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