Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating activities
Net income	$ 565,116	$ 475,511	$ 399,575
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	88,936	89,332	90,411
Excess tax (benefits) expense from share-based compensation	(5,356)	(3,251)	684
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(3,012)	(1,685)	(3,757)
Deferred income taxes	(2,337)	11,994	27,899
Share-based compensation	7,547	7,016	8,578
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	(85,011)	(140,562)	69,258
Merchandise inventories, net	(19,624)	44,865	194,743
Trade accounts payable	85,766	280,739	49,947
Other long-term assets	(12,943)	(48,423)	(28,506)
Other, net	5,845	(36,873)	36,466
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	59,811	203,152	445,723
Net cash provided by operating activities	624,927	678,663	845,298
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(103,469)	(85,379)	(69,445)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	8,908	3,676	12,042
Acquisition of businesses and other investing activities	(136,936)	(90,645)	(134,203)
Purchase of properties under construction and lease agreement	0	0	(72,814)
Net cash used in investing activities	(231,497)	(172,348)	(264,420)
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt	250,000	0	795,000
Payments on debt	(250,000)	0	(795,000)
Stock options exercised	(1,049)	9,085	1,878
Excess tax benefits (expense) from share-based compensation	5,356	3,251	(684)
Dividends paid	(276,369)	(257,898)	(253,558)
Purchase of stock	(122,078)	(75,007)	(26,019)
Changes in cash overdraft position	0	0	(52,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(394,140)	(320,569)	(330,383)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(4,204)	7,419	18,531
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(4,914)	193,165	269,026
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	529,968	336,803	67,777
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	525,054	529,968	336,803
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	317,748	275,979	219,888
Interest	$ 27,640	$ 28,061	$ 27,626