	Total long-term debt	$	715,457	$	463,752

Schedule of long-term debt maturities

2017		$	65,923
2018			32,184
2019			358,568
2020			107,904
2021			107,867
Thereafter			108,934
	Total	$	781,380

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

+ Details

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]

Change in fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interests

		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Balance, beginning of period		$	542,194	$	564,527	$	497,539
Decrease in redeemable noncontrolling interests due to
	redemptions		(72,729)		(82,563)		(105,383)
Increase in redeemable noncontrolling interests due to
	business acquisitions		58,172		18,936		120,220
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests			48,760		43,588		38,741
Dividends declared			(32,973)		(32,706)		(23,346)
Effect of foreign currency translation loss attributable to
	redeemable noncontrolling interests		(2,652)		(4,790)		(4,080)
Change in fair value of redeemable securities			66,864		35,202		40,836
Balance, end of period		$	607,636	$	542,194	$	564,527

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes

			December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
			2016		2015		2014
Attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests:
		Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(13,025)	$	(10,373)	$	(5,583)

Attributable to noncontrolling interests:
		Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(113)	$	(76)	$	(36)

Attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.:
	Foreign currency translation loss		$	(296,212)	$	(200,499)	$	(71,294)
	Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities			(53)		939		(1,055)
	Unrealized investment loss			-		(2)		(136)
	Pension adjustment loss			(20,776)		(20,377)		(22,647)
		Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(317,041)	$	(219,939)	$	(95,132)

Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss			$	(330,179)	$	(230,388)	$	(100,751)

Components of comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes

	December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
	2016		2015		2014
Net income	$	556,395	$	523,427	$	505,436

Foreign currency translation loss		(98,402)		(134,035)		(157,698)
Tax effect		-		-		-
Foreign currency translation loss		(98,402)		(134,035)		(157,698)

Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities		(1,025)		2,147		(2,492)
Tax effect		33		(153)		155
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities		(992)		1,994		(2,337)

Unrealized investment gain		2		134		629
Tax effect		-		-		(250)
Unrealized investment gain		2		134		379

Pension adjustment gain (loss)		(947)		3,278		(10,222)
Tax effect		548		(1,008)		2,781
Pension adjustment gain (loss)		(399)		2,270		(7,441)

Comprehensive income	$	456,604	$	393,790	$	338,339

Components of foreign currency translation gain (loss) by foreign currency

		Foreign Currency
		Translation
		Gain (Loss)
		for the
		Year Ended		FX Rate in USD
		December 31,		December 31,	December 26,
Currency		2016		2016	2015
British Pound		$	(53,723)	1.23	1.49
Euro			(41,245)	1.05	1.10
Polish Zloty			(3,849)	0.24	0.26
Canadian Dollar			3,345	0.74	0.72
Brazilian Real			2,856	0.31	0.25
Swiss Franc			(2,365)	0.98	1.01
Australian Dollar			(562)	0.72	0.73
All other currencies			(2,859)
	Total	$	(98,402)

		Foreign Currency
		Translation
		Gain (Loss)
		for the
		Year Ended		FX Rate in USD
		December 26,		December 26,	December 27,
Currency		2015		2015	2014
Euro		$	(76,754)	1.10	1.22
Australian Dollar			(19,864)	0.73	0.81
British Pound			(15,404)	1.49	1.56
Canadian Dollar			(10,071)	0.72	0.86
Brazilian Real			(5,942)	0.25	0.37
Polish Zloty			(3,281)	0.26	0.28
Swiss Franc			928	1.01	1.01
All other currencies			(3,647)
	Total	$	(134,035)

		Foreign Currency
		Translation
		Loss
		for the
		Year Ended		FX Rate in USD
		December 27,		December 27,	December 28,
Currency		2014		2014	2013
Euro		$	(93,882)	1.22	1.38
Australian Dollar			(15,710)	0.81	0.89
British Pound			(19,150)	1.56	1.65
Canadian Dollar			(6,891)	0.86	0.94
Polish Zloty			(7,135)	0.28	0.33
Swiss Franc			(7,154)	1.01	1.12
All other currencies			(7,776)
	Total	$	(157,698)

Total comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes

		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Comprehensive income attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.	$	409,676	$	354,251	$	303,096
Comprehensive income attributable to
	noncontrolling interests		820		741		582
Comprehensive income attributable to
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests		46,108		38,798		34,661
Comprehensive income		$	456,604	$	393,790	$	338,339

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value - assets and liabilities measured and recognized on a recurring basis

			December 31, 2016
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	1,240	$	-	$	1,240
		Total assets	$	-	$	1,240	$	-	$	1,240

Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	931	$	-	$	931
		Total liabilities	$	-	$	931	$	-	$	931

Redeemable noncontrolling interests			$	-	$	-	$	607,636	$	607,636

			December 26, 2015
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Assets:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	4,289	$	-	$	4,289
		Total assets	$	-	$	4,289	$	-	$	4,289

Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts		$	-	$	2,477	$	-	$	2,477
		Total liabilities	$	-	$	2,477	$	-	$	2,477

Redeemable noncontrolling interests			$	-	$	-	$	542,194	$	542,194

Plans of Restructuring (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of restructuring reserve by type of cost


			Facility
	Severance		Closing
	Costs		Costs		Other		Total
Balance, December 28, 2013	$	227	$	484	$	-	$	711
Provision		-		-		-		-
Payments and other adjustments		(107)		(183)		-		(290)
Balance, December 27, 2014	$	120	$	301	$	-	$	421
Provision		26,742		5,706		2,483		34,931
Payments and other adjustments		(17,759)		(3,856)		(1,672)		(23,287)
Balance, December 26, 2015	$	9,103	$	2,151	$	811	$	12,065
Provision		40,728		3,587		1,576		45,891
Payments and other adjustments		(27,477)		(3,284)		(1,492)		(32,253)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	22,354	$	2,454	$	895	$	25,703

