Advance Auto Parts (AAP) 10-K 3 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Feb. 26, 2015	Jul. 11, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Advance Auto Parts Inc
Entity Central Index Key	1158449
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-2
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	3-Jan-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		73,140,749
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Public Float			$9,680,305,678

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$104,671	$1,112,471
Receivables, net	579,825	277,595
Inventories, net	3,936,955	2,556,557
Other current assets	119,589	42,761
Total current assets	4,741,040	3,989,384
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	1,432,030	1,283,970
Assets held for sale	615	2,064
Goodwill	995,426	199,835
Intangible assets, net	748,125	49,872
Other assets, net	45,122	39,649
Assets, Total	7,962,358	5,564,774
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	582	916
Accounts payable	3,095,365	2,180,614
Accrued expenses	520,673	428,625
Other current liabilities	126,446	154,630
Total current liabilities	3,743,066	2,764,785
Long-term debt	1,636,311	1,052,668
Other long-term liabilities	580,069	231,116
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, nonvoting, $0.0001 par value	0	0
Common stock, voting, $0.0001 par value	7	7
Additional paid-in capital	562,945	531,293
Treasury stock, at cost	-113,044	-107,890
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,337	3,683
Retained earnings	1,565,341	1,089,112
Total stockholders' equity	2,002,912	1,516,205
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	$7,962,358	$5,564,774

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Depreciation, Property and Equipment	$1,372,359	$1,255,474
Preferred stock, non-voting, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common stock, voting, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000	200,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	74,493	74,224
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	73,074	72,840
Treasury Stock, Shares	1,419	1,384

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 05, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 20, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net sales	$2,237,209	$2,289,456	$2,347,697	$1,408,813	$1,520,144	$1,549,553	$2,969,499	$2,015,304	$9,843,861	$6,493,814	$6,205,003
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs									5,390,248	3,241,668	3,106,967
Gross profit	1,003,941	1,034,442	1,062,108	701,777	762,940	779,223	1,353,122	1,008,206	4,453,613	3,252,146	3,098,036
Selling, general and administrative expenses									3,601,903	2,591,828	2,440,721
Operating income									851,710	660,318	657,315
Interest expense									-73,408	-36,618	-33,841
Other income, net									3,092	2,698	600
Total other, net									-70,316	-33,920	-33,241
Income before provision for income taxes									781,394	626,398	624,074
Provision for income taxes									287,569	234,640	236,404
Net income	$84,434	$122,177	$139,488	$49,267	$103,830	$116,871	$147,726	$121,790	$493,825	$391,758	$387,670
Basic earnings per common share	$1.15	$1.67	$1.91	$0.68	$1.42	$1.60	$2.02	$1.66	$6.75	$5.36	$5.29
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.15	$1.66	$1.89	$0.67	$1.42	$1.59	$2.01	$1.65	$6.71	$5.32	$5.22
Dividends declared per common share									$0.24	$0.24	$0.24
Weighted average common shares outstanding									72,932	72,930	73,091
Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution									73,414	73,414	74,062

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net income	$493,825	$391,758	$387,670
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax	-752	-438	-391
Postretirement benefit plan amendment	0	1,454	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedge arrangements, net of tax	0	0	254
Currency translation adjustments	-15,268	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-16,020	1,016	-137
Comprehensive income	$477,805	$392,774	$387,533

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, tax	$483	$503	$252
Postretirement benefit plan amendment, tax	0	904	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on hedge arrangement, tax	$0	$0	$163

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock, at cost [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$847,914	$0	$11	$500,237	($1,644,767)	$2,804	$1,989,629
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		0	106,537		33,738
Net income	387,670						387,670
Total other comprehensive income (loss),	-137					-137
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	5,720			5,720
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights (in shares)			900
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-26,677			-26,677
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	22,924			22,924
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested	0
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested (in shares)			-2
Share-based compensation	15,236			15,236
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	2,266			2,266
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)			34
Repurchase of common stock	-27,095				-27,095
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					348
Retirement of treasury stock	0		-4		1,644,767		-1,644,763
Retirement of treasury stock (in shares)			-33,738		-33,738
Cash dividends	-17,636						-17,636
Other	509			509
Balance at Dec. 29, 2012	1,210,694	0	7	520,215	-27,095	2,667	714,900
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2012		0	73,731		348
Net income	391,758						391,758
Total other comprehensive income (loss),	1,016					1,016
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	1,903			1,903
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights (in shares)			480
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-21,856			-21,856
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	16,132			16,132
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested	0
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested (in shares)			-10
Share-based compensation	13,191			13,191
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	1,679			1,679
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)			23
Repurchase of common stock	-80,795				-80,795
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					1,036
Cash dividends	-17,546						-17,546
Other	29			29
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013	1,516,205	0	7	531,293	-107,890	3,683	1,089,112
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2013	72,840	0	74,224		1,384
Net income	493,825						493,825
Total other comprehensive income (loss),	-16,020					-16,020
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights	1,874			1,874
Issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights (in shares)			162
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-7,102			-7,102
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	10,471			10,471
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested	0
Restricted stock and restricted stock units vested (in shares)			68
Share-based compensation	21,705			21,705
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	4,660			4,660
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)			39
Repurchase of common stock	-5,154				-5,154
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					35
Cash dividends	-17,596						-17,596
Other	44			44
Balance at Jan. 03, 2015	$2,002,912	$0	$7	$562,945	($113,044)	($12,337)	$1,565,341
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 03, 2015	73,074	0	74,493		1,419

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$493,825	$391,758	$387,670
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	284,693	207,795	189,544
Share-based compensation	21,705	13,191	15,236
Loss on property and equipment, net	13,281	1,599	2,699
Other	2,631	1,679	1,582
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	48,468	-2,237	26,893
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-10,487	-16,320	-23,099
Net Increase Decrease in Operating Capital, net of effect from acquisition of businesses
Receivables, net	-48,209	-32,428	-89,482
Inventories, net	-227,657	-203,513	-260,298
Other assets	-63,482	11,011	8,213
Accounts payable	216,412	113,497	376,631
Accrued expenses	-28,862	63,346	40,936
Other liabilities	6,673	-4,128	8,756
Net cash provided by operating activities	708,991	545,250	685,281
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-228,446	-195,757	-271,182
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2,060,783	-186,137	-8,369
Sale of certain assets of acquired business	0	19,042	0
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	992	745	6,573
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities	-2,288,237	-362,107	-272,978
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	16,219	-2,926	-7,459
Issuance of senior unsecured notes	0	448,605	299,904
Payment of debt related costs	0	-8,815	-2,942
Borrowings under credit facilities	2,238,200	0	58,500
Payments on credit facilities	-1,654,800	0	-173,500
Dividends paid	-17,580	-17,574	-17,596
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	6,578	3,611	8,495
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-7,102	-21,856	-26,677
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	10,487	16,320	23,099
Repurchase of common stock	-5,154	-80,795	-27,095
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition	-10,047	-4,726	-10,911
Other	-890	-627	4,089
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	575,911	331,217	127,907
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,465	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,007,800	514,360	540,210
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,112,471	598,111	57,901
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	104,671	1,112,471	598,111
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	71,109	34,735	27,250
Income tax payments	268,624	219,424	162,677
Non-cash transactions:
Accrued purchases of property and equipment	28,877	20,714	26,142
Retirement of common stock	0	0	1,644,767
Changes in other comprehensive income from post retirement benefits	-752	1,016	-137
Declared but unpaid cash dividends	$4,384	$4,368	$4,396

