Segment Information - Schedule of Net Sales by Product Category (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,223,638	$ 1,336,676	$ 1,274,494	$ 1,250,485	$ 1,244,074	$ 1,288,675	$ 1,275,710	$ 1,271,647	$ 5,085,293	$ 5,080,106	$ 5,005,501
Technology products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,466,499	1,563,757	1,626,030
Janitorial and breakroom supplies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,335,414	1,282,370	1,360,702
Traditional office products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,310,571	1,366,368	1,222,225
Industrial supplies [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									517,826	409,266	349,370
Office furniture [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									312,298	324,668	324,974
Freight revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									105,567	99,319	88,893
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 37,118	$ 34,358	$ 33,307