10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

Or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to            

Commission file number: 1-5690

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Georgia	58-0254510
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2999 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia	30339
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

770-953-1700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $1 par value per share	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  þ	Accelerated filer  ¨	Non-accelerated filer  ¨	Smaller reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ

As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $9,048,947,000 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at February 14, 2013
Common Stock, $1 par value per share	154,868,013 shares

Specifically identified portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 22, 2013 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

PART I.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Genuine Parts Company, a Georgia corporation incorporated on May 7, 1928, is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products and electrical/electronic materials through our four operating segments, each described in more detail below. In 2012, business was conducted throughout the United States, in Canada and in Mexico from approximately 2,000 locations. As of December 31, 2012, the Company employed approximately 31,900 persons.

As used in this report, the “Company” refers to Genuine Parts Company and its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated by the context; and the terms “automotive parts” and “industrial parts” refer to replacement parts in each respective category.

Financial Information about Segments.    For financial information regarding segments as well as our geographic areas of operation, refer to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1.

Available Information.    The Company’s internet website can be found at www.genpt.com. The Company makes available, free of charge through its internet website, access to the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other reports, and any amendments to these documents, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Additionally, our corporate governance guidelines, codes of conduct and ethics, and charters of the Audit Committee and the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board of Directors, as well as information regarding our director nominating process and our procedure for shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with our Board of Directors, are available on our website.

In Part III of this Form 10-K, we incorporate certain information by reference to our proxy statement for our 2013 annual meeting of shareholders. We expect to file that proxy statement with the SEC on or about February 26, 2013, and we will make it available online at the same time at http://www.proxydocs.com/gpc. Please refer to the proxy statement for the information incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K when it is available.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS GROUP

The Automotive Parts Group, the largest division of the Company, distributes automotive parts and accessory items. In addition to over 427,000 available part numbers, the Company offers complete inventory, cataloging, marketing, training and other programs in the automotive aftermarket. The Company, as a result of its acquisition of Quaker City Motor Parts Co. in May 2012, is now the sole member of the National Automotive Parts Association (“NAPA”), a voluntary trade association formed in 1925 to provide nationwide distribution of automotive parts.

During 2012, the Company’s Automotive Parts Group included NAPA automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores (“auto parts stores” or “NAPA AUTO PARTS stores”) owned and operated in the United States by the Company; NAPA and Traction automotive parts distribution centers and auto parts stores in the United States and Canada owned and operated by the Company and NAPA Canada/UAP Inc. (“NAPA Canada/UAP”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; auto parts stores and distribution centers in the United States operated by corporations in which the Company owned either a noncontrolling or controlling interest; auto parts stores in Canada operated by corporations in which UAP owns a 50% interest; import automotive parts distribution centers in the United States owned by the Company and operated by its Altrom America division; import automotive parts distribution centers in Canada owned and operated by Altrom Canada Corporation (“Altrom Canada”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; distribution centers in the United States owned by Balkamp, Inc. (“Balkamp”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; distribution facilities in the United States owned by the Company and operated by its Rayloc division; and automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores in Mexico, owned and operated by Grupo Auto Todo, S.A. de C.V. (“Auto Todo”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

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The Company has a 15% interest in Mitchell Repair Information (“MRIC”), a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated. MRIC is a leading automotive diagnostic and repair information company with over 40,000 North American subscribers linked to its services and information databases. MRIC’s core product, “Mitchell ON-DEMAND”, is a premier electronic repair information source in the automotive aftermarket.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company acquired a 30% investment in the Exego Group (“Exego”) for approximately $166 million (US$) in cash. Exego, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is a leading aftermarket distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $1 billion (US$) and a company-owned store footprint of more than 430 locations across Australia and New Zealand. In accordance with the purchase agreement, the Company has an option to acquire the remaining 70% interest in Exego at a later date, contingent upon Exego meeting certain earnings thresholds. In 2012, the Company accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting.

Effective May 1, 2012, the Company acquired Quaker City Motor Parts Co. (“Quaker City”) for approximately $343 million, net of cash acquired. Quaker City, headquartered in Middletown, Delaware, was a long standing NAPA distributor with annual revenues of approximately $300 million. Quaker City serves approximately 270 auto parts stores, of which approximately 140 are company-owned. The Company funded the acquisition with cash on hand and short-term borrowings under credit facilities.

The Company’s NAPA automotive parts distribution centers distribute replacement parts (other than body parts) for substantially all motor vehicle makes and models in service in the United States, including imported vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and farm vehicles. In addition, the Company distributes replacement parts for small engines, farm equipment and heavy duty equipment. The Company’s inventories also include accessory items for such vehicles and equipment, and supply items used by a wide variety of customers in the automotive aftermarket, such as repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns and individuals who perform their own maintenance and parts installation. Although the Company’s domestic automotive operations purchase from approximately 100 different suppliers, approximately 53% of 2012 automotive parts inventories were purchased from 10 major suppliers. Since 1931, the Company has had return privileges with most of its suppliers, which have protected the Company from inventory obsolescence.

Distribution System.    In 2012, the Company operated 64 domestic NAPA automotive parts distribution centers located in 41 states and approximately 1,100 domestic company-owned NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located in 46 states. At December 31, 2012, the Company owned either a noncontrolling or controlling interest in ten corporations, which operated approximately 58 auto parts stores in eight states.

NAPA Canada/UAP, founded in 1926, is a Canadian leader in the distribution and marketing of replacement parts and accessories for automobiles and trucks. NAPA Canada/UAP employs approximately 3,600 people and operates a network of 12 distribution centers supplying approximately 595 NAPA stores and 103 Traction wholesalers. Traction is a supplier of parts to small and large fleet owners and operators and, together with NAPA stores, is a significant supplier to the mining and forestry industries. The NAPA stores and Traction wholesalers in Canada include approximately 184 company owned stores, 13 joint ventures and 27 progressive owners in which NAPA Canada/UAP owns a 50% interest and approximately 474 independently owned stores. NAPA and Traction operations supply bannered installers and independent installers in all provinces of Canada, as well as networks of service stations and repair shops operating under the banners of national accounts. UAP is a licensee of the NAPA^® name in Canada.

In Canada, Altrom Canada operates 14 import automotive parts distribution centers. In the United States, Altrom America operates two import automotive parts distribution centers.

In Mexico, Auto Todo owns and operates 11 distribution centers, four auto parts stores and four tire centers. Auto Todo is a licensee of the NAPA^® name in Mexico.

The Company’s domestic distribution centers serve approximately 4,900 independently owned NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located throughout the United States. NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, in turn, sell to a wide

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variety of customers in the automotive aftermarket. Collectively, these independent automotive parts stores account for approximately 65% of the Company’s total U.S. Automotive sales and 25% of the Company’s total sales, with no automotive parts store or group of automotive parts stores with individual or common ownership accounting for more than 0.25% of the total sales of the Company.

Products.    Distribution centers have access to over 427,000 different parts and related supply items. Each item is cataloged and numbered for identification and accessibility. Significant inventories are carried to provide for fast and frequent deliveries to customers. Most orders are filled and shipped the same day as they are received. The majority of sales are paid from statements with varied terms and conditions. The Company does not manufacture any of the products it distributes. The majority of products are distributed under the NAPA^® name, a mark licensed to the Company by NAPA, which is important to the sales and marketing of these products. Traction sales also include products distributed under the HD Plus name, a proprietary line of automotive parts for the heavy duty truck market.

Related Operations.    Balkamp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, distributes a wide variety of replacement parts and accessory items for passenger cars, heavy-duty vehicles, motorcycles and farm equipment. In addition, Balkamp distributes service items such as testing equipment, lubricating equipment, gauges, cleaning supplies, chemicals and supply items used by repair shops, fleets, farms and institutions. Balkamp packages many of the 63,000 products, which constitute the “Balkamp” line of products that are distributed through the NAPA system. These products are categorized into over 240 different product groups purchased from approximately 450 domestic suppliers and 100 foreign manufacturers. Balkamp has two distribution centers located in Plainfield, Indiana, and West Jordan, Utah. In addition, Balkamp operates two redistribution centers that provide the NAPA system with over 1,500 SKUs of oils, chemicals and procurement items. BALKAMP^®, a federally registered trademark, is important to the sales and marketing promotions of the Balkamp organization.

The Company, through its Rayloc division, operates four facilities where certain small automotive parts are distributed through the NAPA system under the NAPA^® brand name. Rayloc^® is a mark licensed to the Company by NAPA.

The Company’s Heavy Vehicle Parts Group operates as TW Distribution, with one warehouse location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves 23 Traction Heavy Duty parts stores in the United States, of which 15 are company-owned and eight are independently owned. This group distributes heavy vehicle parts through the NAPA system and direct to small fleet owners and operators.

Segment Data.    In the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, sales from the Automotive Parts Group were approximately 49% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 50% in 2010. For additional segment information, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1.

Service to NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores.    The Company believes that the quality and the range of services provided to its automotive parts customers constitute a significant advantage for its automotive parts distribution system. Such services include fast and frequent delivery, parts cataloging (including the use of electronic NAPA AUTO PARTS catalogs) and stock adjustment through a continuing parts classification system which, as initiated by the Company from time to time, allows independent retailers (“jobbers”) to return certain merchandise on a scheduled basis. The Company offers its NAPA AUTO PARTS store customers various management aids, marketing aids and service on topics such as inventory control, cost analysis, accounting procedures, group insurance and retirement benefit plans, as well as marketing conferences and seminars, sales and advertising manuals and training programs. Point of sale/inventory management is available through TAMS^® (Total Automotive Management Systems), a computer system designed and developed by the Company for the NAPA AUTO PARTS stores.

The Company, has developed and refined an inventory classification system to determine optimum distribution center and auto parts store inventory levels for automotive parts stocking based on automotive registrations, usage rates, production statistics, technological advances and other similar factors. This system, which undergoes continuous analytical review, is an integral part of the Company’s inventory control procedures and comprises an important feature of the inventory management services that the Company

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makes available to its NAPA AUTO PARTS store customers. Over the last 20 years, losses to the Company from obsolescence have been insignificant and the Company attributes this to the successful operation of its classification system, which involves product return privileges with most of its suppliers.

Competition.    The automotive parts distribution business is highly competitive. The Company competes with automobile manufacturers (some of which sell replacement parts for vehicles built by other manufacturers as well as those that they build themselves), automobile dealers, warehouse clubs and large automotive parts retail chains. In addition, the Company competes with the distributing outlets of parts manufacturers, oil companies, mass merchandisers, including national retail chains, and with other parts distributors and retailers. The Automotive Parts Group competes primarily on product offering, service, brand recognition and price. Further information regarding competition in the industry is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors — We Face Substantial Competition in the Industries in Which We Do Business.”

NAPA.    The Company is the sole member of the National Automotive Parts Association, a voluntary association formed in 1925 to provide nationwide distribution of automotive parts. NAPA, which neither buys nor sells automotive parts, functions as a trade association whose members in 2012 owned and operated 64 distribution centers located throughout the United States. NAPA develops marketing concepts and programs that may be used by its members which, at December 31, 2012, includes only the Company. It is not involved in the chain of distribution.

Among the automotive lines within the NAPA system that the Company purchases and distributes are certain lines designated, cataloged, advertised and promoted as “NAPA” lines. The Company is not required to purchase any specific quantity of parts so designated and may, and does, purchase competitive lines from other supply sources.

The Company uses the federally registered trademark NAPA^® as part of the trade name of its distribution centers and parts stores. The Company contributes to NAPA’s national advertising program, which is designed to increase public recognition of the NAPA name and to promote NAPA product lines.

The Company is a party, together with the former members of NAPA, to a consent decree entered by the Federal District Court in Detroit, Michigan, on May 4, 1954. The consent decree enjoins certain practices under the federal antitrust laws, including the use of exclusive agreements with manufacturers of automotive parts, allocation or division of territories among the Company and former NAPA members, fixing of prices or terms of sale for such parts among such members, and agreements to adhere to any uniform policy in selecting parts customers or determining the number and location of, or arrangements with, auto parts customers.

INDUSTRIAL PARTS GROUP

The Industrial Parts Group is operated as Motion Industries, Inc. (“Motion”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Motion distributes industrial replacement parts and related supplies such as bearings, mechanical and electrical power transmission, industrial automation, hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial supplies and material handling products to MRO (maintenance, repair and operation) and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In Canada, industrial parts are distributed by Motion Industries (Canada), Inc. (“Motion Canada”). The Mexican market is served by Motion Mexico S de RL de CV (“Motion Mexico”). These organizations operate in the Company’s North American structure.

As of December 31, 2012, the Industrial Parts Group served more than 150,000 customers in all types of industries located throughout North America, including the food and beverage, forest products, primary metal, pulp and paper, mining, automotive, oil and gas, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries; as well as strategically targeted specialty industries such as power generation, wastewater treatment facilities, wind power generation, solar power, government projects, pipelines, railroad, ports, and others. Motion services all manufacturing and processing industries with access to a database of 4.8 million parts. Additionally, Motion provides U.S. government agencies access to approximately 585,000 products and replacement parts through a Government Services Administration (GSA) schedule.

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The Industrial Parts Group provides customers with supply chain efficiencies achieved through inventory management and logistical solutions coupled with Motion’s vast product knowledge and system capabilities. The Company meets the MRO demand of a large and fragmented market with high levels of service in the areas of asset management, inventory and logistics management, product application and utilization management processes. A highly developed supply chain with vendor partnerships and customer connectivity are enhanced by Motion’s leading e-business capabilities, such as MiSupplierConnect, which provides integration between the Company’s information technology network and suppliers’ systems, creating numerous benefits for both the supplier and customer.

Distribution System.    In North America, the Industrial Parts Group operated 509 branches, 14 distribution centers and 50 service centers as of December 31, 2012. The distribution centers stock and distribute more than 240,000 different items purchased from more than 1,100 different suppliers. The service centers provide hydraulic, hose and mechanical repairs for customers. Approximately 50% of 2012 total industrial product purchases were made from 10 major suppliers. Sales are generated from the Industrial Parts Group’s branches located in 48 states, Puerto Rico, nine provinces in Canada, and Mexico. Each branch has warehouse facilities that stock significant amounts of inventory representative of the products used by customers in the respective market area served.

Products.    The Industrial Parts Group distributes a wide variety of parts and products to its customers, primarily industrial concerns. Products include such items as hoses, belts, bearings, pulleys, pumps, valves, chains, gears, sprockets, speed reducers, electric motors, and industrial supplies. In recent years, Motion expanded its offering to include systems and automation products in response to the increasing sophistication of motion control and process automation for full systems integration of plant equipment. Manufacturing trends and government policies have led to opportunities in the “green” and energy-efficient product markets, focusing on product offerings such as energy-efficient motors and drives, recyclable and environmentally friendly parts and supplies. The nature of this group’s business demands the maintenance of adequate inventories and the ability to promptly meet demanding delivery requirements. Virtually all of the products distributed are installed by the customer or used in plant and facility maintenance activities. Most orders are filled immediately from existing stock and deliveries are normally made within 24 hours of receipt of order. The majority of all sales are on open account. Motion has ongoing purchase agreements with existing customers that represent approximately 50% of the annual sales volume.

Supply Agreements.    Non-exclusive distributor agreements are in effect with most of the Industrial Parts Group’s suppliers. The terms of these agreements vary; however, it has been the experience of the Industrial Parts Group that the custom of the trade is to treat such agreements as continuing until breached by one party or until terminated by mutual consent. Motion has return privileges with most of its suppliers, which has protected the Company from inventory obsolescence.

Segment Data.    In the year ended December 31, 2012, sales from the Company’s Industrial Parts Group approximated 34% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 33% in 2011 and 31% in 2010. For additional segment information, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1.

Competition.    The industrial parts distribution business is highly competitive. The Industrial Parts Group competes with other distributors specializing in the distribution of such items, general line distributors and others who provide similar services. To a lesser extent, the Industrial Parts Group competes with manufacturers that sell directly to the customer. The Industrial Parts Group competes primarily on the breadth of product offerings, service and price. Further information regarding competition in the industry is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors — We Face Substantial Competition in the Industries in Which We Do Business.”

OFFICE PRODUCTS GROUP

The Office Products Group, operated through S. P. Richards Company (“S. P. Richards”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. S. P. Richards is engaged in the wholesale distribution of a broad line of office and other business related products through a diverse customer base of resellers. These products are used in homes, businesses, schools, offices, and other institutions. Office products

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fall into the general categories of computer supplies, imaging products, office furniture, office machines, general office products, school supplies, cleaning and breakroom supplies, safety and security items, and healthcare products.

The Office Products Group is represented in Canada through S. P. Richards Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company headquartered near Toronto, Ontario. S. P. Richards Canada services office product resellers throughout Canada from locations in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Distribution System.    The Office Products Group distributes more than 50,000 items to over 4,000 business product resellers throughout the United States and Canada from a network of 41 distribution centers. In 2012, the Company merged its Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina operations into one highly automated, state-of-the-art facility. This group’s network of strategically located distribution centers provides overnight delivery of the Company’s comprehensive product offering. Approximately 50% of the Company’s 2012 total office products purchases were made from 10 major suppliers.

The Office Products Group sells to a wide variety of resellers of business products. These resellers include independently owned office product dealers, national office product superstores and mass merchants, large contract stationers, mail order companies, internet resellers, college bookstores, military base stores, office furniture dealers, value-added technology resellers, business machine dealers, janitorial and sanitation supply distributors and safety product resellers. Resellers are offered comprehensive marketing programs, which include print and electronic catalogs and flyers, electronic content for reseller websites, and education and training resources. In addition, market analytics programs are made available to qualified resellers.

Products.    The Office Products Group distributes computer supplies including storage media, printer supplies and computer accessories; office furniture including desks, credenzas, chairs, chair mats, partitions, file cabinets and computer furniture; office machines including telephones, answering machines, calculators, fax machines, multi-function copiers, printers, digital cameras, televisions, laminators and shredders; general office supplies including desk accessories, business forms, accounting supplies, binders, filing supplies, report covers, writing instruments, envelopes, note pads, copy paper, mailroom supplies, drafting supplies and audiovisual supplies; school supplies including bulletin boards, teaching aids and art supplies; healthcare products including exam room supplies and accessories; janitorial supplies including cleaning supplies, paper towels and trash can liners and safety supplies; and breakroom supplies including napkins, utensils, snacks and beverages. S. P. Richards has return privileges with most of its suppliers, which have protected the Company from inventory obsolescence.

While the Company’s inventory includes products from nearly 600 of the industry’s leading manufacturers worldwide, S. P. Richards also markets products under its eight proprietary brands. These brands include: Sparco^™, an economical line of office supply basics; Compucessory^®, a line of computer accessories; Lorell^™, a line of office furniture; NatureSaver^®, an offering of recycled products; Elite Image^®, a line of new and remanufactured toner cartridges, premium papers and labels; Integra^™, a line of writing instruments; Genuine Joe^®, a line of cleaning and breakroom products; and Business Source^®, a line of basic office supplies available only to independent resellers. Through the Company’s FurnitureAdvantage^™ program, S. P. Richards provides resellers with an additional 7,000 furniture items made available to consumers in 7 to 10 business days. The Company also offers PrintSmart^™, a fully featured managed print solution allowing resellers to serve the changing needs of the print environment.

Segment Data.    In the year ended December 31, 2012, sales from the Company’s Office Products Group approximated 13% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 14% in 2011 and 15% in 2010. For additional segment information, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1.

Competition.    The office products distribution business is highly competitive. In the distribution of its product offering to resellers, S. P. Richards competes with many other wholesale distributors, as well as with certain manufacturers of office products. S. P. Richards competes primarily on price, product offerings, service, marketing programs and brand recognition. Further information regarding competition in the industry is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors — We Face Substantial Competition in the Industries in Which We Do Business.”

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ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC MATERIALS GROUP

The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group was formed on July 1, 1998 through the acquisition of EIS, Inc. (“EIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. This Group distributes materials to more than 20,000 electrical and electronic manufacturers, as well as industrial assembly and specialty wire/cable markets in North America. With 41 branch locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada, this Group distributes over 100,000 items including wire and cable, insulating and conductive materials, assembly tools and test equipment. EIS also has four manufacturing facilities that provide custom fabricated parts.

Effective February 1, 2012, the Company acquired Light Fabrications Inc., a fabricator of flexible materials with one U.S. location in Rochester, New York and annual revenues of approximately $18 million.

Distribution System.    The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group provides distribution services to OEM’s, motor repair shops, specialty wire and cable users and a broad variety of industrial assembly markets. EIS actively utilizes its e-commerce Internet site to present its products to customers while allowing these on-line visitors to conveniently purchase from a large product assortment.

Electrical and electronic, industrial assembly, and wire/cable products are distributed from warehouse locations in major user markets throughout the United States, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. EIS has return privileges with some of its suppliers, which have protected the Company from inventory obsolescence.

Products.    The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group distributes a wide variety of products to customers from over 350 vendors. These products include custom fabricated flexible materials that are used as components within a customer’s manufactured finished product in a variety of market segments. Among the products distributed and fabricated are such items as magnet wire, conductive materials, electrical wire and cable, insulating and shielding materials, assembly tools, test equipment, adhesives and chemicals, pressure sensitive tapes, solder, anti-static products and thermal management products. To meet the prompt delivery demands of its customers, this Group maintains large inventories. The majority of sales are on open account. Approximately 45% of 2012 total Electrical/Electronic Materials Group purchases were made from 10 major suppliers.

Integrated Supply.    The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group’s integrated supply programs are a part of the marketing strategy, as a greater number of customers — especially national accounts — are given the opportunity to participate in this low-cost, high-service capability. The Group developed AIMS (Advanced Inventory Management System), a totally integrated, highly automated solution for inventory management. The Group’s Integrated Supply offering also includes AIMS EASI, an electronic vending dispenser used to eliminate costly tool cribs, or in-house stores, at customer warehouse facilities.

Segment Data.    In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, sales from the Company’s Electrical/Electronic Materials Group approximated 4% of the Company’s net sales. For additional segment information, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1.

Competition.    The electrical and electronics distribution business is highly competitive. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group competes with other distributors specializing in the distribution of electrical and electronic products, general line distributors and, to a lesser extent, manufacturers that sell directly to customers. EIS competes primarily on factors of price, product offerings, service and engineered solutions. Further information regarding competition in the industry is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors — We Face Substantial Competition in the Industries in Which We Do Business.”

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this report, as well as in other materials we file with the SEC or otherwise release to the public and in materials that we make available on our website, constitute forward-looking statements that are

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subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Senior officers may also make verbal statements to analysts, investors, the media and others that are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may relate, for example, to future operations, prospects, strategies, financial condition, economic performance (including growth and earnings), industry conditions and demand for our products and services. The Company cautions that its forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and while we believe that our expectations for the future are reasonable in view of currently available information, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed below.

Forward-looking statements are only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no duty to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our subsequent Forms 10-Q, 8-K and other reports to the SEC.

Set forth below are the material risks and uncertainties that, if they were to occur, could materially and adversely affect our business or could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this report and in the other public statements we make. Please be aware that these risks may change over time and other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or the trading price of our securities.

Our business will be adversely affected if demand for our products slows.

Our business depends on customer demand for the products that we distribute. Demand for these products depends on many factors.

With respect to our automotive group, the primary factors are:

• the number of miles vehicles are driven annually, as higher vehicle mileage increases the need for maintenance and repair;

• the quality of the vehicles manufactured by the original vehicle manufacturers and the length of the warranty or maintenance offered on new vehicles;

• the number of vehicles in current service that are six years old and older, as these vehicles are typically no longer under the original vehicle manufacturers’ warranty and will need more maintenance and repair than newer vehicles;

• gas prices, as increases in gas prices may deter consumers from using their vehicles;

• changes in travel patterns, which may cause consumers to rely more on other transportation;

• restrictions on access to diagnostic tools and repair information imposed by the original vehicle manufacturers or by governmental regulation, as consumers may be forced to have all diagnostic work, repairs and maintenance performed by the vehicle manufacturers’ dealer networks; and

• the economy generally, which in declining conditions may cause consumers to defer vehicle maintenance and repair and defer discretionary spending.

With respect to our industrial parts group, the primary factors are:

• the level of industrial production and manufacturing capacity utilization, as these indices reflect the need for industrial replacement parts;

• changes in manufacturing reflected in the level of the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index, as an index reading of 50 or more implies an expanding manufacturing economy, while a reading below 50 implies a contracting manufacturing economy;

• the consolidation of certain of our manufacturing customers and the trend of manufacturing operations being moved overseas; and

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• the economy in general, which in declining conditions may cause reduced demand for industrial output.

With respect to our office products group, the primary factors are:

• the level of unemployment, especially as it relates to white collar and service jobs, as this impacts the need for business products; and

• the economy in general, which in declining conditions may cause reduced demand for office products consumption.

With respect to our electrical/electronic materials group, the primary factors are:

• changes in manufacturing reflected in the level of the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index, as an index reading of 50 or more implies an expanding manufacturing economy, while a reading below 50 implies a contracting manufacturing economy; and

• the economy in general, which in declining conditions may cause reduced demand for industrial output.

Uncertainty and/or deterioration in general macro-economic conditions, including unemployment, inflation or deflation, high energy costs, uncertain credit markets, or other economic conditions, could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our business and operating results may in the future be adversely affected by uncertain global economic conditions, including instability in credit markets, declining consumer and business confidence, fluctuating commodity prices, volatile exchange rates, and other challenges that could affect the global economy. Both our commercial and retail customers may experience deterioration of their financial resources, which could result in existing or potential customers delaying or canceling plans to purchase our products. Our vendors could experience similar conditions, which could impact their ability to fulfill their obligations to us. Future weakness in the global economy could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods.

We depend on our relationships with our vendors, and a disruption of our vendor relationships or a disruption in our vendors’ operations could harm our business.

As a distributor of automotive parts, industrial parts, office products and electrical/electronic materials, our business depends on developing and maintaining close and productive relationships with our vendors. We depend on our vendors to sell us quality products at favorable prices. Many factors outside our control, including, without limitation, raw material shortages, inadequate manufacturing capacity, labor disputes, transportation disruptions or weather conditions, could adversely affect our vendors’ ability to deliver to us quality merchandise at favorable prices in a timely manner. Furthermore, financial or operational difficulties with a particular vendor could cause that vendor to increase the cost of the products or decrease the quality of the products we purchase from it. Vendor consolidation could also limit the number of suppliers from which we may purchase products and could materially affect the prices we pay for these products. In our automotive business, the number of vendors could decrease considerably, and the prices charged to us by the remaining vendors could increase, to the extent that vehicle production slows due to a decline in consumer spending and, possibly, the failure of one or more of the large automobile manufacturers. We would suffer an adverse impact if our vendors limit or cancel the return privileges that currently protect us from inventory obsolescence.

We face substantial competition in the industries in which we do business.

The sale of automotive and industrial parts, office products and electrical materials is highly competitive and impacted by many factors, including name recognition, product availability, customer service, anticipating changing customer preferences, store location, and pricing pressures. Because we seek to offer competitive prices, if our competitors reduce their prices, we may be forced to reduce our prices, which could result in a material decline in our revenues and earnings. Increased competition among distributors of automotive and industrial parts, office products and electronic materials, including internet-related initiatives, could cause a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The Company anticipates no decline in competition in any of its four business segments in the foreseeable future.

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In particular, the market for replacement automotive parts is highly competitive and subjects us to a wide variety of competitors. We compete primarily with national and regional auto parts chains, independently owned regional and local automotive parts and accessories stores, automobile dealers that supply manufacturer replacement parts and accessories, mass merchandisers and wholesale clubs that sell automotive products and regional and local full service automotive repair shops. Furthermore, the automotive aftermarket has experienced consolidation in recent years. Consolidation among our competitors could further enhance their financial position, provide them with the ability to provide more competitive prices to customers for whom we compete, and allow them to achieve increased efficiencies in their consolidated operations that enable them to more effectively compete for customers. If we are unable to continue to develop successful competitive strategies or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and our sales and profits may decline.