Organization_and_Description_o

Organization and Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Description of Business	Organization and Description of Business:
	Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (“Advance”) conducts all of its operations through its wholly owned subsidiary, Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (“Stores”), and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), all of which are 100% owned. As of January 3, 2015, the Company's operations are comprised of 5,261 stores and 111 distribution branches, which operate in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands primarily under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” "Carquest," "Autopart International" and "Worldpac." As further described in Note 4, the "Carquest" and "Worldpac" brands were acquired on January 2, 2014 as part of the acquisition of General Parts International, Inc. ("GPI"). The Company serves both do-it-for-me, or Commercial, and do-it-yourself, or DIY, customers and offers a broad selection of brand name, original equipment manufacturer ("OEM") and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories, and maintenance items primarily for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. The Company offers delivery service to its Commercial customers’ places of business, including independent garages, service stations and auto dealers, utilizing a fleet of vehicles to deliver product from its 4,981 store locations with delivery service.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
	Accounting Period
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of December. Fiscal year 2014 contained 53 weeks and fiscal years 2013 and 2012 each contained 52 weeks. The additional week of operations for Fiscal 2014 was included in the Company's fourth quarter. All references herein for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012 represent the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Bank Overdrafts
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less. Included in cash equivalents are credit card and debit card receivables from banks, which generally settle within two to four business days. Credit and debit card receivables included in Cash and cash equivalents as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 were $28,843 and $28,828, respectively. Bank overdrafts consist of outstanding checks not yet presented to a bank for settlement, net of cash held in accounts with right of offset. Bank overdrafts of $22,015 and $5,796 are included in Other current liabilities as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	Receivables
	Receivables, net consist primarily of receivables from Commercial customers and vendors. The Company grants credit to certain Commercial customers who meet the Company’s pre-established credit requirements. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s Commercial customers to make required payments. The Company considers the following factors when determining if collection is reasonably assured: customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic and industry trends and changes in customer payment terms. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to these receivables are limited because the Company’s customer base consists of a large number of small customers, spreading the credit risk across a broad base. The Company also controls this credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and accounts receivable and credit monitoring procedures.
	The Company’s vendor receivables are established as it receives concessions from its vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including allowances for new stores and warranties, volume purchase rebates and co-operative advertising. Amounts receivable from vendors also include amounts due to the Company for changeover merchandise and product returns. The Company regularly reviews vendor receivables for collectibility and assesses the need for a reserve for uncollectible amounts based on an evaluation of the vendors’ financial positions and corresponding abilities to meet financial obligations. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to vendor receivables is not significant.
	Inventory
	Inventory amounts are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the Company’s merchandise inventory is primarily determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Under the LIFO method, the Company’s cost of sales reflects the costs of the most recently purchased inventories, while the inventory carrying balance represents the costs relating to prices paid in prior years.
	Vendor Incentives
	The Company receives incentives in the form of reductions to amounts owed and/or payments from vendors related to cooperative advertising allowances, volume rebates and other promotional considerations. Many of these incentives are under long-term agreements in excess of one year, while others are negotiated on an annual basis or less (short-term). Cooperative advertising allowances provided as a reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to promote a vendor’s products are included as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, when the cost is incurred. Volume rebates and cooperative advertising allowances not meeting the requirements for offset in SG&A are recorded initially as a reduction to inventory as they are earned based on inventory purchases. These deferred amounts are included as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventory is sold. Total deferred vendor incentives included as a reduction of Inventory was $179,785 and $111,304 as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	Similarly, the Company recognizes other promotional incentives earned under long-term agreements not specifically related to volume of purchases as a reduction to cost of sales. However, these incentives are not deferred as a reduction of inventory and are recognized based on the cumulative net purchases as a percentage of total estimated net purchases over the life of the agreement. Short-term incentives (terms less than one year) are generally recognized as a reduction to cost of sales over the duration of any short-term agreements.
	Amounts received or receivable from vendors that are not yet earned are reflected as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management’s estimate of the portion of deferred revenue that will be realized within one year of the balance sheet date has been included in Other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Earned amounts that are receivable from vendors are included in Receivables and Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense, net of vendor promotional funds, was $96,463, $69,116 and $83,871 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Vendor promotional funds, which reduced advertising expense, amounted to $21,814 and $18,622 and $11,445 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Preopening Expenses
	Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs related to the opening of new stores, are expensed as incurred.
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period of the enactment date.
	The Company recognizes tax benefits and/or tax liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company must determine the probability of various possible outcomes.
	The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis or when new information becomes available to management. The reevaluations are based on many factors, including but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, successfully settled issues under audit, expirations due to statutes of limitations, and new federal or state audit activity. Any change in either the Company’s recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to the tax accrual.
	The Company also follows guidance provided on other items relevant to the accounting for income taxes throughout the year, as applicable, including derecognition of benefits, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Refer to Note 15, Income Taxes, for a further discussion of income taxes.
	Self-Insurance
	The Company is self-insured for general and automobile liability, workers’ compensation and health care claims of its employees, or Team Members, while maintaining stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit its total liability exposure. Expenses associated with these liabilities are calculated for (i) claims filed, (ii) claims incurred but not yet reported and (iii) projected future claims using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry as well as the Company’s historical claims experience. The Company includes the current and long-term portions of its self-insurance reserves in Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities, respectively.
	The following table presents changes in the Company’s total self-insurance reserves:
		January 3, 2015				December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Self-insurance reserves, beginning of period	$	98,475			$	94,548		$	98,944
	Additions to self-insurance reserves	159,752				120,782			105,670
	Acquired reserves	41,673				4,195			—
	Reserves utilized	(162,867		)		(121,050		)	(110,066		)
	Self-insurance reserves, end of period	$	137,033			$	98,475		$	94,548
	Warranty Liabilities
	The warranty obligation on the majority of merchandise sold by the Company with a manufacturer's warranty is the responsibility of the Company’s vendors. However, the Company has an obligation to provide customers free replacement of certain merchandise or merchandise at a prorated cost if under a warranty and not covered by the manufacturer. Merchandise sold with warranty coverage by the Company primarily includes batteries but may also include other parts such as brakes and shocks. The Company estimates its warranty obligation at the time of sale based on the historical return experience, sales level and cost of the respective product sold. To the extent vendors provide upfront allowances in lieu of accepting the obligation for warranty claims and the allowance is in excess of the related warranty expense, the excess is recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue at the time the sale is made, at which time the Company’s walk-in customers take immediate possession of the merchandise or same-day delivery is made to the Company’s commercial delivery customers, which include certain independently-owned store locations. For e-commerce sales, revenue is recognized either at the time of pick-up at one of the Company’s store locations or at the time of shipment depending on the customer’s order designation. Sales are recorded net of discounts and rebates, sales taxes and estimated returns and allowances. The Company estimates the reduction to sales and cost of sales for returns based on current sales levels and the Company’s historical return experience. The Company’s reserve for sales returns and allowances was not material as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013.
	Share-Based Payments
	The Company provides share-based compensation to its Team Members and Board of Directors. The Company is required to exercise judgment and make estimates when determining the (i) fair value of each award granted and (ii) projected number of awards expected to vest. The Company calculates the fair value of all share-based awards at the date of grant and uses the straight-line method to amortize this fair value as compensation cost over the requisite service period.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company’s accounting policy for derivative financial instruments is based on whether the instruments meet the criteria for designation as cash flow or fair value hedges. The criteria for designating a derivative as a hedge include the assessment of the instrument’s effectiveness in risk reduction, matching of the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction and the probability that the underlying transaction will occur. For derivatives with cash flow hedge designation, the Company would recognize the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of Accumulated other income (loss) and reclassify it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affected earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction. For derivatives with fair value hedge accounting designation, the Company would recognize gains or losses from the change in the fair value of these derivatives, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item, in earnings. Previously, the Company has utilized treasury rate locks designated as cash flow hedges to lock interest rates in anticipation of debt issuances. The Company had no derivative instruments outstanding as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The assets and liabilities of the Company's Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, and revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates for the fiscal year. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected as a separate component in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are included in Other income, net, have not been significant for any of the periods presented.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure that reports all changes in equity resulting from transactions and other economic events during the period. The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income refer to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are included in other comprehensive income but excluded from net income.
	The Company’s Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation gains (losses), the net unrealized gain associated with the Company's postretirement benefit plan and the unamortized portion of the previously recorded unrecognized gains on interest rate swaps and forward treasury rate locks.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. These indicators would include a significant change in operating performance, the business climate, legal factors, competition, or a planned sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, among other factors. The Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment in accordance with its policy for the valuation of long-lived assets.
	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable and exceeds its fair value.
	Significant factors, which would trigger an impairment review, include the following:
	•	Significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset (asset group);
	•	Significant changes in how assets are used or are planned to be used;
	•	Significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, including adverse regulatory action;
	•	Significant negative industry trends;
	•	An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset (asset group);
	•	Significant changes in technology;
	•	A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset (asset group); or
	•	A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset (asset group) will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
	When such an event occurs, the Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the long-lived asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. These impairment evaluations involve estimates of asset useful lives and future cash flows. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or other valuation techniques (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis). In 2014, the Company recognized impairment losses of $11,819 on various store and corporate assets. The remaining fair value of these assets was not significant. There were no material impairment losses in 2013 or 2012.
	Earnings per Share
The Company uses the two-class method to calculate earnings per share. Under the two-class method, unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share. Certain of the Company’s shares granted to Team Members in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units are considered participating securities.
Accordingly, earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company’s common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Diluted income per common share reflects the more dilutive earnings per share amount calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.
Basic earnings per share of common stock has been computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which is reduced by stock held in treasury and shares of nonvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share of common stock reflects the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, outstanding deferred stock units and the impact of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively “share-based awards”). Share-based awards containing performance conditions are included in the dilution impact as those conditions are met.
Lease Accounting
The Company leases certain store locations, distribution centers, office spaces, equipment and vehicles. The total amount of minimum rent is expensed on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease unless external economic factors exist such that renewals are reasonably assured, in which case the Company would include the renewal period in its amortization period. In those instances, the renewal period would be included in the lease term for purposes of establishing an amortization period and determining if such lease qualified as a capital or operating lease. In addition to minimum fixed rental payments, some leases provide for contingent facility rentals. Differences between the calculated rent expense and cash payments are recorded as a liability within the Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, based on the terms of the lease. Deferred rent was $60,275 and $50,638 as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively. Contingent facility rentals are determined on the basis of a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated minimums for certain store facilities as defined in the individual lease agreements. Most of the leases provide that the Company pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other expenses applicable to the leased premises. Management expects that in the normal course of business leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, or at fair value at acquisition if acquired through a business combination. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense when incurred; major improvements are capitalized. When items are sold or retired, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the account balances, with any gain or loss reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
Depreciation of land improvements, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and vehicles is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Depreciation of building and leasehold improvements is provided over the shorter of the original useful lives of the respective assets or the term of the lease using the straight-line method.
Closed Store Liabilities and Exit Activities
The Company continually reviews the operating performance of its existing store locations and closes or relocates certain stores identified as underperforming or delivering strategically or financially unacceptable results. Expenses accrued pertaining to closed store exit activities are included in the Company’s closed store liabilities, within Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and recognized in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations at the time the facilities actually close. Closed store liabilities include the present value of the remaining lease obligations and management’s estimate of future costs of insurance, property tax and common area maintenance expenses (reduced by the present value of estimated revenues from subleases and lease buyouts).
From time to time closed store liability estimates require revisions, primarily due to changes in assumptions associated with revenue from subleases. The effect of accretion and changes in estimates for our closed store liabilities are included in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations at the time the changes in estimates are made.
Employees receiving severance benefits as the result of a store closing or other restructuring activity are required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive benefits. The severance is recognized in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations over the related service period. Other restructuring costs, including costs to relocate employees, are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred.
The Company also evaluates and determines if the results from the closure of store locations should be reported as discontinued operations based on the elimination of the operations and associated cash flows from the Company’s ongoing operations. Operations and associated cash flows transferred to another store in the local market are not considered eliminated in the evaluation of discontinued operations.
Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table identifies the primary costs classified in each major expense category:
Cost of Sales				SG&A
Ÿ	Total cost of merchandise sold including:			Ÿ	Payroll and benefit costs for store and corporate
	-	Freight expenses associated with moving			Team Members;
		merchandise inventories from our vendors to		Ÿ	Occupancy costs of store and corporate facilities;
		our distribution center,		Ÿ	Depreciation and amortization related to store and
	-	Vendor incentives, and			corporate assets;
	-	Cash discounts on payments to vendors;		Ÿ	Advertising;
Ÿ	Inventory shrinkage;			Ÿ	Costs associated with our Commercial delivery
Ÿ	Defective merchandise and warranty costs;				program, including payroll and benefit costs,
Ÿ	Costs associated with operating our distribution				and transportation expenses associated with moving
	network, including payroll and benefit costs,				merchandise inventories from our stores and branches to
	occupancy costs and depreciation; and				our customer locations;
Ÿ	Freight and other handling costs associated with			Ÿ	Self-insurance costs;
	moving merchandise inventories through our			Ÿ	Professional services;
	supply chain			Ÿ	Other administrative costs, such as credit card
	-	From our distribution centers to our store and			service fees, supplies, travel and lodging;
		branch locations and customers, and		Ÿ	Closed store expense;
	-	From certain of our larger stores which stock a		Ÿ	Impairment charges;
		wider variety and greater supply of inventory (“HUB		Ÿ	GPI acquisition-related expenses and integration costs;
		stores”) to our stores after the customer has			and
		special-ordered the merchandise.		Ÿ	BWP acquisition-related expenses and integration costs.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standard Update, or ASU, 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." This new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2014, the FASB, issued ASU 2014-12 “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that expands disclosure requirements and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08 "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Equity", which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The new guidance changes the definition of a discontinued operation and requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance affects prospective presentation of disposals and therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.”  Under ASU 2013-11 an entity is required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in its financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance affects presentation only and, therefore, had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Inventories_net

