Segment and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Apr. 02, 2011		Dec. 31, 2011
Sales:
Sales	$ 4,889,529		$ 5,223,003
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	187,449		219,168
Restructuring, integration, and other charges	8,243		9,607
Settlement of legal matter	0		5,875
Assets	10,138,748				9,829,079
Global Components [Member]
Sales:
Sales	3,349,554		3,886,600
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	170,708		228,881
Assets	6,645,773				5,974,174
Global ECS [Member]
Sales:
Sales	1,539,975		1,336,403
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	55,487		39,080
Assets	2,832,709				3,206,788
Corporate [Member]
Operating income (loss):
Operating income	(38,746)	[1]	(48,793)	[1]
Assets	$ 660,266				$ 648,117

[1] Includes restructuring, integration, and other charges of $8,243 and $9,607 for the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, respectively. Also included in the first quarter of 2011 is a charge of $5,875 related to the settlement of a legal matter.