Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 2,172,264	$ 1,793,000	$ 1,151,704
Less: earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	236,977	74,817	64,660
Net earnings from continuing operations	1,935,287	1,718,183	1,087,044
Non-cash items:
Depreciation	350,660	189,670	175,365
Amortization	284,274	198,592	156,427
Stock compensation expense	95,603	88,122	87,350
Earnings from unconsolidated joint venture, net of cash dividends received	(18,413)	(22,768)
Pre-tax gain on contribution of businesses to joint venture		(291,037)
Consideration received in shares			(84,749)
Change in deferred income taxes	271,395	37,632	(156,210)
Change in trade accounts receivable, net	(135,279)	(250,946)	103,311
Change in inventories	162,019	(161,699)	197,572
Change in trade accounts payable	36,602	217,230	(86,581)
Change in prepaid expenses and other assets	(111,010)	67,550	137,026
Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(139,102)	228,169	106,283
Total operating cash provided by continuing operations	2,732,036	2,018,698	1,722,838
Total operating cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations	(105,769)	65,653	77,996
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,626,267	2,084,351	1,800,834
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for additions to property, plant and equipment	(334,471)	(191,110)	(175,438)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment	8,645	1,551	5,015
Proceeds from contribution of businesses to joint venture and other	14,770	56,542
Cash paid for acquisitions	(6,210,837)	(2,129,652)	(703,511)
Cash paid for other investments			(66,768)
Proceeds from divestitures			9,795
Total investing cash used in continuing operations	(6,521,893)	(2,262,669)	(930,907)
Total investing cash used in discontinued operations	(5,466)	(26,210)	(12,034)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations	680,105
Net cash used in investing activities	(5,847,254)	(2,288,879)	(942,941)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,112,551	178,406	174,233
Payment of dividends	(61,323)	(52,214)	(41,717)
Net proceeds (repayments) of borrowings (maturities of 90 days or less)	854,022		(445,711)
Proceeds of borrowings (maturities longer than 90 days)	1,785,763		744,615
Repayments of borrowings (maturities longer than 90 days)	(1,602,379)	(9,388)	(24,188)
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,088,634	116,804	407,232
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	36,374	(1,216)	63,941
Net change in cash and equivalents	(1,095,979)	(88,940)	1,329,066
Beginning balance of cash and equivalents	1,632,980	1,721,920	392,854
Ending balance of cash and equivalents	$ 537,001	$ 1,632,980	$ 1,721,920