We may not be able to successfully implement our business initiatives in each of our four business segments to grow our sales and earnings, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We have implemented numerous initiatives in each of our four business segments to grow sales and earnings, including the introduction of new and expanded product lines, geographic expansion (including acquisitions), sales to new markets, enhanced customer marketing programs and a variety of gross margin and cost savings initiatives. If we are unable to implement these initiatives efficiently and effectively, or if these initiatives are unsuccessful, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Successful implementation of these initiatives also depends on factors specific to the automotive parts industry and the other industries in which we operate and numerous other factors that may be beyond our control. In addition to the other risk factors contained in this “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, adverse changes in the following factors could undermine our business initiatives and have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows:

• the competitive environment in our end markets may force us to reduce prices below our desired pricing level or to increase promotional spending;

• our ability to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and to meet customers’ needs for our products in a timely manner;

• our ability to successfully enter new markets;

• our ability to effectively manage our costs;

• our ability to continue to grow through acquisitions and successfully integrate acquired businesses in our existing operations; and

• the economy in general.

Because we are involved in litigation from time to time and are subject to numerous laws and governmental regulations, we could incur substantial judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs.

We are sometimes the subject of complaints or litigation from customers, employees or other third parties for various actions. The damages sought against us in some of these litigation proceedings are substantial. Although we maintain liability insurance for some litigation claims, if one or more of the claims were to greatly exceed our insurance coverage limits or if our insurance policies do not cover a claim, this could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Additionally, we are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations relating to environmental protection, product quality standards, building and zoning requirements, as well as employment law matters. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws or regulations, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions, while incurring substantial legal fees and costs. In addition, our capital expenses could increase due to remediation measures that may be required if we are found to be noncompliant with any existing or future laws or regulations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The Company’s headquarters and Automotive Parts Group headquarters are located in two office buildings owned by the Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Company’s Automotive Parts Group currently operates 64 NAPA Distribution Centers in the United States distributed among ten geographic divisions. Approximately 90% of the distribution center properties are owned by the Company. At December 31, 2012, the Company operated approximately 1,100 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located in 46 states, and the Company owned either a noncontrolling or controlling interest in 58 additional auto parts stores in eight states. Other than NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located within Company owned distribution centers, the majority of the automotive parts stores in which the Company has an ownership interest are operated in leased facilities. In addition, NAPA Canada/UAP operates 12 distribution centers and approximately 184 automotive parts and Traction stores in Canada, excluding any joint ventures. Auto Todo operates eleven distribution centers and eight stores and tire centers in Mexico. These operations are primarily conducted in leased facilities.

The Company’s Automotive Parts Group also operates four Balkamp distribution/redistribution centers, four Rayloc distribution facilities and two transfer and shipping facilities. Nearly all of the Balkamp and Rayloc operations are conducted in facilities owned by the Company. Altrom Canada operates 14 import parts distribution centers and Altrom America operates two import parts distribution centers. The Heavy Vehicle Parts Group operates one TW distribution center, which serves 23 Traction stores of which 15 are company owned and located in the U.S. These operations are conducted in leased facilities.

The Company’s Industrial Parts Group, operating through Motion and Motion Canada, operates 14 distribution centers, 50 service centers and 509 branches. Approximately 90% of these branches are operated in leased facilities.

The Company’s Office Products Group operates 36 facilities in the United States and five facilities in Canada distributed among the Group’s five geographic divisions. Approximately 75% of these facilities are operated in leased buildings.

The Company’s Electrical/Electronic Materials Group operates in 39 locations in the United States, one location in Puerto Rico, one location in the Dominican Republic, three locations in Mexico and one location in Canada. All of this Group’s 45 facilities are operated in leased buildings except one facility, which is owned.

We believe that our facilities on the whole are in good condition, are adequately insured, are fully utilized and are suitable and adequate for the conduct of our current operations.

For additional information regarding rental expense on leased properties, see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is subject to various legal and governmental proceedings, many involving routine litigation incidental to the businesses, including approximately 3,000 product liability lawsuits resulting from its national distribution of automotive parts and supplies. Many of these involve claims of personal injury allegedly resulting from the use of automotive parts distributed by the Company. While litigation of any type contains an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that its defense and ultimate resolution of pending and reasonably anticipated claims will continue to occur within the ordinary course of the Company’s business and that resolution of these claims will not have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

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PART II.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Market Information Regarding Common Stock

The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GPC”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the common stock per quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends per share of common stock paid during the last two fiscal years:

	Sales Price of Common Shares
	2012				2011
	High		Low		High		Low
Quarter
First	$	66.43	$	60.84	$	55.70	$	49.86
Second		66.50		55.58		55.99		49.74
Third		65.18		58.73		57.66		46.10
Fourth		66.90		59.53		62.21		48.53

	Dividends Declared per Share
	2012		2011
Quarter
First	$	0.495	$	0.450
Second		0.495		0.450
Third		0.495		0.450
Fourth		0.495		0.450

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Stock Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly dollar change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s Common Stock against the cumulative total shareholder return of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index and a peer group composite index structured by the Company as set forth below for the five year period that commenced December 31, 2007 and ended December 31, 2012. This graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2007 in Genuine Parts Company Common Stock, the S&P 500 Stock Index (the Company is a member of the S&P 500, and its cumulative total shareholder return went into calculating the S&P 500 results set forth in the graph) and the peer group composite index as set forth below and assumes reinvestment of all dividends.

Comparison of five year cumulative total shareholder return

Genuine Parts Company, S&P 500 Index and peer group composite index

Cumulative Total Shareholder Return $ at Fiscal Year End	2007		2008		2009		2010		2011		2012
Genuine Parts Company		100.00		84.96		89.37		125.59		154.82		166.05
S&P 500		100.00		63.00		79.67		91.67		93.60		108.58
Peer Index		100.00		56.86		81.33		117.88		113.08		129.44

In constructing the peer group composite index (“Peer Index”) for use in the stock performance graph above, the Company used the shareholder returns of various publicly held companies (weighted in accordance with each company’s stock market capitalization at December 31, 2007 and including reinvestment of dividends) that compete with the Company in three industry segments: automotive parts, industrial parts and office products (each group of companies included in the Peer Index as competing with the Company in a separate industry segment is hereinafter referred to as a “Peer Group”). Included in the automotive parts Peer Group are those companies making up the Dow Jones U.S. Auto Parts Index (the Company is a member of such industry group, and its individual shareholder return was included when calculating the Peer Index results set forth in the performance graph). Included in the industrial parts Peer Group are Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Kaman Corporation and included in the office products Peer Group is United Stationers Inc. The Peer Index does not break out a separate electrical/electronic peer group due to the fact that there is currently no true market comparative to EIS. The electrical/electronic component of sales is redistributed to the Company’s other segments on a pro rata basis to calculate the final Peer Index.

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In determining the Peer Index, each Peer Group was weighted to reflect the Company’s annual net sales in each industry segment. Each industry segment of the Company comprised the following percentages of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal years shown:

Industry Segment	2007			2008			2009			2010			2011			2012
Automotive Parts		49	%		48	%		52	%		50	%		49	%		49	%
Industrial Parts		31	%		32	%		29	%		31	%		33	%		34	%
Office Products		16	%		16	%		16	%		15	%		14	%		13	%
Electrical/Electronic Materials		4	%		4	%		3	%		4	%		4	%		4	%

Holders

As of December 31, 2012, there were 5,246 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. The number of holders of record does not include beneficial owners of the common stock whose shares are held in the names of various dealers, clearing agencies, banks, brokers and other fiduciaries.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

All of our sales of securities in 2012 were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information about the purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the three month period ended December 31, 2012:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)		Average Price  Paid per Share		Total Number  of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)		Maximum Number  of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1, 2012 through October 31, 2012		79,924	$	60.47		75,700		12,491,202
November 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012		415,748	$	61.20		303,145		12,188,057
December 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012		170,127	$	64.26		1,352		12,186,705
Totals		665,799	$	61.90		380,197		12,186,705

(1) Includes shares surrendered by employees to the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of shares of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options and/or tax withholding obligations.

(2) On November 17, 2008, the Board of Directors announced that it had authorized the repurchase of 15 million shares. The authorization for this repurchase plan continues until all such shares have been repurchased or the repurchase plan is terminated by action of the Board of Directors. Approximately 12.2 million shares authorized in the 2008 plan remain available to be repurchased by the Company. There were no other publicly announced plans as of December 31, 2012.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following table sets forth certain selected historical financial and operating data of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The following selected financial data are qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information beginning on page F-1, as well as in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report.

Year Ended December 31,	2012		2011		2010		2009		2008
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales	$	13,013,868	$	12,458,877	$	11,207,589	$	10,057,512	$	11,015,263
Cost of goods sold		9,235,777		8,852,837		7,954,645		7,047,750		7,742,773
Operating and non-operating expenses, net		2,759,159		2,715,234		2,491,161		2,365,597		2,504,022
Income before taxes		1,018,932		890,806		761,783		644,165		768,468
Income taxes		370,891		325,690		286,272		244,590		293,051
Net income	$	648,041	$	565,116	$	475,511	$	399,575	$	475,417
Weighted average common shares outstanding during year — assuming dilution		156,420		157,660		158,461		159,707		162,986
Per common share:
Diluted net income	$	4.14	$	3.58	$	3.00	$	2.50	$	2.92
Dividends declared		1.98		1.80		1.64		1.60		1.56
December 31 closing stock price		63.58		61.20		51.34		37.96		37.86
Long-term debt, less current maturities		250,000		500,000		250,000		500,000		500,000
Total equity		3,008,179		2,753,591		2,763,486		2,590,144		2,354,150
Total assets	$	6,807,061	$	6,202,774	$	5,788,227	$	5,327,872	$	5,109,533

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

Genuine Parts Company is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive parts, industrial parts, office products and electrical/electronic materials. We have a long tradition of growth dating back to 1928, the year we were founded in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2012, the Company conducted business throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico from approximately 2,000 locations.

We recorded consolidated net sales of $13.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 4.5% compared to $12.5 billion in 2011. Consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $648 million, up 15% from $565 million in 2011. The Company’s internal growth initiatives and effective cost management, which we discuss further below, served to drive our solid financial performance for the year, despite the slowing industry trends across our businesses as the year progressed.

The 4.5% sales growth in 2012 follows an 11% increase in revenues in both 2010 and 2011. Our 15% increase in net income follows a 19% increase in net income in 2010 and 2011. Throughout the two year period preceding 2012, we experienced strong and steady growth in three of our four business segments, as conditions in these industries improved significantly from the depressed levels experienced in 2009. These favorable conditions began to moderate following the first quarter of 2012, which created a more challenging sales environment over the balance of the year. Over the three year period of 2010 through 2012, our financial performance was also positively impacted by a variety of initiatives we implemented to grow sales and earnings in each of our four businesses. Examples of such initiatives include strategic acquisitions, the introduction of new and expanded

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product lines, geographic expansion, sales to new markets, enhanced customer marketing programs and a variety of gross margin and cost savings initiatives. We discuss these initiatives further below.

With regard to the December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet, the Company’s cash balance of $403 million was down from cash of $525 million at December 31, 2011, due primarily to two investments in our automotive business during 2012, which are discussed further under Liquidity and Capital Resources. The Company’s strong cash position was supported by the increase in net income and ongoing working capital management in 2012. Accounts receivable increased by approximately 2%, which is below our sales increase in the fourth quarter of the year, and inventory was up by just under 7%, primarily from acquisitions. Accounts payable increased $241 million or 17% from the prior year. The significant increase in this line item is due primarily to improved payment terms with certain suppliers. Total debt outstanding at December 31, 2012 was unchanged from $500 million at December 31, 2011.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Our results of operations are summarized below for the three years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands except per share data)
Net Sales	$	13,013,868	$	12,458,877	$	11,207,589
Gross Profit		3,778,091		3,606,040		3,252,944
Net Income		648,041		565,116		475,511
Diluted Earnings Per Share		4.14		3.58		3.00

Net Sales

Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 totaled $13.0 billion, a 4.5% increase from 2011 and driven by sales increases in three of our four business segments. Acquisitions in our Automotive and Electrical businesses contributed 2% to our sales growth and increased sales volume added approximately 2% to sales. The impact of product inflation varied by business, as, cumulatively, prices in 2012 were flat in the Automotive segment, up approximately 2% in the Industrial segment, flat in the Electrical segment and up approximately 3% in the Office segment. The Company is well positioned to improve sales again in 2013.

Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $12.5 billion, an 11% increase from 2010. The Company showed sales growth in all four of our business segments in 2011. The increase in total sales volume for the year added approximately 9% to sales, while acquisitions and the effect of currency associated with our Canadian and Mexican businesses each contributed 1% as well. Cumulatively, prices in 2011 were up approximately 3% in the Automotive segment, up approximately 4% in the Industrial segment, up approximately 5% in the Electrical segment and up approximately 2% in the Office segment.

Automotive Group

Net sales for the Automotive Group (“Automotive”) were $6.3 billion in 2012, an increase of 4% from 2011. The increase in sales for the year was primarily due to the May 1, 2012 acquisition of Quaker City Motor Parts Co. (“Quaker City”), which contributed approximately 3% to sales. Additionally, Automotive achieved a positive comparable store sales increase of slightly more than 1%. Automotive sales were not materially impacted by product inflation or the effect of currency associated with our Canadian and Mexican businesses. In 2012, Automotive revenues were up 6% in the first quarter, then up 4% in the second quarter, up 2.5% in the third quarter and up 5% in the fourth quarter. We believe that the underlying fundamentals in the automotive aftermarket, including the overall aging of the vehicle populations, remain solid and will serve to drive increased demand for automotive aftermarket maintenance and supply items in 2013. Based on these fundamentals and the internal growth initiatives in our Automotive business, we expect to grow our sales for this group again in 2013.

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Net sales for Automotive were $6.1 billion in 2011, an increase of 8% from 2010. Sales improved in 2011 due primarily to positive comparable stores sales growth of approximately 6%. Other factors impacting our Automotive sales for the year include higher transaction value associated with product inflation, which contributed approximately 1%, and the effect of currency associated with our Canadian and Mexican businesses, which positively impacted sales by approximately 1%. Automotive revenues were up 9% in the first, second and third quarters, and were up 6% in the fourth quarter.

Industrial Group

Net sales for Motion Industries, our Industrial Group (“Industrial”), were $4.5 billion in 2012, an increase of 7% compared to 2011. The positive impact of their internal sales initiatives, which drove higher sales volume, contributed 5% to sales. Higher transaction values in 2012 associated with product inflation added another 2% to sales. There was no material impact on sales from acquisitions and no effect of currency associated with our Canadian business, as in the prior year. The relative steadiness in the manufacturing sector of the economy served by Industrial was evidenced by sustained levels of manufacturing industrial production and capacity utilization for the year, overall, which this group tends to track. These indices did, however, show some slowing over the second half of 2012 relative to the first half. Consistent with this trend, Industrial revenues were up 12% in the first quarter of 2012, up 8% in the second quarter, then up 4.5% and 2% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. We anticipate a stable manufacturing environment in the near term and this will provide us opportunities to grow our Industrial business in 2013.

Net sales for Industrial, were $4.2 billion in 2011, an increase of 19% compared to 2010. Factors contributing to the sales increase for this group include the positive impact of their internal sales initiatives, which drove sales volumes up approximately 11%. Also in 2011, sales were positively impacted by higher transaction values associated with product inflation of approximately 4%, acquisitions, which accounted for approximately 3% of Industrial’s sales growth for the year and the effect of currency associated with our Canadian business, which positively impacted sales by less than 1%. Industrial revenues were up 24% in the first quarter of 2011, up 19% in the second quarter, then up 18% and 13% in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

Office Group

Net sales for S. P. Richards, our Office Products Group (“Office”), were $1.7 billion in 2012, flat with revenues in 2011. The industry-wide slowdown in office products consumption, which continues to pressure this segment, reflects the ongoing elevated levels of white collar unemployment, which the industry tends to track. In addition, other industry trends such as the declining demand for paper and paper based office products are negatively impacting the office products industry. Overall, sales volume in Office declined by 3% for the year, offset by higher transaction values associated with price inflation of approximately 3%. Sales decreased by 1% in the first, second and third quarters, and were up 3% in the fourth quarter of 2012. We expect to improve our sales volumes in 2013, as the economy recovers further and white collar unemployment declines.

Net sales for Office were $1.7 billion in 2011, up 3% from 2010. Office revenues began to stabilize in 2010 relative to prior year trends, and this group was able to make further progress in 2011. Higher transaction values due to product inflation of approximately 2% contributed to our sales growth. We were also pleased to report a 1% increase in sales volume for this business, despite the ongoing difficult environment for the office products industry, which we attribute to the generally slow recovery of white collar employment levels in the U.S. Sales increased approximately 5%, 4% and 3% in the first, second and third quarters, respectively, and were down 1% in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Electrical Group

Net sales for EIS, our Electrical and Electronic Group (“Electrical”), increased to $583 million in 2012, up 4.5% from 2011. The increase in revenues is due primarily to acquisitions, which contributed approximately 8% to our sales growth in 2012. A 2.5% decrease in sales volume and a 1% negative impact from copper pricing for the year served to offset this increase. Electrical’s customer base experienced slightly weaker manufacturing

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expansion during the year, as measured by the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index. Sales for Electrical increased by 5% in the first quarter, and were up 9% in the second quarter, up 5% in the third quarter and were down 2% in the fourth quarter. Based on the underlying assumption for stronger manufacturing expansion in 2013, the Company currently anticipates another year of reasonable growth in the Electrical business.

Net sales for Electrical increased to $558 million in 2011, up 24% from 2010. Acquisitions contributed approximately 11% to Electrical’s sales growth, and the effect of copper pricing had a 3% positive sales impact for the year. The increase in sales volume, supported by continued manufacturing expansion during the year, contributed 5% to sales in 2011 and product inflation, which resulted in higher transaction values, added another 5% to sales. Electrical sales increased by 39% in the first quarter, followed by increases of 28% in the second quarter, 22% in the third quarter and 10% in the fourth quarter.

Cost of Goods Sold

The Company includes in Cost of Goods sold the actual cost of merchandise, which represents the vast majority of this line item. Other costs in Cost of Goods sold include warranty costs and in-bound freight from the supplier, net of any vendor allowances and incentives. Cost of goods sold was $9.2 billion, $8.9 billion and $8.0 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The 4% increase in cost of goods sold from 2011 to 2012 is directly related to the sales increase for the same period, as actual costs remained steady. Cost of goods sold represented 71.0% of net sales in 2012, 71.1 % of net sales in 2011 and 71.0% of net sales in 2010. The slight decrease in cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales for 2012 reflects our gross margin initiatives to enhance our pricing strategies, promote and sell higher margin products and minimize material acquisition costs. In 2011, these initiatives were offset by the negative impact of certain pricing adjustments implemented in Automotive as well as ongoing competitive pricing pressures in the Industrial and Office businesses, hence the lower gross margin level in 2011 when compared to 2010.

In 2012, only the Industrial and Office business segments experienced vendor price increases. In the previous two years, all four of our business segments experienced vendor price increases although, in 2010, the Automotive and Office increases were relatively immaterial. In any year where we experience price increases, we are able to work with our customers to pass most of these along to them.

Operating Expenses

The Company includes in Selling, administrative and other expenses (“SG&A”), all personnel and personnel related costs at its headquarters, distribution centers and stores, which accounts for approximately 60% of total SG&A. Additional costs in SG&A include our facility, delivery, marketing, advertising, legal and professional costs. SG&A increased by $54 million or approximately 2% to $2.6 billion in 2012, representing 20.4% of net sales and down from 20.8% of net sales in 2011. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales improved from the prior year due to slightly greater expense leverage associated with our sales growth, combined with management’s ongoing cost control measures in areas such as personnel, freight, fleet and logistics. Excluding acquisitions, the Company’s headcount at December 31, 2012 decreased by approximately 1% from 2011. These expense initiatives have served to further improve the Company’s cost structure. Our management teams remain focused on properly managing the Company’s expenses and continuing to assess the appropriate cost structure in our businesses. Depreciation and amortization expense was $98 million in 2012, an increase of $9 million or 11% from 2011. This increase primarily relates to the amortization associated with acquisitions during the year. The provision for doubtful accounts was $8 million in 2012, down $5 million or 40% from $13 million in 2011. We believe the Company is adequately reserved for bad debts at December 31, 2012.

SG&A increased by $228 million or 10% to $2.6 billion in 2011, representing 20.8% of net sales and down from 21.1% of net sales in 2010. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales improved from the prior year due primarily to the benefit of greater expense leverage associated with the second consecutive 11% sales increase for the year. In addition, management’s ongoing cost control measures served to further improve the Company’s cost structure. After reducing the size of its workforce by approximately 12% during 2008 and 2009, the Company has only added back approximately 2% of that over the two year period of 2011 and 2010 (including

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acquisitions). Depreciation and amortization expense in 2011 was $89 million, relatively in-line with 2010. The provision for doubtful accounts was $13 million in 2011, up nearly $3 million or 25% from $11 million in 2010. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily a function of the increase in sales for the year and not due to collections issues.

Total share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $10.7 million, $7.5 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Refer to Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding share-based compensation.

Non-Operating Expenses and Income

Non-operating expenses consist primarily of interest. Interest expense was $20 million in 2012, $27 million in 2011 and $28 million in 2010. The declining trend in interest expense over the past two years is the result of an improved interest rate on certain long-term debt, effective November 2011.

In “Other”, interest income and noncontrolling interests in 2012 increased by approximately $8 million from 2011. This increase reflects the Company’s equity income recorded in 2012 for its 30% investment interest in Exego.

Income Before Income Taxes

Income before income taxes was $1.0 billion in 2012, an increase of 14% from $891 million in 2011. As a percentage of net sales, income before income taxes was 7.8% in 2012, reflecting an increase from 7.1% in 2011. In 2011, income before income taxes of $891 million was up 17% from $762 million in 2010 and as a percentage of net sales was 7.1%, an increase from 6.8% in 2010.

Automotive Group

Automotive income before income taxes as a percentage of net sales, which we refer to as operating margin, increased to 8.6% in 2012 from 7.7% in 2011. The improvement in operating margin for 2012 is attributed primarily to effective cost controls and cost reductions implemented during the year. A slight increase in gross margin also positively impacted their operating margin. Automotive’s initiatives to grow sales and control costs are intended to further improve its operating margin in the years ahead.

Automotive’s operating margin increased to 7.7% in 2011 from 7.5% in 2010. The improvement in operating margin for 2011 is attributed to the benefit of greater expense leverage associated with Automotive’s 8% sales increase for the year.

Industrial Group

Industrial’s operating margin decreased to 7.9% in 2012 from 8.1% in 2011. The decrease in operating margin in 2012 is due to the combination of reduced expense leverage associated with slower sales growth relative to the prior year and the decline in volume incentives for the year. These items were partially offset by effective cost control measures. Industrial will continue to focus on its sales initiatives and cost controls to further improve its operating margin in the years ahead.

Industrial’s operating margin increased to 8.1% in 2011 from 7.3% in 2010. The increase in operating margin in 2011 was due to the combination of greater expense leverage associated with a 19% sales increase, cost savings and increased volume incentives.

Office Group

Office’s operating margin has been relatively steady over the last three years, at 8.0% in 2012, 7.9% in 2011 and 8.0% in 2010. In each of these three periods, the cost savings measures in the Office segment were somewhat offset by the ongoing gross margin pressures associated with the slow demand for office products across the industry. Office will continue to focus on its sales initiatives and cost controls to further improve its operating margin in the years ahead.

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Electrical Group

Electrical’s operating margin increased to 8.7% in 2012 from 7.3% in 2011. The increase in operating margin in 2012 is primarily due to the positive impact of effective cost management as well as an improved gross margin. The improvement in gross margin reflects several factors, including higher margin business associated with recent acquisitions, and the decrease in copper prices during the year, which generally do not affect profit dollars, but positively impact margins, as the standard industry practice is to bill copper to the customer at cost. Electrical will continue to focus on its sales initiatives and cost controls to further improve its operating margin in the years ahead.

Electrical’s operating margin increased to 7.3% in 2011 from 6.9% in 2010. The increase in operating margin was due to the combination of greater expense leverage associated with a 24% sales increase and the ongoing benefits of effective cost controls. The improvement in these areas was partially offset by the increase in copper prices during the year, which negatively impacted margins.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate of 36.4% in 2012 was down slightly from 36.6% in 2011, primarily due to the favorable impact of a retirement asset valuation adjustment in 2012 relative to 2011. The income tax rate decreased to 36.6% in 2011 from 37.6% in 2010. The decrease from 2010 is primarily attributable to a favorable adjustment recorded in the first quarter of 2011 associated with the statute of limitations related to international taxes.

Net Income

Net income was $648 million in 2012, an increase of 15% from $565 million in 2011. On a per share diluted basis, net income was $4.14 in 2012 compared to $3.58 in 2011, up 16%. Net income in 2012 was 5.0% of net sales compared to 4.5% of net sales in 2011.

In December 2012, the Company’s U.S. Defined Benefit Plan was amended to reflect a hard freeze as of December 31, 2013. The Company recorded a one-time noncash curtailment gain of $23.5 million in connection with this amendment.

Net income was $565 million in 2011, an increase of 19% from $476 million in 2010. On a per share diluted basis, net income was $3.58 in 2011 compared to $3.00 in 2010, up 19%. Net income in 2011 was 4.5% of net sales compared to 4.2% of net sales in 2010.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Our cash balance of $403 million at December 31, 2012 was down approximately $122 million from our cash balance at December 31, 2011. In 2012, cash provided by the increase in net income and ongoing working capital management was offset by approximately $530 million used for the Exego investment and Quaker City and Light Fabrication acquisitions. The Company’s accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2012 increased by approximately 2% from the prior year, which is less than the Company’s 3.5% sales increase for the fourth quarter of 2012. Inventory at December 31, 2012 was up by approximately 7% from December 31, 2011, which is primarily attributable to acquisitions. Excluding acquisitions, inventory was up by approximately 2% from the prior year. Accounts payable increased $241 million or approximately 17% from December 31, 2011 due primarily to improved payment terms with certain suppliers. Goodwill and other intangible assets increased by $218 million or 78% from December 31, 2011 due to the Company’s acquisitions during the year. The change in our December 31, 2012 balances for pension and other post-retirement benefits liabilities, up $79 million or approximately 16% from December 31, 2011, is primarily due to a change in funded status of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement plans in 2012.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s sources of capital consist primarily of cash flows from operations, supplemented as necessary by private issuances of debt and bank borrowings. We have $500 million of total debt outstanding at

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December 31, 2012, of which $250 million matures in November 2013 and $250 million matures in November 2016. In addition, the Company entered into a Syndicated Facility Agreement (the “Syndicated Facility”) for $850 million in September 2012, which replaced the $350 million unsecured revolving line of credit that was scheduled to mature in December 2012. No amounts were outstanding under the Syndicated Facility or line of credit at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The capital and credit markets were volatile over the last few years, although these conditions did not materially impact our access to these markets. Currently, we believe that our cash on hand and available short-term and long-term sources of capital are sufficient to fund the Company’s operations, including working capital requirements, scheduled debt payments, interest payments, capital expenditures, benefit plan contributions, income tax obligations, dividends, share repurchases and contemplated acquisitions.

The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.9 to 1 at December 31, 2012, and, before consideration of current debt outstanding at December 31, 2012, the ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.2 to 1. This compares to 2.4 to 1 at December 31, 2011. Our liquidity position remains solid. The Company’s $500 million in total debt outstanding at December 31, 2012 is unchanged from 2011.