Schedule of restructuring reserve by segment

			Technology and
	Health Care		Value-Added
	Distribution		Services		Total
Balance, December 28, 2013	$	711	$	-	$	711
Provision		-		-		-
Payments and other adjustments		(290)		-		(290)
Balance, December 27, 2014	$	421	$	-	$	421
Provision		33,889		1,042		34,931
Payments and other adjustments		(22,248)		(1,039)		(23,287)
Balance, December 26, 2015	$	12,062	$	3	$	12,065
Provision		44,082		1,809		45,891
Payments and other adjustments		(30,906)		(1,347)		(32,253)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	25,238	$	465	$	25,703

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of basic and diluted shares used to calculate earnings per share

		Years Ended
		December 31,	December 26,	December 27,
		2016	2015	2014
Basic		80,820	82,844	84,265
Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units	1,042	1,281	1,475
	Diluted	81,862	84,125	85,740

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income before taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and loss on sale of equity investment

		Years ended
		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Domestic		$	625,792	$	591,320	$	543,433
Foreign			130,043		129,438		165,879
	Total	$	755,835	$	720,758	$	709,312

Provision for income taxes attributable to continuing operations

				Years ended
				December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
				2016		2015		2014
Current income tax expense:
	U.S. Federal			$	185,438	$	162,948	$	156,956
	State and local				28,229		29,580		28,708
	Foreign				41,357		25,104		31,038
		Total current			255,024		217,632		216,702

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
	U.S. Federal				(18,090)		(3,381)		(2,389)
	State and local				(4,809)		992		(2,682)
	Foreign				(14,167)		(3,852)		3,979
		Total deferred			(37,066)		(6,241)		(1,092)
			Total provision	$	217,958	$	211,391	$	215,610

Tax effects of temporary differences to deferred income tax asset (liability)

			Years Ended
			December 31,		December 26,
			2016		2015
Current deferred income tax asset (liability):
	Inventory, premium coupon redemptions and accounts receivable
		valuation allowances	$	-	$	25,403
	Uniform capitalization adjustments to inventories			-		10,719
	Other current assets			-		15,645
	Current deferred income tax asset (1)			-		51,767

Non-current deferred income tax asset (liability):
	Inventory, premium coupon redemptions and accounts receivable
		valuation allowances		29,422		-
	Uniform capitalization adjustments to inventories			10,632		-
	Property and equipment			(15,882)		(10,035)
	Stock-based compensation			41,677		35,942
	Intangibles amortization			(142,678)		(218,097)
	Other non-current asset (liability)			23,836		(19,377)
	Net operating losses of foreign subsidiaries			44,493		37,455
		Total non-current deferred tax liability		(8,500)		(174,112)
		Valuation allowance for non-current deferred tax assets (2)		(26,403)		(20,501)
	Net non-current deferred tax liability (1)			(34,903)		(194,613)
Net deferred income tax liability			$	(34,903)	$	(142,846)


(1)	Certain deferred tax amounts do not have a right of offset and are therefore reflected on a gross basis in
	non-current assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.

(2)	Primarily relates to operating losses of acquired subsidiaries, the benefits of which are uncertain. Any future reductions
	of such valuation allowances will be reflected as a reduction of income tax expense in accordance with the provisions of
	ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.”

Reconciliation of income tax provision at federal statutory rate to total income tax provision

		Years ended
		December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
		2016		2015		2014
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate		$	264,542	$	252,265	$	248,260
State income tax provision, net of federal income tax effect			11,236		14,627		11,381
Foreign income tax provision			(18,036)		(25,942)		(22,960)
Pass through noncontrolling interest			(13,083)		(12,463)		(11,431)
Valuation allowance			1,472		(5,006)		(770)
Unrecognized tax benefits and audit settlements			3,066		13,867		11,501
Interest expense related to loans			(21,737)		(22,415)		(24,043)
Other			(9,502)		(3,542)		3,672
	Total income tax provision	$	217,958	$	211,391	$	215,610

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits excluding the effect of deferred taxes

	December 31,		December 26,
	2016		2015
Balance, beginning of period	$	77,600	$	65,800
Additions based on current year tax positions		7,300		10,400
Additions based on prior year tax positions		20,400		19,600
Reductions based on prior year tax positions		(900)		(10,500)
Reductions resulting from settlements with taxing authorities		(9,700)		(7,600)
Reductions resulting from lapse in statutes of limitations		(4,300)		(100)
Balance, end of period	$	90,400	$	77,600

Segment and Geographic Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business segment information

				Years Ended
				December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
				2016		2015		2014
Net Sales:
	Health care distribution (1):
		Dental		$	5,555,299	$	5,276,407	$	5,381,215
		Animal health			3,253,095		2,921,624		2,898,612
		Medical			2,337,661		2,072,915		1,742,685
			Total health care distribution		11,146,055		10,270,946		10,022,512
	Technology and value-added services (2)				425,613		358,773		348,878
		Total		$	11,571,668	$	10,629,719	$	10,371,390


(1)	Consists of consumable products, small equipment, laboratory products, large equipment, equipment repair services, branded and
	generic pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical products, diagnostic tests, infection-control products and vitamins.

(2)	Consists of practice management software and other value-added products, which are distributed primarily to health care providers,
	and financial services on a non-recourse basis, e-services, continuing education services for practitioners, consulting and
	other services.

