Business Segment Information - Net Revenues Calculation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net Revenues Calculation [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,535,089		$ 1,531,664		$ 4,446,027		$ 4,447,986
Airfreight services	466,699		471,947		1,414,634		1,437,301
Ocean freight and ocean services	409,649		432,518		1,135,299		1,177,919
Customs brokerage and other services	176,716		162,061		499,684		467,406
Net revenues	$ 482,025	[1]	$ 465,138	[1]	$ 1,396,410	[1]	$ 1,365,360	[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 total revenues when evaluating the Company's operating segment performance since total revenues earned as a freight consolidator include 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 through effective consolidation of shipments from customers utilizing a variety of transportation carriers and optimal routings.