Statements of Consolidated Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,167,168	$ 2,136,344
Cost of goods sold	1,204,317	1,226,505
Gross profit	962,851	909,839
Percent to net sales	44.40%	42.60%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	778,679	757,679
Percent to net sales	35.90%	35.50%
Other general expense - net	3,947	5,037
Interest expense	15,311	10,337
Interest and net investment income	(749)	(542)
Other income - net	(2,721)	(4,987)
Income before income taxes	168,384	142,315
Income taxes	52,199	42,099
Net income	116,185	100,216
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.13	$ 0.97
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.11	$ 0.95
Average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	101,961,059	102,070,349
Average shares and equivalents outstanding - diluted (in shares)	104,256,263	104,458,088
Comprehensive income	$ 117,588	$ 131,774