Inventories, net	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net:
	Merchandise Inventory
	The Company used the LIFO method of accounting for approximately 88% of inventories at January 3, 2015 and 95% at December 28, 2013. Under LIFO, the Company’s cost of sales reflects the costs of the most recently purchased inventories, while the inventory carrying balance represents the costs for inventories purchased in 2014 and prior years. As a result of utilizing LIFO, the Company recorded an increase to cost of sales of $8,930 in 2014 and a reduction to cost of sales of $5,572 and $24,087 in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s overall costs to acquire inventory for the same or similar products have generally decreased historically as the Company has been able to leverage its continued growth and execution of merchandise strategies. The increase in cost of sales for 2014 was the result of an increase in supply chain costs.
	Product Cores
	The remaining inventories are comprised of product cores, the non-consumable portion of certain parts and batteries and the inventory of certain subsidiaries, which are valued under the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Product cores are included as part of the Company’s merchandise costs and are either passed on to the customer or returned to the vendor. Because product cores are not subject to frequent cost changes like the Company’s other merchandise inventory, there is no material difference when applying either the LIFO or FIFO valuation method.
	Inventory Overhead Costs
	Purchasing and warehousing costs included in inventory as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, were $321,856 and $161,519, respectively.
	Inventory Balance and Inventory Reserves
	Inventory balances at the end of 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Inventories at FIFO, net	$	3,814,123		$	2,424,795
	Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO	122,832			131,762
	Inventories at LIFO, net	$	3,936,955		$	2,556,557
	Inventory quantities are tracked through a perpetual inventory system. The Company completes physical inventories and other targeted inventory counts in its store locations to ensure the accuracy of the perpetual inventory quantities of both merchandise and core inventory in these locations. In its distribution centers and branches, the Company uses a cycle counting program to ensure the accuracy of the perpetual inventory quantities of both merchandise and product core inventory. Reserves for estimated shrink are established based on the results of physical inventories conducted by the Company with the assistance of an independent third party in substantially all of the Company’s stores over the course of the year, other targeted inventory counts in its stores, results from recent cycle counts in its distribution facilities and historical and current loss trends.
	The Company also establishes reserves for potentially excess and obsolete inventories based on (i) current inventory levels, (ii) the historical analysis of product sales and (iii) current market conditions. The Company has return rights with many of its vendors and the majority of excess inventory is returned to its vendors for full credit. In certain situations, the Company establishes reserves when less than full credit is expected from a vendor or when liquidating product will result in retail prices below recorded costs.
	The following table presents changes in the Company’s inventory reserves for years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
	Inventory reserves, beginning of period	$	37,523		$	31,418		$	30,786
	Additions to inventory reserves	92,773			65,466			72,852
	Reserves utilized	(80,857		)	(59,361		)	(72,220		)
	Inventory reserves, end of period	$	49,439		$	37,523		$	31,418

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions:
	General Parts International, Inc.
	On January 2, 2014, the Company acquired GPI in an all-cash transaction. GPI, formerly a privately-held company, is a leading distributor and supplier of original equipment and aftermarket replacement products for Commercial markets operating under the Carquest and Worldpac brands. As of the acquisition date, GPI operated 1,233 Carquest stores and 103 Worldpac branches located in 45 states and Canada and serviced approximately 1,400 independently-owned Carquest stores. The Company believes the acquisition of GPI will allow the Company to expand its geographic presence, Commercial capabilities and overall scale to better serve customers.
	The Company acquired all of GPI's assets and liabilities as a result of the transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of GPI for a purchase price of $2,080,804 (subject to adjustment for certain closing items) consisting of $1,307,991 in cash to GPI's shareholders, the repayment of $694,301 of GPI debt and $78,512 in make-whole fees and transaction-related expenses paid by the Company on GPI's behalf. The Company funded the purchase price with cash on-hand, $700,000 from a term loan and $306,046 from a revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 8, Long-Term Debt, for a more detailed description of this debt. The Company recognized $26,970 of acquisition-related costs during 2013, which was included in SG&A expenses and interest expense. The Company recognized no acquisition-related costs during Fiscal 2014, as all of these costs were recognized during Fiscal 2013. The Company has included the financial results of GPI in its consolidated financial statements commencing January 2, 2014. GPI contributed sales of $3,040,493 and net income of $58,535 during 2014. The net income reflects amortization related to the acquired intangible assets and integration expenses.
	The Company placed $200,881 of the total purchase price in escrow to secure indemnification obligations of the sellers relating to the accuracy of representations and warranties and the satisfaction of covenants. Half of the escrow funds will be disbursed to the Sellers on July 2, 2015 and the remaining amounts distributed on January 2, 2017, after deducting for any claims indemnified from escrow. At the acquisition date, the Company recognized a net indemnification asset of $4,283 with respect to liabilities for which it intends to make a claim from escrow. According to the agreement, the Company will be indemnified, for the escrow term of three years, against losses incurred relating to taxes owed by GPI for periods prior to June 30, 2013.
	Purchase Price Allocation
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for GPI and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
	Total Consideration		$	2,080,804
	Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	25,176
	Receivables		255,997
	Inventory		1,159,886
	Other current assets		118,871
	Property, plant and equipment		162,545
	Intangible assets		756,571
	Other assets		1,741
	Accounts payable		(704,006		)
	Accrued and other current liabilities		(136,784		)
	Long-term liabilities		(356,584		)
	Total identifiable net assets		1,283,413
	Goodwill		797,391
	Total acquired net assets		$	2,080,804
	The Company completed the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the third quarter of 2014. Due to the nature of GPI's business, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of this acquisition are similar in nature to those of the Company. The goodwill of $797,391 arising from the acquisition consists largely of the anticipated synergies and economies of scale from the combined companies and the overall strategic importance of GPI to the Company. The goodwill attributable to the acquisition will not be amortizable or deductible for tax purposes. For additional information regarding goodwill and intangible assets acquired, see Note 6, Goodwill and Intangible Assets.
	The Company recorded an asset associated with favorable leases of $56,465 and a liability associated with unfavorable leases of $48,604, which are included in intangible assets and other long-term liabilities, respectively. Favorable and unfavorable lease assets and liabilities will be amortized to rent expense over their expected lives, which approximates the period of time that the favorable or unfavorable lease terms will be in effect. The fair value of financial assets acquired included receivables of $255,997 primarily from Commercial customers and vendors. The gross amount due was $269,006, of which $13,009 was expected to be uncollectible.
	Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information
	The following unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information combines the respective measure of the Company for Fiscal 2013 and GPI for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. The pro forma financial information has been prepared by adjusting the historical data to give effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on December 30, 2012 (the first day of the Company's fiscal 2013).
			December 28,
			2013
			(52 weeks)
	Pro forma:
	Net sales		$	9,456,405
	Net income		$	428,562
	Basic earnings per share		$	5.88
	Diluted earnings per share		$	5.84
	The unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information was prepared in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting under existing standards and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed on the date indicated, nor is it indicative of the future operating results of the Company.
	The unaudited pro forma results have been adjusted with respect to certain aspects of the acquisition to reflect:
	•	additional amortization expense that would have been recognized assuming fair value adjustments to the existing GPI assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including favorable and unfavorable lease values and other intangible assets;
	•	adjustment of interest expense to reflect the additional borrowings of the Company in conjunction with the acquisition and removal of GPI historical debt;
	•	elimination of the GPI recognition of a deferred gain in 2013 of $6,385 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 from a sale leaseback transaction as the deferred values were subsequently removed in purchase accounting; and
	•	elimination of acquisition-related transaction fees incurred by the Company of $26,970 for the fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2013.
	The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect future events that either have occurred or may occur after the acquisition, including, but not limited to, the anticipated realization of ongoing savings from operating synergies in subsequent periods. They also do not give effect to certain charges that the Company expects to incur in connection with the integration of GPI, including, but not limited to, additional professional fees, employee integration costs, potential asset impairments, and accelerated depreciation and amortization.
	B.W.P. Distributors, Inc.
	On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired B.W.P. Distributors, Inc. ("BWP") in an all-cash transaction. BWP, formerly a privately-held company, supplied, marketed and distributed automotive aftermarket parts and products principally to Commercial customers. Prior to the acquisition, BWP operated or supplied 216 locations in the northeastern U.S. The Company believes this acquisition will enable the Company to continue its expansion in the competitive Northeast, which is a strategic growth area for the Company due to the large population and overall size of the market, and to gain valuable information to apply to its existing operations as a result of BWP's expertise in Commercial. The amount of acquired goodwill reflects this strategic importance to the Company.
	Concurrent with the closing of the acquisition, the Company transferred one distribution center and BWP's rights to distribute to 92 independently owned locations to an affiliate of GPI. As a result, the Company began operating the 124 BWP company-owned stores and two remaining BWP distribution centers as of the closing date. The Company has included the financial results of BWP in its consolidated financial statements commencing December 31, 2012 (Fiscal 2013). Pro forma results of operations related to the acquisition of BWP are not presented as BWP's results are not material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
	Under the terms of the agreement, the Company acquired the net assets in exchange for a purchase price of $187,109. Following the closing of the acquisition, the Company sold certain of the acquired assets for $16,798 related to the transfer of operations to GPI. The Company recognized $123,446 of goodwill upon the acquisition, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
	Other
	The Company also acquired nine stores during 2014 with an aggregate purchase price of $5,155. The results of these stores are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Exit_Activities_and_Impairment

Exit Activities and Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Exit Activities and Impairment	Exit Activities and Impairment:
	Office Consolidations
	In June 2014, the Company approved plans to relocate operations from its Minneapolis, Minnesota and Campbell, California offices to other existing offices of the Company, including its offices in Newark, California, Roanoke, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina, and to close its Minneapolis and Campbell offices. The Company also expects to relocate various functions between its existing offices in Roanoke and Raleigh. The Company anticipates that the relocations and office closings will be substantially completed by the end of 2015.
	In connection with these relocations and office closings, the Company plans to relocate some employees and terminate the employment of others. The Board of Directors of the Company approved this action in order to take advantage of synergies following the acquisition of GPI and to capitalize on the strength of existing locations and organizational experience. The Company estimates that it will incur restructuring costs of approximately $28,800 under these plans through the end of 2015. Substantially all of these costs are expected to be cash expenditures. This estimate includes approximately $11,200 of employee severance costs and $17,600 of relocation costs.
	Employees receiving severance/outplacement benefits will be required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive the benefits. Therefore, the severance/outplacement benefits will be recognized over the related service periods. During 2014, the Company recognized $6,731 of severance/outplacement benefits under these restructuring plans and other severance related to the acquisition of GPI. Other restructuring costs, including costs to relocate employees, will be recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred. During 2014, the Company recognized $7,053 of relocation costs.
	Integration of Carquest stores
	The Company also approved plans in June 2014 to begin consolidating its Carquest stores acquired on January 2, 2014. As of January 3, 2015, 98 Carquest stores had been consolidated into existing Advance Auto Parts stores and 10 Carquest stores had been converted to the Advance Auto Parts format. Plans are in place to consolidate or convert the remaining Carquest stores over the next few years. In addition, the Company will continue to consolidate or convert the remaining Carquest named stores that were acquired with BWP on December 31, 2012, 34 of which were consolidated and 19 were converted during 2014. The Company estimates that the total exit costs to be incurred as a result of consolidations and conversions during Fiscal 2015 will be approximately $5,500, consisting primarily of closed store lease obligations.
	Contract termination costs, such as those associated with leases on closed stores will be recognized at the cease-use date. Closed lease liabilities include the present value of the remaining lease obligations and management’s estimate of future costs of insurance, property tax and common area maintenance (reduced by the present value of estimated revenues from subleases and lease buyouts). The Company’s closed store lease obligations at January 3, 2015 included $5,812 related to the consolidations of Carquest stores during 2014.
	Other Exit Activities
	In August 2014, the Company approved plans to consolidate 33 of its 40 Autoparts International ("AI") stores located in Florida into Advance Auto Parts stores by the end of 2015. Eleven of these stores were consolidated in 2014. The Company also plans to convert the remaining 7 AI stores in Florida to Advance Auto Parts stores by the end of 2015. The total exit costs associated with the AI consolidations is expected to be immaterial.
	Total Restructuring Liabilities
	A summary of the Company’s restructuring liabilities, which are recorded in accrued expenses (current portion) and long-term liabilities (long-term portion) in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, are presented in the following table:
		Closed Store Lease Obligations			Severance			Relocation and Other Exit Costs			Total
	For the year ended January 3, 2015:
	Balance, December 28, 2013	$	11,212		$	—		$	—		$	11,212
	Reserves acquired with GPI	3,455			—			—			3,455
	Reserves established	11,138			8,038			7,053			26,229
	Change in estimates	1,053			(1,307		)	—			(254		)
	Cash payments	(7,588		)	(927		)	(5,237		)	(13,752		)
	Balance, January 3, 2015	$	19,270		$	5,804		$	1,816		$	26,890