			Years ended
			December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
			2016		2015		2014
Operating Income:
	Health care distribution		$	652,106	$	626,574	$	611,771
	Technology and value-added services			119,468		107,398		103,371
		Total	$	771,574	$	733,972	$	715,142

Income before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates:
	Health care distribution		$	640,184	$	617,582	$	609,619
	Technology and value-added services			115,651		103,176		99,693
		Total	$	755,835	$	720,758	$	709,312

Depreciation and Amortization:
	Health care distribution		$	146,276	$	141,184	$	136,126
	Technology and value-added services			23,504		17,943		16,112
		Total	$	169,780	$	159,127	$	152,238

Income Tax Expense:
	Health care distribution		$	185,571	$	180,133	$	185,649
	Technology and value-added services			32,387		31,258		29,961
		Total	$	217,958	$	211,391	$	215,610

Interest Income:
	Health care distribution		$	13,086	$	12,833	$	13,585
	Technology and value-added services			189		102		70
		Total	$	13,275	$	12,935	$	13,655

Interest Expense:
	Health care distribution		$	31,845	$	25,926	$	23,916
	Technology and value-added services			48		82		141
		Total	$	31,893	$	26,008	$	24,057

Purchases of Fixed Assets:
	Health care distribution		$	66,943	$	68,235	$	74,955
	Technology and value-added services			3,236		3,449		7,161
		Total	$	70,179	$	71,684	$	82,116
			As of
			December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
			2016		2015		2014
Total Assets:
	Health care distribution		$	6,294,735	$	6,129,285	$	5,756,993
	Technology and value-added services			435,661		375,455		381,814
		Total	$	6,730,396	$	6,504,740	$	6,138,807

Operations by geographic area

		2016				2015				2014
		Net Sales		Long-Lived Assets		Net Sales		Long-Lived Assets		Net Sales		Long-Lived Assets
United States		$	7,536,897	$	1,803,689	$	6,798,847	$	1,739,546	$	6,247,056	$	1,771,719
Other			4,034,771		1,171,137		3,830,872		1,079,494		4,124,334		1,067,636
	Consolidated total	$	11,571,668	$	2,974,826	$	10,629,719	$	2,819,040	$	10,371,390	$	2,839,355

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Summary of the stock option activity under the plans

	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 26,			December 27,
	2016			2015			2014

		Weighted			Weighted			Weighted
		Average			Average			Average
		Exercise			Exercise			Exercise
	Shares	Price		Shares	Price		Shares	Price
Outstanding at beginning of year	385	$	56.00	684	$	53.41	1,323	$	51.53
Granted	-		-	-		-	-		-
Exercised	(208)		54.99	(299)		50.09	(639)		49.51
Forfeited	-		-	-		-	-		-
Outstanding at end of year	177	$	57.19	385	$	56.00	684	$	53.41

Options exercisable at end of year	177	$	57.19	385	$	56.00	684	$	53.41

Intrinsic values

	As of
	December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
	2016		2015		2014
Stock options outstanding	$	16,681	$	38,882	$	57,421
Stock options exercisable		16,681		38,882		57,421

Status of non-vested restricted shares/units


	Time-Based Restricted Stock/Units
		Weighted Average
		Grant Date Fair		Intrinsic Value
	Shares/Units	Value Per Share		Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	775	$	99.29
Granted	175		155.06
Vested	(239)		74.66
Forfeited	(41)		124.22
Outstanding at end of period	670	$	121.08	$	151.71
	Performance-Based Restricted Stock/Units
		Weighted Average
		Grant Date Fair		Intrinsic Value
	Shares/Units	Value Per Share		Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	930	$	91.33
Granted	246		159.78
Vested	(214)		90.58
Forfeited	(37)		137.92
Outstanding at end of period	925	$	108.09	$	151.71

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Operating leases

2017		$	84,010
2018			67,633
2019			52,382
2020			40,749
2021			29,374
Thereafter			63,393
	Total minimum operating lease payments	$	337,541

Capital leases

2017		$	1,517
2018			1,244
2019			738
2020			310
2021			266
Thereafter			1,834
Total minimum capital lease payments			5,909
	Less: Amount representing interest at 1.38% to 19.15%		(493)
	Total present value of minimum capital lease payments	$	5,416

Purchase commitments

2017		$	179,562
2018			116,394
2019			91,780
2020			101,280
2021			111,680
Thereafter			116,200
	Total minimum inventory purchase commitment payments	$	716,896

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Quarterly financial information (unaudited)

		Quarters ended
		March 26,		June 25,		September 24,		December 31,
		2016 (1)		2016 (1)		2016 (1)		2016 (1)
Net sales		$	2,712,956	$	2,872,630	$	2,865,148	$	3,120,934
Gross profit			779,305		803,316		789,491		861,857
Restructuring costs			4,058		20,383		5,370		16,080
Operating income			176,194		180,677		200,721		213,982
Net income			124,533		133,098		145,291		153,473

Amounts attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:
Net income			113,752		120,097		133,713		139,216

Earnings per share attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:

	Basic	$	1.39	$	1.47	$	1.65	$	1.75
	Diluted		1.37		1.46		1.63		1.73
		Quarters ended
		March 28,		June 27,		September 26,		December 26,
		2015 (1)		2015 (1)		2015 (1) (2)		2015 (1)
Net sales		$	2,463,646	$	2,629,320	$	2,685,835	$	2,850,918
Gross profit			713,395		750,678		748,908		799,278
Restructuring costs			6,862		7,222		8,438		12,409
Operating income			161,367		183,030		188,882		200,693
Net income			111,580		129,608		141,396		140,843

Amounts attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:
Net income			103,447		117,928		127,735		129,948

Earnings per share attributable to
	Henry Schein, Inc.:

	Basic	$	1.24	$	1.42	$	1.54	$	1.58
	Diluted		1.22		1.40		1.52		1.56

(1)	See Note 10 - "Plans of Restructuring" for details of the restructuring costs incurred during the fiscal years of 2016 and 2015.

