Business Segment Information - Net Revenues Calculation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
Net Revenues Calculation [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,500,453		$ 1,504,952		$ 2,910,938		$ 2,916,322
Airfreight services	483,016		484,311		947,935		965,354
Ocean freight and ocean services	380,727		413,447		725,650		745,401
Customs brokerage and other services	167,609		153,543		322,968		305,345
Net revenues	$ 469,101	[1]	$ 453,651	[1]	$ 914,385	[1]	$ 900,222	[1]

[1] Net revenues are a non-GAAP measure calculated as revenues less directly related operations expenses attributable to the Company's principal services. The Company's management believes that net revenues are a better measure than are total revenues when evaluating the Company's operating segment performance since total revenues earned as a freight consolidator must consider the carriers' charges for carrying the shipment, whereas revenues earned in other capacities include primarily the commissions and fees earned by the Company. Net revenue is one of the Company's primary operational and financial measures and demonstrates the Company's ability to concentrate and leverage purchasing power (buy rates) through effective consolidation of shipments from customers utilizing a variety of transportation carriers and optimal routings.