Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 264,493	$ 279,542	$ 174,954
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	63,778	60,284	60,248
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss, net	3,364	(684)	(2,047)
Net loss on asset dispositions	1,539	1,944	2,114
LIFO liquidation income	(190)	(204)	(754)
Stock issued for employee benefit plans	853	1,138	3,719
Stock-based compensation expense	5,384	6,453	6,398
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(3,305)	(3,396)	(3,195)
Deferred income taxes	(1,363)	(10,574)	(8,756)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	37,983	(88,380)	(43,845)
Inventories	(27,718)	(46,374)	(15,418)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(39,746)	88,933	36,705
Other assets and liabilities, net	(16,263)	11,129	(7,875)
Net cash provided by operating activities	288,809	299,811	202,248
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(49,750)	(55,688)	(33,039)
Net cash paid in business combinations		(196,373)	(12,142)
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	9,027	3,735	2,681
Net cash used in investing activities	(40,723)	(248,326)	(42,500)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on short-term borrowings	(8,245)	(18,496)	(24,866)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	8,102	13,371	26,913
Principal payments on long-term debt	(279,485)	(330,108)	(82,808)
Proceeds from long-term debt	244,037	447,594	8,034
Proceeds from stock option exercises	7,180	7,514	19,565
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	3,305	3,396	3,195
Purchase of treasury stock	(115,516)	(132,607)	(49,400)
Debt issuance costs		(599)
Cash dividends paid	(9,916)	(10,384)	(10,499)
Purchase of shares from noncontrolling interests		(18,806)
Other	(1,088)	(1,023)	(992)
Net cash used in financing activities	(151,626)	(40,148)	(110,858)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,281	(13,107)	(1,597)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	98,741	(1,770)	47,293
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	155,259	157,029	109,736
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 254,000	$ 155,259	$ 157,029