(2)	See Note 12 - "Incomes Taxes" for details of the income tax benefit from a favorable tax ruling received by a subsidiary, net of noncontrolling interest, during the third quarter of 2015.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Cash paid for interest and income taxes

	Years ended
	December 31,		December 26,		December 27,
	2016		2015		2014
Interest	$	29,391	$	24,033	$	22,285
Income taxes		205,196		180,897		208,272

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Fiscal year duration	372 days	365 days	365 days
Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit classified as accounts payable	$ 98,500,000	$ 54,400,000
Direct shipping and handling costs	86,200,000	78,700,000	$ 78,400,000
Advertising and promotional costs	18,400,000	19,200,000	$ 18,400,000
Amount of deferred direct marketing expenses included in other current assets	$ 3,500,000	$ 4,400,000
Percentage ownership of subsidiaries included in consolidated tax return	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, change in amount of contingent consideration, liability
Goodwill impairment loss	0	0	0
Total distribution network costs	$ 84,400,000	$ 70,400,000	$ 64,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Fiscal year duration	365 days
Maximum [Member]
Fiscal year duration	372 days

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 864,744	$ 796,580
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(530,838)	(478,104)
Property and equipment, net	333,906	318,476
Property and equipment related depreciation expense	63,800	60,200	$ 57,600
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	19,438	18,762
Buildings and permanent improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 127,097	117,674
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	40 years
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 95,048	89,766
Machinery and warehouse equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 121,395	117,068
Machinery and warehouse equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	5 years
Machinery and warehouse equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	10 years
Furniture, fixtures and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 129,444	114,304
Furniture, fixtures and other [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	3 years
Furniture, fixtures and other [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	10 years
Computer equipment and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 372,322	$ 339,006
Computer equipment and software [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	3 years
Computer equipment and software [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, average useful life (in years)	10 years

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,907,593	$ 1,884,123
Adjustments to goodwill: Acquisitions	145,805	71,534
Adjustments to goodwill: Foreign currency translation	(33,658)	(48,064)
Ending balance	2,019,740	1,907,593
Health Care Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,742,022	1,710,554
Adjustments to goodwill: Acquisitions	116,640	66,070
Adjustments to goodwill: Foreign currency translation	(27,127)	(34,602)
Ending balance	1,831,535	1,742,022
Technology and Value-Added Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	165,571	173,569
Adjustments to goodwill: Acquisitions	29,165	5,464
Adjustments to goodwill: Foreign currency translation	(6,531)	(13,462)
Ending balance	$ 188,205	$ 165,571

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net - Other Intangibles (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Other intangible assets cost	$ 1,027,533	$ 923,940
Other intangible assets net	621,180	592,971
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated amortization	(406,353)	(330,969)
Trademarks and tradenames [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Indefinite-lived intangibles	2,848	2,963
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	40,783	40,898
Accumulated amortization	(6,927)	(10,131)
Net	$ 33,856	30,767
Non-compete agreements [Member] \| Weighted average [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Average useful life (in years)	4 years 2 months 12 days
Trademarks and tradenames [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	$ 136,211	114,271
Accumulated amortization	(55,124)	(41,275)
Net	$ 81,087	72,996
Trademarks and tradenames [Member] \| Weighted average [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Average useful life (in years)	7 years 9 months 18 days
Customer relationships and lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	$ 713,437	638,276
Accumulated amortization	(288,417)	(236,485)
Net	$ 425,020	401,791
Customer relationships and lists [Member] \| Weighted average [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Average useful life (in years)	10 years 9 months 18 days
Other intangibles assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Cost	$ 134,254	127,532
Accumulated amortization	(55,885)	(43,078)
Net	$ 78,369	$ 84,454

Goodwill and Other Intangibles, Net - Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	$ 97.2	$ 91.9	$ 89.6
Annual amortization expense expected for 2017	104.9
Annual amortization expense expected for 2018	98.4
Annual amortization expense expected for 2019	91.1
Annual amortization expense expected for 2020	82.7
Annual amortization expense expected for 2021	$ 71.2

Investments and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Investments and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Investments And Other [Abstract]
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 299,249	$ 293,273
Non-current deferred foreign, state and local income taxes	16,685	58,249
Notes receivable	27,492	27,509
Capitalized costs for internally generated software for resale	32,321	27,851
Distribution rights and exclusivity agreements, net of amortization	1,937	2,514
Acquisition related indemnification	51,294	32,828
Other long-term assets	13,812	12,376
Total	442,790	454,600
Amortization of other long-term assets	$ 8,700	$ 7,000	$ 5,000

Investments and Other - Notes Receivable Items (Details) - Financing Receivable [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Latest maturity date of varying installments of long-term notes receivable	Dec. 31, 2030
Minimum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Long-term notes receivable interest rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Long-term notes receivable interest rate (as a percent)	12.00%

Debt - Bank Credit Lines (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Debt - Bank Credit Lines (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate on borrowings under credit lines at period end (as a percent)	1.61%	1.21%
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility borrowing capacity	$ 500.0
Additional credit available under expansion feature of revolving credit facility	$ 200.0
Revolving credit facility expiration date	Sep. 22, 2019
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 65.0	$ 40.0
Outstanding letters of credit provided to third parties	13.0	11.4
Various other short-term bank credit lines [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$ 372.5	$ 288.6