Sources and Uses of Net Cash

A summary of the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,									Percent Change
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):	2012			2011			2010			2012 vs. 2011			2011 vs. 2010
	(In thousands)
Operating Activities	$	906,438		$	624,927		$	678,663			45	%		(8	)%
Investing Activities		(651,867	)		(231,497	)		(172,348	)		182	%		34	%
Financing Activities		(378,834	)		(394,140	)		(320,569	)		(4	)%		23	%

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

The Company continues to generate cash and net cash provided by operating activities totaled $906 million in 2012. This reflects a 45% increase from 2011, as, collectively, trade accounts receivable, merchandise inventories and trade accounts payable represented a $208 million source of cash in 2012 compared to a $19 million use of cash in 2011. Additionally, net income in 2012 increased by $83 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $625 million in 2011, an 8% decrease from 2010, as, collectively, trade accounts receivable, merchandise inventories and trade accounts payable represented a $19 million use of cash in 2011 compared to a $185 million source of cash in 2010. This was offset by a $90 million increase in net income.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities:

Net cash flow used in investing activities was $652 million in 2012 compared to $231 million in 2011, an increase of 182%. Cash used for acquisitions of businesses and other investing activities in 2012 was $558 million, as previously discussed, or $421 million greater than in 2011. Capital expenditures of $102 million in 2012 were relatively consistent with 2011, and we estimate that cash used for capital expenditures in 2013 will be approximately $115 to $135 million. Net cash flow used in investing activities was $231 million in 2011 compared to $172 million in 2010, an increase of 34%. Cash used for acquisitions of businesses and other investing activities in 2011 was $46 million greater than in 2010, and capital expenditures increased by $18 million for the year.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities:

The Company used $379 million of cash in financing activities in 2012, down 4% from the $394 million used in financing activities in 2011. Cash used in financing activities in 2011was up $74 million or 23% from the $321 million used in 2010. For the three years presented, net cash used in financing activities was primarily for dividends paid to shareholders and repurchases of the Company’s common stock. The Company paid dividends

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to shareholders of $301 million, $276 million and $258 million during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company expects this trend of increasing dividends to continue in the foreseeable future. During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company repurchased $82 million, $122 million and $75 million, respectively, of the Company’s common stock. We expect to remain active in our share repurchase program, but the amount and value of shares repurchased will vary.

Notes and Other Borrowings

The Company maintains an $850 million unsecured revolving line of credit with a consortium of financial institutions, which matures in September 2017 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which is based on the Company’s leverage ratio (0.96% at December 31, 2012). The Company also has the option under this agreement to increase its borrowing an additional $350 million, as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the Syndicated Facility with appropriate notice. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, no amounts were outstanding under the line of credit. Due to the workers’ compensation and insurance reserve requirements in certain states, the Company also had unused letters of credit of approximately $61 million and $54 million outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had unsecured Senior Notes outstanding under a $500 million financing arrangement as follows: $250 million series C senior unsecured note, 4.67% fixed, due 2013; and $250 million series D and E senior unsecured notes, 3.35% fixed, due 2016. These borrowings contain covenants related to a maximum debt-to-capitalization ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s total outstanding borrowings was approximately 4.01% at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Total interest expense, net of interest income, for all borrowings was $19.6 million, $24.6 million and $26.6 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Contractual and Other Obligations

The following table shows the Company’s approximate obligations and commitments, including interest due on credit facilities, to make future payments under specified contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012:

Contractual Obligations

	Payment Due by Period
	Total		Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		Over 5 Years
	(In thousands)
Credit facilities	$	543,504	$	269,077	$	16,750	$	257,677	$	—
Operating leases		590,100		136,900		194,700		105,000		153,500
Total contractual cash obligations	$	1,133,604	$	405,977	$	211,450	$	362,677	$	153,500

Due to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows associated with the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012, the Company is unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. Therefore, $58 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. Refer to Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on income taxes.

Purchase orders or contracts for the purchase of inventory and other goods and services are not included in our estimates. We are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase orders are based on our current distribution needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within short time horizons. The Company does not have significant agreements for the purchase of inventory or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed our expected requirements.

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The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently owned automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings. The following table shows the Company’s approximate commercial commitments as of December 31, 2012:

Other Commercial Commitments

	Total  Amounts Committed		Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period
			Less Than 1  Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		Over 5 Years
	(In thousands)
Line of credit	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Standby letters of credit		61,119		61,119		—		—		—
Guaranteed borrowings of independents and affiliates		231,500		61,400		169,100		1,000		—
Total commercial commitments	$	292,619	$	122,519	$	169,100	$	1,000	$	—

In addition, the Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that may obligate us to make contributions to the plans from time to time. Contributions in 2012 were $16 million. We expect to make a $70 million cash contribution to our qualified defined benefit plans in 2013, and contributions required for 2013 and future years will depend on a number of unpredictable factors including the market performance of the plans’ assets and future changes in interest rates that affect the actuarial measurement of the plans’ obligations.

Share Repurchases

In 2012, the Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares and the Company had remaining authority to purchase approximately 12.2 million shares at December 31, 2012.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We describe in this section certain critical accounting policies that require us to make significant estimates, assumptions and judgments. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. For further information on the critical accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, including our revised interpretation relating to accounting for potential sales returns of automotive parts.

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Inventories — Provisions for Slow Moving and Obsolescence

The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate loss provisions related thereto. Historically, these loss provisions have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — Methodology

The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Initially, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience. This initial estimate is periodically adjusted when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of $8.0 million, $13.2 million, and $10.6 million, respectively.

Consideration Received from Vendors

The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2013 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future or that we will be able to achieve the specified volumes necessary to take advantage of such incentives.

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

At least annually, the Company evaluates property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets for potential impairment indicators. The Company’s judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market conditions and operational performance, among other factors. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that assets associated with a particular operation are impaired. Evaluating for impairment also requires the Company to estimate future operating results and cash flows which require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the Company’s pension plan assets. The pension plan investment strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada, as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary objectives for the pension plan funds are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plan’s actuarially assumed long term rate of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark (49% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 8% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit).

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We make several critical assumptions in determining our pension plan liabilities and related pension expense. We believe the most critical of these assumptions are the expected rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate. Other assumptions we make relate to employee demographic factors such as rate of compensation increases, mortality rates, retirement patterns and turnover rates.

Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2013 pension expense or income is 7.83% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relationships.

The discount rate is chosen as the rate at which pension obligations could be effectively settled and is based on capital market conditions as of the measurement date. We have matched the timing and duration of the expected cash flows of our pension obligations to a yield curve generated from a broad portfolio of high-quality fixed income debt instruments to select our discount rate. Based upon this cash flow matching analysis, we selected a weighted average discount rate for the plans of 4.17% at December 31, 2012.

Net periodic benefit cost for our defined benefit pension plans was $26.8 million, $32.3 million and $21.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in pension cost in 2012 from 2011 was primarily due to the curtailment gain recorded in connection with the 2012 amendment to the U.S. defined benefit pension plan, offset by the change in assumptions for the rate of return on plan assets and discount rate. The increase in pension cost in 2011 from 2010 reflects the change in assumptions for the rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate and the rate of compensation increases. The 2012 amendment and related curtailment decreased benefit costs in 2012 and are discussed further below. Refer to Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding employee benefit plans.

In December 2012, the Company’s U.S. defined benefit plan was amended to reflect a hard freeze as of December 31, 2013. No further benefits will be provided after that date for additional credited service or earnings and all participants will become fully vested as of December 31, 2013. The Company recorded a $23.5 million non-cash curtailment gain in December 2012 in connection with this amendment.

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,		June 30,		Sept. 30,		Dec. 31,
	(In thousands except per share data)
2012
Net Sales	$	3,181,288	$	3,337,836	$	3,375,778	$	3,118,966
Gross Profit		919,111		972,286		976,036		910,658
Net Income		146,255		168,618		172,943		160,225
Earnings Per Share:
Basic		.94		1.08		1.11		1.03
Diluted		.93		1.08		1.11		1.03
2011
Net Sales	$	2,974,198	$	3,184,984	$	3,285,560	$	3,014,135
Gross Profit		848,794		916,114		948,532		892,600
Net Income		126,515		151,812		151,832		134,957
Earnings Per Share:
Basic		.80		.97		.97		.87
Diluted		.80		.96		.97		.86

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We recorded the quarterly earnings per share amounts as if each quarter was a discrete period. As a result, the sum of the basic and diluted earnings per share will not necessarily total the annual basic and diluted earnings per share.

The preparation of interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions for the amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Specifically, the Company makes estimates and assumptions in its interim consolidated financial statements for the accrual of bad debts, inventory adjustments and discount and volume incentives earned, among others. Bad debts are accrued based on a percentage of sales, and volume incentives are estimated based upon cumulative and projected purchasing levels. Inventory adjustments are accrued on an interim basis and adjusted in the fourth quarter based on the annual September and October book-to-physical inventory adjustments. The methodology and practices used in deriving estimates and assumptions for interim reporting typically result in adjustments upon accurate determination at year-end. The effect of these adjustments in 2012 and 2011 was not significant.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Although the Company does not face material risks related to interest rates and commodity prices, the Company is exposed to changes in foreign currency rates with respect to foreign currency denominated operating revenues and expenses.

Foreign Currency

The Company has translation gains or losses that result from translation of the results of operations of an operating unit’s foreign functional currency into U.S. dollars for consolidated financial statement purposes. The Company’s principal foreign currency exchange exposure is the Canadian dollar, which is the functional currency of our Canadian operations. Foreign currency exchange exposure particularly in regard to the Canadian dollar and, to a lesser extent, the Mexican peso, negatively impacted our results for the year ended December 31, 2012.

During 2012 and 2011, it was estimated that a 10% shift in exchange rates between those foreign functional currencies and the U.S. dollar would have impacted translated net sales by approximately $176 million and $169 million, respectively.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The information required by this Item 8 is set forth in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” beginning on page F-1.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Management’s conclusion regarding the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized

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and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

A report of management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(f), as of December 31, 2012 is set forth in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” beginning on page F-1.

The attestation report called for by Item 308(b) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”, which is set forth in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” beginning on page F-1.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

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PART III.

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.

Executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors and each serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until his successor has been elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation, removal, retirement or disqualification. The current executive officers of the Company are:

Thomas C. Gallagher, age 65, has been Chief Executive Officer since August 2004 and Chairman of the Board since February 2005. Mr. Gallagher served as President of the Company from 1990 until January 2012 and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1990 until August 2004.

Jerry W. Nix, age 67, was appointed as a director of the Company and elected Vice-Chairman by the Board of Directors in November 2005. He is Chief Financial Officer of the Company, a position he has held since 2000. Mr. Nix will be retiring as Chief Financial Officer effective March 1, 2013. Previously, Mr. Nix held the position of Executive Vice President – Finance from 2000 to 2005 and Senior Vice President-Finance from 1990 to 2000.

Paul D. Donahue, age 56, was appointed President of the Company in January 2012, and has served as President of the Company’s U.S. Automotive Parts Group since July 2009. Mr. Donahue served as Executive Vice President of the Company from August 2007 until his appointment as President in January. Previously, Mr. Donahue was President and Chief Operating Officer of S.P. Richards Company from 2004 to 2007 and was Executive Vice President-Sales and Marketing in 2003, the year he joined the Company.

R. Bruce Clayton, age 66, has been the Senior Vice President-Human Resources at the Company since November 2004. Previously, Mr. Clayton held the position of Vice President-Risk Management and Employee Services from June 2000 to November 2004.

William J. Stevens, age 64, has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Motion Industries since 1997. Previously, Mr. Stevens was President and Chief Operating Officer from 1994 to 1997. In 1993, Mr. Stevens served as Executive Vice President.

Further information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Nominees for Director”, under the heading “Corporate Governance — Code of Conduct and Ethics”, under the heading “Corporate Governance — Board Committees — Audit Committee”, under the heading “Corporate Governance — Director Nominating Process” and under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Executive Compensation”, “Additional Information Regarding Executive Compensation”, “2012 Grants of Plan-Based Awards”, “2012 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End”, “2012 Option Exercises and Stock Vested”, “2012 Pension Benefits”, “2012 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation”, “Post Termination Payments and Benefits”, “Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee Report”, “Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation of Directors” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Certain information required by this item is set forth below. Additional information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information as of December 31, 2012 about the common stock that may be issued under all of the Company’s existing equity compensation plans:

Plan Category	(a) Number of Securities  to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (1)			(b) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		(c) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders:		870,117	(2)	$	43.19		—
		4,229,413	(3)	$	50.96		2,961,055	(5)
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders:		70,343	(4)		n/a		929,657
Total		5,169,873			—		3,890,712

(1) Reflects the maximum number of shares issuable pursuant to the exercise or conversion of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and common stock equivalents. The actual number of shares issued upon exercise of stock appreciation rights is calculated based on the excess of fair market value of our common stock on date of exercise and the grant price of the stock appreciation rights.

(2) Genuine Parts Company 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended

(3) Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan

(4) Genuine Parts Company Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended

(5) All of these shares are available for issuance pursuant to grants of full-value stock awards.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Corporate Governance — Independent Directors” and “Transactions with Related Persons” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Proposal 3. Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV.

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a)  Documents filed as part of this report

(1)  Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of Genuine Parts Company and subsidiaries are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See, also, the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page F-1.

Report of independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting

Report of independent registered public accounting firm on the financial statements

Consolidated balance sheets — December 31, 2012 and 2011

Consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Consolidated statements of equity — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Consolidated statements of cash flows — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

Notes to consolidated financial statements — December 31, 2012

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Genuine Parts Company and subsidiaries, set forth immediately following the consolidated financials statements of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries, is filed pursuant to Item 15(c):

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

(3)  Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed as part of or incorporated by reference in this report. Exhibits that are incorporated by reference to documents filed previously by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under File No. 1-5690. The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit upon request to the Company’s Corporate Secretary.

Exhibit 3.1	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended April 23, 2007. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 23, 2007.)
Exhibit 3.2	By-laws of the Company, as amended and restated August 20, 2007. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 20, 2007.)
Exhibit 4.2	Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-63874.)

Instruments with respect to long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized there under does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have not been filed. The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission a copy of each such instrument upon request.

Exhibit 10.1* The Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, effective January 1, 1993. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 3, 1995.)

30

Exhibit 10.2*	Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 1, 1996, effective June 1, 1996. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 7, 2005.)
Exhibit 10.3*	Genuine Parts Company Death Benefit Plan, effective July 15, 1997. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 10, 1998.)
Exhibit 10.4*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K, dated March 10, 2000.)
Exhibit 10.5*	The Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of August 19, 1996. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2004.)
Exhibit 10.6*	Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 10, 2000.)
Exhibit 10.7*	Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2001, effective July 1, 2001. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 7, 2002.)
Exhibit 10.8*	Genuine Parts Company 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of November 19, 2001. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 21, 2003.)
Exhibit 10.9*	Amendment No. 4 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 5, 2003, effective June 5, 2003. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2004.)
Exhibit 10.10*	Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003, and executed November 11, 2003. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2004.)
Exhibit 10.11*	Amendment No. 5 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 28, 2005, effective January 1, 2006. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 3, 2006.)
Exhibit 10.12*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Death Benefit Plan, dated November 9, 2005, effective April 1, 2005. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 3, 2006.)
Exhibit 10.13*	Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective April 17, 2006. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 18, 2006.)
Exhibit 10.14*	Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 20, 2006, effective November 20, 2006. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2007.)
Exhibit 10.15*	Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.)
Exhibit 10.16*	Amendment No. 6 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.)

31

Exhibit 10.17*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective November 19, 2007. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.)
Exhibit 10.18*	Genuine Parts Company Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.)
Exhibit 10.19*	Genuine Parts Company Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.)
Exhibit 10.20*	Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.)
Exhibit 10.21*	Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 27, 2009.)
Exhibit 10.22*	Genuine Parts Company 2009 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, dated March 31, 2009, effective January 1, 2009. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated May 7, 2009).
Exhibit 10.23*	Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated August 16, 2010, effective August 16, 2010. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 25, 2011.)
Exhibit 10.24*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 25, 2011.)
Exhibit 10.25*	Amendment No. 7 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 25, 2011.)
Exhibit 10.26*	Description of Director Compensation. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated August 4, 2011.)
Exhibit 10.27*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012.
Exhibit 10.28*	Amendment No. 8 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012.
Exhibit 10.29*	Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 31, 2013.
Exhibit 10.30*	Form of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement.
Exhibit 10.31*	Genuine Parts Company Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement.

* Indicates management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.

Exhibit 21	Subsidiaries of the Company.
Exhibit 23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Exhibit 31.1	Certification signed by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a).
Exhibit 31.2	Certification signed by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a).
Exhibit 32.1	Statement of Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
Exhibit 32.2	Statement of Chief Financial Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).

32

Exhibit 101

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T:

(i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010; (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text; and (vi) Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.

(b)  Exhibits

See the response to Item 15(a)(3) above.

(c)  Financial Statement Schedules

See the response to Item 15(a)(2) above.

33

SIGNATURES.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

/s/ Thomas C. Gallagher	2/26/13	/s/ Jerry W. Nix	2/26/13
Thomas C. Gallagher	(Date)	Jerry W. Nix	(Date)
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer		Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

/s/    Dr. Mary B. Bullock	2/18/13	/s/    Paul D. Donahue	2/18/13
Dr. Mary B. Bullock	(Date)	Paul D. Donahue	(Date)
Director		Director
/s/    Jean Douville	2/18/13	/s/    Thomas C. Gallagher	2/18/13
Jean Douville	(Date)	Thomas C. Gallagher	(Date)
Director		Director Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/    George C. Guynn	2/18/13	/s/    John R. Holder	2/18/13
George C. Guynn	(Date)	John R. Holder	(Date)
Director		Director
/s/    John D. Johns	2/18/13	/s/    Michael M. E. Johns	2/18/13
John D. Johns	(Date)	Michael M. E. Johns	(Date)
Director		Director
/s/    J. Hicks Lanier	2/18/13	/s/    Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr.	2/18/13
J. Hicks Lanier	(Date)	Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr.	(Date)
Director		Director
/s/    Wendy B. Needham	2/18/13	/s/    Jerry W. Nix	2/18/13
Wendy B. Needham	(Date)	Jerry W. Nix	(Date)
Director		Director Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/    Gary W. Rollins	2/18/13
Gary W. Rollins	(Date)
Director

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

	Page
Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting		F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting		F-3
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements and Schedule		F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December  31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-6
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-9
Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts		S-1

F-1

Report of Management

Genuine Parts Company

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related information included herein for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, on those consolidated financial statements is included herein. The primary responsibility for the integrity of the financial information included in this annual report rests with management. Such information was prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances based on our best estimates and judgments and giving due consideration to materiality.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Genuine Parts Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and to the board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the Company’s published consolidated financial statements. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

i. pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

ii. provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

iii. provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.

In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework.” Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Ernst & Young LLP has issued an audit report on the Company’s operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. This report appears on page F-3.

Audit Committee Responsibility

The Audit Committee of Genuine Parts Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the Company’s financial reports and accounting practices to ascertain that they are within acceptable limits of sound practice in such matters. The membership of the Committee consists of non-employee Directors. At periodic meetings, the Audit Committee discusses audit and financial reporting matters and the internal audit function with representatives of financial management and with representatives from Ernst & Young LLP.

/s/    Jerry W. Nix

JERRY W. NIX

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

February 26, 2013

F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

We have audited Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting section of the accompanying Report of Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries and our report dated February 26, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/    Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 26, 2013

F-3

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Financial Statements

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/    Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 26, 2013

F-4

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	December 31
	2012			2011
	(In thousands, except share data and per share amounts)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	403,095		$	525,054
Trade accounts receivable, net		1,490,028			1,461,011
Merchandise inventories, net		2,602,560			2,440,111
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		324,448			328,534
Total current assets		4,820,131			4,754,710
Goodwill and other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization		497,839			279,775
Deferred tax asset		279,463			261,608
Other assets		643,263			406,477
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land		88,710			74,332
Buildings, less allowance for depreciation (2012 — $237,504; 2011 — $226,396)		266,694			233,242
Machinery and equipment, less allowance for depreciation (2012 — $522,136; 2011 — $505,994)		210,961			192,630
Net property, plant, and equipment		566,365			500,204
	$	6,807,061		$	6,202,774
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	$	1,681,900		$	1,440,762
Current portion of debt		250,000			—
Accrued compensation		115,348			149,102
Other accrued expenses		359,395			331,582
Dividends payable		76,641			70,021
Income taxes payable		4,354			21,081
Total current liabilities		2,487,638			2,012,548
Long-term debt		250,000			500,000
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities		572,988			493,721
Other long-term liabilities		488,256			442,914
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 154,841,438 in 2012 and 155,651,116 shares in 2011		154,841			155,651
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(501,492	)		(482,038	)
Retained earnings		3,344,538			3,070,394
Total parent equity		2,997,887			2,744,007
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		10,292			9,584
Total equity		3,008,179			2,753,591
	$	6,807,061		$	6,202,774

See accompanying notes.

F-5

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

	Year Ended December 31
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589
Cost of goods sold		9,235,777			8,852,837			7,954,645
Gross margin		3,778,091			3,606,040			3,252,944
Operating expenses:
Selling, administrative, and other expenses		2,648,430			2,594,372			2,366,667
Depreciation and amortization		98,383			88,936			89,332
Provision for doubtful accounts		8,047			13,248			10,597
Total operating expenses		2,754,860			2,696,556			2,466,596
Non-operating expenses (income):
Interest expense		20,482			27,036			28,061
Other		(16,183	)		(8,358	)		(3,496	)
Total non-operating expenses		4,299			18,678			24,565
Income before income taxes		1,018,932			890,806			761,783
Income taxes		370,891			325,690			286,272
Net income	$	648,041		$	565,116		$	475,511
Basic net income per common share	$	4.17		$	3.61		$	3.01
Diluted net income per common share	$	4.14		$	3.58		$	3.00
Weighted average common shares outstanding		155,413			156,656			158,032
Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested restricted stock awards		1,007			1,004			429
Weighted average common shares outstanding — assuming dilution		156,420			157,660			158,461
Net income	$	648,041		$	565,116		$	475,511
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment		23,846			(22,017	)		33,742
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes of 2012 — $26,465, 2011 — $98,973, and 2010 — $11,083		(43,300	)		(161,669	)		(22,197	)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(19,454	)		(183,686	)		11,545
Comprehensive income	$	628,587		$	381,430		$	487,056

See accompanying notes.

F-6

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Equity

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	Common Stock						Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Retained Earnings			Total Parent Equity			Non- controlling Interests in Subsidiaries		Total Equity
	Shares			Amount
Balance at January 1, 2010		158,917,846		$	158,918		$	—		$	(309,897	)	$	2,733,081		$	2,582,102		$	8,042	$	2,590,144
Net income		—			—			—			—			475,511			475,511			—		475,511
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—			—			—			11,545			—			11,545			—		11,545
Cash dividends declared, $1.64 per share		—			—			—			—			(258,912	)		(258,912	)		—		(258,912	)
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit of $3,251		564,288			564			11,772			—			—			12,336			—		12,336
Share-based compensation		—			—			7,016			—			—			7,016			—		7,016
Purchase of stock		(1,845,873	)		(1,846	)		(18,788	)		—			(54,373	)		(75,007	)		—		(75,007	)
Noncontrolling interest activities		—			—			—			—			—			—			853		853
Balance at December 31, 2010		157,636,261			157,636			—			(298,352	)		2,895,307			2,754,591			8,895		2,763,486
Net income		—			—			—			—			565,116			565,116			—		565,116
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		—			—			—			(183,686	)		—			(183,686	)		—		(183,686	)
Cash dividends declared, $1.80 per share		—			—			—			—			(281,790	)		(281,790	)		—		(281,790	)
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit of $5,356		443,170			443			3,864			—			—			4,307			—		4,307
Share-based compensation		—			—			7,547			—			—			7,547			—		7,547
Purchase of stock		(2,428,315	)		(2,428	)		(11,411	)		—			(108,239	)		(122,078	)		—		(122,078	)
Noncontrolling interest activities		—			—			—			—			—			—			689		689
Balance at December 31, 2011		155,651,116			155,651			—			(482,038	)		3,070,394			2,744,007			9,584		2,753,591
Net income		—			—			—			—			648,041			648,041			—		648,041
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax		—			—			—			(19,454	)		—			(19,454	)		—		(19,454	)
Cash dividends declared, $1.98 per share		—			—			—			—			(307,603	)		(307,603	)		—		(307,603	)
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit of $11,018		551,779			552			3,423			—			—			3,975			—		3,975
Share-based compensation		—			—			10,747			—			—			10,747			—		10,747
Purchase of stock		(1,361,457	)		(1,362	)		(14,170	)		—			(66,294	)		(81,826	)		—		(81,826	)
Noncontrolling interest activities		—			—			—			—			—			—			708		708
Balance at December 31, 2012		154,841,438		$	154,841		$	—		$	(501,492	)	$	3,344,538		$	2,997,887		$	10,292	$	3,008,179

See accompanying notes.

F- 7

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Operating activities
Net income	$	648,041		$	565,116		$	475,511
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		98,383			88,936			89,332
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(11,018	)		(5,356	)		(3,251	)
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment		(3,943	)		(3,012	)		(1,685	)
Deferred income taxes		14,751			(2,337	)		11,994
Share-based compensation		10,747			7,547			7,016
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net		13,365			(85,011	)		(140,562	)
Merchandise inventories, net		(25,845	)		(19,624	)		44,865
Trade accounts payable		220,694			85,766			280,739
Other long-term assets		(45,248	)		(12,943	)		(48,423	)
Other, net		(13,489	)		5,845			(36,873	)
		258,397			59,811			203,152
Net cash provided by operating activities		906,438			624,927			678,663
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(101,987	)		(103,469	)		(85,379	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment		8,504			8,908			3,676
Acquisition of businesses and other investing activities		(558,384	)		(136,936	)		(90,645	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(651,867	)		(231,497	)		(172,348	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt		750,000			250,000			—
Payments on debt		(750,000	)		(250,000	)		—
Stock options exercised		(7,043	)		(1,049	)		9,085
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		11,018			5,356			3,251
Dividends paid		(300,983	)		(276,369	)		(257,898	)
Purchase of stock		(81,826	)		(122,078	)		(75,007	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(378,834	)		(394,140	)		(320,569	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		2,304			(4,204	)		7,419
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(121,959	)		(4,914	)		193,165
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		525,054			529,968			336,803
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	403,095		$	525,054		$	529,968
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	$	381,407		$	317,748		$	275,979
Interest	$	20,416		$	27,640		$	28,061

See accompanying notes.

F-8

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2012

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Genuine Parts Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company) is a distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 2,000 locations in North America and, therefore, has limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is not material to the Company’s consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership.

Customer Sales Returns

Subsequent to September 30, 2012, the Company reconsidered its interpretation of the authoritative literature related to accounting for potential sales returns of automotive parts sold by the NAPA distribution businesses in its automotive segment. Upon review, the Company concluded that there was an error in the Company’s method of accounting for such potential sales returns. The error is not material to any individual year, but material on a cumulative basis and, therefore, an adjustment to correct the cumulative effect of the error, as calculated at December 31, 2012, has been reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and is summarized below as of December 31, 2011. The consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for 2012, 2011, and 2010 presented herein have not been adjusted because the impact of the correction of the error is not material to these financial statements.

The effect of the understatement of inventory (included in merchandise inventories, net and other assets) and customer deposits (included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities) resulted in an adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet increasing both assets and liabilities with the net result being an immaterial impact on working capital. The impact on retained earnings, net of deferred taxes, is $39,228,000, or less than 2% of consolidated equity as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Retained earnings as of January 1, 2010 has been adjusted by $39,228,000 on the consolidated statements of equity. The impact on net income was less than $3,000,000, or less than 1% of consolidated net income for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011,

F-9

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

and 2010; therefore, the Company recorded the errors arising in these three years as of January 1, 2010. The impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows was considered immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

	December 31, 2011
	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(In thousands)
Merchandise inventories, net	$	2,261,997	$	178,114		$	2,440,111
Total current assets		4,576,596		178,114			4,754,710
Deferred tax asset		250,906		10,702			261,608
Other assets		272,110		134,367			406,477
Total assets	$	5,879,591	$	323,183		$	6,202,774
Other accrued expenses	$	116,921	$	214,661		$	331,582
Income taxes payable		35,267		(14,186	)		21,081
Total current liabilities		1,812,073		200,475			2,012,548
Other long-term liabilities		280,978		161,936			442,914
Retained earnings		3,109,622		(39,228	)		3,070,394
Total parent equity		2,783,235		(39,228	)		2,744,007
Total equity		2,792,819		(39,228	)		2,753,591
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,879,591	$	323,183		$	6,202,774

Foreign Currency Translation

The consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Initially, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience. This initial estimate is periodically adjusted when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $8,047,000, $13,248,000, and $10,597,000, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $19,180,000 and $16,916,000, respectively.

Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for a majority of automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the

F-10

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for office products and certain other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $428,260,000 and $422,178,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During 2012, 2011, and 2010 reductions in inventory levels in automotive parts inventories (2012), industrial parts inventories, and electrical parts inventories (2012 and 2011) resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effect of the LIFO liquidation in 2012, 2011, and 2010 was to reduce cost of goods sold by approximately $6,000,000, $16,000,000, and $25,000,000, respectively.

The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur.

The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2013 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses and amounts due from vendors.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company reviews its goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. The present value of future cash flows approach was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that these assets were not impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010. If an impairment occurs at a future date, it may have the effect of increasing the volatility of the Company’s earnings.

Other Assets

Other assets are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Retirement benefit assets	$	4,021	$	4,374
Deferred compensation benefits		20,642		18,218
Investments		206,487		27,810
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		78,860		70,109
Customer sales returns inventories		134,367		134,367
Other long-term prepayments and receivables		198,886		151,599
Total other assets	$	643,263	$	406,477

F-11

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful life of each asset: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years.

Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$	35,273	$	35,797
Insurance liabilities		45,865		45,509
Other lease obligations		33,748		34,186
Other taxes payable		57,510		56,366
Customer deposits		161,936		161,936
Other		153,924		109,120
Total other long-term liabilities	$	488,256	$	442,914

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for the majority of group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by the Company’s claims administrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year.

Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for the workers’ compensation program. In addition, the Company carries various large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of workers’ compensation liabilities. The Company records the workers’ compensation reserves based on an analysis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis calculates development factors, which are applied to total reserves as provided by the various insurance companies who underwrite the program. While the Company believes that the assumptions used to calculate these liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect workers’ compensation costs.

F-12

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation	$	131,084		$	107,238
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax		(644,244	)		(617,623	)
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax		11,668			28,347
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(501,492	)	$	(482,038	)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $516,000,000 and $509,000,000, respectively. The fair value of fixed rate debt is designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., significant observable inputs) and is based primarily on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk and maturity.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled approximately $220,000,000, $190,000,000, and $180,000,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $43,200,000, $45,100,000, and $36,800,000 in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Accounting for Legal Costs

The Company’s legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as such costs are incurred.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to five years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. The Company issues new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans.

F-13

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 730,000, 850,000, and 4,500,000 shares of common stock ranging from $42 — $63 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of common stock in each respective year.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive statements for annual periods. Additionally, ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present comprehensive income and its components as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-05 was effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 only changed the manner of comprehensive income presentation in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s reported financial position, cash flows, or results of operations in the consolidated financial statements.

2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Goodwill
	Automotive			Industrial			Office Products		Electrical/ Electronic Materials		Other Intangible Assets, Net			Total
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	44,271		$	86,810		$	10,554	$	8,647	$	59,266		$	209,548
Additions		—			12,379			—		15,703		50,128			78,210
Amortization		—			—			—		—		(6,774	)		(6,774	)
Foreign currency translation		(566	)		(178	)		—		—		(465	)		(1,209	)
Balance as of December 31, 2011		43,705			99,011			10,554		24,350		102,155			279,775
Additions		114,206			—			—		5,355		110,014			229,575
Amortization		—			—			—		—		(12,991	)		(12,991	)
Foreign currency translation		638			221			—		—		621			1,480
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	158,549		$	99,232		$	10,554	$	29,705	$	199,799		$	497,839

F-14

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Customer relationships	$	209,328	$	(38,030	)	$	171,298	$	100,921	$	(26,098	)	$	74,823
Trademarks		29,337		(1,944	)		27,393		26,996		(1,197	)		25,799
Non-competition agreements		4,483		(3,375	)		1,108		5,416		(3,883	)		1,533
	$	243,148	$	(43,349	)	$	199,799	$	133,333	$	(31,178	)	$	102,155

Amortization expense for other intangible assets totaled $12,991,000, $6,774,000, and $4,737,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	15,500
2014		15,300
2015		15,100
2016		14,600
2017		14,200
	$	74,700

3. Credit Facilities

There were no amounts subject to variable rates at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings was approximately 4.01% at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Company maintains an $850,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit with a consortium of financial institutions that matures in September 2017 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which is based on the Company’s leverage ratio (0.96% at December 31, 2012). The Company also has the option under this agreement to increase its borrowing an additional $350,000,000, as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the Syndicated Facility with appropriate notice. No amounts were outstanding under this line of credit at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain borrowings require the Company to comply with a financial covenant with respect to a maximum debt-to-capitalization ratio. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. Due to the workers’ compensation and insurance reserve requirements in certain states, the Company also had unused letters of credit of $61,119,000 and $53,703,000 outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

F-15

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities consist of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Unsecured term notes:
November 30, 2008, Series C Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 4.67% fixed, due November 30, 2013	$	250,000	$	250,000
November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016		250,000		250,000
Total debt		500,000		500,000
Less debt due within one year		250,000		—
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	250,000	$	500,000

4. Leased Properties

Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more was approximately the following at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

2013	$	136,900
2014		110,300
2015		84,400
2016		62,800
2017		42,200
Thereafter		153,500
Total minimum lease payments	$	590,100

Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $158,200,000, $154,500,000, and $147,886,000, for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

5. Share-Based Compensation

At December 31, 2012, total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was approximately $20,400,000. The weighted-average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is approximately three years. The aggregate intrinsic value for options and RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $90,300,000 and $110,300,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for options and RSUs vested totaled approximately $57,600,000 and $77,800,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2012, the weighted-average contractual life for outstanding and exercisable options and RSUs was six and five years, respectively. Share-based compensation cost of $10,747,000, $7,547,000, and $7,016,000, was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for share-based compensation arrangements was approximately $4,300,000, $3,000,000, and $2,800,000, for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. There have been no modifications to valuation methodologies or methods during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 the fair value for options and SARs granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions,

F-16

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

respectively: risk-free interest rate of 2.0%, 3.6%, and 3.6%; dividend yield of 3.3%, 3.8%, and 4.6%; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years; an average expected life and estimated turnover based on the historical pattern of existing grants of approximately seven years and 5.0% to 6.0%, respectively. The fair value of RSUs is based on the price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $6,700,000, $7,200,000, and $9,200,000, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows:

	2012
	Shares (1)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2)
	(In thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of year		5,987		$	45
Granted		1,003			63
Exercised		(1,834	)		41
Forfeited		(56	)		52
Outstanding at end of year (3)		5,100		$	50
Exercisable at end of year		2,993		$	45
Shares available for future grants		2,961

(1) Shares include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

(2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes RSUs.

(3) The exercise prices for options and SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2012 ranged from approximately $37 to $63. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all options and SARs outstanding is approximately six years.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options and SARs granted during the years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $7.96, $8.18, and $5.41, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $41,500,000, $25,100,000, and $15,700,000.

In 2012, the Company granted approximately 858,000 SARs and 145,000 RSUs. In 2011, the Company granted approximately 1,028,000 SARs and 126,000 RSUs. In 2010, the Company granted approximately 1,002,000 SARs and 124,000 RSUs.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards (RSUs) activity is as follows:

Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs)	Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested at January 1, 2012		222		$	48
Granted		145			63
Vested		(40	)		51
Forfeited		(11	)		49
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		316		$	54

F-17

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 approximately $11,000,000, $5,400,000, and $3,300,000, respectively, of excess tax benefits was classified as a financing cash inflow.

6. Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. Approximately $382,000,000 of undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is considered to be indefinitely reinvested. As such, no U.S. federal and state income taxes have been provided thereon, and it is not practicable to determine the amount of the related unrecognized deferred income tax liability. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets related to:
Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes	$	362,265		$	347,605
Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes		405,048			377,846
Capital loss		16,803			16,803
Valuation allowance		(16,803	)		(16,803	)
		767,313			725,451
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Employee and retiree benefits		205,268			188,206
Inventory		191,047			188,063
Property, plant, and equipment		41,130			47,413
Other		51,616			43,225
		489,061			466,907
Net deferred tax asset		278,252			258,544
Current portion of deferred tax liability		1,211			3,064
Noncurrent net deferred tax asset	$	279,463		$	261,608

The current portion of the deferred tax liability is included in income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has a capital loss carryforward of approximately $42,000,000 that will expire in 2013.

The components of income before income taxes are as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
United States	$	903,698	$	784,841	$	693,580
Foreign		115,234		105,965		68,203
Income before income taxes	$	1,018,932	$	890,806	$	761,783

F-18

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

The components of income tax expense are as follows:

	2012		2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	288,135	$	260,222		$	221,770
State		44,653		41,511			36,291
Foreign		23,352		26,294			16,217
Deferred		14,751		(2,337	)		11,994
	$	370,891	$	325,690		$	286,272

The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes are as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Statutory rate applied to income	$	356,626		$	311,782		$	266,624
Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit		30,227			26,790			24,621
Other		(15,962	)		(12,882	)		(4,973	)
	$	370,891		$	325,690		$	286,272

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008 or subject to non-United States income tax examinations for years ended prior to 2002. The Company is currently under audit in the United States and Canada. Some audits may conclude in the next twelve months and the unrecognized tax benefits recorded in relation to the audits may differ from actual settlement amounts. It is not possible to estimate the effect, if any, of the amount of such change during the next twelve months to previously recorded uncertain tax positions in connection with the audits. However, the Company does not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change during the year due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	46,845		$	39,425		$	33,322
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		5,702			6,035			4,243
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,172			7,966			3,493
Reductions for tax positions for prior years		(5,025	)		(481	)		(624	)
Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations		(2,658	)		(4,563	)		(451	)
Settlements		(1,581	)		(1,537	)		(558	)
Balance at end of year	$	45,455		$	46,845		$	39,425

The amount of gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $58,020,000 and $59,532,000, respectively, of which approximately $17,615,000 and $18,966,000, respectively, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company paid interest and penalties of approximately

F-19

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

$493,000, $759,000, and $272,000, respectively. The Company had approximately $12,565,000 and $12,687,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

7. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees in the U.S. and Canada who meet eligibility requirements. The plan covering U.S. employees is noncontributory and benefits are based on the employees’ compensation during the highest five of their last ten years of credited service. The Canadian plan is contributory and benefits are based on career average compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. The Company may increase its contribution above the minimum if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position.

In December 2012, the U.S. defined benefit plan was amended to reflect a hard freeze as of December 31, 2013. Therefore, no further benefit accruals will be provided after that date for additional credited service or earnings. In addition, all participants will become fully vested as of December 31, 2013. The Company recorded a one-time noncash curtailment gain of $23,507,000 in connection with this amendment.

The Company also sponsors supplemental retirement plans covering employees in the U.S. and Canada and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,958,399		$	1,689,011		$	7,514		$	12,329
Service cost		15,254			13,039			—			—
Interest cost		100,338			97,293			267			474
Plan participants’ contributions		3,962			3,887			3,074			3,412
Plan amendments		(4,217	)		—			—			362
Actuarial loss (gain)		330,028			219,804			(370	)		(3,911	)
Exchange rate changes		5,489			(4,656	)		—			—
Gross benefits paid		(67,767	)		(59,979	)		(5,112	)		(5,326	)
Less Federal subsidy		N/A			N/A			105			174
Curtailments		(175,794	)		—			—			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	2,165,692		$	1,958,399		$	5,478		$	7,514

The benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,955,414,000 and $1,775,994,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans was approximately $2,112,134,000 and $1,756,546,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

F-20

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

The assumptions used to measure the pension and other postretirement plan benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, were:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Weighted-average discount rate		4.17	%		5.17	%		3.05	%		4.00	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.30	%		3.30	%		—			—

A 7.60% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed on December 31, 2012. The rate was assumed to decrease ratably to 4.80% at December 31, 2019, and thereafter.

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	1,470,030		$	1,439,711		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		168,491			31,528			—			—
Exchange rate changes		4,498			(3,598	)		—			—
Employer contributions		16,465			58,481			2,038			1,914
Plan participants’ contributions		3,962			3,887			3,074			3,412
Benefits paid		(67,767	)		(59,979	)		(5,112	)		(5,326	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	1,595,679		$	1,470,030		$	—		$	—

The fair values of plan assets for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,425,047,000 and $1,320,036,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the target allocation for 2013, by asset category were:

	Target Allocation			Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
	2013			2012			2011
Asset Category
Equity securities		71	%		68	%		69	%
Debt securities		29	%		32	%		31	%
		100	%		100	%		100	%

The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the funds. The pension plan strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada, as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary objectives for the pension plans are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actuarially assumed long-term rates of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark (49% S&P 500

F-21

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 8% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit).

The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category, are shown in the tables below. Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company’s pension plan assets. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. Level 1 represents observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 represents other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 represents significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

The valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year. Debt securities including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities are valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year.

	2012
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Equity Securities
Common stocks — mutual funds — equity	$	342,846	$	342,846	$	—	$	—
Genuine Parts Company		128,236		128,236		—		—
Other stocks		608,017		608,017		—		—
Debt Securities
Short-term investments		37,626		37,626		—		—
Cash and equivalents		45,719		45,719		—		—
Government bonds		166,413		74,707		91,706		—
Corporate bonds		127,824		—		127,824		—
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		24,077		—		24,077		—
Other-international		10,188		10,188		—		—
Municipal bonds		532		—		532		—
Municipal funds-fixed income		101,578		—		101,578		—
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		2,623		—		—		2,623
Total	$	1,595,679	$	1,247,339	$	345,717	$	2,623

F-22

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

	2011
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Equity Securities
Common stocks — mutual funds — equity	$	348,909	$	348,909	$	—	$	—
Genuine Parts Company		123,436		123,436		—		—
Other stocks		546,995		546,995		—		—
Debt Securities
Short-term investments		38,968		38,968		—		—
Cash and equivalents		16,888		16,888		—		—
Government bonds		145,966		66,334		79,632		—
Corporate bonds		127,698		—		127,698		—
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		21,441		—		21,441		—
Other-international		12,084		12,084		—		—
Municipal bonds		593		—		593		—
Mutual funds-fixed income		87,052		—		87,052		—
Total	$	1,470,030	$	1,153,614	$	316,416	$	—

Equity securities include Genuine Parts Company common stock in the amounts of $128,236,000 (8.0% of total plan assets) and $123,436,000 (8.4% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Dividend payments received by the plan on Company stock totaled approximately $3,994,000 and $3,630,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fees paid during the year for services rendered by parties in interest were based on customary and reasonable rates for such services.

The changes in the fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2012 and the 2011 changes were not material.

Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2013 pension cost or income is 7.83% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relationships.

The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31:

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Other long-term asset	$	4,021		$	4,374		$	—		$	—
Other current liability		(5,402	)		(4,918	)		(1,122	)		(1,618	)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities		(568,632	)		(487,825	)		(4,356	)		(5,896	)
	$	(570,013	)	$	(488,369	)	$	(5,478	)	$	(7,514	)

F-23

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	1,043,089		$	999,189		$	12,963		$	14,588
Prior service credit		(10,612	)		(37,172	)		(8,515	)		(9,445	)
	$	1,032,477		$	962,017		$	4,448		$	5,143

For the pension benefits, the following table reflects the total benefits expected to be paid from the plans’ or the Company’s assets. Of the pension benefits expected to be paid in 2013, approximately $5,471,000 is expected to be paid from employer assets. For pension benefits, expected employer contributions reflect amounts expected to be contributed to funded plans. For other postretirement benefits, the employer contributions in the table below reflect only the Company’s share of the benefit cost. Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans follows:

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Employer contribution
2013 (expected)	$	70,099	$	1,122
Expected benefit payments
2013	$	76,390	$	1,122
2014		86,670		965
2015		91,697		824
2016		97,333		644
2017		103,708		451
2018 through 2022		612,723		1,232

Net periodic benefit cost included the following components:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	15,254		$	13,039		$	12,312		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		100,338			97,293			95,453			267			474			605
Expected return on plan assets		(128,208	)		(124,150	)		(114,166	)		—			—			—
Amortization of prior service credit		(7,270	)		(6,970	)		(6,979	)		(930	)		(930	)		(1,059	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		70,161			53,039			35,264			1,254			1,708			1,759
Curtailment gain		(23,507	)		—			—			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	26,768		$	32,251		$	21,884		$	591		$	1,252		$	1,305

F-24

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$	114,061		$	311,038		$	60,777		$	(371	)	$	(3,911	)	$	340
Recognition of actuarial loss		(70,161	)		(53,039	)		(35,264	)		(1,254	)		(1,708	)		(1,759	)
Current year prior service (credit) cost		(4,217	)		—			1,148			—			362			—
Recognition of prior service credit		30,777			6,970			6,979			930			930			1,059
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	70,460		$	264,969		$	33,640		$	(695	)	$	(4,327	)	$	(360	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$	97,228		$	297,220		$	55,524		$	(104	)	$	(3,075	)	$	945

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 are as follows:

	Pension Benefits			Other  Post- retirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Actuarial loss	$	84,572		$	1,124
Prior service credit		(7,598	)		(956	)
Total	$	76,974		$	168

The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit costs for the plans follow:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Weighted average discount rate		5.17	%		5.74	%		6.54	%		4.00	%		4.25	%		5.20	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.30	%		3.39	%		3.75	%		—			—			—
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.84	%		7.87	%		8.00	%		—			—			—

An 8.00% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed on December 31, 2011. The rate was assumed to decrease ratably to 4.80% at December 31, 2019, and thereafter. The effect of a one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate is not significant.

The Company has two defined contribution plans that cover substantially all of its domestic employees. The Company’s matching contributions are determined based on the employee’s participation in the U.S. pension plan. Pension plan participants who continue earning credited service after 2008 receive a matching contribution of 20% of the first 6% of the employee’s salary. Other employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employee’s salary. In December 2012, the Company approved an amendment to merge the two plans effective January 1, 2014. Beginning in 2014, all employees will receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense for both plans was approximately $43,155,000 in 2012, $38,773,000 in 2011, and $33,476,000 in 2010.

F-25

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

8. Guarantees

The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). Presently, the independents are generally consolidated by unaffiliated enterprises that have a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the entity. The Company has no voting interest or other equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates, but receives a fee for the guarantee. The Company has concluded that the independents are variable interest entities, but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Specifically, the equity holders of the independents have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance including, but not limited to, decisions about hiring and terminating personnel, local marketing and promotional initiatives, pricing and selling activities, credit decisions, monitoring and maintaining appropriate inventories, and store hours. Separately, the Company concluded the affiliates are not variable interest entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

At December 31, 2012, the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $231,500,000. These loans generally mature over periods from one to six years. In the event that the Company is required to make payments in connection with guaranteed obligations of the independents or the affiliates, the Company would obtain and liquidate certain collateral (e.g., accounts receivable and inventory) to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid under the guarantee. When it is deemed probable that the Company will incur a loss in connection with a guarantee, a liability is recorded equal to this estimated loss. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings.

The Company has accrued for guarantees related to the independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. These liabilities are not material to the financial position of the Company and are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

9. Acquisitions

On May 1, 2012 the Company acquired Quaker City Motor Parts Co. (“Quaker City”) for $343,000,000, net of cash acquired. Quaker City, headquartered in Middleton, Delaware, is a long-standing NAPA distributor with annual revenues of approximately $300,000,000. Quaker City serves approximately 270 auto parts stores, of which approximately 140 are company-owned. The Company funded the acquisition with cash on hand and short-term borrowings under credit facilities.

During 2011, the Company acquired three companies in the Industrial Group and one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group for approximately $115,600,000. During 2010, the Company acquired four companies in the Industrial and Electrical/Electronic Materials Groups for approximately $90,645,000.

The Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded approximately $230,000,000, $78,210,000, and $40,247,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2012, 2011, and 2010 acquisitions, respectively. The Company is in the process of analyzing the estimated values of assets and liabilities acquired as of the acquisition

F-26

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

date for the Quaker City acquisition and is obtaining third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets. The acquisition accounting is therefore preliminary and subject to revision.

For the 2012 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $108,000,000 and trademarks of $2,000,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 15 and 40 years, respectively. For the 2011 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $37,378,000, trademarks of $12,100,000, and non-competition agreements of $650,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 15, 40, and 5 years, respectively. For the 2010 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $16,688,000, trademarks of $7,104,000, and non-competition agreements of $500,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 14, 40, and 5 years, respectively.

10. Equity Investment

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company acquired a 30% investment in the Exego Group for approximately $165,600,000. The acquisition was funded with the Company’s cash on hand. The Exego Group, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is a leading aftermarket distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $1,000,000,000 and a company-owned store footprint of more than 430 locations across Australia and New Zealand. The Company has an option to acquire the remaining 70% of Exego at a later date contingent upon Exego achieving certain earnings thresholds. The Company has accounted for the 30% investment under the equity method of accounting.

11. Segment Data

The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. Within the reportable segments, certain of the Company’s operating segments are aggregated since they have similar economic characteristics, products and services, type and class of customers, and distribution methods.

The Company’s automotive segment distributes replacement parts (other than body parts) for substantially all makes and models of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.

The Company’s industrial segment distributes a wide variety of industrial bearings, mechanical and fluid power transmission equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic products, material handling components, and related parts and supplies.

The Company’s office products segment distributes a wide variety of office products, computer supplies, office furniture, and business electronics.

The Company’s electrical/electronic materials segment distributes a wide variety of electrical/electronic materials, including insulating and conductive materials for use in electronic and electrical apparatus.

Inter-segment sales are not significant. Operating profit for each industry segment is calculated as net sales less operating expenses excluding general corporate expenses, interest expense, equity in income from investees, amortization, and noncontrolling interests. Approximately $115,200,000, $106,000,000 and $68,200,000 of income before income taxes was generated in jurisdictions outside the United States for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Net sales and net long-lived assets by country relate directly to the Company’s operations in the respective country. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents and headquarters’ facilities and equipment.

F-27

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

For management purposes, net sales by segment exclude the effect of certain discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers. The line item “other” represents the net effect of the discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers that are reported as a component of net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
Automotive	$	6,320,882		$	6,061,424		$	5,608,101		$	5,225,389		$	5,321,536
Industrial		4,453,574			4,173,574			3,521,863			2,885,782			3,514,661
Office products		1,686,690			1,689,368			1,641,963			1,639,018			1,732,514
Electrical/electronic materials		582,820			557,537			449,770			345,808			465,889
Other		(30,098	)		(23,026	)		(14,108	)		(38,485	)		(19,337	)
Total net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589		$	10,057,512		$	11,015,263
Operating profit:
Automotive	$	540,678		$	467,806		$	421,109		$	387,945		$	385,356
Industrial		352,119			337,628			255,616			162,353			294,652
Office products		134,441			134,124			131,746			126,104			144,127
Electrical/electronic materials		50,910			40,663			30,910			25,254			36,721
Total operating profit		1,078,148			980,221			839,381			701,656			860,856
Interest expense, net		(19,619	)		(24,608	)		(26,598	)		(27,112	)		(29,847	)
Corporate expense		(25,668	)		(56,971	)		(45,451	)		(24,913	)		(55,119	)
Intangible asset amortization		(12,991	)		(6,774	)		(4,737	)		(3,644	)		(2,861	)
Other expense		(938	)		(1,062	)		(812	)		(1,822	)		(4,561	)
Income before income taxes	$	1,018,932		$	890,806		$	761,783		$	644,165		$	768,468
Assets:
Automotive	$	3,411,252		$	3,218,931		$	3,177,644		$	3,148,876		$	3,123,084
Industrial		1,130,877			1,100,024			955,241			865,431			1,025,292
Office products		731,564			700,720			694,166			619,612			638,854
Electrical/electronic materials		137,237			129,933			113,757			76,716			95,655
Corporate		898,292			773,391			637,871			445,705			67,823
Goodwill and other intangible assets		497,839			279,775			209,548			171,532			158,825
Total assets	$	6,807,061		$	6,202,774		$	5,788,227		$	5,327,872		$	5,109,533

F-28

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)

	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Automotive	$	60,630		$	60,252		$	63,942		$	65,554		$	65,309
Industrial		8,307			7,495			7,208			7,611			7,632
Office products		10,837			9,999			9,737			9,685			9,825
Electrical/electronic materials		1,733			1,554			1,414			1,666			1,572
Corporate		3,885			2,862			2,294			2,251			1,499
Intangible asset amortization		12,991			6,774			4,737			3,644			2,861
Total depreciation and amortization	$	98,383		$	88,936		$	89,332		$	90,411		$	88,698
Capital expenditures:
Automotive	$	67,482		$	61,795		$	46,888		$	53,911		$	72,628
Industrial		13,015			9,851			4,307			2,987			7,575
Office products		16,013			22,036			29,866			5,782			9,539
Electrical/electronic materials		1,029			1,762			1,957			676			1,406
Corporate		4,448			8,025			2,361			6,089			13,878
Total capital expenditures	$	101,987		$	103,469		$	85,379		$	69,445		$	105,026
Net sales:
United States	$	11,299,291		$	10,791,303		$	9,793,820		$	8,935,651		$	9,716,029
Canada		1,616,921			1,571,733			1,327,552			1,078,799			1,219,759
Mexico		127,754			118,867			100,325			81,547			98,812
Other		(30,098	)		(23,026	)		(14,108	)		(38,485	)		(19,337	)
Total net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589		$	10,057,512		$	11,015,263
Net long-lived assets:
United States	$	466,473		$	411,193		$	398,318		$	402,937		$	352,314
Canada		93,496			84,210			80,978			78,502			67,731
Mexico		6,396			4,801			4,834			3,585			3,220
Total net long-lived assets	$	566,365		$	500,204		$	484,130		$	485,024		$	423,265

F-29

Annual Report on Form 10-K

Item 15(a)

Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2010:
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,589,779	$	10,597,432	$	(11,588,299)(1)	$	15,598,912
Year ended December 31, 2011:
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	15,598,912	$	13,247,731	$	(11,930,188)(1)	$	16,916,455
Year ended December 31, 2012:
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,916,455	$	8,046,605	$	(5,782,870)(1)	$	19,180,190

(1) Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.

S-1

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are filed (or furnished, if so indicated) herewith as a part of this Report:

10.27*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012.
10.28*	Amendment No. 8 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012.
10.29*	Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated January 1, 2009, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 31, 2013.
10.30*	Form of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement.
10.31*	Genuine Parts Company Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement.
21	Subsidiaries of the Company.
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1	Certification signed by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a).
31.2	Certification signed by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a).
32.1	Statement of Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
32.2	Statement of Chief Financial Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
101	Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T.

The following exhibits are incorporated by reference as set forth in Item 15 of this Form 10-K:

— 3.1	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, amended April 23, 2007.
— 3.2	By-Laws of the Company as amended and restated August 20, 2007.
— 4.2	Specimen Common Stock Certificate.

Instruments with respect to long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized there under does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have not been filed. The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission a copy of each such instrument upon request.

— 10.1*	The Genuine Parts Company Restated Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, effective January 1, 1993.
— 10.2*	Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 1, 1996, effective June 1, 1996.
— 10.3*	Genuine Parts Company Death Benefit Plan, effective July 15, 1997.
— 10.4*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999.
— 10.5*	The Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of August 19, 1996.
— 10.6*	Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999.
— 10.7*	Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2001, effective July 1, 2001.
— 10.8*	Genuine Parts Company 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of November 19, 2001.