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets:
	Goodwill
	The following table reflects the carrying amount of goodwill and the changes in goodwill carrying amounts.
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
		(53 weeks ended)			(52 weeks ended)
	Goodwill, beginning of period	$	199,835		$	76,389
	Acquisitions	798,043			123,446
	Changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(2,452		)	—
	Goodwill, end of period	$	995,426		$	199,835
	As discussed in Note 4, Acquisitions, on January 2, 2014, the Company acquired GPI in an all-cash transaction which resulted in the addition of $797,391 of goodwill. During 2014, the Company also added $652 of goodwill associated with the acquisition of nine stores. On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired BWP in an all-cash transaction which resulted in the addition of $123,446 of goodwill.
	Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill
	In 2014, the Company recorded an increase to intangible assets of $757,453 related to the acquisition of GPI and nine stores. The increase included customer relationships of $330,293 which will be amortized over 12 years, non-competes totaling $50,695 which will be amortized over 5 years and favorable leases of $56,465 which will be amortized over the life of the leases at a weighted average of 4.5 years. The increase also includes indefinite-lived intangibles of $320,000 from acquired brands.
	In 2013, the Company recorded a net increase to intangible assets of $29,001 related to the acquisition of BWP. The net increase included customer relationships of $23,801 which will be amortized over 12 years and other intangible assets of $5,200 which will be amortized over a weighted average of 3.4 years. The increases in intangible assets are presented net of the sale of certain BWP customer relationships subsequent to the acquisition which reduced intangible assets by $2,244.
	Amortization expense was $56,499, $7,974 and $3,635 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 are comprised of the following:
			January 3, 2015								December 28, 2013
			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated			Net
						Amortization							Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		$	362,483		$	(40,609	)	$	321,874	$	33,601	$	(10,309	)	$	23,292
	Acquired technology		8,850			(8,569		)	281		8,850		(6,381		)	2,469
	Favorable leases		56,342			(11,939		)	44,403		—		—			—
	Non-compete and other		56,780			(14,596		)	42,184		6,085		(2,524		)	3,561
			484,455			(75,713		)	408,742		48,536		(19,214		)	29,322
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Brands, trademark and tradenames		339,383			—			339,383		20,550		—			20,550
	Total intangible assets		$	823,838		$	(75,713	)	$	748,125	$	69,086	$	(19,214	)	$	49,872
	Future Amortization Expense
	The table below shows expected amortization expense for the next five years for acquired intangible assets recorded as of January 3, 2015:
	Fiscal Year		Amount
	2015		$	52,115
	2016		48,312
	2017		45,959
	2018		42,948
	2019		32,187
	Thereafter		187,221

Receivables_net

Receivables, net	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables, net:
	Receivables consist of the following:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Trade	$	360,922		$	145,670
	Vendor	222,476			138,336
	Other	12,579			6,884
	Total receivables	595,977			290,890
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(16,152		)	(13,295		)
	Receivables, net	$	579,825		$	277,595

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt:
	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013
	Revolving facility at variable interest rates (2.45% and 1.47% at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due December 5, 2018	$	93,400		$	—
	Term loan at variable interest rates (1.72% and 1.67% at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due January 2, 2019	490,000			—
	5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $746 and $865 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due May 1, 2020	299,254			299,135
	4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $72 and $80 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due January 15, 2022	299,928			299,920
	4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $1,271 and $1,387 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013) due December 1, 2023	448,729			448,613
	Other	5,582			5,916
		1,636,893			1,053,584
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	(582		)	(916		)
	Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	1,636,311		$	1,052,668
	Bank Debt
	On December 5, 2013, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the "2013 Credit Agreement") which provides a $700,000 unsecured term loan and a $1,000,000 unsecured revolving credit facility with Advance Stores, as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. This revolving credit facility replaced the revolver under the Company’s former Credit Agreement dated as of May 27, 2011 with Advance Stores, as Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “2011 Credit Agreement”). Upon execution of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the lenders’ commitments under the 2011 Credit Agreement were terminated and the liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to their obligations under the 2011 Credit Agreement were discharged. The new revolving credit facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit with a sub-limit of $300,000 and swingline loans in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The Company may request, subject to agreement by one or more lenders, that the total revolving commitment be increased by an amount not to exceed $250,000 by those respective lenders (up to a total commitment of $1,250,000) during the term of the 2013 Credit Agreement. Voluntary prepayments and voluntary reductions of the revolving balance are permitted in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, in minimum principal amounts as specified in the 2013 Credit Agreement. Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the revolving credit facility terminates in December 2018 and the term loan matures in January 2019.
	As of January 3, 2015, under the 2013 Credit Agreement, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $93,400 under the revolver and $490,000 under the term loan. As of January 3, 2015, the Company also had letters of credit outstanding of $124,334, which reduced the availability under the revolver to $782,266. The letters of credit generally have a term of one year or less and primarily serve as collateral for the Company’s self-insurance policies.
	The interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility is based, at the Company’s option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.30% and 0.30% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. A facility fee is charged on the total amount of the revolving credit facility, payable in arrears. The current facility fee rate is 0.20% per annum. Under the terms of the 2013 Credit Agreement, the interest rate and facility fee are subject to change based on the Company’s credit rating.
	The interest rate on the term loan is based, at the Company’s option, on adjusted LIBOR, plus a margin, or an alternate base rate, plus a margin. The current margin is 1.50% and 0.50% per annum for the adjusted LIBOR and alternate base rate borrowings, respectively. Under the terms of the term loan, the interest rate is subject to change based on the Company’s credit rating.
	The 2013 Credit Agreement contains customary covenants restricting the ability of: (a) subsidiaries of Advance Stores to, among other things, create, incur or assume additional debt: (b) Advance Stores and its subsidiaries to, among other things, (i) incur liens, (ii) make loans and investments, (iii) guarantee obligations, and (iv) change the nature of its business conducted by itself and its subsidiaries; (c) Advance, Advance Stores and their subsidiaries to, among other things (i) engage in certain mergers, acquisitions, asset sales and liquidations, (ii) enter into certain hedging arrangements, (iii) enter into restrictive agreements limiting its ability to incur liens on any of its property or assets, pay distributions, repay loans, or guarantee indebtedness of its subsidiaries and (iv) engage in sale-leaseback transactions; and (d) Advance, among other things, to change its holding company status. Advance and Advance Stores are required to comply with financial covenants with respect to a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum consolidated coverage ratio. The 2013 Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, including non-payment defaults, covenant defaults and cross-defaults to Advance Stores’ other material indebtedness. The Company was in compliance with its covenants with respect to the 2013 Credit Agreement at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013.
	Senior Unsecured Notes
	The Company issued 4.50% senior unsecured notes in December 2013 at 99.69% of the principal amount of $450,000 which are due December 1, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The net proceeds from the offering of these notes were approximately $445,200, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company.
	The Company previously issued 4.50% senior unsecured notes in January 2012 at 99.968% of the principal amount of $300,000, which are due January 15, 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Company also previously issued 5.75% senior unsecured notes in April 2010 at 99.587% of the principal amount of $300,000, which are due May 1, 2020 (the “2020 Notes” or collectively with the 2023 Notes and the 2022 Notes, “the Notes”). The 2020 Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.75% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Advance served as the issuer of the Notes with certain of Advance’s domestic subsidiaries currently serving as subsidiary guarantors. The terms of the Notes are governed by an indenture (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”) among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee.
	The Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time or from time to time, at the redemption price described in the Indenture. In addition, in the event of a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Indenture for the Notes), the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. The Notes are currently fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsubordinated and unsecured basis by each of the subsidiary guarantors. The Company will be permitted to release guarantees without the consent of holders of the Notes under the circumstances described in the Indenture: (i) upon the release of the guarantee of the Company’s other debt that resulted in the affected subsidiary becoming a guarantor of this debt; (ii) upon the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of the subsidiary guarantor; or (iii) upon the Company’s exercise of its legal or covenant defeasance option.
	The Indenture contains customary provisions for events of default including for: (i) failure to pay principal or interest when due and payable; (ii) failure to comply with covenants or agreements in the Indenture or the Notes and failure to cure or obtain a waiver of such default upon notice; (iii) a default under any debt for money borrowed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that results in acceleration of the maturity of such debt, or failure to pay any such debt within any applicable grace period after final stated maturity, in an aggregate amount greater than $25,000 without such debt having been discharged or acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within 10 days after receipt by the Company of notice of the default by the Trustee or holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding; and (iv) events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization affecting the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. In the case of an event of default, the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest may be accelerated. The Indenture also contains covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur debt secured by liens and to enter into sale and lease-back transactions.
	Future Payments
	As of January 3, 2015, the aggregate future annual maturities of long-term debt instruments are as follows:
	Fiscal		Amount
	Year
	2015		$	582
	2016		—
	2017		35,000
	2018		163,400
	2019		385,000
	Thereafter		1,052,911
			$	1,636,893
	Debt Guarantees
	The Company is a guarantor of loans made by banks to various independently-owned Carquest stores that are customers of the Company ("Independents") totaling $33,606 as of January 3, 2015. The Company has concluded that some of these guarantees meet the definition of a variable interest in a variable interest entity. However, the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the Independents and therefore is not the primary beneficiary of these stores. Upon entering into a relationship with certain Independents, the Company guaranteed the debt of those stores to aid in the procurement of business loans. These loans are collateralized by security agreements on merchandise inventory and other assets of the borrowers. The approximate value of the inventory collateralized in these agreements is $71,997 as of January 3, 2015. The Company believes that the likelihood of performance under these guarantees is remote, and any fair value attributable to these guarantees would be very minimal.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements:
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are grouped in three levels. The levels prioritize the inputs used to measure the fair value of these assets or liabilities. These levels are:
	•	Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for assets and liabilities at the measurement date, either directly or indirectly. These inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are less active, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability or corroborated by other observable market data.
	•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for assets or liabilities that are not able to be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of a reporting entity’s own assumptions. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances where inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.
	The following table sets forth the Company’s financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
				Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
				Identical Assets				Inputs
	As of December 28, 2013:
	Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	$	9,475	$	—	$	—	$	9,475
	The fair value of the contingent consideration, which was recorded in Accrued expenses as of December 28, 2013, was based on various estimates including the Company’s estimate of the probability of achieving the targets and the time value of money. During 2014, the contingent consideration previously recognized at fair value was paid.
	The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank overdrafts, accounts payable, accrued expenses and the current portion of long term debt approximate their fair values due to the relatively short term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the Company’s senior unsecured notes was determined using Level 2 inputs based on quoted market prices and the Company believes that the carrying value of its other long-term debt and certain long-term liabilities approximate fair value.
	The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding the current portion, as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively, are as follows:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Carrying Value	$	1,636,311	$	1,052,668
	Fair Value	$	1,728,000	$	1,086,000
	Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
	Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (e.g., when there is evidence of impairment). At January 3, 2015, the Company had no significant fair value measurements of non-financial assets or liabilities subsequent to initial recognition.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment:
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		Original	January 3,			December 28,
		Useful Lives	2015			2013
	Land and land improvements	0 - 10 years	$	438,638		$	418,207
	Buildings	30 - 40 years	460,187			445,820
	Building and leasehold improvements	3 - 30 years	394,259			336,685
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 - 20 years	1,402,563			1,244,456
	Vehicles	2 - 13 years	37,051			18,291
	Construction in progress		71,691			75,985
			2,804,389			2,539,444
	Less - Accumulated depreciation		(1,372,359		)	(1,255,474		)
	Property and equipment, net		$	1,432,030		$	1,283,970
	Depreciation expense was $235,040, $199,821 and $185,909 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company capitalized approximately $11,436, $11,534 and $10,026 incurred for the development of internal use computer software during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These costs are included in the furniture, fixtures and equipment category above and are depreciated on the straight-line method over three to five years.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued Expenses:
	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Payroll and related benefits	$	116,198		$	101,576
	Warranty reserves	47,972			39,512
	Capital expenditures	29,780			20,714
	Self-insurance reserves	58,899			45,504
	Taxes payable	87,473			82,179
	Other	180,351			139,140
	Total accrued expenses	$	520,673		$	428,625
	The following table presents changes in the Company’s warranty reserves:
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	39,512		$	38,425		$	38,847
	Reserves acquired with GPI	4,490			—			—
	Additions to warranty reserves	52,306			42,380			40,766
	Reserves utilized	(48,336		)	(41,293		)	(41,188		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	47,972		$	39,512		$	38,425