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

Debt - Long-term (Details) $ in Thousands				12 Months Ended
Debt - Long-term (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 20, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 22, 2014 USD ($)	Feb. 21, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2012 USD ($) company	Aug. 10, 2010 USD ($) company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount repaid				$ 15,381	$ 201,203	$ 228,407
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				781,380	481,083
Less current maturities				(65,923)	(17,331)
Total long-term debt				715,457	463,752
Henry Schein Animal Health debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount repaid			$ 220,000
Private placement facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maximum borrowing capacity				975,000						$ 400,000
Debt Instrument additional borrowing capacity		$ 200,000							$ 375,000
Number of insurance companies providing private placement facilities (in number of insurance companies) \| company									1	2
Due date		Sep. 22, 2017
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 342,857	350,000
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of issuances under private placement facilities				5 years
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of issuances under private placement facilities				15 years
Average term of issuances under private placement facilities				12 years
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Private placement facilities maturing in September 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date of borrowing				Sep. 02, 2010
Due date				Sep. 02, 2020
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 100,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				3.79%
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Private placement facilities maturing in January 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date of borrowing				Jan. 20, 2012
Due date				Jan. 20, 2024
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 50,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				3.45%
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Private placement facilities maturing in January 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date of borrowing				Jan. 20, 2012
Due date				Jan. 20, 2022
Private placement facility, amount of periodic repayments	$ 7,100
Private placement facility, repayment frequency				Annual
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 42,857
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				3.09%
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Private placement facilities maturing in December 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date of borrowing				Dec. 24, 2012
Due date				Dec. 24, 2024
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 50,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				3.00%
Private placement facilities [Member] \| Private placement facilities maturing in June 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date of borrowing				Jun. 02, 2014
Due date				Jun. 02, 2021
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 100,000
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				3.19%
U.S. trade accounts receivable securitization [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maximum borrowing capacity							$ 350,000	$ 300,000
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 350,000	$ 90,000
Pricing commitment period				3 years
Debt instrument, interest rate at period end				1.76%	1.15%
Commitment fee for facility usage - facility limit greater than or equal to fifty percent usage (as a percent)				0.30%
Commitment fee for facility usage - facility limit less than fifty percent usage (as a percent)				0.35%
Debt instrument borrowing percentage of facility used for calculating commitment fee (as a percent)				50.00%
U.S. trade accounts receivable securitization [Member] \| Asset backed commercial paper rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate basis at period end				1.01%	0.40%
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				0.75%	0.75%
Notes payable to banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 47,957	$ 5
Debt instrument, interest rate, weighted-average percentage (as a percent)				21.37%	8.83%
Various collateralized and uncollateralized long-term loans payable with interest, in varying installments [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 35,150	$ 38,215
Various collateralized and uncollateralized long-term loans payable with interest, in varying installments [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				2.56%
Various collateralized and uncollateralized long-term loans payable with interest, in varying installments [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				12.90%
Capital lease obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities				$ 5,416	$ 2,863
Capital lease obligations [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				1.38%
Capital lease obligations [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)				19.15%

Debt - Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2017	$ 65,923
2018	32,184
2019	358,568
2020	107,904
2021	107,867
Thereafter	108,934
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations including current maturities	$ 781,380	$ 481,083

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Components of the change in the redeemable noncontrolling interests [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 542,194	$ 564,527	$ 497,539
Decrease in redeemable noncontrolling interests due to redemptions	(72,729)	(82,563)	(105,383)
Increase in redeemable noncontrolling interests due to business acquisitions	58,172	18,936	120,220
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	48,760	43,588	38,741
Dividends declared	(32,973)	(32,706)	(23,346)
Effect of foreign currency translation gain (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2,652)	(4,790)	(4,080)
Change in fair value of redeemable securities	66,864	35,202	40,836
Balance, end of period	$ 607,636	$ 542,194	$ 564,527

Comprehensive Income - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Comprehensive Income Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$ (13,025)				$ (10,373)				$ (13,025)	$ (10,373)	$ (5,583)
Attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(113)				(76)				(113)	(76)	(36)
Attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(296,212)				(200,499)				(296,212)	(200,499)	(71,294)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities	(53)				939				(53)	939	(1,055)
Unrealized investment gain (loss)	0				(2)				0	(2)	(136)
Pension adjustment gain (loss)	(20,776)				(20,377)				(20,776)	(20,377)	(22,647)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(317,041)				(219,939)				(317,041)	(219,939)	(95,132)
Total Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(330,179)				(230,388)				(330,179)	(230,388)	(100,751)
Components of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 153,473	$ 145,291	$ 133,098	$ 124,533	$ 140,843	$ 141,396	$ 129,608	$ 111,580	556,395	523,427	505,436
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)									(98,402)	(134,035)	(157,698)
Tax effect									0	0	0
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)									(98,402)	(134,035)	(157,698)
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities									(1,025)	2,147	(2,492)
Tax effect									33	(153)	155
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities									(992)	1,994	(2,337)
Unrealized investment gain (loss)									2	134	629
Tax effect									0	0	(250)
Unrealized investment gain (loss)									2	134	379
Pension adjustment gain (loss)									(947)	3,278	(10,222)
Tax effect									548	(1,008)	2,781
Pension adjustment gain (loss)									(399)	2,270	(7,441)
Comprehensive income									$ 456,604	$ 393,790	$ 338,339

Comprehensive Income - Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Components (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (98,402)	$ (134,035)	$ (157,698)
British Pound
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (53,723)	$ (15,404)	$ (19,150)
FX rate into USD	1.23	1.49	1.56	1.65
Euro
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (41,245)	$ (76,754)	$ (93,882)
FX rate into USD	1.05	1.1	1.22	1.38
Polish Zloty
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (3,849)	$ (3,281)	$ (7,135)
FX rate into USD	0.24	0.26	0.28	0.33
Canadian Dollar
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ 3,345	$ (10,071)	$ (6,891)
FX rate into USD	0.74	0.72	0.86	0.94
Brazilian Real
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ 2,856	$ (5,942)
FX rate into USD	0.31	0.25	0.37
Swiss Franc
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (2,365)	$ 928	$ (7,154)
FX rate into USD	0.98	1.01	1.01	1.12
Australian Dollar
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (562)	$ (19,864)	$ (15,710)
FX rate into USD	0.72	0.73	0.81	0.89
All other currencies
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	$ (2,859)	$ (3,647)	$ (7,776)

Comprehensive Income - Total Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Comprehensive Income Net Of Applicable Taxes [Abstract]
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.	$ 409,676	$ 354,251	$ 303,096
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	820	741	582
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Redeemable noncontrolling interests	46,108	38,798	34,661
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 456,604	$ 393,790	$ 338,339

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of debt	$ 1,218,900	$ 809,700
Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	607,636	542,194	$ 564,527	$ 497,539
Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - assets	1,240	4,289
Total assets	1,240	4,289
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - liabilities	931	2,477
Total liabilities	931	2,477
Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	607,636	542,194
Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - assets	1,240	4,289
Total assets	1,240	4,289
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - liabilities	931	2,477
Total liabilities	931	2,477
Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Fair value, measurements, recurring [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - assets	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative contracts - liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Attributable To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 607,636	$ 542,194