— 10.9*	Amendment No. 4 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 5, 2003, effective June 5, 2003.
— 10.10*	Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003, and executed November 11, 2003.
— 10.11*	Amendment No. 5 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan.
— 10.12*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Death Benefit Plan.
— 10.13*	Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective April 17, 2006.
— 10.14*	Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 20, 2006, effective November 20, 2006.
— 10.15*	Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective January 1, 2008.
— 10.16*	Amendment No. 6 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2007, effective January 1, 2008.
— 10.17*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective November 19, 2007.
— 10.18*	Genuine Parts Company Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
— 10.19*	Genuine Parts Company Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement.
— 10.20*	Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement.
— 10.21*	Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009.
— 10.22*	Genuine Parts Company 2009 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan, dated March 31, 2009, effective January 1, 2009.
— 10.23*	Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated August 16, 2010, effective August 16, 2010.
— 10.24*	Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated January 1, 2009, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011.
— 10.25*	Amendment No. 7 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011.
— 10.26*	Description of Director Compensation.

* Indicates management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements.

EX-10.27

Exhibit 10.27

AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO THE

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

DIRECTORS’ DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

This Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan is adopted by Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”), effective as of the date set forth herein.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company maintains The Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), and such Plan is currently in effect;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Plan; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Plan, the Company has reserved the right to amend the Plan through action of the Treasurer of the Company (i.e., the Plan Administrator);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

***************

Effective on the date signed below, Section 9.04 is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:

“9.04 Release. No person shall be required to execute a release of claims as a condition precedent to receiving any payment under the Plan.”

***************

Except as amended herein, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive Committee has caused this Amendment to the Plan to be executed on the date shown below, but effective as of the date indicated above.

PLAN ADMINISTRATOR
By:
	Name:	Frank Howard
	Title	Treasurer, Genuine Parts Company
Date:	Dec 7 2012

Attest:
By:

EX-10.28

Exhibit 10.28

AMENDMENT NUMBER EIGHT TO THE

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

TAX-DEFERRED SAVINGS PLAN

This Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan is adopted by Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”), effective as of the date set forth herein.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company maintains The Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (the “Plan”), and such Plan is currently in effect;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Plan; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 7.01 of the Plan, the Company has reserved the right to amend the Plan through action of the Pension and Benefits Committee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

1.

Effective as of the date this Amendment is signed, Section 9.04 is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:

Release. Any payment to Participant or Beneficiary, or to their legal representatives, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall to the extent thereof be in full satisfaction of all claims hereunder against the Committee and the Company. If the distribution is on account of the Participant’s Termination of Service, the Committee or the Company may require such Participant, Beneficiary, or legal representative, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release therefor in such form as shall be determined by the Committee, or the Company, as the case may be. If the Committee or the Company request that a Participant, Beneficiary or legal representative sign a release, (1) the individual must sign such release within 60 days of the Participant’s Termination of Service or all payments under this Plan shall be deemed forfeited and (2) if the end of the 60 day period extends into a new calendar year, payment may not be made earlier than the next calendar year and not later than 90 days following the Participant’s Termination of Service.

Except as amended herein, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pension and Benefits Committee has caused this Amendment to the Plan to be executed on the date shown below, but effective as of the date indicated above.

PENSION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE
By:
	Name	Frank M Howard
	Title	Chairman of Committee
Date:	Dec. 7 2012

Attest:
By:

- 2 -

EX-10.29

Exhibit 10.29

AMENDMENT THREE TO THE

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN

(as Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2009)

This Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan is adopted by Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”), effective as of the date set forth herein.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company maintains The Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “Plan”), and such Plan is currently in effect;

WHEREAS, the Company desires to amend the Plan; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 12.08 of the Plan, the Company has reserved the right to amend the Plan through action of the Pension and Benefits Committee;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Plan is hereby amended as follows effective at midnight on December 31, 2013 (i.e., immediately prior to January 1, 2014):

1.

The following new paragraphs are added to the end of Section 1.01 as follows:

“Effective at midnight on December 31, 2013 (i.e., immediately prior to January 1, 2014), benefit accruals in the Pension Plan (as defined in Section 1.02) are frozen for all participants and no additional Credited Service will be earned under the Pension Plan after December 31, 2013 (if not frozen at an earlier date for certain Key Employees and Key Participants pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan). Accordingly, the Accrued Benefits of all Key Employees and Key Participants under the Pension Plan will be frozen as of midnight on December 31, 2013. The foregoing is referred to in this Plan as the “Pension Plan Freeze.”

As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, the benefit formula in this Plan is changing effective January 1, 2014 for some Key Employees. The benefit formula for Key Participants is not changing and will remain the same following the Pension Plan Freeze (assuming the Plan is not subsequently amended), with the frozen Accrued Benefit under the Pension Plan reflected as an offset in the benefit formula.

In this Plan, new provisions resulting from the Pension Plan Freeze are identified. These new provisions supersede other conflicting terms in the Plan.”

2.

A new paragraph is added to the end of Section 1.02 as follows:

“Because of the Pension Plan Freeze, Credited Service, Earnings, Average Earnings and Anticipated Social Security Benefits will be frozen under the Pension Plan. As described later in this Plan, the Plan assumes Earnings and Credited Service, for example, will continue to be recognized under this Plan even though Earnings and Credited Service are frozen under the Pension Plan.”

3.

Article Two is amended as follows:

In Section 2.01:

The words “or in the following paragraph” have been added after the words “Except as provided in Section 2.03” in the third sentence.

Two new paragraphs have been added to the end of Section 2.01 as follows:

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. (Move From Part A Formula to Part B Formula). As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective January 1, 2014, certain Key Employees will move from the Part A Formula to the Part B Formula. The Key Employees who will move to the Part B Formula are those whose benefits through December 31, 2013 were accrued under the benefit formula set forth in Section 5.02 (i.e., Rule of 70 Employees who elected Option Two in the Pension Plan or who were not Rule of 70 Employees). For convenience in this Plan, this group of Key Employees will be referred to as “Non-Rule of 70 Key Employees” (or “NR70 Key Employees” for short).

Other Key Employees whose benefits through December 31, 2013 were accrued under the benefit formula set forth in Section 5.01 (i.e., Rule of 70 Employees who elected Option One in the Pension Plan) will continue to accrue benefits under the Part A Formula; however, the benefit payable to this group of Key Employees from the Pension Plan that is subtracted under the Part A Formula will be determined as if the Pension Plan were not frozen. For convenience in this Plan, this group of Key Employees will be referred to as “Rule of 70 Key Employees” (or “R70 Key Employees” for short).”

- 2 -

In Section 2.02:

Section 2.02 is deleted and replaced with the following:

“2.02 Eligibility for Key Participants (Part B Formula)

(a) Except as provided in Section 2.03, an employee of the Employer who satisfies all of the following requirements may participate in this Plan:

(i) The employee does not participate in the Plan as a Key Employee,

(ii) The employee is employed as an officer of the Employer for the previous two complete calendar years,

(iii) The employee has annual, regular Earnings that either (A) have been equal to or greater than the compensation limits of Code Section 401(a)(17) ($255,000 in 2013) for the previous two complete calendar years or (B) based on past Earnings and/or based on other criteria determined by the Committee, the Committee anticipates that the employee will have annual, regular Earnings that should normally equal or exceed the compensation limits of Code Section 401(a)(17) for at least two complete calendar years, and

(iv) The Committee invites the employee to participate in the Plan in accordance with Section 2.03. For clarity, if the Committee does not invite the employee to participate in the Plan, the employee will not be eligible to participate in the Plan even if the employee satisfies the requirements of (i) through (iii) above.

(b) An employee who satisfies the requirements of (i) through (iv) above and participates in the Plan is known as a (“Key Participant”).

(c) Upon becoming eligible to participate, the Key Participant is required to complete and execute a Joinder Agreement in a form satisfactory to the Committee. Such Joinder Agreement is required to be completed no later than January 30 following the calendar year in which the Key Participant first accrues a benefit under this Plan. If the Key Participant fails to timely complete the Joinder Agreement, the Key Participant is prohibited from accruing a benefit under this Plan until the first day of the calendar year after the completion of the Joinder Agreement.”

- 3 -

In Section 2.04:

The heading “Definition of Earnings” is replaced with “Definition of Earnings (and Related Definitions)” and a new paragraph is added to the end of such section:

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. Effective at midnight on December 31, 2013 (i.e., immediately prior to January 1, 2014), the Pension Plan will no longer recognize future Earnings for purposes of benefit accruals. Similarly, the Pension Plan will freeze each participant’s Average Earnings and Anticipated Social Security Benefit as of December 31, 2013. However, for purposes of computing a benefit under this Plan, the Part A Formula will count all Earnings that a Participant receives on or after January 1, 2014 as if the Pension Plan were not frozen and will determine a Participant’s Average Earnings and Anticipated Social Security Benefit as if the Pension Plan were not frozen (see Section 5.01).”

4.

Article Four is amended as follows:

In Section 4.01, a new paragraph is added to the end of such section:

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective on December 31, 2013, all Key Employees and all Key Participants ceased to accrue benefits under the Pension Plan (if their Accrued Benefits under the Pension Plan were not previously frozen).”

In Section 4.02, a new paragraph is added to the end of such section:

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective on December 31, 2013, Credited Service under the Pension Plan is frozen for all Key Employees and all Key Participants (if not frozen earlier pursuant to the terms of the Pension Plan). Nevertheless, for clarity, as noted in the preceding paragraph, a Key Employee’s or Key Participant’s Credited Service under this Plan is NOT frozen. See Section 13.03 for a definition of Credited Service.”

5.

The Article entitled “PART A FORMULA (Article 5 and Article 6)” is amended as follows:

Two new paragraphs are added to the end of such article:

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective January 1, 2014, all NR70 Key Employees will cease to accrue future benefits in this Plan under the Part A Formula. Instead, effective January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have a benefit under this Plan equal to the greater of (i) the NR70 Key Employee’s benefit computed under the Part A Formula as of December 31, 2013 or (ii) the NR70 Key Employee’s benefit computed under the Part B Formula reflecting Credited Service and Earnings both before and after January 1, 2014.

- 4 -

Following the Pension Plan Freeze, all R70 Key Employees will continue to accrue a benefit under this Plan under the Part A Formula; however, the benefit payable to a R70 Key Employee from the Pension Plan that is subtracted under the Part A Formula will be determined as if the Pension Plan were not frozen so that the calculation of Supplemental Retirement Income for a R70 Key Employee will be unchanged following the Pension Plan freeze.”

6.

Article Five is amended as follows:

In Section 5.01, a new paragraph (c) is added to the end of such section:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective on December 31, 2013, Credited Service under the Pension Plan and Earnings under the Pension Plan are frozen for all Key Employees described in this Section 5.01. (i.e., R70 Key Employees). Nevertheless, each R70 Key Employee described in this Section 5.01 shall have his or her benefit under this Plan computed as if the Pension Plan was not frozen. For clarity, the benefit from the Pension Plan described in Section 5.01(b)(2) is equal to the Normal or Delayed Retirement Income which the R70 Key Employee would have been entitled to receive under the Pension Plan if the Pension Plan had not been frozen (rather than the Normal or Delayed Retirement Income which the R70 Key Employee is actually entitled to receive under the Pension Plan). Accordingly, the Supplemental Retirement Income for such R70 Key Employee is determined by assuming the Pension Plan was not frozen, so that the Supplemental Retirement Income payable under Section 5.01 will be unchanged following the Pension Plan Freeze.”

In Section 5.02, new paragraphs (c) and (d) are added to the end of such section:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective on December 31, 2013, a Key Employee described in this Section 5.02 (i.e., a NR70 Key Employee) will cease to earn additional benefits under the Part A Formula described in this Section 5.02. Beginning January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have his or her benefit under the Plan determined using the Part B Formula. In computing such Part B Formula, all of the NR70 Key Employee’s Earnings, Credited Service and other applicable elements shall be counted (both before and after January 1, 2014). For clarity, the offset described under Section 5.02(b)(3) will not apply under the Part B Formula. Nevertheless, a NR70 Key Employee’s benefit under this Plan (payable on the NR70 Key Employee’s Normal Retirement Date in the form of a Single Life Annuity)

- 5 -

will not be less than the NR70 Key Employee’s benefit computed under this Section 5.02 as of December 31, 2013 (payable on the NR70 Key Employee’s Normal Retirement Date in the form of a Single Life Annuity). This benefit calculated as of December 31, 2013, under the Part A Formula is referred to as the “NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit.”

(d) Calculation of a NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit. A NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit is calculated based on Credited Service and Earnings through December 31, 2013. The calculation of the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit under Section 5.02(b)(1) will be determined in the same way as the Frozen Accrued Benefit which he would be entitled to receive under the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2013, payable at his Normal Retirement Date, assuming the benefit limitations of Code Sections 401(a)(17) and 415 as reflected in the Pension Plan were not in effect and if the definition of Earnings under this Plan were used to compute the Key Employee’s Frozen Accrued Benefit under the Pension Plan. For clarity, if the NR70 Key Employee has not yet attained his Early Retirement Date as of December 31, 2013, then the Frozen Accrued Benefit would be calculated under Section 4.05 (Termination of Employment) of the Pension Plan which is applicable to deferred vested participants.

The calculation of the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit under Section 5.02(b)(2) equals his actual Frozen Accrued Benefit in the Pension Plan, which is determined as of December 31, 2013.

The calculation of the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit under Section 5.02(b)(3) reflects 3.8% of the NR70 Key Employee’s Earnings through 2013 only, with Earnings defined in the Pension Plan and not in this Plan. However, the hypothetical account balance will reflect interest at 6% through the Key Employee’s Normal Retirement Date, even though hypothetical employer contributions are not reflected after 2013. In addition, the hypothetical account balance shall be converted to a single life annuity using the Applicable Mortality Table and Applicable Interest Rate as defined in Section 2.03 of the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2013.”

- 6 -

7.

Article Six is amended as follows:

In Section 6.01, a new paragraph (c) is added to the end of such section:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. The impact of the Pension Plan Freeze on the calculation of the Supplemental Retirement Income which is described in Sections 5.01 and 5.02 also applies to the calculation of the Supplemental Retirement Income in this Section 6.01. For clarity, the calculation of a NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit will be determined based on whether or not he or she has attained his or her Early Retirement Date, Normal Retirement Date, or Delayed Retirement Date as of December 31, 2013.”

In Section 6.02, a new paragraph (c) is added to the end of such section:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. The impact of the Pension Plan Freeze on the calculation of the Supplemental Retirement Income which is described in Sections 5.01 and 5.02 also applies to the calculation of the Supplemental Retirement Income in this Section 6.02.”

8.

The Article entitled “PART B FORMULA (Article 7 and Article 8)” is amended as follows:

A new paragraph is added to the end of such section:

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective on December 31, 2013, a NR70 Key Employee described in Section 5.02 will cease to earn additional benefits under the Part A Formula described in Section 5.02. Beginning January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have his or her benefit under the Plan determined using the Part B Formula. In computing such Part B Formula, all of the NR70 Key Employee’s Earnings, Credited Service and other applicable elements shall be counted (both before and after January 1, 2014). Nevertheless, the NR70 Key Employee’s benefit under this Plan will not be less than the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit (see Section 5.02(c) for more specific guidance). For clarity, a NR70 Key Employee is not entitled to duplicate benefits for the same period of employment. Thus, the NR70 Key Employee shall not be entitled to both a NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit and an Additional Retirement Income determined under Article 7.”

- 7 -

9.

Article Seven is amended as follows:

In Section 7.01, a new paragraph is added to the end of section 7.01(a)(2)(B):

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. In other portions of this Plan, a benefit is computed by ignoring the freeze of Credited Service, Earnings, Average Earnings and the Anticipated Social Security Benefit described under the Pension Plan. For clarity, it is pointed out that this Section 7.01(a)(2)(B) is computed using the Key Participant’s or the NR70 Key Employee’s actual frozen benefit payable from the Pension Plan – not a hypothetical benefit. In other words, the Pension Plan Freeze does not change this provision. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze on December 31, 2013, the offset described in this Section 7.01(a)(2)(B) is also frozen as of December 31, 2013.”

For clarity (and not as an amendment), the paragraph beginning “If the monthly amount in subparagraph (B) ….” is not deleted and continues in the Plan immediately following Section 7.01(a)(2)(B), as amended.

A new paragraph is added to the end of section 7.01(b)(2)(B):

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. The provisions of Section 7.01(a)(2)(B) are also applicable here. In short, the Pension Plan Freeze does not change this provision. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze on December 31, 2013, the offset described in this Section 7.01(b)(2)(B) is also frozen as of December 31, 2013.”

For clarity (and not as an amendment), the paragraph beginning “If the monthly amount in subparagraph (B) ….” is not deleted and continues in the Plan immediately following Section 7.01(b)(2)(B), as amended.

A new paragraph is added to the end of section 7.01(c)(1):

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As noted, as a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, Anticipated Social Security Benefits are frozen in the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2013. However, for purposes of computing a benefit under this Plan, Anticipated Social Security Benefits are not frozen.”

A new paragraph is added to the end of section 7.01(c)(2):

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As noted, as a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, Average Earnings are frozen in the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2013. However, for purposes of computing a benefit under this Plan, Average Earnings are not frozen.”

- 8 -

A new phrase, “(and for NR70 Key Employees in determining their benefit under the Part B Formula)” is added to section 7.01(c)(4) after the words “For Key Participants” in the first sentence.

A new paragraph (d) is added to the end of section 7.01:

“(d) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, effective on December 31, 2013, a NR70 Key Employee described in Section 5.02 will cease to earn additional benefits under the Part A Formula described in Section 5.02. Beginning January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have his or her benefit under the Plan determined using the Part B Formula. In computing such Part B Formula, all of the NR70 Key Employee’s Earnings and Credited Service shall be counted (both before and after January 1, 2014). Accordingly, effective January 1, 2014, the Part B Formula applies to a NR70 Key Employee in the same manner as the Part B Formula applies to a Key Participant. For completeness, it is again noted that the NR70 Key Employee’s benefit under this Plan as of his Normal Retirement Date will not be less than the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit computed as of December 31, 2013 under Section 5.02 (see Section 5.02(c) for more specific guidance).”

In Section 7.02, a new paragraph (c) is added to the end of section 7.02:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, beginning January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have his or her benefit under the Plan determined using the Part B Formula in the same manner as the Part B Formula applies to a Key Participant. The benefit payable under the Plan for a NR70 Key Employee as of his Normal Retirement Date cannot be less than the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit computed as of December 31, 2013 under Section 5.02 (see Section 5.02(c) for more specific guidance). For clarity, the Additional Retirement Income computed under Section 7.02(b)(2) uses the actuarial assumptions and methods that were applicable for making such determination in the Pension Plan prior to the Pension Plan Freeze.”

- 9 -

10.

Article Eight is amended as follows:

In Section 8.01, a new paragraph (c) is added to the end of section 8.01:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, beginning January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have his or her benefit under the Plan determined using the Part B Formula in the same manner as the Part B Formula applies to a Key Participant. The benefit payable under the Plan for a NR70 Key Employee as of his Normal Retirement Date cannot be less than the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit computed as of December 31, 2013 under Section 5.02 (see Section 5.02(c) for more specific guidance).”

In Section 8.02, a new paragraph (c) is added to the end of section 8.02:

“(c) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. As a result of the Pension Plan Freeze, beginning January 1, 2014, the NR70 Key Employee will have his or her benefit under the Plan determined using the Part B Formula in the same manner as the Part B Formula applies to a Key Participant. The benefit payable under the Plan for a NR70 Key Employee as of his Normal Retirement Date cannot be less than the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit computed as of December 31, 2013 under Section 5.02 (see Section 5.02(c) for more specific guidance).”

11.

Article Nine is amended as follows:

In Section 9.01, a new paragraph (e) is added to the end of section 9.01:

“(e) Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. A NR70 Key Employee’s benefit is also subject to this Section 9.01. For example, if a NR70 Key Employee’s benefit is determined under Section 5.02 (i.e., the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit under Section 5.02 is greater than the benefit determined under the Part B Formula), then Section 9.01(a) shall apply to the NR70 Key Employee. If a NR70 Key Employee’s benefit is determined under Article 7 (i.e., the benefit determined under the Part B Formula is greater than the NR70 Key Employee’s Minimum Benefit under Section 5.02), then Section 9.01(b) shall apply to the NR70 Key Employee.”

- 10 -

12.

Article Thirteen is amended as follows:

In Section 13.03, a new paragraph is added to the end of section 13.03(a):

“Impact of Pension Plan Freeze. Section 13.03(a) provides that all Key Employees and all Key Participants continue to earn Credited Service under this Plan even if Credited Service under the Pension Plan is frozen for some Key Employees and for Key Participants. This provision continues in effect and is not changed by the Pension Plan Freeze. Thus, all Key Employees and all Key Participants shall continue to earn Credited Service under this Plan even though Credited Service is frozen for all Participants in the Pension Plan on December 31, 2013.”

* * * * * * * * *

Except as amended herein, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pension and Benefits Committee has caused this Amendment to the Plan to be executed on the date shown below, but effective as of the date indicated above.

PENSION AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE
By:
	Name	Frank M. Howard
	Title	Chairman of Committee
Date:	Dec. 7 2012

Attest:
By:

- 11 -

EX-10.30

Exihibit 10.30

AMENDMENT TO

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement (the “Agreement”) between Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) and                      (the “Executive”) is made and executed this      day of                     , 2012.

Pursuant to a resolution of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

1. The following new subsections (c) and (d) shall be added to Section 15 of the Agreement:

(c) Whenever in this Agreement a payment or benefit is conditioned on Executive’s execution of a release of claims, such release must be executed and all revocation periods shall have expired within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination; failing which such payment or benefit shall be forfeited. If such payment or benefit constitutes Non-Exempt Deferred Compensation, then, subject to subsection (b) above, such payment or benefit that would have otherwise been payable during such 30-day period shall be accumulated and paid on the thirtieth (30^th) day after the Date of Termination provided such release shall have been executed and such revocation periods shall have expired.

(d) If Executive is entitled to be paid or reimbursed for any taxable expenses under Sections 4(b)(v), 6(a)(ii) or 6(a)(iv), and such payments or reimbursements are includible in Executive’s federal gross taxable income, the amount of such expenses reimbursable in any one calendar year shall not affect the amount reimbursable in any other calendar year, and the reimbursement of an eligible expense must be made no later than December 31 of the year after the year in which the expense was incurred. No right of Executive to reimbursement of expenses under Sections 4(b)(v), 6(a)(ii) or 6(a)(iv) shall be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

2. As modified hereby, the provisions of the Agreement, as heretofore amended, shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

[Executive]

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

By:

EX-10.31

Exhibit 10.31

STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Non-transferable

GRANT TO

(“Grantee”)

by Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) of Stock Appreciation Rights

with Respect to

[                    ]

shares of its common stock, $1.00 par value (the “SARs”)

having a base value of $         per share (the “Base Value”)

pursuant to and subject to the provisions of the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and to the terms and conditions set forth on the following page (the “Terms and Conditions”).

Unless vesting is accelerated in accordance with the Plan or in the discretion of the Committee, the SARs shall vest (become exercisable) in accordance with the following schedule:

Continued Employment after Grant Date	Percent of SAR  Shares Vested
Less than 1 Year		0	%
1 Year		33	%
2 Years		33	%
3 Years		34	%

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Genuine Parts Company has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Grant Date, as indicated below.

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY
By:
	Its: Authorized Officer

Grant Date:

Accepted by Grantee:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Grant of SARs. Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) hereby grants to the Grantee named on Page 1 hereof (“Grantee”), under the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and on the terms and on conditions set forth in this agreement (this “Agreement”), stock appreciation rights with respect to the number of Shares indicated on page 1 hereof at the Base Value per Share set forth on page 1 hereof (the “SARs”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Plan.

2. Base Value and Benefit. The Base Value of each SAR is equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the Grant Date. Each SAR entitles Grantee to receive from the Company upon the exercise of the SAR an amount, payable in shares of Stock, equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of exercise, over (b) the Base Value per share.

3. Vesting of SARs. The SARs shall vest (become exercisable) in accordance with the schedule shown on Page 1 of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule, if Grantee’s employment terminates by reason of his or her death, Disability or Normal Retirement, the SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable as of such date of termination. Upon the effective date of a Change of Control, all SARs held by Grantee shall become fully vested and exercisable.

4. Term of SARs and Limitations on Right to Exercise. The term of the SARs is a period of ten years, expiring at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (the “Expiration Date”). To the extent not previously exercised, the SARs will lapse prior to the Expiration Date upon the earliest to occur of the following circumstances:

(a) 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the Expiration Date.

(b) Three months after the termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company for any reason other than by reason of the Grantee’s death, Disability, Early or Normal Retirement.

(c) Twelve months after the effective date of termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company by reason of Early Retirement.

(d) Four years after the effective date of termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company by reason of Disability or Normal Retirement.

(e) Four years after the date of the Grantee’s death, if the Grantee dies while employed with the Company. Upon the Grantee’s death, the SARs may be exercised by the Grantee’s beneficiary designated pursuant to paragraph 6 below.

The Committee may, prior to the lapse of the SARs under the circumstances described in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) or (e) above, extend the time to exercise the SARs. If the Grantee or his or her beneficiary exercises a SAR after termination of employment, the SARs may be exercised only with respect to the shares that were otherwise vested as of such termination.

5. Exercise of SAR. The SARs shall be exercised by written notice directed to the Secretary of the Company or his or her designee at the address and in the form specified by the Secretary from time to time. If the person exercising a SAR is not Grantee, such person shall also deliver with the notice of exercise appropriate proof of his or her right to exercise the SAR. Net shares are only settled to a Computershare account.

6. Withholding. The Company or any employer affiliate has the authority and the right to deduct or withhold, or require Grantee to remit to the employer, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, and local taxes (including Grantee’s FICA obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of the exercise of the SARs. The withholding requirement may be satisfied, in whole or in part, at the election of the Secretary, by withholding from the SAR Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date of withholding equal to the minimum amount (and not any greater amount) required to be withheld for tax purposes, all in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary establishes.

7. Limitation of Rights. The SARs do not confer to Grantee or Grantee’s beneficiary any rights of a shareholder of the Company unless and until Shares are in fact issued to such person in connection with the exercise of the SARs. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any affiliate to terminate Grantee’s employment at any time, nor confer upon Grantee any right to continue in the employment of the Company or any affiliate.

8. Restrictions on Transfer and Pledge. No right or interest of Grantee in the SARs may be pledged, encumbered, or hypothecated to or in favor of any party other than the Company or an affiliate, or shall be subject to any lien, obligation, or liability of Grantee to any other party other than the Company or an affiliate. The SARs are not assignable or transferable by Grantee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution; provided, however, that the Committee may (but need not) permit other transfers as permitted under the terms of the Plan. The SARs may be exercised during the lifetime of Grantee only by Grantee or any permitted transferee.

9. Restrictions on Issuance of Shares. If at any time the Committee shall determine in its discretion, that registration, listing or qualification of the Shares covered by the SARs, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition to the exercise of the SARs, the SARs may not be exercised in whole or in part unless and until such registration, listing, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.

10. Plan Controls. The terms contained in the Plan are incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Plan. In the event of any actual or alleged conflict between the provisions of the Plan and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall be controlling and determinative.

11. Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Company, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.

12. Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the other provisions of this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been included.

13. Notice. Notices and communications under this Agreement must be in writing and either personally delivered or sent by registered or certified United States mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Notices to the Company must be addressed to:

Genuine Parts Company

2999 Circle 75 Parkway

Atlanta, Georgia 30339

Attn: Secretary

or any other address designated by the Company in a written notice to Grantee. Notices to Grantee will be directed to the address of Grantee then currently on file with the Company, or at any other address given by Grantee in a written notice to the Company.

