Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 525,054	$ 529,968
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,461,011	1,364,406
Merchandise inventories, net	2,261,997	2,224,717
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	328,534	295,796
Total current assets	4,576,596	4,414,887
Goodwill and other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	279,775	209,548
Deferred tax asset	250,906	157,392
Other assets	272,110	199,087
Property, plant, and equipment
Land	74,332	72,636
Buildings, less allowance for depreciation (2011 $183785; 2010 $174,134)	217,240	218,967
Machinery and equipment, less allowance for depreciation (2011 $548605; 2010 $555,053)	208,632	192,527
Net property, plant, and equipment	500,204	484,130
Total Assets	5,879,591	5,465,044
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	1,440,762	1,374,930
Current portion of debt	0	250,000
Accrued compensation	149,102	143,480
Other accrued expenses	116,921	115,659
Dividends payable	70,021	64,600
Income taxes payable	35,267	23,145
Total current liabilities	1,812,073	1,971,814
Long-term debt	500,000	250,000
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities	493,721	258,807
Other long-term liabilities	280,978	181,709
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share - authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued
Common stock, par value $1 per share - authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 155,651,116 in 2011 and 157,636,261 shares in 2010	155,651	157,636
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(482,038)	(298,352)
Retained earnings	3,109,622	2,934,535
Total parent equity	2,783,235	2,793,819
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	9,584	8,895
Total equity	2,792,819	2,802,714
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,879,591	$ 5,465,044