Business Acquisitions and Divestiture - Acquisitions (Details)												1 Months Ended
	Mar. 23, 2016 USD ($)	Feb. 05, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 12, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Nov. 20, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2014 USD ($)	Feb. 03, 2014 USD ($) number	Dec. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Feb. 03, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount													$ 2,019,740,000	$ 1,907,593,000	$ 1,884,123,000
Vetstreet, Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)			80.10%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity			$ 40,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount			$ 17,900,000
Rxworks Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity												$ 7,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount												$ 4,200,000
Dental Cremer S.A. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity		$ 70,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount		$ 37,500,000
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount													$ 69,900,000	27,100,000	$ 16,400,000
J Marita [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)	50.00%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity	$ 125,000,000
scil animal care company GmbH [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity						$ 83,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount						$ 3,500,000
Jorgen Kruuse A/S [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)					85.00%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity					$ 90,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount					$ 20,700,000
Dental Trey (S.R.L.) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity				$ 49,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount				$ 8,500,000
BioHorizons, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)											60.00%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity											$ 115,000,000
Loan provided prior to completion of the acquisition, converted to intercompany loan and eliminated in consolidation upon completion														$ 145,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount											$ 143,700,000
Arseus NV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)										100.00%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity										$ 97,000,000
Number of businesses acquired \| number										5
Number of countries in which acquired business operates \| number										3
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount										$ 21,400,000
Medivet S.A. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)									80.00%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity									$ 80,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount									$ 18,700,000
SmartPak Equine, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired equity interest (as a percent)								60.00%
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity								$ 105,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount								$ 59,700,000
Cardinal Health, Inc. physician office-focused commercial organization of medical segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, approximate annual sales of acquired entity							$ 230,000,000
Business acquisition allocated initial goodwill amount							$ 0

Business Acquisitions and Divestiture - Equity Method Investment and Divestiture (Details) - Maravet S.A. [Member] $ in Millions	Jul. 10, 2015 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Acquired equity method investment interest (as a percent)	50.00%
Equity method investment, approximate annual sales	$ 23

Plans of Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Plans of Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 26, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) positions	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance				$ 12,065				$ 421	$ 12,065	$ 421	$ 711
Provision	$ 16,080	$ 5,370	$ 20,383	4,058	$ 12,409	$ 8,438	$ 7,222	6,862	45,891	34,931	0
Payments and other adjustments									(32,253)	(23,287)	(290)
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	25,703				12,065				25,703	12,065	421
Health Care Distribution [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance				12,062				421	12,062	421	711
Provision									44,082	33,889	0
Payments and other adjustments									(30,906)	(22,248)	(290)
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	25,238				12,062				25,238	12,062	421
Technology and Value-Added Services [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance				3				0	3	0	0
Provision									1,809	1,042	0
Payments and other adjustments									(1,347)	(1,039)	0
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	465				3				465	3	0
Severance costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance				9,103				120	9,103	120	227
Provision									40,728	26,742	0
Payments and other adjustments									(27,477)	(17,759)	(107)
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	22,354				9,103				22,354	9,103	120
Facility closing costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance				2,151				301	2,151	301	484
Provision									3,587	5,706	0
Payments and other adjustments									(3,284)	(3,856)	(183)
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	2,454				2,151				2,454	2,151	301
Other [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning balance				$ 811				$ 0	811	0	0
Provision									1,576	2,483	0
Payments and other adjustments									(1,492)	(1,672)	0
Restructuring Reserve, ending balance	$ 895				$ 811				$ 895	$ 811	$ 0
November 2014 restructuring initiative [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated \| positions									900
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Period Percent									4.00%
November 2014 restructuring initiative [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected percentage of workforce eliminated (in hundredths)	2.00%								2.00%
November 2014 restructuring initiative [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected percentage of workforce eliminated (in hundredths)	3.00%								3.00%

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	80,820	82,844	84,265
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units (in shares)	1,042	1,281	1,475
Diluted (in shares)	81,862	84,125	85,740

Income Taxes - Income before Taxes and Equity in Earnings of Affiliates and Provisions for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Income before equity method investments, income taxes and loss on sale of equity investment [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 625,792	$ 591,320	$ 543,433
Foreign	130,043	129,438	165,879
Income before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	755,835	720,758	709,312
Current income tax expense:
U.S. Federal	185,438	162,948	156,956
State and local	28,229	29,580	28,708
Foreign	41,357	25,104	31,038
Total current	255,024	217,632	216,702
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
U.S. Federal	(18,090)	(3,381)	(2,389)
State and local	(4,809)	992	(2,682)
Foreign	(14,167)	(3,852)	3,979
Total deferred	(37,066)	(6,241)	(1,092)
Total provision	$ 217,958	$ 211,391	$ 215,610

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabiltieis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Current deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Inventory, premium coupon redemptions and accounts receivable valuation allowances, current	$ 0	$ 25,403
Uniform capitalization adjustments to inventories, current	0	10,719
Other current assets, current	0	15,645
Current deferred income tax asset	0	51,767
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Inventory, premium coupon redemptions and accounts receivable valuation allowances, noncurrent	29,422	0
Uniform capitalization adjustments to inventories, noncurrent	10,632	0
Property and equipment	(15,882)	(10,035)
Stock-based compensation	41,677	35,942
Intangibles amortization	(142,678)	(218,097)
Other non-current liabilities		(19,377)
Other current assets, noncurrent	23,836
Net operating losses of foreign subsidiaries	44,493	37,455
Total non-current deferred tax liability	(8,500)	(174,112)
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	(26,403)	(20,501)
Net non-current deferred tax liability	(34,903)	(194,613)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (34,903)	$ (142,846)

Income Taxes - Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) - Foreign tax authority [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to amortization	$ 8.0
Net operating loss carryforwards not subject to expiration	$ 153.4
Net operating loss carryforwards, year of expiration	Dec. 31, 2025

Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate	$ 264,542	$ 252,265	$ 248,260
State income tax provision, net of federal income tax effect	11,236	14,627	11,381
Foreign income tax provision	(18,036)	(25,942)	(22,960)
Pass through noncontrolling interest	(13,083)	(12,463)	(11,431)
Valuation allowance	1,472	(5,006)	(770)
Unrecognized tax benefits	3,066	13,867	11,501
Interest expense related to loans	(21,737)	(22,415)	(24,043)
Other	(9,502)	(3,542)	3,672
Total provision	$ 217,958	$ 211,391	$ 215,610
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	28.80%	29.30%
Income tax benefit - favorable tax petition resolution (subsidiary)		$ 6,300
Effective tax rate without the effect of income tax benefit (as a percent)		30.20%
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority	$ 4,500

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Cumulative amount of reinvested earnings	$ 937,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	107,400,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized	81,400,000
Total interest	17,100,000
Total penalties	0
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	77,600,000	$ 65,800,000
Additions based on current year tax positions	7,300,000	10,400,000
Additions based on prior year tax positions	20,400,000	19,600,000
Reductions based on prior year tax positions	(900,000)	(10,500,000)
Reductions resulting from settlements with taxing authorities	(9,700,000)	(7,600,000)
Reductions resulting from lapse in statutes of limitations	(4,300,000)	(100,000)
Balance, end of period	$ 90,400,000	$ 77,600,000

Concentrations of Risk (Details)	12 Months Ended
Concentrations of Risk (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Top customer concentration risk [Member] \| Sales revenue, net [Member] \| Any single customer [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Supplier concentration risk [Member] \| Purchases [Member] \| Top ten health care distribution suppliers [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (as a percent)	34.00%	34.00%
Supplier concentration risk [Member] \| Purchases [Member] \| Single largest supplier [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (as a percent)	6.00%	7.00%

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details)	12 Months Ended
Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum duration of foreign currency forward contracts	18 months

Segment and Geographic Data (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment and Geographic Data (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) number	Sep. 24, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 26, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) number	Dec. 26, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| number									2
Number of countries served globally \| number	33								33
Net sales	$ 3,120,934	$ 2,865,148	$ 2,872,630	$ 2,712,956	$ 2,850,918	$ 2,685,835	$ 2,629,320	$ 2,463,646	$ 11,571,668	$ 10,629,719	$ 10,371,390
Operating income	213,982	$ 200,721	$ 180,677	$ 176,194	200,693	$ 188,882	$ 183,030	$ 161,367	771,574	733,972	715,142
Income before taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and loss on sale of equity investment									755,835	720,758	709,312
Depreciation and amortization									169,780	159,127	152,238
Income taxes									217,958	211,391	215,610
Interest income									13,275	12,935	13,655
Interest expense									31,893	26,008	24,057
Purchases of fixed assets									70,179	71,684	82,116
Total assets	6,730,396				6,504,740				6,730,396	6,504,740	6,138,807
Health Care Distribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									11,146,055	10,270,946	10,022,512
Operating income									652,106	626,574	611,771
Income before taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and loss on sale of equity investment									640,184	617,582	609,619
Depreciation and amortization									146,276	141,184	136,126
Income taxes									185,571	180,133	185,649
Interest income									13,086	12,833	13,585
Interest expense									31,845	25,926	23,916
Purchases of fixed assets									66,943	68,235	74,955
Total assets	6,294,735				6,129,285				6,294,735	6,129,285	5,756,993
Health Care Distribution [Member] \| Dental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									5,555,299	5,276,407	5,381,215
Health Care Distribution [Member] \| Animal Health [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									3,253,095	2,921,624	2,898,612
Health Care Distribution [Member] \| Medical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,337,661	2,072,915	1,742,685
Technology and Value-Added Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									425,613	358,773	348,878
Operating income									119,468	107,398	103,371
Income before taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and loss on sale of equity investment									115,651	103,176	99,693
Depreciation and amortization									23,504	17,943	16,112
Income taxes									32,387	31,258	29,961
Interest income									189	102	70
Interest expense									48	82	141
Purchases of fixed assets									3,236	3,449	7,161
Total assets	$ 435,661				$ 375,455				$ 435,661	$ 375,455	$ 381,814

Segment and Geographic Data - Net Sales and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 3,120,934	$ 2,865,148	$ 2,872,630	$ 2,712,956	$ 2,850,918	$ 2,685,835	$ 2,629,320	$ 2,463,646	$ 11,571,668	$ 10,629,719	$ 10,371,390
Long-Lived Assets	2,974,826				2,819,040				2,974,826	2,819,040	2,839,355
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									7,536,897	6,798,847	6,247,056
Long-Lived Assets	1,803,689				1,739,546				$ 1,803,689	$ 1,739,546	$ 1,771,719
United States [Member] \| Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] \| Sales revenue, net [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage (as a percent)									10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Locations other than the United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 4,034,771	$ 3,830,872	$ 4,124,334
Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,171,137				$ 1,079,494				$ 1,171,137	$ 1,079,494	$ 1,067,636

Employee Benefit Plans - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$ 58,200	$ 44,600	$ 45,900
After-tax share-based compensation expense	41,400	31,500	31,900
Excess tax benefits	(463)	$ 2,199	$ 5,886
Liability for cash settlement stock-based compensation awards	800
Fair value adjustment for cash settlement stock-based compensation awards	$ 300
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock-based awards granted before forfeitures (in dollars per share)	$ 167.8	$ 140.8	$ 119.45
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards	$ 85,900
Weighted-average period of recognition for unrecognized compensation costs on nonvested awards (in years)	2 years
Total cash received as a result of stock options exercises	$ 11,404	$ 14,870	$ 31,491
Stock option exercises tax benefits	$ 23,392	$ 20,802	$ 11,161

