Business Segment Information - Net Revenues Calculation (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net Revenues Calculation [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,705,105		$ 1,537,966		$ 4,795,891		$ 4,454,398
Airfreight services	516,969		466,699		1,503,064		1,414,634
Ocean freight and ocean services	475,460		409,649		1,266,551		1,135,299
Customs brokerage and other services	199,420		176,716		563,720		499,684
Net revenues	$ 513,256	[1]	$ 484,902	[1]	$ 1,462,556	[1]	$ 1,404,781	[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.