Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Companies Acquired and Intangible Assets, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2011	$ 1,473,333
Acquisitions	137,777
Other (primarily foreign currency translation)	4,100
March 31, 2012	1,615,210
Global Components [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2011	763,952
Acquisitions	137,777
Other (primarily foreign currency translation)	(2,717)
March 31, 2012	899,012
Global ECS [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2011	709,381
Acquisitions	0
Other (primarily foreign currency translation)	6,817
March 31, 2012	$ 716,198