Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 218,563	$ 97,888
Accounts and notes receivable, net of allowances of $14,472 and $14,722	581,121	553,502
Merchandise inventories	743,247	763,756
Other current assets	205,342	213,748
Total current assets	1,748,273	1,628,894
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $128,867 and $121,873	187,927	191,841
Goodwill, net	272,878	274,884
Intangible assets, net	39,645	42,313
Other assets, net	72,199	69,769
Total assets	2,320,922	2,207,701
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	693,616	603,137
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	18,823	25,468
Deferred income taxes	41,455	40,758
Other accrued liabilities	282,974	254,924
Total current liabilities	1,036,868	924,287
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	214,243	215,383
Deferred income taxes	28,639	30,921
Other liabilities	63,622	63,454
Total liabilities	1,343,372	1,234,045
Commitments and contingencies
Owens & Minor, Inc. shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $100 per share, authorized-10,000 shares, Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock; none issued
Common stock, par value $2 per share; authorized-200,000 shares; issued and outstanding-63,335 shares and 63,271 shares	126,672	126,544
Paid-in capital	190,004	187,394
Retained earnings	667,782	658,994
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,038)	(406)
Total Owens & Minor, Inc. shareholders' equity	976,420	972,526
Noncontrolling interest	1,130	1,130
Total equity	977,550	973,656
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,320,922	$ 2,207,701