Other_Current_and_Longterm_Lia

Other Current and Long-term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current and Long-Term Liabilities	Other Current and Long-term Liabilities:
	Other current liabilities consist of the following:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Deferred income taxes	$	89,173	$	135,754
	Other	37,273		18,876
	Total other current liabilities	$	126,446	$	154,630
	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Deferred income taxes	$	360,903	$	91,957
	Self-insurance reserves	78,134		52,971
	Deferred rent	55,153		47,851
	Unfavorable leases	45,259		—
	Other	40,620		38,337
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	580,069	$	231,116

Stock_Repurchases

Stock Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Stock Repurchases: [Abstract]
Stock Repurchases	Stock Repurchases:
	The Company’s stock repurchase program allows it to repurchase its common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the SEC. The Company’s $500,000 stock repurchase program in place as of January 3, 2015 was authorized by its Board of Directors on May 14, 2012.
	During 2014, the Company repurchased no shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program. The Company had $415,092 remaining under its stock repurchase program as of January 3, 2015. During 2013, the Company repurchased 998 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $77,293, or an average price of $77.47 per share under its stock repurchase program.
	The Company repurchased 35 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $5,154, or an average price of $148.85 per share, in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units during 2014. The Company repurchased 38 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $3,502, or an average price of $91.78 per share, in connection with the net settlement of shares issued as a result of the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units during 2013.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share:
	Certain of the Company’s shares granted to Team Members in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units are considered participating securities which require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. For 2014, 2013 and 2012, earnings of $1,555, $895 and $870, respectively, were allocated to the participating securities.
	Diluted earnings per share are calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Share-based awards to purchase approximately 13, 75 and 221 shares of common stock that had an exercise price in excess of the average market price of the common stock during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they are anti-dilutive.
	The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	493,825		$	391,758		$	387,670
	Participating securities’ share in earnings	(1,555		)	(895		)	(870		)
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	492,270		$	390,863		$	386,800
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares	72,932			72,930			73,091
	Dilutive impact of share-based awards	482			484			971
	Diluted weighted average common shares	73,414			73,414			74,062
	Basic earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common stockholders	$	6.75		$	5.36		$	5.29
	Diluted earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common stockholders	$	6.71		$	5.32		$	5.22

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:
	Provision for Income Taxes
	Provision for income taxes for 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
		Current			Deferred			Total
	2014
	Federal	$	204,743		$	45,389		$	250,132
	State	19,359			4,830			24,189
	Foreign	14,999			(1,751		)	13,248
		$	239,101		$	48,468		$	287,569
	2013
	Federal	$	202,784		$	(1,898	)	$	200,886
	State	25,287			(339		)	24,948
	Foreign	8,806			—			8,806
		$	236,877		$	(2,237	)	$	234,640
	2012
	Federal	$	185,564		$	21,940		$	207,504
	State	20,116			4,953			25,069
	Foreign	3,831			—			3,831
		$	209,511		$	26,893		$	236,404
	The provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax
	rate due to:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Income before provision for income taxes at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate (35%)	$	273,488		$	219,239		$	218,426
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	15,723			16,216			16,295
	Other, net	(1,642		)	(815		)	1,683
		$	287,569		$	234,640		$	236,404
	Deferred Income Tax Assets(Liabilities)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income taxes reflect the net income tax effect of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes. Net deferred income tax balances are comprised of the following:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Deferred income tax assets	$	151,997		$	101,979
	Valuation allowance	(5,084		)	(1,557		)
	Deferred income tax liabilities	(593,264		)	(321,778		)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	(446,351	)	$	(221,356	)
	As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, the Company had deferred income tax assets of $1,297 and $2,207 from federal net operating losses, or NOLs, of $3,705 and $6,307, and deferred income tax assets of $6,847 and $2,130 from state NOLs of $165,849 and $40,440, respectively. These NOLs may be used to reduce future taxable income and expire periodically through Fiscal 2034. Due to uncertainties related to the realization of certain deferred tax assets for NOLs in certain jurisdictions, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $5,084 and $1,557 as of both January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013. The amount of deferred income tax assets realizable, however, could change in the future if projections of future taxable income change. As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, the Company had cumulative net deferred income tax liabilities of $446,351 and $221,356, respectively.
	The Company has not recorded deferred taxes when earnings from foreign operations are considered to be indefinitely invested outside of the U.S. These accumulated net earnings relate to certain ongoing operations for multiple years and were approximately $108,000 as of January 3, 2015. It is not practicable to determine the income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were repatriated.
	Temporary differences which give rise to significant deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Inventory valuation differences	$	(156,703	)	$	(178,201	)
	Accrued medical and workers compensation	14,250			9,370
	Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax	48,684			28,501
	Other, net	5,119			5,612
	Total current deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$	(88,650	)	$	(134,718	)
	Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Property and equipment	$	(181,511	)	$	(143,577	)
	Share-based compensation	13,721			10,733
	Accrued medical and workers compensation	30,424			20,532
	Net operating loss carryforwards	7,233			3,426
	Straight-line rent	21,431			20,784
	Intangible assets	(255,050		)	(10,961		)
	Other, net	6,051			12,425
	Total long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$	(357,701	)	$	(86,638	)
	These amounts are recorded in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as appropriate.
	Unrecognized Tax Benefits
	The following table lists each category and summarizes the activity of the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$	18,458		$	16,708		$	24,711
	Increases related to prior period tax positions	—			—			702
	Decreases related to prior period tax positions	(4,841		)	(1,313		)	(9,629		)
	Increases related to current period tax positions	4,329			3,678			3,985
	Settlements	(2,345		)	—			(1,111		)
Expiration of statute of limitations	(1,568		)	(615		)	(1,950		)
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$	14,033		$	18,458		$	16,708
As of January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, the entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would reduce the Company’s annual effective tax rate.
The Company provides for potential interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a part of income tax expense. During 2014, the Company recognized a benefit from interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $3,684. During 2013, the Company recorded potential interest and penalties of $818. During 2012 the Company recognized a benefit from interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $754. As of January 3, 2015, the Company had recorded a liability for potential interest and penalties of $1,759 and $138, respectively. As of December 28, 2013, the Company had recorded a liability for potential interest and penalties of $5,767 and $316, respectively. The Company has not provided for any penalties associated with tax contingencies unless considered probable of assessment. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
During the next 12 months, it is possible the Company could conclude on approximately $1,000 to $2,000 of the contingencies associated with unrecognized tax uncertainties due mainly to the conclusion of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations. The majority of these resolutions would be achieved through the completion of current income tax examinations.
The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has completed exams of the U.S. federal income tax returns for years 2007 and prior. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008.

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	Lease Commitments:
	Initial terms for facility leases are typically 10 to 15 years, with renewal options at five year intervals, and may include rent escalation clauses. As of January 3, 2015, future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms extending through the year 2059 are as follows:
	Fiscal Year	Amount
	2015	$	460,655
	2016	439,530
	2017	402,581
	2018	363,154
	2019	317,982
	Thereafter	1,262,623
		$	3,246,525
	The Company anticipates its future minimum lease payments will be partially off-set by future minimum sub-lease income. As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, future minimum sub-lease income to be received under non-cancelable operating leases is $20,289 and $29,950, respectively.
	Net Rent Expense
	Net rent expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Minimum facility rentals	$	463,345		$	328,581		$	300,552
	Contingency facility rentals	488			578			907
	Equipment rentals	8,230			5,333			5,027
	Vehicle rentals	53,300			29,100			18,401
		525,363			363,592			324,887
	Less: Sub-lease income	(9,966		)	(5,983		)	(4,600		)
		$	515,397		$	357,609		$	320,287