EX-21

EXHIBIT 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY

(as of December 31, 2012)

Name	% Owned			Jurisdiction of Incorporation
BALKAMP, INC.		100.0	%	INDIANA
EIS, INC.		100.0	%	GEORGIA
EIS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, LLC		100.0	%	GEORGIA
GPC FINANCE COMPANY		100.0	%	DELAWARE
GPC PROCUREMENT COMPANY		100.0	%	GEORGIA
NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTS ASSOCIATION		100.0	%	MICHIGAN
MOTION INDUSTRIES, INC.		100.0	%	DELAWARE
S.P. RICHARDS COMPANY		100.0	%	GEORGIA
SPR PROCUREMENT COMPANY		100.0	%	GEORGIA
SHUSTER CORPORATION		100.0	%	GEORGIA
1ST CHOICE AUTO PARTS, INC.		51.0	%	GEORGIA
THE FLOWERS COMPANY		46.5	%	NORTH CAROLINA
GENERAL TOOL & SUPPLY		100.0	%	OREGON
GENUINE PARTS INVESTMENT COMPANY		100.0	%	DELAWARE
GPC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V.		100.0	%	PUEBLA, MEXICO
GRUPO AUTO TODO S.A. de C.V.		100.0	%	PUEBLA, MEXICO
ELECTRICAL INSULATION SUPPLIERS de MEXICO, S.A. de C.V.		100.0	%	GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO
EIS HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC.		100.0	%	BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
POLIFIBRA CANADA (1987) INC.		100.0	%	ONTARIO, CANADA
MOTION INDUSTRIES (CANADA), INC.		100.0	%	OTTAWA, ONTARIO
MOTION — MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V.		100.0	%	GUADALAJARA, MEXICO
S. P. RICHARDS CO. CANADA INC.		100.0	%	BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
UAP INC.		100.0	%	QUEBEC, CANADA
GARANAT INC.		100.0	%	FEDERAL, CANADA
UAPRO INC.		100.0	%	FEDERAL, CANADA
UNITED AUTO PARTS (Eastern) LTD.		100.0	%	ONTARIO, CANADA
SERVICES FINANCIERS UAP INC.		100.0	%	QUEBEC, CANADA
WTC PARTS CANADA		100.0	%	FEDERAL, CANADA
PIECES DE CAMION DE LA BEAUCE		90.0	%	QUEBEC, CANADA
GPC GLOBAL SOURCING LIMITED		100.0	%	HONG KONG, CHINA
GENUINE PARTS SOURCING (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED		100.0	%	SHENZHEN, CHINA
ALTROM CANADA CORP.		100.0	%	BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
GENUINE PARTS AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED		100.0	%	VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
EXEGO GROUP PTY LIMITED		30.0	%	VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
EIS-GPC SERVICIOS de MEXICO, S. de R.L. De C.V.		100.0	%	GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO
RIEBE’S AUTO PARTS, LLC		20.0	%	GEORGIA
AUTOPARTSPROS, LLC		20.0	%	GEORGIA
ADAMS AUTO PARTS, LLC		90.0	%	DELAWARE
BANGOR MOTOR PARTS		79.0	%	PENNSYLVANIA
MOTOR PARTS OF CARROLL COUNTY, INC.		75.8	%	MARYLAND
POTOMAC AUTO PARTS, INC.		79.0	%	MARYLAND
REISTERSTOWN AUTO PARTS, INC.		79.0	%	MARYLAND
WILLIAMSPORT AUTOMOTIVE, INC.		79.0	%	PENNSYLVANIA

EX-23

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement No. 333-21969 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan,

(2) Registration Statement No. 333-76639 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Genuine Parts Company 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and

(3) Registration Statement No. 333-133362 on Form S-8 pertaining to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan;

of our reports dated February 26, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

February 26, 2013

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Thomas C. Gallagher, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Genuine Parts Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Thomas C. Gallagher

Thomas C. Gallagher

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 26, 2013

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Jerry W. Nix, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Genuine Parts Company;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Jerry W. Nix

Jerry W. Nix

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 26, 2013

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

STATEMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

§ 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas C. Gallagher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Thomas C. Gallagher

Thomas C. Gallagher

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

February 26, 2013

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

STATEMENT OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

§ 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jerry W. Nix, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Jerry W. Nix

Jerry W. Nix

Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer

February 26, 2013

XML

Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings	4.01%	4.01%
Unsecured revolving line of credit facility	$ 850,000,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end	0.96%
Line of credit facility amount of option to increase additional borrowing	350,000,000
Outstanding line of credit	0	0
Unused letter of credit outstanding due to workers' compensation and insurance reserve	$ 61,119,000	$ 53,703,000
Line of credit facility, Maturity date	September 2017

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Highest credit service of a specified period for benefits on employees contributions	5 years
Last credit service period for benefits on employees compensation	10 years
Curtailment gain	$ 23,507,000
Assumed annual rate of increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits	7.60%	8.00%
Assumed rate to which per capita cost of covered health care benefits will ratably decrease to	4.80%	4.80%
Fair value of plan assets for the Company's US pension plans	1,595,679,000	1,470,030,000
Genuine Parts Company common stock included in equity securities	128,236,000	123,436,000
Genuine Parts Company common stock as a percentage of total plan assets	8.00%	8.40%
Dividend payments on Genuine Parts Company common stock received by plan	3,994,000	3,630,000
Pension benefits expected to be paid from employer assets in 2013	5,471,000
Matching contribution to be received by pension plan participants of a specified percentage of employee's salary	20.00%
First percentage of employee's salary out of which matching contribution will be made	6.00%
Matching contribution to be received by other employees of a specified percentage of other employees salary	100.00%
First percentage of other employee's salary out of which matching contribution will be made	5.00%
Matching contribution to be received by all employees of a specified percentage of employees' salary after 2013	100.00%
First percentage of all employees' salary out of which matching contribution will be made after 2013	5.00%
Total defined contribution plans expense	43,155,000	38,773,000	33,476,000
S&P 500 Index [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	49.00%
Russell Mid Cap Index [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
Russell 2000 Index [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	8.00%
MSCI EAFE Index [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
DJ Global Moderate Index [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	28.00%
United States Pension Plans of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Benefit obligations for company's US plans	1,955,414,000	1,775,994,000
Fair value of plan assets for the Company's US pension plans	1,425,047,000	1,320,036,000
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Curtailment gain	23,507,000
Benefit obligations for company's US plans	2,165,692,000	1,958,399,000	1,689,011,000
Total accumulated benefit obligations for company's defined benefit pension plans	2,112,134,000	1,756,546,000
Fair value of plan assets for the Company's US pension plans	$ 1,595,679,000	$ 1,470,030,000	$ 1,439,711,000
Expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2013 pension cost or income	7.83%
Benefit Obligation [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Health care benefits assumption	2019
Benefit Cost [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Health care benefits assumption		2019

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 382,000,000
Capital loss carryforward	42,000,000
Capital loss carryforward, expiration year	2013
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties	58,020,000	59,532,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	17,615,000	18,966,000
Interest and penalties paid by the Company	493,000	759,000	272,000
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 12,565,000	$ 12,687,000

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Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, foreign	$ 115,234	$ 105,965	$ 68,203

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Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Benefit Obligation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Benefits [Member]
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 1,958,399,000	$ 1,689,011,000
Service cost	15,254,000	13,039,000	12,312,000
Interest cost	100,338,000	97,293,000	95,453,000
Plan participants' contributions	3,962,000	3,887,000
Plan amendments	(4,217,000)
Actuarial loss (gain)	330,028,000	219,804,000
Exchange rate changes	5,489,000	(4,656,000)
Gross benefits paid	(67,767,000)	(59,979,000)
Curtailments	(175,794,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,165,692,000	1,958,399,000	1,689,011,000
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	7,514,000	12,329,000
Service cost
Interest cost	267,000	474,000	605,000
Plan participants' contributions	3,074,000	3,412,000
Plan amendments		362,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	(370,000)	(3,911,000)
Exchange rate changes
Gross benefits paid	(5,112,000)	(5,326,000)
Less Federal subsidy	105,000	174,000
Curtailments
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 5,478,000	$ 7,514,000	$ 12,329,000

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Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Share-Based Compensation Activity and Related Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Y
Share Based Compensation [Line Items]
Exercise prices for options and SARs outstanding, minimum	$ 37
Exercise prices for options and SARs outstanding, maximum	$ 63
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of the options and SARs outstanding	6

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$ 35,273	$ 35,797
Insurance liabilities	45,865	45,509
Other lease obligations	33,748	34,186
Other taxes payable	57,510	56,366
Customer deposits	161,936	161,936
Other	153,924	109,120
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 488,256	$ 442,914

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Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 1,595,679,000	$ 1,470,030,000
Pension Benefits [Member]
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,470,030,000	1,439,711,000
Actual return on plan assets	168,491,000	31,528,000
Exchange rate changes	4,498,000	(3,598,000)
Employer contributions	16,465,000	58,481,000
Plan participants' contributions	3,962,000	3,887,000
Benefits paid	(67,767,000)	(59,979,000)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,595,679,000	1,470,030,000
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Exchange rate changes
Employer contributions	2,038,000	1,914,000
Plan participants' contributions	3,074,000	3,412,000
Benefits paid	(5,112,000)	(5,326,000)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year

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Segment Data - Summary of Segment Data (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	$ 13,013,868	$ 12,458,877	$ 11,207,589	$ 10,057,512	$ 11,015,263
Net sales:
Total net sales	13,013,868	12,458,877	11,207,589	10,057,512	11,015,263
Operating profit:
Total operating profit	1,078,148	980,221	839,381	701,656	860,856
Interest expense, net	(19,619)	(24,608)	(26,598)	(27,112)	(29,847)
Corporate expense	(25,668)	(56,971)	(45,451)	(24,913)	(55,119)
Intangible asset amortization	(12,991)	(6,774)	(4,737)	(3,644)	(2,861)
Other expense	(938)	(1,062)	(812)	(1,822)	(4,561)
Income before income taxes	1,018,932	890,806	761,783	644,165	768,468
Assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets	497,839	279,775	209,548	171,532	158,825
Total assets	6,807,061	6,202,774	5,788,227	5,327,872	5,109,533
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	98,383	88,936	89,332
Intangible asset amortization	12,991	6,774	4,737	3,644	2,861
Total depreciation and amortization	98,383	88,936	89,332	90,411	88,698
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	101,987	103,469	85,379	69,445	105,026
United States	11,299,291	10,791,303	9,793,820	8,935,651	9,716,029
Total net sales	13,013,868	12,458,877	11,207,589	10,057,512	11,015,263
Net long-lived assets:
United States	466,473	411,193	398,318	402,937	352,314
Net property, plant, and equipment	566,365	500,204	484,130	485,024	423,265
Automotive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	6,320,882	6,061,424	5,608,101	5,225,389	5,321,536
Net sales:
Total net sales	6,320,882	6,061,424	5,608,101	5,225,389	5,321,536
Operating profit:
Total operating profit	540,678	467,806	421,109	387,945	385,356
Assets:
Total assets	3,411,252	3,218,931	3,177,644	3,148,876	3,123,084
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	60,630	60,252	63,942	65,554	65,309
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	67,482	61,795	46,888	53,911	72,628
Total net sales	6,320,882	6,061,424	5,608,101	5,225,389	5,321,536
Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	4,453,574	4,173,574	3,521,863	2,885,782	3,514,661
Net sales:
Total net sales	4,453,574	4,173,574	3,521,863	2,885,782	3,514,661
Operating profit:
Total operating profit	352,119	337,628	255,616	162,353	294,652
Assets:
Total assets	1,130,877	1,100,024	955,241	865,431	1,025,292
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	8,307	7,495	7,208	7,611	7,632
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	13,015	9,851	4,307	2,987	7,575
Total net sales	4,453,574	4,173,574	3,521,863	2,885,782	3,514,661
Office Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	1,686,690	1,689,368	1,641,963	1,639,018	1,732,514
Net sales:
Total net sales	1,686,690	1,689,368	1,641,963	1,639,018	1,732,514
Operating profit:
Total operating profit	134,441	134,124	131,746	126,104	144,127
Assets:
Total assets	731,564	700,720	694,166	619,612	638,854
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	10,837	9,999	9,737	9,685	9,825
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	16,013	22,036	29,866	5,782	9,539
Total net sales	1,686,690	1,689,368	1,641,963	1,639,018	1,732,514
Electrical/Electronic Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	582,820	557,537	449,770	345,808	465,889
Net sales:
Total net sales	582,820	557,537	449,770	345,808	465,889
Operating profit:
Total operating profit	50,910	40,663	30,910	25,254	36,721
Assets:
Total assets	137,237	129,933	113,757	76,716	95,655
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	1,733	1,554	1,414	1,666	1,572
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	1,029	1,762	1,957	676	1,406
Total net sales	582,820	557,537	449,770	345,808	465,889
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	(30,098)	(23,026)	(14,108)	(38,485)	(19,337)
Net sales:
Total net sales	(30,098)	(23,026)	(14,108)	(38,485)	(19,337)
Capital expenditures:
Total net sales	(30,098)	(23,026)	(14,108)	(38,485)	(19,337)
Corporate [Member]
Assets:
Total assets	898,292	773,391	637,871	445,705	67,823
Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	3,885	2,862	2,294	2,251	1,499
Capital expenditures:
Total capital expenditures	4,448	8,025	2,361	6,089	13,878
Canada [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Foreign Country	1,616,921	1,571,733	1,327,552	1,078,799	1,219,759
Net long-lived assets:
Foreign Country	93,496	84,210	80,978	78,502	67,731
Mexico [Member]
Capital expenditures:
Foreign Country	127,754	118,867	100,325	81,547	98,812
Net long-lived assets:
Foreign Country	6,396	4,801	4,834	3,585	3,220
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Domestic and Foreign Countries	(30,098)	(23,026)	(14,108)	(38,485)	(19,337)
Net sales:
Total net sales	(30,098)	(23,026)	(14,108)	(38,485)	(19,337)
Capital expenditures:
Total net sales	$ (30,098)	$ (23,026)	$ (14,108)	$ (38,485)	$ (19,337)

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Leased Properties (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Future Minimum Payments of Leases

Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more was approximately the following at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

2013	$	136,900
2014		110,300
2015		84,400
2016		62,800
2017		42,200
Thereafter		153,500
Total minimum lease payments	$	590,100

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Income Taxes - Components of Income before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Components Of Income Before Income Taxes [Line Items]
United States	$ 903,698	$ 784,841	$ 693,580
Foreign	115,234	105,965	68,203
Income before income taxes	$ 1,018,932	$ 890,806	$ 761,783	$ 644,165	$ 768,468

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Leased Properties - Future Minimum Payments of Leases (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Operating Leases [Line Items]
2013	$ 136,900
2014	110,300
2015	84,400
2016	62,800
2017	42,200
Thereafter	153,500
Total minimum lease payments	$ 590,100

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization expense for other intangible assets total	$ 12,991	$ 6,774	$ 4,737	$ 3,644	$ 2,861

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Income Taxes - Difference Between Total Tax Expense and Amount Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Statutory rate applied to income	$ 356,626	$ 311,782	$ 266,624
Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	30,227	26,790	24,621
Other	(15,962)	(12,882)	(4,973)
Income tax expense, total	$ 370,891	$ 325,690	$ 286,272

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Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Total borrowings of the independents and affiliates	231,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity	6 years

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Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 1,043,089	$ 999,189
Prior service credit	(10,612)	(37,172)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,032,477	962,017
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	12,963	14,588
Prior service credit	(8,515)	(9,445)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 4,448	$ 5,143

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Share Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Shares	222
Granted, Shares	145
Vested, Shares	(40)
Forfeited, Shares	(11)
Ending Balance, Shares	316
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 48
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 63
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 51
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$ 49
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending Balance	$ 54

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Genuine Parts Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company) is a distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 2,000 locations in North America and, therefore, has limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is not material to the Company’s consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership.

Customer Sales Returns

Subsequent to September 30, 2012, the Company reconsidered its interpretation of the authoritative literature related to accounting for potential sales returns of automotive parts sold by the NAPA distribution businesses in its automotive segment. Upon review, the Company concluded that there was an error in the Company’s method of accounting for such potential sales returns. The error is not material to any individual year, but material on a cumulative basis and, therefore, an adjustment to correct the cumulative effect of the error, as calculated at December 31, 2012, has been reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and is summarized below as of December 31, 2011. The consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for 2012, 2011, and 2010 presented herein have not been adjusted because the impact of the correction of the error is not material to these financial statements.

The effect of the understatement of inventory (included in merchandise inventories, net and other assets) and customer deposits (included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities) resulted in an adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet increasing both assets and liabilities with the net result being an immaterial impact on working capital. The impact on retained earnings, net of deferred taxes, is $39,228,000, or less than 2% of consolidated equity as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. Retained earnings as of January 1, 2010 has been adjusted by $39,228,000 on the consolidated statements of equity. The impact on net income was less than $3,000,000, or less than 1% of consolidated net income for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010; therefore, the Company recorded the errors arising in these three years as of January 1, 2010. The impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows was considered immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

	December 31, 2011
	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(In thousands)
Merchandise inventories, net	$	2,261,997	$	178,114		$	2,440,111
Total current assets		4,576,596		178,114			4,754,710
Deferred tax asset		250,906		10,702			261,608
Other assets		272,110		134,367			406,477
Total assets	$	5,879,591	$	323,183		$	6,202,774
Other accrued expenses	$	116,921	$	214,661		$	331,582
Income taxes payable		35,267		(14,186	)		21,081
Total current liabilities		1,812,073		200,475			2,012,548
Other long-term liabilities		280,978		161,936			442,914
Retained earnings		3,109,622		(39,228	)		3,070,394
Total parent equity		2,783,235		(39,228	)		2,744,007
Total equity		2,792,819		(39,228	)		2,753,591
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,879,591	$	323,183		$	6,202,774

Foreign Currency Translation

The consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Initially, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience. This initial estimate is periodically adjusted when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $8,047,000, $13,248,000, and $10,597,000, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $19,180,000 and $16,916,000, respectively.

Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for a majority of automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for office products and certain other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $428,260,000 and $422,178,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During 2012, 2011, and 2010 reductions in inventory levels in automotive parts inventories (2012), industrial parts inventories, and electrical parts inventories (2012 and 2011) resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effect of the LIFO liquidation in 2012, 2011, and 2010 was to reduce cost of goods sold by approximately $6,000,000, $16,000,000, and $25,000,000, respectively.

The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur.

The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2013 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses and amounts due from vendors.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company reviews its goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. The present value of future cash flows approach was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that these assets were not impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010. If an impairment occurs at a future date, it may have the effect of increasing the volatility of the Company’s earnings.

Other Assets

Other assets are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Retirement benefit assets	$	4,021	$	4,374
Deferred compensation benefits		20,642		18,218
Investments		206,487		27,810
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		78,860		70,109
Customer sales returns inventories		134,367		134,367
Other long-term prepayments and receivables		198,886		151,599
Total other assets	$	643,263	$	406,477

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful life of each asset: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years.

Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$	35,273	$	35,797
Insurance liabilities		45,865		45,509
Other lease obligations		33,748		34,186
Other taxes payable		57,510		56,366
Customer deposits		161,936		161,936
Other		153,924		109,120
Total other long-term liabilities	$	488,256	$	442,914

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for the majority of group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by the Company’s claims administrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year.

Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for the workers’ compensation program. In addition, the Company carries various large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of workers’ compensation liabilities. The Company records the workers’ compensation reserves based on an analysis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis calculates development factors, which are applied to total reserves as provided by the various insurance companies who underwrite the program. While the Company believes that the assumptions used to calculate these liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect workers’ compensation costs.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation	$	131,084		$	107,238
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax		(644,244	)		(617,623	)
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax		11,668			28,347
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(501,492	)	$	(482,038	)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $516,000,000 and $509,000,000, respectively. The fair value of fixed rate debt is designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., significant observable inputs) and is based primarily on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk and maturity.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled approximately $220,000,000, $190,000,000, and $180,000,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $43,200,000, $45,100,000, and $36,800,000 in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Accounting for Legal Costs

The Company’s legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as such costs are incurred.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to five years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. The Company issues new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans.

Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 730,000, 850,000, and 4,500,000 shares of common stock ranging from $42 — $63 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of common stock in each respective year.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive statements for annual periods. Additionally, ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present comprehensive income and its components as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-05 was effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 only changed the manner of comprehensive income presentation in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s reported financial position, cash flows, or results of operations in the consolidated financial statements.

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Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Cash Flows for Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 70,099
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	76,390
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	86,670
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	91,697
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	97,333
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	103,708
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	612,723
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	1,122
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year One	1,122
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Two	965
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Three	824
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Four	644
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Year Five	451
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments in Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	$ 1,232

XML

Leased Properties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Rental expense under operating leases	$ 158,200,000	$ 154,500,000	$ 147,886,000

XML

Segment Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Segment Data

For management purposes, net sales by segment exclude the effect of certain discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers. The line item “other” represents the net effect of the discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers that are reported as a component of net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
Automotive	$	6,320,882		$	6,061,424		$	5,608,101		$	5,225,389		$	5,321,536
Industrial		4,453,574			4,173,574			3,521,863			2,885,782			3,514,661
Office products		1,686,690			1,689,368			1,641,963			1,639,018			1,732,514
Electrical/electronic materials		582,820			557,537			449,770			345,808			465,889
Other		(30,098	)		(23,026	)		(14,108	)		(38,485	)		(19,337	)
Total net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589		$	10,057,512		$	11,015,263
Operating profit:
Automotive	$	540,678		$	467,806		$	421,109		$	387,945		$	385,356
Industrial		352,119			337,628			255,616			162,353			294,652
Office products		134,441			134,124			131,746			126,104			144,127
Electrical/electronic materials		50,910			40,663			30,910			25,254			36,721
Total operating profit		1,078,148			980,221			839,381			701,656			860,856
Interest expense, net		(19,619	)		(24,608	)		(26,598	)		(27,112	)		(29,847	)
Corporate expense		(25,668	)		(56,971	)		(45,451	)		(24,913	)		(55,119	)
Intangible asset amortization		(12,991	)		(6,774	)		(4,737	)		(3,644	)		(2,861	)
Other expense		(938	)		(1,062	)		(812	)		(1,822	)		(4,561	)
Income before income taxes	$	1,018,932		$	890,806		$	761,783		$	644,165		$	768,468
Assets:
Automotive	$	3,411,252		$	3,218,931		$	3,177,644		$	3,148,876		$	3,123,084
Industrial		1,130,877			1,100,024			955,241			865,431			1,025,292
Office products		731,564			700,720			694,166			619,612			638,854
Electrical/electronic materials		137,237			129,933			113,757			76,716			95,655
Corporate		898,292			773,391			637,871			445,705			67,823
Goodwill and other intangible assets		497,839			279,775			209,548			171,532			158,825
Total assets	$	6,807,061		$	6,202,774		$	5,788,227		$	5,327,872		$	5,109,533

	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Automotive	$	60,630		$	60,252		$	63,942		$	65,554		$	65,309
Industrial		8,307			7,495			7,208			7,611			7,632
Office products		10,837			9,999			9,737			9,685			9,825
Electrical/electronic materials		1,733			1,554			1,414			1,666			1,572
Corporate		3,885			2,862			2,294			2,251			1,499
Intangible asset amortization		12,991			6,774			4,737			3,644			2,861
Total depreciation and amortization	$	98,383		$	88,936		$	89,332		$	90,411		$	88,698
Capital expenditures:
Automotive	$	67,482		$	61,795		$	46,888		$	53,911		$	72,628
Industrial		13,015			9,851			4,307			2,987			7,575
Office products		16,013			22,036			29,866			5,782			9,539
Electrical/electronic materials		1,029			1,762			1,957			676			1,406
Corporate		4,448			8,025			2,361			6,089			13,878
Total capital expenditures	$	101,987		$	103,469		$	85,379		$	69,445		$	105,026
Net sales:
United States	$	11,299,291		$	10,791,303		$	9,793,820		$	8,935,651		$	9,716,029
Canada		1,616,921			1,571,733			1,327,552			1,078,799			1,219,759
Mexico		127,754			118,867			100,325			81,547			98,812
Other		(30,098	)		(23,026	)		(14,108	)		(38,485	)		(19,337	)
Total net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589		$	10,057,512		$	11,015,263
Net long-lived assets:
United States	$	466,473		$	411,193		$	398,318		$	402,937		$	352,314
Canada		93,496			84,210			80,978			78,502			67,731
Mexico		6,396			4,801			4,834			3,585			3,220
Total net long-lived assets	$	566,365		$	500,204		$	484,130		$	485,024		$	423,265

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Changes in Benefit Obligation

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,958,399		$	1,689,011		$	7,514		$	12,329
Service cost		15,254			13,039			—			—
Interest cost		100,338			97,293			267			474
Plan participants’ contributions		3,962			3,887			3,074			3,412
Plan amendments		(4,217	)		—			—			362
Actuarial loss (gain)		330,028			219,804			(370	)		(3,911	)
Exchange rate changes		5,489			(4,656	)		—			—
Gross benefits paid		(67,767	)		(59,979	)		(5,112	)		(5,326	)
Less Federal subsidy		N/A			N/A			105			174
Curtailments		(175,794	)		—			—			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	2,165,692		$	1,958,399		$	5,478		$	7,514

Assumptions Used to Measure Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations for Plans

The assumptions used to measure the pension and other postretirement plan benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, were:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Weighted-average discount rate		4.17	%		5.17	%		3.05	%		4.00	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.30	%		3.30	%		—			—

Changes in Plan Assets

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	1,470,030		$	1,439,711		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		168,491			31,528			—			—
Exchange rate changes		4,498			(3,598	)		—			—
Employer contributions		16,465			58,481			2,038			1,914
Plan participants’ contributions		3,962			3,887			3,074			3,412
Benefits paid		(67,767	)		(59,979	)		(5,112	)		(5,326	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	1,595,679		$	1,470,030		$	—		$	—

Asset Allocations for Funded Pension Plans

The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the target allocation for 2013, by asset category were:

	Target Allocation			Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
	2013			2012			2011
Asset Category
Equity securities		71	%		68	%		69	%
Debt securities		29	%		32	%		31	%
		100	%		100	%		100	%

Fair Value of Plan Assets

	2012
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Equity Securities
Common stocks — mutual funds — equity	$	342,846	$	342,846	$	—	$	—
Genuine Parts Company		128,236		128,236		—		—
Other stocks		608,017		608,017		—		—
Debt Securities
Short-term investments		37,626		37,626		—		—
Cash and equivalents		45,719		45,719		—		—
Government bonds		166,413		74,707		91,706		—
Corporate bonds		127,824		—		127,824		—
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		24,077		—		24,077		—
Other-international		10,188		10,188		—		—
Municipal bonds		532		—		532		—
Municipal funds-fixed income		101,578		—		101,578		—
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		2,623		—		—		2,623
Total	$	1,595,679	$	1,247,339	$	345,717	$	2,623

	2011
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Equity Securities
Common stocks — mutual funds — equity	$	348,909	$	348,909	$	—	$	—
Genuine Parts Company		123,436		123,436		—		—
Other stocks		546,995		546,995		—		—
Debt Securities
Short-term investments		38,968		38,968		—		—
Cash and equivalents		16,888		16,888		—		—
Government bonds		145,966		66,334		79,632		—
Corporate bonds		127,698		—		127,698		—
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		21,441		—		21,441		—
Other-international		12,084		12,084		—		—
Municipal bonds		593		—		593		—
Mutual funds-fixed income		87,052		—		87,052		—
Total	$	1,470,030	$	1,153,614	$	316,416	$	—

Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Other long-term asset	$	4,021		$	4,374		$	—		$	—
Other current liability		(5,402	)		(4,918	)		(1,122	)		(1,618	)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities		(568,632	)		(487,825	)		(4,356	)		(5,896	)
	$	(570,013	)	$	(488,369	)	$	(5,478	)	$	(7,514	)

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	1,043,089		$	999,189		$	12,963		$	14,588
Prior service credit		(10,612	)		(37,172	)		(8,515	)		(9,445	)
	$	1,032,477		$	962,017		$	4,448		$	5,143

Expected Cash Flows for Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans follows:

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Employer contribution
2013 (expected)	$	70,099	$	1,122
Expected benefit payments
2013	$	76,390	$	1,122
2014		86,670		965
2015		91,697		824
2016		97,333		644
2017		103,708		451
2018 through 2022		612,723		1,232

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic benefit cost included the following components:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	15,254		$	13,039		$	12,312		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		100,338			97,293			95,453			267			474			605
Expected return on plan assets		(128,208	)		(124,150	)		(114,166	)		—			—			—
Amortization of prior service credit		(7,270	)		(6,970	)		(6,979	)		(930	)		(930	)		(1,059	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		70,161			53,039			35,264			1,254			1,708			1,759
Curtailment gain		(23,507	)		—			—			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	26,768		$	32,251		$	21,884		$	591		$	1,252		$	1,305