Employee Benefit Plans - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Employee and director stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	385	684	1,323
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Exercised (in shares)	(208)	(299)	(639)
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0	0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	177	385	684
Ending balance, options exercisable (in shares)	177	385	684
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 56	$ 53.41	$ 51.53
Granted (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	54.99	50.09	49.51
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0	0	0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	57.19	56	53.41
Ending balance, options exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 57.19	$ 56	$ 53.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock option outstanding aggregate intrinsic value as of period end	$ 16,681	$ 38,882	$ 57,421
Stock option exercisable aggregate intrinsic value as of period end	$ 16,681	$ 38,882	$ 57,421
Restricted stock/units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total intrinsic value of restricted stock that vested during the year (in dollars per share)	$ 163.71	$ 143.2	$ 119.36
Time-based restricted stock/units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance outstanding (in shares)	775
Granted (in shares)	175
Vested (in shares)	(239)
Forfeited (in shares)	(41)
Ending balance outstanding (in shares)	670	775
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 99.29
Granted (in dollars per share)	155.06
Vested (in dollars per share)	74.66
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	124.22
Ending balance outstanding (in dollars per share)	121.08	$ 99.29
Intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$ 151.71
Performance-based restricted stock/units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Period over which earnings per share performance is measured against specified targets (in years)	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance outstanding (in shares)	930
Granted (in shares)	246
Vested (in shares)	(214)
Forfeited (in shares)	(37)
Ending balance outstanding (in shares)	925	930
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 91.33
Granted (in dollars per share)	159.78
Vested (in dollars per share)	90.58
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	137.92
Ending balance outstanding (in dollars per share)	108.09	$ 91.33
Intrinsic value (in dollars per share)	$ 151.71
2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be granted (in shares)	31,229
Shares available to be granted (in shares)	4,678
2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended [Member] \| Time-based restricted stock/units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of years for full vesting (in years)	4 years
2013 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended [Member] \| Performance-based restricted stock/units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of years for full vesting (in years)	3 years
2015 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be granted (in shares)	900
Shares available to be granted (in shares)	141
2015 Non-Employee Director Stock Incentive Plan [Member] \| Time-based restricted stock/units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of years for full vesting (in years)	12 months

Employee Benefit Plans - Other Employee Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Management [Member] \| Deferred compensation bonus and commission plan [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan fair market value amount charged (credited) to operations	$ 1.7	$ 0.1	$ 0.7
Qualified 401K plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amounts charged (credited) to operations	$ 34.0	31.5	28.6
Qualified 401K plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum matching contributions as a percentage of participants' contributions (as a percent)	100.00%
Maximum participants' contributions as a percentage of their base compensation (as a percent)	7.00%
Allowable maximum percentage of contributions allocated to Henry Schein Stock Fund (as a percent)	20.00%
Supplemental executive retirement plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amounts charged (credited) to operations	$ 0.3	$ 1.5	$ 1.9

Commitments and Contingencies - Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2017	$ 84,010
2018	67,633
2019	52,382
2020	40,749
2021	29,374
Thereafter	63,393
Total minimum operating lease payments	337,541
Total rent expense	$ 79,600	$ 76,000	$ 76,100

Commitments and Contingencies - Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2017	$ 1,517
2018	1,244
2019	738
2020	310
2021	266
Thereafter	1,834
Total minimum capital lease payments	5,909
Less: Amounts representing interest	(493)
Total present value of minimum capital lease payments	$ 5,416
Capital lease obligations [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Leases, Capital [Abstract]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	1.38%
Capital lease obligations [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Leases, Capital [Abstract]
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage (as a percent)	19.15%

Commitments and Contingencies - Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Abstract]
2017	$ 179,562
2018	116,394
2019	91,780
2020	101,280
2021	111,680
Thereafter	116,200
Total minimum inventory purchase commitment payments	$ 716,896

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Commitments (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Employment, consulting and non-compete agreements [Member]
Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2017	$ 16,300
2018	3,800
2019	2,300
2020	1,100
2021	1,000
Life-time consulting agreement [Member]
Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Current compensation paid under lifetime consulting agreement	500
Amount of increase effective every fifth year on lifetime consulting agreement	$ 25

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 3,120,934	$ 2,865,148	$ 2,872,630	$ 2,712,956	$ 2,850,918	$ 2,685,835	$ 2,629,320	$ 2,463,646	$ 11,571,668	$ 10,629,719	$ 10,371,390
Gross profit	861,857	789,491	803,316	779,305	799,278	748,908	750,678	713,395	3,233,969	3,012,259	2,911,315
Restructuring costs	16,080	5,370	20,383	4,058	12,409	8,438	7,222	6,862	45,891	34,931	0
Operating income	213,982	200,721	180,677	176,194	200,693	188,882	183,030	161,367	771,574	733,972	715,142
Net income	153,473	145,291	133,098	124,533	140,843	141,396	129,608	111,580	556,395	523,427	505,436
Amounts attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.:
Net income	$ 139,216	$ 133,713	$ 120,097	$ 113,752	$ 129,948	$ 127,735	$ 117,928	$ 103,447	$ 506,778	$ 479,058	$ 466,077
Earnings per share attributable to Henry Schein, Inc.:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.75	$ 1.65	$ 1.47	$ 1.39	$ 1.58	$ 1.54	$ 1.42	$ 1.24	$ 6.27	$ 5.78	$ 5.53
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.73	$ 1.63	$ 1.46	$ 1.37	$ 1.56	$ 1.52	$ 1.4	$ 1.22	$ 6.19	$ 5.69	$ 5.44

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest	$ 29,391	$ 24,033	$ 22,285
Income taxes	205,196	180,897	208,272
Unrealized gain (loss) from foreign currency hedging activities	(1,025)	2,147	(2,492)
Debt assumed as part of acquisitions	$ 63,800	$ 5,000	$ 3,300

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Sales Returns And Other [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 77,008	$ 80,671	$ 78,298
Charged to statement of income	2,647	3,184	4,619
Charged to other accounts	16,909	1,124	5,828
Deductions	(6,235)	(7,971)	(8,074)
Balance at end of period	$ 90,329	$ 77,008	$ 80,671