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies:
	In the case of all known contingencies, the Company accrues for an obligation, including estimated legal costs, when it is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. As facts concerning contingencies become known to the Company, the Company reassesses its position with respect to accrued liabilities and other potential exposures. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future change include legal matters, which are subject to change as events evolve and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process.
	The Company’s Western Auto subsidiary, together with other defendants including, but not limited to, automobile manufacturers, automotive parts manufacturers and other retailers, has been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products. The Company and some of its other subsidiaries also have been named as a defendant in many asbestos-related lawsuits. The automotive products at issue in these lawsuits are primarily brake parts. The plaintiffs have alleged that these products contained asbestos and were manufactured, distributed and/or sold by the various defendants. Many of the cases pending against the Company or its subsidiaries are in the early stages of litigation. The damages claimed against the defendants in some of these proceedings are substantial. Additionally, many of the suppliers and manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products have dissolved or declared bankruptcy, which will limit plaintiffs’ ability to recover monetary damages from those entities. Although the Company and its subsidiaries diligently defend against these claims, the Company may enter into discussions regarding settlement of these and other lawsuits, and may enter into settlement agreements, if it believes settlement is in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders. The Company believes that many of these claims are at least partially covered by insurance. Based on discovery to date, the Company does not believe the cases currently pending will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results, financial position or liquidity. However, if the Company and/or a subsidiary were to incur an adverse verdict in one or more of these claims and was ordered to pay substantial damages that were not covered by insurance, these claims could have a material adverse effect on its operating results, financial position and liquidity. Historically, our asbestos claims have been inconsistent in fact patterns alleged and number and have been immaterial. Furthermore, the outcome of such legal matters is uncertain and the Company's liability, if any, could vary widely. As a result, we are unable to estimate a possible range of loss with respect to unasserted asbestos claims that may be filed against the Company or any subsidiary in the future. If the number of claims filed against the Company or any of its subsidiaries alleging injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products increases substantially, the costs associated with concluding these claims, including damages resulting from any adverse verdicts, could have a material adverse effect on its operating results, financial position or liquidity in future periods.
	The Company is involved in various types of legal proceedings arising from claims of employment discrimination or other types of employment matters as a result of claims by current and former Team Members. The damages claimed against the Company in some of these proceedings are substantial. Because of the uncertainty of the outcome of such legal matters and because the Company’s liability, if any, could vary widely, including the size of any damages awarded if plaintiffs are successful in litigation or any negotiated settlement, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss or range of loss which may arise. The Company is also involved in various other claims and legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Although the final outcome of these legal matters cannot be determined, based on the facts presently known, it is management’s opinion that the final outcome of such claims and lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans:
	401(k) Plan
	The Company maintains a defined contribution benefit plan, which covers substantially all Team Members after one year of service and who have attained the age of 21. The plan allows for Team Member salary deferrals, which are matched at the Company’s discretion. During 2014, GPI also maintained its existing defined contribution plan which allowed for GPI Team Member salary deferrals and discretionary fixed and profit sharing contributions by the Company. The GPI plan was merged into the Advance Auto Part plan at the beginning of fiscal 2015. Company contributions to these plans were $15,208, $10,850 and $10,255 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Deferred Compensation
	The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain Team Members. This plan provides for a minimum and maximum deferral percentage of the Team Member’s base salary and bonus, as determined by the Retirement Plan Committee. The Company establishes and maintains a deferred compensation liability for this plan. As of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, these liabilities were $16,487 and $14,835, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation:
	Overview
	The Company grants share-based compensation awards to its Team Members and members of its Board of Directors as provided for under the Company’s 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or 2014 LTIP, which was approved by the Company's shareholders on May 14, 2014. Prior to May 14, 2014 the Company granted share-based compensation awards to its Team Members under the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which expired following the approval of the 2014 LTIP. The Company currently grants share-based compensation in the form of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock units ("RSUs") and deferred stock units (“DSUs”). At January 3, 2015, the Company also had outstanding restricted stock granted prior to the transition to RSUs in 2012.
	At January 3, 2015, there were 4,822 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the 2014 Plan based on management’s current estimate of the probable vesting outcome for performance-based awards. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and SARs. Availability is determined net of forfeitures and shares withheld for payment of taxes due. Availability also includes shares which became available for reissuance in connection with the exercise of SARs.
	General Terms of Awards
	The Company’s grants generally include both a time-based service portion and a performance-based portion, which collectively represent the target award.
	Time-Vested Awards
	The Company's outstanding time-vested awards consist of SARs, RSUs and restricted stock. The SARs generally vest over a three-year period in equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. All SARs granted are non-qualified, terminate on the seventh anniversary of the grant date, and contain no post-vesting restrictions other than normal trading black-out periods prescribed by the Company’s corporate governance policies.
	The RSU and restricted stock grants generally vest over a three-year period in equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date. During the vesting period, holders of RSUs and restricted stock are entitled to receive dividends or in the case of RSUs, dividend equivalents, while holders of restricted stock are also entitled to voting rights. For restricted stock, the Company's shares are considered outstanding at the date of grant, but are restricted until they vest and cannot be sold by the recipient until the restriction has lapsed at the end of the respective vesting period.
	Performance-Based Awards
	The Company's outstanding performance-based awards consist of SARs and RSUs. Performance awards may vest following a three-year period subject to the Company’s achievement of certain financial goals as specified in the grant agreements. Depending on the Company’s results during the three-year performance period, the actual number of awards vesting at the end of the period may range from 75% to 200% of the target award (50% to 200% for certain officers). Prior to the December 2013 grant, the target award for purposes of applying the performance multiple was defined as the total award including the time-based and performance-based portions. Beginning with the December 2013 grant the target award for purposes of applying the performance multiples is defined solely as the performance portion of the award granted. The performance RSUs do not have dividend equivalent rights or voting rights until the shares are earned and issued following the applicable performance period.
	Share-Based Compensation Expense & Cash Flows
	Total share-based compensation expense and cash received included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows, including the related income tax benefits, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			2014				2013				2012
	Share-based compensation expense		$	21,705			$	13,191			$	15,236
	Deferred income tax benefit		8,013				4,991				5,774
	Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options		6,578				3,611				8,495
	Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights		(7,102		)		(21,856		)		(26,677		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		10,487				16,320				23,099
	As of January 3, 2015, there was $43,979 of unrecognized compensation expense related to all share-based awards that was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years. Expense related to the issuance of share-based compensation is included in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Expense is recognized net of forfeitures, which are estimated based on historical experience.
	The fair value of each SAR was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
	Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions		2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate (1)		1.2	%		1.1	%		0.5	%
	Expected dividend yield		0.2	%		0.3	%		0.3	%
	Expected stock price volatility (2)		27	%		26.9	%		33.2	%
	Expected life of awards (in months) (3)		49			49			49
	(1)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate having term consistent with the expected life of the award.
	(2)	Expected volatility is determined using a blend of historical and implied volatility.
	(3)	The expected life of the Company's awards represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of previously granted awards.
	Time-Based Share Awards
	Stock Options
	At December 28, 2013 the Company had 45 options outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $41.64. All of the outstanding options were exercised during 2014 and had an aggregate intrinsic value on the date of exercise of $3,747.
	Stock Appreciation Rights
	The following table summarizes the time-vested SARs activity for 2014:
			Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013		1,090			$	61.79
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(243	)		54.88
	Forfeited		(21	)		67.71
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015		826			$	63.68			3.54		$	78,332
	Vested and expected to vest		823			$	63.64			3.54		$	78,107
	Outstanding and exercisable		714			$	61.92			3.32		$	69,033
	The weighted average fair value of time-vested SARs granted during 2013 and 2012 was $18.55 and $19.25 per share, respectively. No time-vested SARs were granted in 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value reflected in the table above and in the table below is based on the Company’s closing stock price of $158.56 as of the last trading day of Fiscal 2014. The aggregate intrinsic value, defined as the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price, of SARs exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $18,975, $36,998 and $37,477, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock
	The following table summarizes the RSU and restricted stock activity for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015:
			Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 28, 2013		210			$	91.44
	Granted		190			139.43
	Vested		(94	)		87.93
	Forfeited		(23	)		103.75
	Nonvested at January 3, 2015		283			$	123.89
	The fair value of each RSU and restricted stock award is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value of RSUs and restricted shares granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $139.43, $102.19 and $75.26 per share, respectively. The total grant date fair value of RSUs and restricted shares vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8,293, $5,035 and $4,734, respectively.
	Performance-Based Awards
	The number of performance-based awards outstanding are reflected in the following tables based on the number of awards that the Company believed were probable of vesting. Performance-based awards granted during 2014 are presented at the target level, as achievement of the target level was deemed probable as of the grant date. The change in units based on performance represents the change in the number of previously granted awards expected to vest based on the Company's updated probability assessment at January 3, 2015.
	Compensation expense for performance-based awards of $6,161, $1,141, and $3,267 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was determined based on management’s estimate of the probable vesting outcome.
	Performance-Based SARs
	The following table summarizes the performance-based SARs activity for 2014:
		Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	520			$	78.21
	Granted	303			141.57
	Change in units based on performance	(48	)		90.57
	Exercised	(39	)		35.18
	Forfeited	(107	)		68.97
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015	629			$	112.01			5.47		$	29,285
Vested and expected to vest	533			$	108.17			4.97		$	26,864
Outstanding and exercisable	92			$	36.91			1.84		$	11,152
The weighted average fair value of performance-based SARs granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $32.41, $23.72 and $19.23 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of performance-based SARs exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3,814, $14,257 and $34,020, respectively. As of January 3, 2015, the maximum potential payout under the Company’s currently outstanding performance-based SAR awards was 2,167 units.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
The following table summarizes the performance-based RSUs activity for 2014:
		Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 28, 2013		182			$	75.36
Granted		19			123.32
Change in units based on performance		6			104.87
Vested		(2	)		74.43
Forfeited		(10	)		76.09
Nonvested at January 3, 2015		195			$	81.98
The fair value of each performance-based RSU is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value of performance-based RSUs granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $123.32, $77.47 and $75.20 per share, respectively. The total grant date fair value of performance-based restricted stock vested during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $142, $1,290 and $4,858, respectively. As of January 3, 2015, the maximum potential payout under the Company’s currently outstanding performance-based RSUs was 462 shares.
Deferred Stock Units
The Company grants share-based awards annually to its Board of Directors in connection with its annual meeting of stockholders. These awards are granted in the form of DSUs as provided for in the Advance Auto Parts, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Selected Executives, or the DSU Plan. Each DSU is equivalent to one share of common stock of the Company. The DSUs granted in 2014 fully vest after one year of board service and are distributed in common shares after the director’s service on the Board ends. Additionally, the DSU Plan provides for the deferral of compensation earned in the form of (i) an annual retainer for directors, and (ii) wages for certain highly compensated Team Members of the Company. These DSUs are settled in common stock with the participants at a future date, or over a specified time period, as elected by the participants in accordance with the DSU Plan.
The Company granted 7 DSUs in 2014. The weighted average fair value of DSUs granted during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $122.80, $83.63, and $69.82, respectively. The DSUs are awarded at a price equal to the market price of the Company’s underlying stock on the date of the grant. For 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the Company recognized a total of $862, $840, and $960 on a pre-tax basis, in compensation expense for these DSU grants.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company also offers an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). Under the ESPP, eligible Team Members may elect salary deferrals to purchase the Company’s common stock at a discount to its fair market value on the date of purchase. During 2012, the Company increased this discount from 5% to 10%. There are annual limitations on the amounts a Team Member may elect of either $25 per Team Member or 10% of compensation, whichever is less. Under the plan, Team Members acquired 39, 23 and 34 shares in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of January 3, 2015, there were 1,100 shares available to be issued under the plan.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
	Comprehensive income is computed as net earnings plus certain other items that are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity during the accounting period. In addition to net earnings, comprehensive income also includes changes in unrealized gains or losses on hedge arrangements, postretirement plan benefits and foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
		Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Currency			Accumulated
		(Loss) on Hedging			on Postretirement			Translation			Other
		Arrangements			Plan						Comprehensive
											Income (Loss)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	(254	)	$	3,058		$	—		$	2,804
	Fiscal 2012 activity	254			(391		)	—			(137		)
	Balance, December 29, 2012	$	—		$	2,667		$	—		$	2,667
	Fiscal 2013 activity	—			1,016			—			1,016
	Balance, December 28, 2013	$	—		$	3,683		$	—		$	3,683
	Fiscal 2014 activity	—			(752		)	(15,268		)	(16,020		)
	Balance, January 3, 2015	$	—		$	2,931		$	(15,268	)	$	(12,337	)

