Gain on sale of assets (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Gain on sale of assets [Abstract]

Property Plant And Equipment Significant Disposals [Text Block]

Gain on sale of assets

In the second quarter of 2012, in conjunction with the construction of the new distribution center in McCook, Illinois and the relocation of the Company’s headquarters to Chicago, Illinois, the Company sold three properties; its Addison, Illinois distribution center, its Vernon Hills, Illinois distribution center and a Des Plaines, Illinois administrative building. The Company received cash proceeds of $8.8 million for the sale of the three facilities, resulting in a gain of $2.1 million.