Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Companies Acquired - Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2011	$ 1,473,333
Acquisitions	171,337
Other (primarily foreign currency translation)	(5,808)
June 30, 2012	1,638,862
Global Components [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2011	763,952
Acquisitions	135,921
Other (primarily foreign currency translation)	(2,279)
June 30, 2012	897,594
Global ECS [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2011	709,381
Acquisitions	35,416
Other (primarily foreign currency translation)	(3,529)
June 30, 2012	$ 741,268