Segment_and_Related_Informatio

Segment and Related Information	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment and Related Information	Segment and Related Information:
	As a result of the acquisition of GPI on January 2, 2014, which is described in Note 4, Acquisitions, the Company reevaluated the composition of its reportable segments. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that it operates as a single reportable segment. As of January 3, 2015, the Company's operations are comprised of 5,261 stores and 111 distribution branches, which operate in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands primarily under the trade names “Advance Auto Parts,” "Carquest," "Autopart International" and "Worldpac." These locations offer a broad selection of brand name, OEM and proprietary automotive replacement parts, accessories, and maintenance items primarily for domestic and imported cars and light trucks. While the mix of Commercial and DIY customers varies among the four store brands, all of the locations serve customers through similar distribution channels. The Company has begun implementation of its multi-year plan to fully integrate the Carquest company-operated stores and overall operations into Advance Auto Parts and to eventually integrate the availability of all of the Company's product offerings throughout the entire chain.
	The Company's Advance Auto Parts operations are currently comprised of three geographic areas. Each of the Advance Auto Parts geographic areas, in addition to Carquest and Worldpac, are individually considered operating segments which are aggregated into one reportable segment. Effective Q1 2015, the Company's three geographic areas expanded to five areas, inclusive of the Carquest operations, making Carquest no longer an operating segment. Included in the Company's overall store operations are sales generated from its e-commerce platforms. The Company's e-commerce platforms, primarily consisting of its online websites and Commercial ordering platforms, are part of its integrated operating approach of serving its Commercial and DIY customers. Through the Company's online ordering platforms, Commercial customers can conveniently place orders with a designated store location for delivery to their places of business or pick-up. The Company's online websites allow its DIY customers to pick up merchandise at a conveniently located store location or have their purchases shipped directly to them. The majority of the Company's online DIY sales are picked up at store locations.
	The following table summarizes financial information for each of the Company’s product groups for the years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.
		2014		2013		2012
	Percentage of Sales, by Product Group
	Parts and Batteries	69	%	67	%	65	%
	Accessories	13	%	14	%	14	%
	Chemicals	8	%	10	%	10	%
	Oil	8	%	9	%	10	%
	Other	2	%	—	%	1	%
	Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements:
	Certain 100% wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of Advance, including its Material Subsidiaries (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement), serve as guarantors of Advance's senior unsecured notes ("Guarantor Subsidiaries"). The subsidiary guarantees related to Advance's senior unsecured notes are full and unconditional and joint and several, and there are no restrictions on the ability of Advance to obtain funds from its Guarantor Subsidiaries. Certain of Advance's wholly-owned subsidiaries, including all of its foreign subsidiaries, do not serve as guarantors of Advance's senior unsecured notes ("Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Beginning in January 2014, the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, which were previously minor, no longer qualified as minor as defined by SEC regulations. Accordingly, we present below the condensed consolidating financial information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Investments in subsidiaries of the Company are required to be presented under the equity method, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP.
	Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of (i) Advance, (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries, (iii) the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (iv) the eliminations necessary to arrive at consolidated information for the Company. The statement of operations eliminations relate primarily to the sale of inventory from a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary to a Guarantor Subsidiary. The balance sheet eliminations relate primarily to the elimination of intercompany receivables and payables and subsidiary investment accounts.
	The following tables present condensed consolidating balance sheets as of January 3, 2015 and condensed consolidating statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the year ended January 3, 2015, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements herein.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of January 3, 2015
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	9		$	65,345		$	39,326		$	(9	)	$	104,671
	Receivables, net	—			549,151			30,674			—			579,825
	Inventories, net	—			3,771,816			165,139			—			3,936,955
	Other current assets	4,102			113,003			3,383			(899		)	119,589
	Total current assets	4,111			4,499,315			238,522			(908		)	4,741,040
	Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	2			1,421,325			10,703			—			1,432,030
	Assets held for sale	—			615			—			—			615
	Goodwill	—			940,817			54,609			—			995,426
	Intangible assets, net	—			689,745			58,380			—			748,125
	Other assets, net	12,963			36,762			683			(5,286		)	45,122
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,057,761			280,014			—			(2,337,775		)	—
	Intercompany note receivable	1,047,911			—			—			(1,047,911		)	—
	Due from intercompany, net	—			—			211,908			(211,908		)	—
		$	3,122,748		$	7,868,593		$	574,805		$	(3,603,788	)	$	7,962,358
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	$	—		$	582		$	—		$	—		$	582
	Accounts payable	—			2,845,043			250,322			—			3,095,365
	Accrued expenses	4,884			498,505			17,284			—			520,673
	Other current liabilities	—			115,497			11,857			(908		)	126,446
	Total current liabilities	4,884			3,459,627			279,463			(908		)	3,743,066
	Long-term debt	1,047,911			588,400			—			—			1,636,311
	Other long-term liabilities	—			570,027			15,328			(5,286		)	580,069
	Intercompany note payable	—			1,047,911			—			(1,047,911		)	—
	Due to intercompany, net	67,041			144,867			—			(211,908		)	—
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders' equity	2,002,912			2,057,761			280,014			(2,337,775		)	2,002,912
		$	3,122,748		$	7,868,593		$	574,805		$	(3,603,788	)	$	7,962,358
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	For Fiscal 2014
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	9,530,953		$	527,595		$	(214,687	)	$	9,843,861
	Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs	—			5,231,421			373,514			(214,687		)	5,390,248
	Gross profit	—			4,299,532			154,081			—			4,453,613
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,504			3,541,370			102,370			(56,341		)	3,601,903
	Operating (loss) income	(14,504		)	758,162			51,711			56,341			851,710
	Other, net:
	Interest expense	(52,946		)	(20,334		)	(128		)	—			(73,408		)
	Other income (expense), net	67,470			(9,140		)	1,103			(56,341		)	3,092
	Total other, net	14,524			(29,474		)	975			(56,341		)	(70,316		)
	Income before provision for income taxes	20			728,688			52,686			—			781,394
	Provision for income taxes	296			277,769			9,504			—			287,569
	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(276		)	450,919			43,182			—			493,825
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	494,101			43,182			—			(537,283		)	—
	Net income	$	493,825		$	494,101		$	43,182		$	(537,283	)	$	493,825
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
	For Fiscal 2014
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net income	$	493,825		$	494,101		$	43,182		$	(537,283	)	$	493,825
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs	—			(752		)	—			—			(752		)
	Currency translation	—			—			(15,268		)	—			(15,268		)
	Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries	(16,020		)	(15,268		)	—			31,288			—
	Other comprehensive loss	(16,020		)	(16,020		)	(15,268		)	31,288			(16,020		)
	Comprehensive income	$	477,805		$	478,081		$	27,914		$	(505,995	)	$	477,805
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
For Fiscal 2014
	Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—		$	666,566		$	42,425		$	—		$	708,991
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	—			(224,894		)	(3,552		)	—			(228,446		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(2,059,987		)	(796		)	—			(2,060,783		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	—			974			18			—			992
Net cash used in investing activities	—			(2,283,907		)	(4,330		)	—			(2,288,237		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in bank overdrafts	—			16,228			—			(9		)	16,219
Borrowings under credit facilities	—			2,238,200			—			—			2,238,200
Payments on credit facilities	—			(1,654,800		)	—			—			(1,654,800		)
Dividends paid	—			(17,580		)	—			—			(17,580		)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	—			6,578			—			—			6,578
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	—			(7,102		)	—			—			(7,102		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	—			10,487			—			—			10,487
Repurchase of common stock	—			(5,154		)	—			—			(5,154		)
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	—			(10,047		)	—			—			(10,047		)
Other	—			(890		)	—			—			(890		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	—			575,920			—			(9		)	575,911
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(4,465		)	—			(4,465		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(1,041,421		)	33,630			(9		)	(1,007,800		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	9			1,106,766			5,696			—			1,112,471
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	9		$	65,345		$	39,326		$	(9	)	$	104,671