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$	114,061		$	311,038		$	60,777		$	(371	)	$	(3,911	)	$	340
Recognition of actuarial loss		(70,161	)		(53,039	)		(35,264	)		(1,254	)		(1,708	)		(1,759	)
Current year prior service (credit) cost		(4,217	)		—			1,148			—			362			—
Recognition of prior service credit		30,777			6,970			6,979			930			930			1,059
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	70,460		$	264,969		$	33,640		$	(695	)	$	(4,327	)	$	(360	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$	97,228		$	297,220		$	55,524		$	(104	)	$	(3,075	)	$	945

Estimated Amounts Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 are as follows:

	Pension Benefits			Other  Post- retirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Actuarial loss	$	84,572		$	1,124
Prior service credit		(7,598	)		(956	)
Total	$	76,974		$	168

Assumptions Used in Measuring Net Periodic Benefit Costs

The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit costs for the plans follow:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Weighted average discount rate		5.17	%		5.74	%		6.54	%		4.00	%		4.25	%		5.20	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.30	%		3.39	%		3.75	%		—			—			—
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.84	%		7.87	%		8.00	%		—			—			—

XML

Employee Benefit Plan - Assumptions Used to Measure Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations for Plans (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate	4.17%	5.17%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.30%	3.30%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate	3.05%	4.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels

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Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost related to nonvested awards, unrecognized	$ 20,400,000
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost (in years)	3 years
Aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding options and RSUs	90,300,000	110,300,000
Aggregate intrinsic value for vested options and RSUs	57,600,000	77,800,000
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for outstanding options and RSUs, in years	6 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for exercisable options and RSUs, in years	5 years
Share-based compensation	10,747,000	7,547,000	7,016,000
Income tax benefit	4,300,000	3,000,000	2,800,000
Weighted-average, risk-free interest	2.00%	3.60%	3.60%
Weighted-average, dividend yield	3.30%	3.80%	4.60%
Weighted-average, annual historical volatility factor	19.00%	19.00%	19.00%
Weighted-average, expected life	7 years
Fair value of shares vested	6,700,000	7,200,000	9,200,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options and SARs granted	$ 7.96	$ 8.18	$ 5.41
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	41,500,000	25,100,000	15,700,000
Granted, Shares	145,000
Excess tax benefits	$ 11,018,000	$ 5,356,000	$ 3,251,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average, estimated turnover	5.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average, estimated turnover	6.00%
SARs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	858,000	1,028,000	1,002,000
RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	145,000	126,000	124,000

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Location	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Adjustment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Adjustment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Adjustment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Minimum [Member] Building and improvements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Minimum [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Maximum [Member] Building and improvements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Maximum [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations in North America	2,000
Cumulative Effect of Error Impact on Retained Earnings	$ (3,344,538,000)	$ (3,070,394,000)		$ 39,228,000	$ 39,228,000	$ 39,228,000
Maximum Percentage of Impact on Retained Earnings as a Percentage of Total Consolidated Equity										2.00%	2.00%
Cumulative Effect of Error Impact on Net Income	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Maximum Percentage of Impact on Net Income as a Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Income										1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Provision for doubtful accounts	8,047,000	13,248,000	10,597,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, current	19,180,000	16,916,000
Excess of FIFO costs over stated LIFO value	428,260,000	422,178,000
Reduction in cost of goods sold by the effect of LIFO liquidation	6,000,000	16,000,000	25,000,000
Property plant and equipment useful life								10 years	5 years				40 years	15 years
Fair value of fixed rate debt	516,000,000	509,000,000
Shipping and handling costs classified as selling, administrative and other expenses	220,000,000	190,000,000	180,000,000
Advertising costs	$ 43,200,000	$ 45,100,000	$ 36,800,000
Share-based payment awards granted vesting period range							1 year			5 years
Outstanding options to purchase common shares not included in dilutive share	730,000	850,000	4,500,000
Minimum exercise price of options	$ 42
Maximum exercise price of options	$ 63

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Adjustment to Correct Cumulative Effect of Error has been Reflected on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Merchandise inventories, net	$ 2,602,560	$ 2,440,111
Total current assets	4,820,131	4,754,710
Deferred tax asset	279,463	261,608
Other assets	643,263	406,477
Total assets	6,807,061	6,202,774	5,788,227	5,327,872	5,109,533
Other accrued expenses	359,395	331,582
Income taxes payable	4,354	21,081
Total current liabilities	2,487,638	2,012,548
Other long-term liabilities	488,256	442,914
Retained earnings	3,344,538	3,070,394
Total parent equity	2,997,887	2,744,007
Total equity	3,008,179	2,753,591	2,763,486	2,590,144
Total liabilities and equity	6,807,061	6,202,774
As Previously Reported [Member]
Merchandise inventories, net		2,261,997
Total current assets		4,576,596
Deferred tax asset		250,906
Other assets		272,110
Total assets		5,879,591
Other accrued expenses		116,921
Income taxes payable		35,267
Total current liabilities		1,812,073
Other long-term liabilities		280,978
Retained earnings		3,109,622
Total parent equity		2,783,235
Total equity		2,792,819
Total liabilities and equity		5,879,591
Adjustment [Member]
Merchandise inventories, net		178,114
Total current assets		178,114
Deferred tax asset		10,702
Other assets		134,367
Total assets		323,183
Other accrued expenses		214,661
Income taxes payable		(14,186)
Total current liabilities		200,475
Other long-term liabilities		161,936
Retained earnings	(39,228)	(39,228)		(39,228)
Total parent equity		(39,228)
Total equity		(39,228)
Total liabilities and equity		$ 323,183

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities
Net income	$ 648,041	$ 565,116	$ 475,511
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	98,383	88,936	89,332
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(11,018)	(5,356)	(3,251)
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(3,943)	(3,012)	(1,685)
Deferred income taxes	14,751	(2,337)	11,994
Share-based compensation	10,747	7,547	7,016
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	13,365	(85,011)	(140,562)
Merchandise inventories, net	(25,845)	(19,624)	44,865
Trade accounts payable	220,694	85,766	280,739
Other long-term assets	(45,248)	(12,943)	(48,423)
Other, net	(13,489)	5,845	(36,873)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	258,397	59,811	203,152
Net cash provided by operating activities	906,438	624,927	678,663
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(101,987)	(103,469)	(85,379)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	8,504	8,908	3,676
Acquisition of businesses and other investing activities	(558,384)	(136,936)	(90,645)
Net cash used in investing activities	(651,867)	(231,497)	(172,348)
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt	750,000	250,000
Payments on debt	(750,000)	(250,000)
Stock options exercised	(7,043)	(1,049)	9,085
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	11,018	5,356	3,251
Dividends paid	(300,983)	(276,369)	(257,898)
Purchase of stock	(81,826)	(122,078)	(75,007)
Net cash used in financing activities	(378,834)	(394,140)	(320,569)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,304	(4,204)	7,419
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(121,959)	(4,914)	193,165
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	525,054	529,968	336,803
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	403,095	525,054	529,968
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Income taxes	381,407	317,748	275,979
Interest	$ 20,416	$ 27,640	$ 28,061

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Other Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Assets [Line Items]
Retirement benefit assets	$ 4,021	$ 4,374
Deferred compensation benefits	20,642	18,218
Investments	206,487	27,810
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	78,860	70,109
Customer sales returns inventories	134,367	134,367
Other long-term prepayments and receivables	198,886	151,599
Total other assets	$ 643,263	$ 406,477

XML

Credit Facilities - Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Less debt due within one year	250,000
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	250,000	500,000
4.67% Series C Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
November 30, 2008, Series C Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 4.67% fixed, due November 30, 2013 $	250,000	250,000
3.35% Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016	$ 250,000	$ 250,000

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Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 46,845	$ 39,425	$ 33,322
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	5,702	6,035	4,243
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2,172	7,966	3,493
Reductions for tax positions for prior years	(5,025)	(481)	(624)
Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations	(2,658)	(4,563)	(451)
Settlements	(1,581)	(1,537)	(558)
Balance at end of year	$ 45,455	$ 46,845	$ 39,425

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Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 16,916,455	$ 15,598,912	$ 16,589,779
Charged to Costs and Expenses	8,046,605	13,247,731	10,597,432
Deductions	(5,782,870)	(11,930,188)	(11,588,299)
Balance at end of period	$ 19,180,190	$ 16,916,455	$ 15,598,912

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 403,095	$ 525,054
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,490,028	1,461,011
Merchandise inventories, net	2,602,560	2,440,111
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	324,448	328,534
Total current assets	4,820,131	4,754,710
Goodwill and other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	497,839	279,775
Deferred tax asset	279,463	261,608
Other assets	643,263	406,477
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	88,710	74,332
Buildings, less allowance for depreciation (2012 - $237,504; 2011 - $226,396)	266,694	233,242
Machinery and equipment, less allowance for depreciation (2012 - $522,136; 2011 - $505,994)	210,961	192,630
Net property, plant, and equipment	566,365	500,204
Total assets	6,807,061	6,202,774
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	1,681,900	1,440,762
Current portion of debt	250,000
Accrued compensation	115,348	149,102
Other accrued expenses	359,395	331,582
Dividends payable	76,641	70,021
Income taxes payable	4,354	21,081
Total current liabilities	2,487,638	2,012,548
Long-term debt	250,000	500,000
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities	572,988	493,721
Other long-term liabilities	488,256	442,914
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 154,841,438 in 2012 and 155,651,116 shares in 2011	154,841	155,651
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(501,492)	(482,038)
Retained earnings	3,344,538	3,070,394
Total parent equity	2,997,887	2,744,007
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	10,292	9,584
Total equity	3,008,179	2,753,591
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,807,061	$ 6,202,774

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Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Share-Based Compensation Activity and Related Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Shares	5,987
Granted, Shares	1,003
Exercised, Shares	(1,834)
Forfeited, Shares	(56)
Ending Balance, Shares	5,100
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	2,993
Shares available for future grants	2,961
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Beginning Balance	$ 45
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Granted	$ 63
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Exercised	$ 41
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Forfeited	$ 52
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Ending Balance	$ 50
Exercisable at end of year	$ 45

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Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total Parent Equity [Member]	Non-controlling Interest in Subsidiaries [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 2,590,144	$ 158,918		$ (309,897)	$ 2,733,081	$ 2,582,102	$ 8,042
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009		158,917,846
Net income	475,511				475,511	475,511
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	11,545			11,545		11,545
Cash dividends declared, $1.64, $1.80, and $1.98 per share for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(258,912)				(258,912)	(258,912)
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit of $3,251, $5,356 and $11,018 for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	12,336	564	11,772			12,336
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit, shares		564,288
Share-based compensation	7,016		7,016			7,016
Purchase of stock	(75,007)	(1,846)	(18,788)		(54,373)	(75,007)
Purchase of stock, shares		(1,845,873)
Noncontrolling interest activities	853						853
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	2,763,486	157,636		(298,352)	2,895,307	2,754,591	8,895
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010		157,636,261
Net income	565,116				565,116	565,116
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(183,686)			(183,686)		(183,686)
Cash dividends declared, $1.64, $1.80, and $1.98 per share for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(281,790)				(281,790)	(281,790)
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit of $3,251, $5,356 and $11,018 for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	4,307	443	3,864			4,307
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit, shares		443,170
Share-based compensation	7,547		7,547			7,547
Purchase of stock	(122,078)	(2,428)	(11,411)		(108,239)	(122,078)
Purchase of stock, shares		(2,428,315)
Noncontrolling interest activities	689						689
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	2,753,591	155,651		(482,038)	3,070,394	2,744,007	9,584
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		155,651,116
Net income	648,041				648,041	648,041
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,454)			(19,454)		(19,454)
Cash dividends declared, $1.64, $1.80, and $1.98 per share for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	(307,603)				(307,603)	(307,603)
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit of $3,251, $5,356 and $11,018 for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively	3,975	552	3,423			3,975
Stock options exercised, including tax benefit, shares	1,834,000	551,779
Share-based compensation	10,747		10,747			10,747
Purchase of stock	(81,826)	(1,362)	(14,170)		(66,294)	(81,826)
Purchase of stock, shares		(1,361,457)
Noncontrolling interest activities	708						708
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 3,008,179	$ 154,841		$ (501,492)	$ 3,344,538	$ 2,997,887	$ 10,292
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		154,841,438

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 1,595,679,000	$ 1,470,030,000
Common stocks - mutual funds - equity [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	342,846,000	348,909,000
Other stocks [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	608,017,000	546,995,000
Short-term Investments [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	37,626,000	38,968,000
Cash and equivalents [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	45,719,000	16,888,000
Government bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	166,413,000	145,966,000
Corporate bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	127,824,000	127,698,000
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	24,077,000	21,441,000
Other-international [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	10,188,000	12,084,000
Municipal bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	532,000	593,000
Municipal funds-fixed income [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	101,578,000	87,052,000
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,623,000
Genuine Parts Company Common Stock [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	128,236,000	123,436,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,247,339,000	1,153,614,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks - mutual funds - equity [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	342,846,000	348,909,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other stocks [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	608,017,000	546,995,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	37,626,000	38,968,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and equivalents [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	45,719,000	16,888,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Government bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	74,707,000	66,334,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other-international [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	10,188,000	12,084,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Municipal funds-fixed income [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash surrender value of life insurance policies [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company Common Stock [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	128,236,000	123,436,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	345,717,000	316,416,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks - mutual funds - equity [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other stocks [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and equivalents [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Government bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	91,706,000	79,632,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	127,824,000	127,698,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	24,077,000	21,441,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other-international [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	532,000	593,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Municipal funds-fixed income [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	101,578,000	87,052,000
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash surrender value of life insurance policies [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company Common Stock [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,623,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks - mutual funds - equity [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other stocks [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and equivalents [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Government bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other-international [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Municipal funds-fixed income [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash surrender value of life insurance policies [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,623,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company Common Stock [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Fair value of assets

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 102,155,000
Goodwill and intangible assets less accumulated amortization	279,775,000	209,548,000	171,532,000	158,825,000
Goodwill and intangible assets acquired	229,575,000	78,210,000
Amortization	(12,991,000)	(6,774,000)	(4,737,000)	(3,644,000)	(2,861,000)
Foreign currency translation	1,480,000	(1,209,000)
Ending Balance	199,799,000	102,155,000
Goodwill and intangible assets less accumulated amortization	497,839,000	279,775,000	209,548,000	171,532,000	158,825,000
Automotive [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	43,705,000	44,271,000
Additions	114,206,000
Foreign currency translation	638,000	(566,000)
Ending Balance	158,549,000	43,705,000
Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	99,011,000	86,810,000
Additions		12,379,000
Foreign currency translation	221,000	(178,000)
Ending Balance	99,232,000	99,011,000
Office Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,554,000	10,554,000
Additions
Foreign currency translation
Ending Balance	10,554,000	10,554,000
Electrical/Electronic Materials [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	24,350,000	8,647,000
Additions	5,355,000	15,703,000
Ending Balance	29,705,000	24,350,000
Other Intangible Assets, Net [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	102,155,000	59,266,000
Additions	110,014,000	50,128,000
Amortization	(12,991,000)	(6,774,000)
Foreign currency translation	621,000	(465,000)
Ending Balance	$ 199,799,000	$ 102,155,000

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Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Amounts Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial loss	$ 84,572
Prior service credit	(7,598)
Total	76,974
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Actuarial loss	1,124
Prior service credit	(956)
Total	$ 168

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Adjustment to Correct Cumulative Effect of Error has been Reflected on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets

The impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows was considered immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

	December 31, 2011
	As Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
	(In thousands)
Merchandise inventories, net	$	2,261,997	$	178,114		$	2,440,111
Total current assets		4,576,596		178,114			4,754,710
Deferred tax asset		250,906		10,702			261,608
Other assets		272,110		134,367			406,477
Total assets	$	5,879,591	$	323,183		$	6,202,774
Other accrued expenses	$	116,921	$	214,661		$	331,582
Income taxes payable		35,267		(14,186	)		21,081
Total current liabilities		1,812,073		200,475			2,012,548
Other long-term liabilities		280,978		161,936			442,914
Retained earnings		3,109,622		(39,228	)		3,070,394
Total parent equity		2,783,235		(39,228	)		2,744,007
Total equity		2,792,819		(39,228	)		2,753,591
Total liabilities and equity	$	5,879,591	$	323,183		$	6,202,774

Components of Other Assets

Other assets are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Retirement benefit assets	$	4,021	$	4,374
Deferred compensation benefits		20,642		18,218
Investments		206,487		27,810
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		78,860		70,109
Customer sales returns inventories		134,367		134,367
Other long-term prepayments and receivables		198,886		151,599
Total other assets	$	643,263	$	406,477

Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$	35,273	$	35,797
Insurance liabilities		45,865		45,509
Other lease obligations		33,748		34,186
Other taxes payable		57,510		56,366
Customer deposits		161,936		161,936
Other		153,924		109,120
Total other long-term liabilities	$	488,256	$	442,914

Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation	$	131,084		$	107,238
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax		(644,244	)		(617,623	)
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax		11,668			28,347
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(501,492	)	$	(482,038	)

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization Relating to Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Of Amortization [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 243,148	$ 133,333
Accumulated Amortization	(43,349)	(31,178)
Net	199,799	102,155
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Of Amortization [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	209,328	100,921
Accumulated Amortization	(38,030)	(26,098)
Net	171,298	74,823
Trademarks [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Of Amortization [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	29,337	26,996
Accumulated Amortization	(1,944)	(1,197)
Net	27,393	25,799
Non-competition agreements [Member]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Of Amortization [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	4,483	5,416
Accumulated Amortization	(3,375)	(3,883)
Net	$ 1,108	$ 1,533

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Credit Facilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities

Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities consist of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Unsecured term notes:
November 30, 2008, Series C Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 4.67% fixed, due November 30, 2013	$	250,000	$	250,000
November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016		250,000		250,000
Total debt		500,000		500,000
Less debt due within one year		250,000		—
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	250,000	$	500,000

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Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)				12 Months Ended											1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Customer relationships [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Customer relationships [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Customer relationships [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Trademarks [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Trademarks [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Trademarks [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Non-competition agreements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Non-competition agreements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Industrial [Member] Business	Dec. 31, 2011 Electrical/Electronic Materials [Member] Business	Dec. 31, 2010 Industrial and Electrical/Electronic Materials Groups [Member] Business	May 01, 2012 Automotive [Member] Quaker City Motor Parts Co. [Member] Store
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business, net of cash acquired															$ 343,000,000
Annual revenue															300,000,000
Number of stores serviced															270
Number of stores owned															140
Companies acquired												3	1	4
Cost of acquired companies		115,600,000	90,645,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired	230,000,000	78,210,000	40,247,000
Other intangible assets acquired				$ 108,000,000	$ 37,378,000	$ 16,688,000	$ 2,000,000	$ 12,100,000	$ 7,104,000	$ 650,000	$ 500,000
Weighted average amortization lives				15 years	15 years	14 years	40 years	40 years	40 years	5 years	5 years

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Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.98	$ 1.80	$ 1.64
Tax effect on stock options exercised	$ (11,018)	$ (5,356)	$ (3,251)
Common Stock [Member]
Tax effect on stock options exercised	(11,018)	(5,356)	(3,251)
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Tax effect on stock options exercised	(11,018)	(5,356)	(3,251)
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.98	$ 1.80	$ 1.64
Total Parent Equity [Member]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.98	$ 1.80	$ 1.64
Tax effect on stock options exercised	$ (11,018)	$ (5,356)	$ (3,251)

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Buildings, less allowance for depreciation	$ 237,504	$ 226,396
Machinery and equipment, less allowance for depreciation	$ 522,136	$ 505,994
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	154,841,438	155,651,116
Common stock, shares outstanding	154,841,438	155,651,116

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Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Acquisitions

9. Acquisitions

On May 1, 2012 the Company acquired Quaker City Motor Parts Co. (“Quaker City”) for $343,000,000, net of cash acquired. Quaker City, headquartered in Middleton, Delaware, is a long-standing NAPA distributor with annual revenues of approximately $300,000,000. Quaker City serves approximately 270 auto parts stores, of which approximately 140 are company-owned. The Company funded the acquisition with cash on hand and short-term borrowings under credit facilities.

During 2011, the Company acquired three companies in the Industrial Group and one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group for approximately $115,600,000. During 2010, the Company acquired four companies in the Industrial and Electrical/Electronic Materials Groups for approximately $90,645,000.

The Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded approximately $230,000,000, $78,210,000, and $40,247,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2012, 2011, and 2010 acquisitions, respectively. The Company is in the process of analyzing the estimated values of assets and liabilities acquired as of the acquisition date for the Quaker City acquisition and is obtaining third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets. The acquisition accounting is therefore preliminary and subject to revision.

For the 2012 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $108,000,000 and trademarks of $2,000,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 15 and 40 years, respectively. For the 2011 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $37,378,000, trademarks of $12,100,000, and non-competition agreements of $650,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 15, 40, and 5 years, respectively. For the 2010 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $16,688,000, trademarks of $7,104,000, and non-competition agreements of $500,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 14, 40, and 5 years, respectively.

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 14, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	GPC
Entity Registrant Name	GENUINE PARTS CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000040987
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		154,868,013
Entity Public Float			$ 9,048,947,000

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Equity Investment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Equity Investment

10. Equity Investment

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company acquired a 30% investment in the Exego Group for approximately $165,600,000. The acquisition was funded with the Company’s cash on hand. The Exego Group, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is a leading aftermarket distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $1,000,000,000 and a company-owned store footprint of more than 430 locations across Australia and New Zealand. The Company has an option to acquire the remaining 70% of Exego at a later date contingent upon Exego achieving certain earnings thresholds. The Company has accounted for the 30% investment under the equity method of accounting.

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Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net sales	$ 13,013,868	$ 12,458,877	$ 11,207,589
Cost of goods sold	9,235,777	8,852,837	7,954,645
Gross margin	3,778,091	3,606,040	3,252,944
Operating expenses:
Selling, administrative, and other expenses	2,648,430	2,594,372	2,366,667
Depreciation and amortization	98,383	88,936	89,332
Provision for doubtful accounts	8,047	13,248	10,597
Total operating expenses	2,754,860	2,696,556	2,466,596
Non-operating expenses (income):
Interest expense	20,482	27,036	28,061
Other	(16,183)	(8,358)	(3,496)
Total non-operating expenses	4,299	18,678	24,565
Income before income taxes	1,018,932	890,806	761,783
Income taxes	370,891	325,690	286,272
Net income	648,041	565,116	475,511
Basic net income per common share	$ 4.17	$ 3.61	$ 3.01
Diluted net income per common share	$ 4.14	$ 3.58	$ 3.00
Weighted average common shares outstanding	155,413	156,656	158,032
Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested restricted stock awards	1,007	1,004	429
Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	156,420	157,660	158,461
Net income	648,041	565,116	475,511
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	23,846	(22,017)	33,742
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes of 2012 - $26,465, 2011 - $98,973, and 2010 -$11,083	(43,300)	(161,669)	(22,197)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,454)	(183,686)	11,545
Comprehensive income	$ 628,587	$ 381,430	$ 487,056

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Leased Properties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leased Properties

4. Leased Properties

Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more was approximately the following at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):

2013	$	136,900
2014		110,300
2015		84,400
2016		62,800
2017		42,200
Thereafter		153,500
Total minimum lease payments	$	590,100

Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $158,200,000, $154,500,000, and $147,886,000, for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

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Credit Facilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Credit Facilities

3. Credit Facilities

There were no amounts subject to variable rates at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings was approximately 4.01% at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

The Company maintains an $850,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit with a consortium of financial institutions that matures in September 2017 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which is based on the Company’s leverage ratio (0.96% at December 31, 2012). The Company also has the option under this agreement to increase its borrowing an additional $350,000,000, as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the Syndicated Facility with appropriate notice. No amounts were outstanding under this line of credit at December 31, 2012 and 2011. Certain borrowings require the Company to comply with a financial covenant with respect to a maximum debt-to-capitalization ratio. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. Due to the workers’ compensation and insurance reserve requirements in certain states, the Company also had unused letters of credit of $61,119,000 and $53,703,000 outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities consist of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Unsecured term notes:
November 30, 2008, Series C Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 4.67% fixed, due November 30, 2013	$	250,000	$	250,000
November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016		250,000		250,000
Total debt		500,000		500,000
Less debt due within one year		250,000		—
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	250,000	$	500,000

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Changes in Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Goodwill
	Automotive			Industrial			Office Products		Electrical/ Electronic Materials		Other Intangible Assets, Net			Total
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	44,271		$	86,810		$	10,554	$	8,647	$	59,266		$	209,548
Additions		—			12,379			—		15,703		50,128			78,210
Amortization		—			—			—		—		(6,774	)		(6,774	)
Foreign currency translation		(566	)		(178	)		—		—		(465	)		(1,209	)
Balance as of December 31, 2011		43,705			99,011			10,554		24,350		102,155			279,775
Additions		114,206			—			—		5,355		110,014			229,575
Amortization		—			—			—		—		(12,991	)		(12,991	)
Foreign currency translation		638			221			—		—		621			1,480
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	158,549		$	99,232		$	10,554	$	29,705	$	199,799		$	497,839

Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization Relating to Other Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Customer relationships	$	209,328	$	(38,030	)	$	171,298	$	100,921	$	(26,098	)	$	74,823
Trademarks		29,337		(1,944	)		27,393		26,996		(1,197	)		25,799
Non-competition agreements		4,483		(3,375	)		1,108		5,416		(3,883	)		1,533
	$	243,148	$	(43,349	)	$	199,799	$	133,333	$	(31,178	)	$	102,155

Estimated Other Intangible Assets Amortization Expense

Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	15,500
2014		15,300
2015		15,100
2016		14,600
2017		14,200
	$	74,700

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Segment Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Data

11. Segment Data

The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. Within the reportable segments, certain of the Company’s operating segments are aggregated since they have similar economic characteristics, products and services, type and class of customers, and distribution methods.

The Company’s automotive segment distributes replacement parts (other than body parts) for substantially all makes and models of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.

The Company’s industrial segment distributes a wide variety of industrial bearings, mechanical and fluid power transmission equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic products, material handling components, and related parts and supplies.

The Company’s office products segment distributes a wide variety of office products, computer supplies, office furniture, and business electronics.

The Company’s electrical/electronic materials segment distributes a wide variety of electrical/electronic materials, including insulating and conductive materials for use in electronic and electrical apparatus.

Inter-segment sales are not significant. Operating profit for each industry segment is calculated as net sales less operating expenses excluding general corporate expenses, interest expense, equity in income from investees, amortization, and noncontrolling interests. Approximately $115,200,000, $106,000,000 and $68,200,000 of income before income taxes was generated in jurisdictions outside the United States for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Net sales and net long-lived assets by country relate directly to the Company’s operations in the respective country. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents and headquarters’ facilities and equipment.

