Net Sales by Product Mix (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 556,247	$ 561,294	$ 542,569	$ 498,763	$ 553,162	$ 575,646	$ 512,561	$ 461,926	$ 2,158,873	$ 2,103,295	$ 1,974,198
Notebook
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									401,693	371,139	342,195
Desktop/Server
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									328,634	336,950	308,261
Software
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									326,847	303,048	280,873
Video, Imaging and Sound
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									199,394	217,187	227,654
Net/Com Product
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									212,330	210,758	192,624
Printer and Printer Supplies
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									151,692	155,515	157,028
Storage
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									151,338	154,953	144,531
Memory and System Enhancement
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									70,249	77,719	83,777
Accessories/Services/Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 316,696	$ 276,026	$ 237,255