Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Companies Acquired and Intangible Assets, net - Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 1,336,351	$ 926,296
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	145,522	419,246
Goodwill Translation Adjustments	(8,540)	(9,191)
Goodwill	1,473,333	1,336,351
Global Components [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	670,871	473,421
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	94,837	197,465
Goodwill Translation Adjustments	(1,756)	(15)
Goodwill	763,952	670,871
Global ECS [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	665,480	452,875
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	50,685	221,781
Goodwill Translation Adjustments	(6,784)	(9,176)
Goodwill	$ 709,381	$ 665,480

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

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-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

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-Publisher FASB

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-Number 141R

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

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+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details