For management purposes, net sales by segment exclude the effect of certain discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers. The line item “other” represents the net effect of the discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers that are reported as a component of net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)
Net sales:
Automotive	$	6,320,882		$	6,061,424		$	5,608,101		$	5,225,389		$	5,321,536
Industrial		4,453,574			4,173,574			3,521,863			2,885,782			3,514,661
Office products		1,686,690			1,689,368			1,641,963			1,639,018			1,732,514
Electrical/electronic materials		582,820			557,537			449,770			345,808			465,889
Other		(30,098	)		(23,026	)		(14,108	)		(38,485	)		(19,337	)
Total net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589		$	10,057,512		$	11,015,263
Operating profit:
Automotive	$	540,678		$	467,806		$	421,109		$	387,945		$	385,356
Industrial		352,119			337,628			255,616			162,353			294,652
Office products		134,441			134,124			131,746			126,104			144,127
Electrical/electronic materials		50,910			40,663			30,910			25,254			36,721
Total operating profit		1,078,148			980,221			839,381			701,656			860,856
Interest expense, net		(19,619	)		(24,608	)		(26,598	)		(27,112	)		(29,847	)
Corporate expense		(25,668	)		(56,971	)		(45,451	)		(24,913	)		(55,119	)
Intangible asset amortization		(12,991	)		(6,774	)		(4,737	)		(3,644	)		(2,861	)
Other expense		(938	)		(1,062	)		(812	)		(1,822	)		(4,561	)
Income before income taxes	$	1,018,932		$	890,806		$	761,783		$	644,165		$	768,468
Assets:
Automotive	$	3,411,252		$	3,218,931		$	3,177,644		$	3,148,876		$	3,123,084
Industrial		1,130,877			1,100,024			955,241			865,431			1,025,292
Office products		731,564			700,720			694,166			619,612			638,854
Electrical/electronic materials		137,237			129,933			113,757			76,716			95,655
Corporate		898,292			773,391			637,871			445,705			67,823
Goodwill and other intangible assets		497,839			279,775			209,548			171,532			158,825
Total assets	$	6,807,061		$	6,202,774		$	5,788,227		$	5,327,872		$	5,109,533

	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands)
Depreciation and amortization:
Automotive	$	60,630		$	60,252		$	63,942		$	65,554		$	65,309
Industrial		8,307			7,495			7,208			7,611			7,632
Office products		10,837			9,999			9,737			9,685			9,825
Electrical/electronic materials		1,733			1,554			1,414			1,666			1,572
Corporate		3,885			2,862			2,294			2,251			1,499
Intangible asset amortization		12,991			6,774			4,737			3,644			2,861
Total depreciation and amortization	$	98,383		$	88,936		$	89,332		$	90,411		$	88,698
Capital expenditures:
Automotive	$	67,482		$	61,795		$	46,888		$	53,911		$	72,628
Industrial		13,015			9,851			4,307			2,987			7,575
Office products		16,013			22,036			29,866			5,782			9,539
Electrical/electronic materials		1,029			1,762			1,957			676			1,406
Corporate		4,448			8,025			2,361			6,089			13,878
Total capital expenditures	$	101,987		$	103,469		$	85,379		$	69,445		$	105,026
Net sales:
United States	$	11,299,291		$	10,791,303		$	9,793,820		$	8,935,651		$	9,716,029
Canada		1,616,921			1,571,733			1,327,552			1,078,799			1,219,759
Mexico		127,754			118,867			100,325			81,547			98,812
Other		(30,098	)		(23,026	)		(14,108	)		(38,485	)		(19,337	)
Total net sales	$	13,013,868		$	12,458,877		$	11,207,589		$	10,057,512		$	11,015,263
Net long-lived assets:
United States	$	466,473		$	411,193		$	398,318		$	402,937		$	352,314
Canada		93,496			84,210			80,978			78,502			67,731
Mexico		6,396			4,801			4,834			3,585			3,220
Total net long-lived assets	$	566,365		$	500,204		$	484,130		$	485,024		$	423,265

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Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Employee Benefit Plans

7. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees in the U.S. and Canada who meet eligibility requirements. The plan covering U.S. employees is noncontributory and benefits are based on the employees’ compensation during the highest five of their last ten years of credited service. The Canadian plan is contributory and benefits are based on career average compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. The Company may increase its contribution above the minimum if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position.

In December 2012, the U.S. defined benefit plan was amended to reflect a hard freeze as of December 31, 2013. Therefore, no further benefit accruals will be provided after that date for additional credited service or earnings. In addition, all participants will become fully vested as of December 31, 2013. The Company recorded a one-time noncash curtailment gain of $23,507,000 in connection with this amendment.

The Company also sponsors supplemental retirement plans covering employees in the U.S. and Canada and other postretirement benefit plans in the U.S. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,958,399		$	1,689,011		$	7,514		$	12,329
Service cost		15,254			13,039			—			—
Interest cost		100,338			97,293			267			474
Plan participants’ contributions		3,962			3,887			3,074			3,412
Plan amendments		(4,217	)		—			—			362
Actuarial loss (gain)		330,028			219,804			(370	)		(3,911	)
Exchange rate changes		5,489			(4,656	)		—			—
Gross benefits paid		(67,767	)		(59,979	)		(5,112	)		(5,326	)
Less Federal subsidy		N/A			N/A			105			174
Curtailments		(175,794	)		—			—			—
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	2,165,692		$	1,958,399		$	5,478		$	7,514

The benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,955,414,000 and $1,775,994,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans was approximately $2,112,134,000 and $1,756,546,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The assumptions used to measure the pension and other postretirement plan benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, were:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Weighted-average discount rate		4.17	%		5.17	%		3.05	%		4.00	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.30	%		3.30	%		—			—

A 7.60% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed on December 31, 2012. The rate was assumed to decrease ratably to 4.80% at December 31, 2019, and thereafter.

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	1,470,030		$	1,439,711		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		168,491			31,528			—			—
Exchange rate changes		4,498			(3,598	)		—			—
Employer contributions		16,465			58,481			2,038			1,914
Plan participants’ contributions		3,962			3,887			3,074			3,412
Benefits paid		(67,767	)		(59,979	)		(5,112	)		(5,326	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	1,595,679		$	1,470,030		$	—		$	—

The fair values of plan assets for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,425,047,000 and $1,320,036,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the target allocation for 2013, by asset category were:

	Target Allocation			Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31
	2013			2012			2011
Asset Category
Equity securities		71	%		68	%		69	%
Debt securities		29	%		32	%		31	%
		100	%		100	%		100	%

The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the funds. The pension plan strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada, as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary objectives for the pension plans are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actuarially assumed long-term rates of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark (49% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 8% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit).

The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, by asset category, are shown in the tables below. Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company’s pension plan assets. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. Level 1 represents observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 represents other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 represents significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

The valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year. Debt securities including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities are valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year.

	2012
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Equity Securities
Common stocks — mutual funds — equity	$	342,846	$	342,846	$	—	$	—
Genuine Parts Company		128,236		128,236		—		—
Other stocks		608,017		608,017		—		—
Debt Securities
Short-term investments		37,626		37,626		—		—
Cash and equivalents		45,719		45,719		—		—
Government bonds		166,413		74,707		91,706		—
Corporate bonds		127,824		—		127,824		—
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		24,077		—		24,077		—
Other-international		10,188		10,188		—		—
Municipal bonds		532		—		532		—
Municipal funds-fixed income		101,578		—		101,578		—
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		2,623		—		—		2,623
Total	$	1,595,679	$	1,247,339	$	345,717	$	2,623

	2011
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(In thousands)
Equity Securities
Common stocks — mutual funds — equity	$	348,909	$	348,909	$	—	$	—
Genuine Parts Company		123,436		123,436		—		—
Other stocks		546,995		546,995		—		—
Debt Securities
Short-term investments		38,968		38,968		—		—
Cash and equivalents		16,888		16,888		—		—
Government bonds		145,966		66,334		79,632		—
Corporate bonds		127,698		—		127,698		—
Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities		21,441		—		21,441		—
Other-international		12,084		12,084		—		—
Municipal bonds		593		—		593		—
Mutual funds-fixed income		87,052		—		87,052		—
Total	$	1,470,030	$	1,153,614	$	316,416	$	—

Equity securities include Genuine Parts Company common stock in the amounts of $128,236,000 (8.0% of total plan assets) and $123,436,000 (8.4% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Dividend payments received by the plan on Company stock totaled approximately $3,994,000 and $3,630,000 in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Fees paid during the year for services rendered by parties in interest were based on customary and reasonable rates for such services.

The changes in the fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2012 and the 2011 changes were not material.

Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2013 pension cost or income is 7.83% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relationships.

The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31:

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Other long-term asset	$	4,021		$	4,374		$	—		$	—
Other current liability		(5,402	)		(4,918	)		(1,122	)		(1,618	)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities		(568,632	)		(487,825	)		(4,356	)		(5,896	)
	$	(570,013	)	$	(488,369	)	$	(5,478	)	$	(7,514	)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:

	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss	$	1,043,089		$	999,189		$	12,963		$	14,588
Prior service credit		(10,612	)		(37,172	)		(8,515	)		(9,445	)
	$	1,032,477		$	962,017		$	4,448		$	5,143

For the pension benefits, the following table reflects the total benefits expected to be paid from the plans’ or the Company’s assets. Of the pension benefits expected to be paid in 2013, approximately $5,471,000 is expected to be paid from employer assets. For pension benefits, expected employer contributions reflect amounts expected to be contributed to funded plans. For other postretirement benefits, the employer contributions in the table below reflect only the Company’s share of the benefit cost. Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans follows:

	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Employer contribution
2013 (expected)	$	70,099	$	1,122
Expected benefit payments
2013	$	76,390	$	1,122
2014		86,670		965
2015		91,697		824
2016		97,333		644
2017		103,708		451
2018 through 2022		612,723		1,232

Net periodic benefit cost included the following components:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	15,254		$	13,039		$	12,312		$	—		$	—		$	—
Interest cost		100,338			97,293			95,453			267			474			605
Expected return on plan assets		(128,208	)		(124,150	)		(114,166	)		—			—			—
Amortization of prior service credit		(7,270	)		(6,970	)		(6,979	)		(930	)		(930	)		(1,059	)
Amortization of actuarial loss		70,161			53,039			35,264			1,254			1,708			1,759
Curtailment gain		(23,507	)		—			—			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	26,768		$	32,251		$	21,884		$	591		$	1,252		$	1,305

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$	114,061		$	311,038		$	60,777		$	(371	)	$	(3,911	)	$	340
Recognition of actuarial loss		(70,161	)		(53,039	)		(35,264	)		(1,254	)		(1,708	)		(1,759	)
Current year prior service (credit) cost		(4,217	)		—			1,148			—			362			—
Recognition of prior service credit		30,777			6,970			6,979			930			930			1,059
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	70,460		$	264,969		$	33,640		$	(695	)	$	(4,327	)	$	(360	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$	97,228		$	297,220		$	55,524		$	(104	)	$	(3,075	)	$	945

The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 are as follows:

	Pension Benefits			Other  Post- retirement Benefits
	(In thousands)
Actuarial loss	$	84,572		$	1,124
Prior service credit		(7,598	)		(956	)
Total	$	76,974		$	168

The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit costs for the plans follow:

	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Weighted average discount rate		5.17	%		5.74	%		6.54	%		4.00	%		4.25	%		5.20	%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		3.30	%		3.39	%		3.75	%		—			—			—
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.84	%		7.87	%		8.00	%		—			—			—

An 8.00% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed on December 31, 2011. The rate was assumed to decrease ratably to 4.80% at December 31, 2019, and thereafter. The effect of a one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rate is not significant.

The Company has two defined contribution plans that cover substantially all of its domestic employees. The Company’s matching contributions are determined based on the employee’s participation in the U.S. pension plan. Pension plan participants who continue earning credited service after 2008 receive a matching contribution of 20% of the first 6% of the employee’s salary. Other employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employee’s salary. In December 2012, the Company approved an amendment to merge the two plans effective January 1, 2014. Beginning in 2014, all employees will receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense for both plans was approximately $43,155,000 in 2012, $38,773,000 in 2011, and $33,476,000 in 2010.

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Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Other long-term asset	$ 4,021	$ 4,374
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(572,988)	(493,721)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Other long-term asset	4,021	4,374
Other current liability	(5,402)	(4,918)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(568,632)	(487,825)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	(570,013)	(488,369)
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Other long-term asset
Other current liability	(1,122)	(1,618)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(4,356)	(5,896)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	$ (5,478)	$ (7,514)

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Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Share-Based Compensation

5. Share-Based Compensation

At December 31, 2012, total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was approximately $20,400,000. The weighted-average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is approximately three years. The aggregate intrinsic value for options and RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $90,300,000 and $110,300,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for options and RSUs vested totaled approximately $57,600,000 and $77,800,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2012, the weighted-average contractual life for outstanding and exercisable options and RSUs was six and five years, respectively. Share-based compensation cost of $10,747,000, $7,547,000, and $7,016,000, was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for share-based compensation arrangements was approximately $4,300,000, $3,000,000, and $2,800,000, for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. There have been no modifications to valuation methodologies or methods during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 the fair value for options and SARs granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 2.0%, 3.6%, and 3.6%; dividend yield of 3.3%, 3.8%, and 4.6%; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years; an average expected life and estimated turnover based on the historical pattern of existing grants of approximately seven years and 5.0% to 6.0%, respectively. The fair value of RSUs is based on the price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, was $6,700,000, $7,200,000, and $9,200,000, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows:

	2012
	Shares (1)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2)
	(In thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of year		5,987		$	45
Granted		1,003			63
Exercised		(1,834	)		41
Forfeited		(56	)		52
Outstanding at end of year (3)		5,100		$	50
Exercisable at end of year		2,993		$	45
Shares available for future grants		2,961

(1) Shares include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

(2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes RSUs.

(3) The exercise prices for options and SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2012 ranged from approximately $37 to $63. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all options and SARs outstanding is approximately six years.

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options and SARs granted during the years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $7.96, $8.18, and $5.41, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $41,500,000, $25,100,000, and $15,700,000.

In 2012, the Company granted approximately 858,000 SARs and 145,000 RSUs. In 2011, the Company granted approximately 1,028,000 SARs and 126,000 RSUs. In 2010, the Company granted approximately 1,002,000 SARs and 124,000 RSUs.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards (RSUs) activity is as follows:

Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs)	Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested at January 1, 2012		222		$	48
Granted		145			63
Vested		(40	)		51
Forfeited		(11	)		49
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		316		$	54

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 approximately $11,000,000, $5,400,000, and $3,300,000, respectively, of excess tax benefits was classified as a financing cash inflow.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Taxes

6. Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. Approximately $382,000,000 of undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is considered to be indefinitely reinvested. As such, no U.S. federal and state income taxes have been provided thereon, and it is not practicable to determine the amount of the related unrecognized deferred income tax liability. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets related to:
Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes	$	362,265		$	347,605
Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes		405,048			377,846
Capital loss		16,803			16,803
Valuation allowance		(16,803	)		(16,803	)
		767,313			725,451
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Employee and retiree benefits		205,268			188,206
Inventory		191,047			188,063
Property, plant, and equipment		41,130			47,413
Other		51,616			43,225
		489,061			466,907
Net deferred tax asset		278,252			258,544
Current portion of deferred tax liability		1,211			3,064
Noncurrent net deferred tax asset	$	279,463		$	261,608

The current portion of the deferred tax liability is included in income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has a capital loss carryforward of approximately $42,000,000 that will expire in 2013.

The components of income before income taxes are as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
United States	$	903,698	$	784,841	$	693,580
Foreign		115,234		105,965		68,203
Income before income taxes	$	1,018,932	$	890,806	$	761,783

The components of income tax expense are as follows:

	2012		2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	288,135	$	260,222		$	221,770
State		44,653		41,511			36,291
Foreign		23,352		26,294			16,217
Deferred		14,751		(2,337	)		11,994
	$	370,891	$	325,690		$	286,272

The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes are as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Statutory rate applied to income	$	356,626		$	311,782		$	266,624
Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit		30,227			26,790			24,621
Other		(15,962	)		(12,882	)		(4,973	)
	$	370,891		$	325,690		$	286,272

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008 or subject to non-United States income tax examinations for years ended prior to 2002. The Company is currently under audit in the United States and Canada. Some audits may conclude in the next twelve months and the unrecognized tax benefits recorded in relation to the audits may differ from actual settlement amounts. It is not possible to estimate the effect, if any, of the amount of such change during the next twelve months to previously recorded uncertain tax positions in connection with the audits. However, the Company does not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change during the year due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	46,845		$	39,425		$	33,322
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		5,702			6,035			4,243
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,172			7,966			3,493
Reductions for tax positions for prior years		(5,025	)		(481	)		(624	)
Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations		(2,658	)		(4,563	)		(451	)
Settlements		(1,581	)		(1,537	)		(558	)
Balance at end of year	$	45,455		$	46,845		$	39,425

The amount of gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $58,020,000 and $59,532,000, respectively, of which approximately $17,615,000 and $18,966,000, respectively, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company paid interest and penalties of approximately $493,000, $759,000, and $272,000, respectively. The Company had approximately $12,565,000 and $12,687,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

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Guarantees

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Guarantees

8. Guarantees

The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). Presently, the independents are generally consolidated by unaffiliated enterprises that have a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the entity. The Company has no voting interest or other equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates, but receives a fee for the guarantee. The Company has concluded that the independents are variable interest entities, but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Specifically, the equity holders of the independents have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance including, but not limited to, decisions about hiring and terminating personnel, local marketing and promotional initiatives, pricing and selling activities, credit decisions, monitoring and maintaining appropriate inventories, and store hours. Separately, the Company concluded the affiliates are not variable interest entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a maximum debt to capitalization ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2012, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

At December 31, 2012, the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $231,500,000. These loans generally mature over periods from one to six years. In the event that the Company is required to make payments in connection with guaranteed obligations of the independents or the affiliates, the Company would obtain and liquidate certain collateral (e.g., accounts receivable and inventory) to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid under the guarantee. When it is deemed probable that the Company will incur a loss in connection with a guarantee, a liability is recorded equal to this estimated loss. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings.

The Company has accrued for guarantees related to the independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. These liabilities are not material to the financial position of the Company and are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

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Employee Benefit Plans - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$ 114,061	$ 311,038	$ 60,777
Recognition of actuarial loss	(70,161)	(53,039)	(35,264)
Current year prior service (credit) cost	(4,217)		1,148
Recognition of prior service credit	30,777	6,970	6,979
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	70,460	264,969	33,640
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	97,228	297,220	55,524
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	(371)	(3,911)	340
Recognition of actuarial loss	(1,254)	(1,708)	(1,759)
Current year prior service (credit) cost		362
Recognition of prior service credit	930	930	1,059
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(695)	(4,327)	(360)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$ (104)	$ (3,075)	$ 945

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Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used in Measuring Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	5.17%	5.74%	6.54%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.30%	3.39%	3.75%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.84%	7.87%	8.00%
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	4.00%	4.25%	5.20%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

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Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment gain	$ (23,507)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	15,254	13,039	12,312
Interest cost	100,338	97,293	95,453
Expected return on plan assets	(128,208)	(124,150)	(114,166)
Amortization of prior service credit	(7,270)	(6,970)	(6,979)
Amortization of actuarial loss	70,161	53,039	35,264
Curtailment gain	(23,507)
Net periodic benefit cost	26,768	32,251	21,884
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost
Interest cost	267	474	605
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service credit	(930)	(930)	(1,059)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,254	1,708	1,759
Curtailment gain
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 591	$ 1,252	$ 1,305

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation	$ 131,084	$ 107,238
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax	(644,244)	(617,623)
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax	11,668	28,347
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (501,492)	$ (482,038)

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Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current:
Federal	$ 288,135	$ 260,222	$ 221,770
State	44,653	41,511	36,291
Foreign	23,352	26,294	16,217
Deferred	14,751	(2,337)	11,994
Income tax expense, total	$ 370,891	$ 325,690	$ 286,272

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business

Business

Genuine Parts Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company) is a distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 2,000 locations in North America and, therefore, has limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is not material to the Company’s consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

The consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Initially, the Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience. This initial estimate is periodically adjusted when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $8,047,000, $13,248,000, and $10,597,000, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $19,180,000 and $16,916,000, respectively.

Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors

Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for a majority of automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for office products and certain other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $428,260,000 and $422,178,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. During 2012, 2011, and 2010 reductions in inventory levels in automotive parts inventories (2012), industrial parts inventories, and electrical parts inventories (2012 and 2011) resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effect of the LIFO liquidation in 2012, 2011, and 2010 was to reduce cost of goods sold by approximately $6,000,000, $16,000,000, and $25,000,000, respectively.

The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur.

The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2013 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses and amounts due from vendors.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company reviews its goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. The present value of future cash flows approach was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that these assets were not impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, or 2010. If an impairment occurs at a future date, it may have the effect of increasing the volatility of the Company’s earnings.

Other Assets

Other Assets

Other assets are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Retirement benefit assets	$	4,021	$	4,374
Deferred compensation benefits		20,642		18,218
Investments		206,487		27,810
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		78,860		70,109
Customer sales returns inventories		134,367		134,367
Other long-term prepayments and receivables		198,886		151,599
Total other assets	$	643,263	$	406,477

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful life of each asset: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years.

Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$	35,273	$	35,797
Insurance liabilities		45,865		45,509
Other lease obligations		33,748		34,186
Other taxes payable		57,510		56,366
Customer deposits		161,936		161,936
Other		153,924		109,120
Total other long-term liabilities	$	488,256	$	442,914

Self-Insurance

Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for the majority of group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by the Company’s claims administrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year.

Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for the workers’ compensation program. In addition, the Company carries various large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of workers’ compensation liabilities. The Company records the workers’ compensation reserves based on an analysis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis calculates development factors, which are applied to total reserves as provided by the various insurance companies who underwrite the program. While the Company believes that the assumptions used to calculate these liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect workers’ compensation costs.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following:

	December 31
	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation	$	131,084		$	107,238
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax		(644,244	)		(617,623	)
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax		11,668			28,347
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(501,492	)	$	(482,038	)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $516,000,000 and $509,000,000, respectively. The fair value of fixed rate debt is designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., significant observable inputs) and is based primarily on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk and maturity.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled approximately $220,000,000, $190,000,000, and $180,000,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $43,200,000, $45,100,000, and $36,800,000 in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Accounting for Legal Costs

Accounting for Legal Costs

The Company’s legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as such costs are incurred.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The Company maintains various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to five years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. The Company issues new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans.

Net Income per Common Share

Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 730,000, 850,000, and 4,500,000 shares of common stock ranging from $42 — $63 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because the options’ exercise price was greater than the average market price of common stock in each respective year.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive statements for annual periods. Additionally, ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present comprehensive income and its components as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-05 was effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 only changed the manner of comprehensive income presentation in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s reported financial position, cash flows, or results of operations in the consolidated financial statements.

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Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Company's Share-Based Compensation Activity and Related Information

A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows:

	2012
	Shares (1)			Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2)
	(In thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of year		5,987		$	45
Granted		1,003			63
Exercised		(1,834	)		41
Forfeited		(56	)		52
Outstanding at end of year (3)		5,100		$	50
Exercisable at end of year		2,993		$	45
Shares available for future grants		2,961

(1) Shares include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

(2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes RSUs.

(3) The exercise prices for options and SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2012 ranged from approximately $37 to $63. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all options and SARs outstanding is approximately six years.

Summary of Company's Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Activity

A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards (RSUs) activity is as follows:

Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs)	Shares			Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Nonvested at January 1, 2012		222		$	48
Granted		145			63
Vested		(40	)		51
Forfeited		(11	)		49
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		316		$	54

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Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets related to:
Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes	$ 362,265	$ 347,605
Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes	405,048	377,846
Capital loss	16,803	16,803
Valuation allowance	(16,803)	(16,803)
Deferred tax assets, total	767,313	725,451
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Employee and retiree benefits	205,268	188,206
Inventory	191,047	188,063
Property, plant, and equipment	41,230	47,413
Other	51,616	43,225
Deferred tax liabilities, total	489,061	466,907
Net deferred tax asset	278,252	258,544
Current portion of deferred tax liability	1,211	3,064
Noncurrent net deferred tax asset	$ 279,463	$ 261,608

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Credit Facilities - Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
3.35% Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Face value of Senior Unsecured Notes	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate of Senior Unsecured Notes	3.35%
Due date of Senior Unsecured Notes	Nov. 30, 2016
4.67% Series C Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Face value of Senior Unsecured Notes	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate of Senior Unsecured Notes	4.67%
Due date of Senior Unsecured Notes	Nov. 30, 2013

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Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, tax	$ 26,456	$ 98,973	$ 11,083

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Goodwill
	Automotive			Industrial			Office Products		Electrical/ Electronic Materials		Other Intangible Assets, Net			Total
Balance as of January 1, 2011	$	44,271		$	86,810		$	10,554	$	8,647	$	59,266		$	209,548
Additions		—			12,379			—		15,703		50,128			78,210
Amortization		—			—			—		—		(6,774	)		(6,774	)
Foreign currency translation		(566	)		(178	)		—		—		(465	)		(1,209	)
Balance as of December 31, 2011		43,705			99,011			10,554		24,350		102,155			279,775
Additions		114,206			—			—		5,355		110,014			229,575
Amortization		—			—			—		—		(12,991	)		(12,991	)
Foreign currency translation		638			221			—		—		621			1,480
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	158,549		$	99,232		$	10,554	$	29,705	$	199,799		$	497,839

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands):

	2012							2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Customer relationships	$	209,328	$	(38,030	)	$	171,298	$	100,921	$	(26,098	)	$	74,823
Trademarks		29,337		(1,944	)		27,393		26,996		(1,197	)		25,799
Non-competition agreements		4,483		(3,375	)		1,108		5,416		(3,883	)		1,533
	$	243,148	$	(43,349	)	$	199,799	$	133,333	$	(31,178	)	$	102,155

Amortization expense for other intangible assets totaled $12,991,000, $6,774,000, and $4,737,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands):

2013	$	15,500
2014		15,300
2015		15,100
2016		14,600
2017		14,200
	$	74,700

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Employee Benefit Plans - Asset Allocations for Funded Pension Plans (Detail)							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012 Equity securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Equity securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Debt securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Debt securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Target Asset Allocation 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Target Asset Allocation 2013 [Member] Equity securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Target Asset Allocation 2013 [Member] Debt securities [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Asset allocation, Total	100.00%	100.00%	68.00%	69.00%	32.00%	31.00%
Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Total							100.00%	71.00%	29.00%

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Equity Investment - Additional Information (Detail) (Exego Group [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 Store
Exego Group [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 165,600,000
Percentage of investment acquired	30.00%
Annual revenue	$ 1,000,000,000
Company-owned stores across Australia and New-Zealand	430
Percentage available for option to acquire remaining part	70.00%

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets related to:
Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes	$	362,265		$	347,605
Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes		405,048			377,846
Capital loss		16,803			16,803
Valuation allowance		(16,803	)		(16,803	)
		767,313			725,451
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Employee and retiree benefits		205,268			188,206
Inventory		191,047			188,063
Property, plant, and equipment		41,130			47,413
Other		51,616			43,225
		489,061			466,907
Net deferred tax asset		278,252			258,544
Current portion of deferred tax liability		1,211			3,064
Noncurrent net deferred tax asset	$	279,463		$	261,608

Components of Income before Income Taxes

The components of income before income taxes are as follows:

	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
United States	$	903,698	$	784,841	$	693,580
Foreign		115,234		105,965		68,203
Income before income taxes	$	1,018,932	$	890,806	$	761,783

Components of Income Tax Expense

The components of income tax expense are as follows:

	2012		2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Current:
Federal	$	288,135	$	260,222		$	221,770
State		44,653		41,511			36,291
Foreign		23,352		26,294			16,217
Deferred		14,751		(2,337	)		11,994
	$	370,891	$	325,690		$	286,272

Difference Between Total Tax Expense and Amount Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate

The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes are as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Statutory rate applied to income	$	356,626		$	311,782		$	266,624
Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit		30,227			26,790			24,621
Other		(15,962	)		(12,882	)		(4,973	)
	$	370,891		$	325,690		$	286,272

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	46,845		$	39,425		$	33,322
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		5,702			6,035			4,243
Additions for tax positions of prior years		2,172			7,966			3,493
Reductions for tax positions for prior years		(5,025	)		(481	)		(624	)
Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations		(2,658	)		(4,563	)		(451	)
Settlements		(1,581	)		(1,537	)		(558	)
Balance at end of year	$	45,455		$	46,845		$	39,425

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Other Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Expense [Line Items]
2013	$ 15,500
2014	15,300
2015	15,100
2016	14,600
2017	14,200
Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense	$ 74,700

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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions		Balance at End of Period
Year ended December 31, 2010:
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,589,779	$	10,597,432	$	(11,588,299)(1)	$	15,598,912
Year ended December 31, 2011:
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	15,598,912	$	13,247,731	$	(11,930,188)(1)	$	16,916,455
Year ended December 31, 2012:
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	16,916,455	$	8,046,605	$	(5,782,870)(1)	$	19,180,190

(1) Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.