Statements of Consolidated Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Statements of Consolidated Income [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,136,344	$ 1,855,586
Cost of goods sold	1,226,505	1,058,178
Gross profit	909,839	797,408
Percent to net sales	42.60%	43.00%
Selling, general and administrative expenses	757,679	691,123
Percent to net sales	35.50%	37.20%
Other general expense - net	5,037	1,172
Interest expense	10,337	10,675
Interest and net investment income	(542)	(323)
Other (income) expense - net	(4,987)	48
Income before income taxes	142,315	94,713
Income taxes	42,099	26,397
Net income	100,216	68,316
Net income per common share:
Basic	$ 0.97	$ 0.64
Diluted	$ 0.95	$ 0.63
Average shares outstanding - basic	102,070,349	104,991,014
Average shares and equivalents outstanding - diluted	104,458,088	107,362,669
Comprehensive income	$ 131,774	$ 89,089