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited):
	The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for Fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	2014	First		Second		Third		Fourth
		(16 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(13 weeks)
	Net sales	$	2,969,499	$	2,347,697	$	2,289,456	$	2,237,209
	Gross profit	1,353,122		1,062,108		1,034,442		1,003,941
	Net income	147,726		139,488		122,177		84,434
	Basic earnings per share	2.02		1.91		1.67		1.15
	Diluted earnings per share	2.01		1.89		1.66		1.15
	2013	First		Second		Third		Fourth
		(16 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(12 weeks)
	Net sales	$	2,015,304	$	1,549,553	$	1,520,144	$	1,408,813
	Gross profit	1,008,206		779,223		762,940		701,777
	Net income	121,790		116,871		103,830		49,267
	Basic earnings per share	1.66		1.6		1.42		0.68
	Diluted earnings per share	1.65		1.59		1.42		0.67
	Note: Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not be equal to the per share amount for the year.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	ADVANCE AUTO PARTS, INC.
	SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:		Balance at		Charges to		Deductions				Other			Balance at
			Beginning		Expenses									End of
			of Period											Period
	December 29, 2012		$	4,056	$	4,127	$	(2,264	)	(1)	$	—		$	5,919
	December 28, 2013		5,919		11,955		(4,995		)	(1)	416		(2)	13,295
	January 3, 2015		13,295		17,182		(14,325		)	(1)	—			16,152
	(1)	Accounts written off during the period. These amounts did not impact the Company’s statement of operations for any year presented.
	(2)	Reserves assumed in the acquisition of B.W.P. Distributors, Inc.
	Note: Other valuation and qualifying accounts have not been reported in this schedule because they are either not applicable or because the information has been included elsewhere in this report.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Period [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Period
	The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of December. Fiscal year 2014 contained 53 weeks and fiscal years 2013 and 2012 each contained 52 weeks. The additional week of operations for Fiscal 2014 was included in the Company's fourth quarter. All references herein for the years 2014, 2013 and 2012 represent the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Advance and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Bank Overdrafts [Policy Text Block]	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Bank Overdrafts
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less. Included in cash equivalents are credit card and debit card receivables from banks, which generally settle within two to four business days. Credit and debit card receivables included in Cash and cash equivalents as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 were $28,843 and $28,828, respectively. Bank overdrafts consist of outstanding checks not yet presented to a bank for settlement, net of cash held in accounts with right of offset. Bank overdrafts of $22,015 and $5,796 are included in Other current liabilities as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Receivables
	Receivables, net consist primarily of receivables from Commercial customers and vendors. The Company grants credit to certain Commercial customers who meet the Company’s pre-established credit requirements. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s Commercial customers to make required payments. The Company considers the following factors when determining if collection is reasonably assured: customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer, current economic and industry trends and changes in customer payment terms. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to these receivables are limited because the Company’s customer base consists of a large number of small customers, spreading the credit risk across a broad base. The Company also controls this credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and accounts receivable and credit monitoring procedures.
	The Company’s vendor receivables are established as it receives concessions from its vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including allowances for new stores and warranties, volume purchase rebates and co-operative advertising. Amounts receivable from vendors also include amounts due to the Company for changeover merchandise and product returns. The Company regularly reviews vendor receivables for collectibility and assesses the need for a reserve for uncollectible amounts based on an evaluation of the vendors’ financial positions and corresponding abilities to meet financial obligations. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to vendor receivables is not significant.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory
	Inventory amounts are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost of the Company’s merchandise inventory is primarily determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. Under the LIFO method, the Company’s cost of sales reflects the costs of the most recently purchased inventories, while the inventory carrying balance represents the costs relating to prices paid in prior years.
Vendor Incentives [Policy Text Block]	Vendor Incentives
	The Company receives incentives in the form of reductions to amounts owed and/or payments from vendors related to cooperative advertising allowances, volume rebates and other promotional considerations. Many of these incentives are under long-term agreements in excess of one year, while others are negotiated on an annual basis or less (short-term). Cooperative advertising allowances provided as a reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs incurred to promote a vendor’s products are included as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, when the cost is incurred. Volume rebates and cooperative advertising allowances not meeting the requirements for offset in SG&A are recorded initially as a reduction to inventory as they are earned based on inventory purchases. These deferred amounts are included as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventory is sold. Total deferred vendor incentives included as a reduction of Inventory was $179,785 and $111,304 as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively.
	Similarly, the Company recognizes other promotional incentives earned under long-term agreements not specifically related to volume of purchases as a reduction to cost of sales. However, these incentives are not deferred as a reduction of inventory and are recognized based on the cumulative net purchases as a percentage of total estimated net purchases over the life of the agreement. Short-term incentives (terms less than one year) are generally recognized as a reduction to cost of sales over the duration of any short-term agreements.
	Amounts received or receivable from vendors that are not yet earned are reflected as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Management’s estimate of the portion of deferred revenue that will be realized within one year of the balance sheet date has been included in Other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Earned amounts that are receivable from vendors are included in Receivables and Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense, net of vendor promotional funds, was $96,463, $69,116 and $83,871 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Vendor promotional funds, which reduced advertising expense, amounted to $21,814 and $18,622 and $11,445 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Preopening Expenses [Policy Text Block]	Preopening Expenses
	Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs related to the opening of new stores, are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period of the enactment date.
	The Company recognizes tax benefits and/or tax liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as the Company must determine the probability of various possible outcomes.
	The Company reevaluates these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis or when new information becomes available to management. The reevaluations are based on many factors, including but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, successfully settled issues under audit, expirations due to statutes of limitations, and new federal or state audit activity. Any change in either the Company’s recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to the tax accrual.
	The Company also follows guidance provided on other items relevant to the accounting for income taxes throughout the year, as applicable, including derecognition of benefits, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Refer to Note 15, Income Taxes, for a further discussion of income taxes.
Self-Insurance [Policy Text Block]	Self-Insurance
	The Company is self-insured for general and automobile liability, workers’ compensation and health care claims of its employees, or Team Members, while maintaining stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit its total liability exposure. Expenses associated with these liabilities are calculated for (i) claims filed, (ii) claims incurred but not yet reported and (iii) projected future claims using actuarial methods followed in the insurance industry as well as the Company’s historical claims experience. The Company includes the current and long-term portions of its self-insurance reserves in Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities, respectively.
Warranty Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Warranty Liabilities
	The warranty obligation on the majority of merchandise sold by the Company with a manufacturer's warranty is the responsibility of the Company’s vendors. However, the Company has an obligation to provide customers free replacement of certain merchandise or merchandise at a prorated cost if under a warranty and not covered by the manufacturer. Merchandise sold with warranty coverage by the Company primarily includes batteries but may also include other parts such as brakes and shocks. The Company estimates its warranty obligation at the time of sale based on the historical return experience, sales level and cost of the respective product sold. To the extent vendors provide upfront allowances in lieu of accepting the obligation for warranty claims and the allowance is in excess of the related warranty expense, the excess is recorded as a reduction to cost of sales.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue at the time the sale is made, at which time the Company’s walk-in customers take immediate possession of the merchandise or same-day delivery is made to the Company’s commercial delivery customers, which include certain independently-owned store locations. For e-commerce sales, revenue is recognized either at the time of pick-up at one of the Company’s store locations or at the time of shipment depending on the customer’s order designation. Sales are recorded net of discounts and rebates, sales taxes and estimated returns and allowances. The Company estimates the reduction to sales and cost of sales for returns based on current sales levels and the Company’s historical return experience. The Company’s reserve for sales returns and allowances was not material as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013.
Share-Based Payments [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Payments
	The Company provides share-based compensation to its Team Members and Board of Directors. The Company is required to exercise judgment and make estimates when determining the (i) fair value of each award granted and (ii) projected number of awards expected to vest. The Company calculates the fair value of all share-based awards at the date of grant and uses the straight-line method to amortize this fair value as compensation cost over the requisite service period.
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company’s accounting policy for derivative financial instruments is based on whether the instruments meet the criteria for designation as cash flow or fair value hedges. The criteria for designating a derivative as a hedge include the assessment of the instrument’s effectiveness in risk reduction, matching of the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction and the probability that the underlying transaction will occur. For derivatives with cash flow hedge designation, the Company would recognize the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of Accumulated other income (loss) and reclassify it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affected earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction. For derivatives with fair value hedge accounting designation, the Company would recognize gains or losses from the change in the fair value of these derivatives, as well as the offsetting change in the fair value of the underlying hedged item, in earnings.
Foreign Currency Translation [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation
	The assets and liabilities of the Company's Canadian operations are translated into U.S. dollars at current exchange rates, and revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates for the fiscal year. Resulting translation adjustments are reflected as a separate component in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, which are included in Other income, net, have not been significant for any of the periods presented.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Policy Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is a measure that reports all changes in equity resulting from transactions and other economic events during the period. The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income refer to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are included in other comprehensive income but excluded from net income.
	The Company’s Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of foreign currency translation gains (losses), the net unrealized gain associated with the Company's postretirement benefit plan and the unamortized portion of the previously recorded unrecognized gains on interest rate swaps and forward treasury rate locks.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. These indicators would include a significant change in operating performance, the business climate, legal factors, competition, or a planned sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business, among other factors. The Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment in accordance with its policy for the valuation of long-lived assets.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]	Valuation of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset might not be recoverable and exceeds its fair value.
	Significant factors, which would trigger an impairment review, include the following:
	•	Significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset (asset group);
	•	Significant changes in how assets are used or are planned to be used;
	•	Significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate, including adverse regulatory action;
	•	Significant negative industry trends;
	•	An accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset (asset group);
	•	Significant changes in technology;
	•	A current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses, or a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset (asset group); or
	•	A current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset (asset group) will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life.
	When such an event occurs, the Company estimates the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the long-lived asset (asset group) and its eventual disposition. These impairment evaluations involve estimates of asset useful lives and future cash flows. If the undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value based on quoted market prices or other valuation techniques (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis).
Earnings per Share [Policy Text Block]	Earnings per Share
	The Company uses the two-class method to calculate earnings per share. Under the two-class method, unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share. Certain of the Company’s shares granted to Team Members in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units are considered participating securities.
	Accordingly, earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company’s common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Diluted income per common share reflects the more dilutive earnings per share amount calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.
	Basic earnings per share of common stock has been computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which is reduced by stock held in treasury and shares of nonvested restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Diluted earnings per share of common stock reflects the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, outstanding deferred stock units and the impact of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights (collectively “share-based awards”). Share-based awards containing performance conditions are included in the dilution impact as those conditions are met.
Lease Accounting [Policy Text Block]	Lease Accounting
	The Company leases certain store locations, distribution centers, office spaces, equipment and vehicles. The total amount of minimum rent is expensed on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease unless external economic factors exist such that renewals are reasonably assured, in which case the Company would include the renewal period in its amortization period. In those instances, the renewal period would be included in the lease term for purposes of establishing an amortization period and determining if such lease qualified as a capital or operating lease. In addition to minimum fixed rental payments, some leases provide for contingent facility rentals. Differences between the calculated rent expense and cash payments are recorded as a liability within the Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, based on the terms of the lease. Deferred rent was $60,275 and $50,638 as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively. Contingent facility rentals are determined on the basis of a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated minimums for certain store facilities as defined in the individual lease agreements. Most of the leases provide that the Company pay taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other expenses applicable to the leased premises. Management expects that in the normal course of business leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases.
Property and Equipment [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, or at fair value at acquisition if acquired through a business combination. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged directly to expense when incurred; major improvements are capitalized. When items are sold or retired, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the account balances, with any gain or loss reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Depreciation of land improvements, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment, and vehicles is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets using the straight-line method. Depreciation of building and leasehold improvements is provided over the shorter of the original useful lives of the respective assets or the term of the lease using the straight-line method.
Closed Store Liabilities and Exit Activities [Policy Text Block]	Closed Store Liabilities and Exit Activities
	The Company continually reviews the operating performance of its existing store locations and closes or relocates certain stores identified as underperforming or delivering strategically or financially unacceptable results. Expenses accrued pertaining to closed store exit activities are included in the Company’s closed store liabilities, within Accrued expenses and Other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and recognized in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations at the time the facilities actually close. Closed store liabilities include the present value of the remaining lease obligations and management’s estimate of future costs of insurance, property tax and common area maintenance expenses (reduced by the present value of estimated revenues from subleases and lease buyouts).
	From time to time closed store liability estimates require revisions, primarily due to changes in assumptions associated with revenue from subleases. The effect of accretion and changes in estimates for our closed store liabilities are included in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations at the time the changes in estimates are made.
	Employees receiving severance benefits as the result of a store closing or other restructuring activity are required to render service until they are terminated in order to receive benefits. The severance is recognized in SG&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations over the related service period. Other restructuring costs, including costs to relocate employees, are recognized in the period in which the liability is incurred.
	The Company also evaluates and determines if the results from the closure of store locations should be reported as discontinued operations based on the elimination of the operations and associated cash flows from the Company’s ongoing operations. Operations and associated cash flows transferred to another store in the local market are not considered eliminated in the evaluation of discontinued operations.
Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	The following table identifies the primary costs classified in each major expense category:
	Cost of Sales
	Ÿ	Total cost of merchandise sold including:
		-	Freight expenses associated with moving
			merchandise inventories from our vendors to
			our distribution center,
		-	Vendor incentives, and
		-	Cash discounts on payments to vendors;
	Ÿ	Inventory shrinkage;
	Ÿ	Defective merchandise and warranty costs;
	Ÿ	Costs associated with operating our distribution
		network, including payroll and benefit costs,
		occupancy costs and depreciation; and
	Ÿ	Freight and other handling costs associated with
		moving merchandise inventories through our
		supply chain
		-	From our distribution centers to our store and
			branch locations and customers, and
		-	From certain of our larger stores which stock a
			wider variety and greater supply of inventory (“HUB
			stores”) to our stores after the customer has
			special-ordered the merchandise.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Sales and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	The following table identifies the primary costs classified in each major expense category:
				SG&A
				Ÿ	Payroll and benefit costs for store and corporate
					Team Members;
				Ÿ	Occupancy costs of store and corporate facilities;
				Ÿ	Depreciation and amortization related to store and
					corporate assets;
				Ÿ	Advertising;
				Ÿ	Costs associated with our Commercial delivery
					program, including payroll and benefit costs,
					and transportation expenses associated with moving
					merchandise inventories from our stores and branches to
					our customer locations;
				Ÿ	Self-insurance costs;
				Ÿ	Professional services;
				Ÿ	Other administrative costs, such as credit card
					service fees, supplies, travel and lodging;
				Ÿ	Closed store expense;
				Ÿ	Impairment charges;
				Ÿ	GPI acquisition-related expenses and integration costs;
					and
				Ÿ	BWP acquisition-related expenses and integration costs.
New Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standard Update, or ASU, 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern." This new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This ASU is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In June 2014, the FASB, issued ASU 2014-12 “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that expands disclosure requirements and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08 "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Equity", which amends the definition of a discontinued operation in Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 205-20 and requires entities to provide additional disclosures about discontinued operations as well as disposal transactions that do not meet the discontinued operations criteria. The new guidance changes the definition of a discontinued operation and requires discontinued operations treatment for disposals of a component or group of components that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity’s operations or financial results. The ASU is effective prospectively for all disposals (except disposals classified as held for sale before the adoption date) or components initially classified as held for sale in periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014; earlier adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance affects prospective presentation of disposals and therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11 “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.”  Under ASU 2013-11 an entity is required to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in its financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. If a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance affects presentation only and, therefore, had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Self-insurance reserves [Table Text Block]	The following table presents changes in the Company’s total self-insurance reserves:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Self-insurance reserves, beginning of period	$	98,475		$	94,548		$	98,944
	Additions to self-insurance reserves	159,752			120,782			105,670
	Acquired reserves	41,673			4,195			—
	Reserves utilized	(162,867		)	(121,050		)	(110,066		)
	Self-insurance reserves, end of period	$	137,033		$	98,475		$	94,548

Inventories_net_Tables

Inventories, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventory balances at the end of 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Inventories at FIFO, net	$	3,814,123		$	2,424,795
	Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO	122,832			131,762
	Inventories at LIFO, net	$	3,936,955		$	2,556,557
Inventory Reserves [Table Text Block]	The following table presents changes in the Company’s inventory reserves for years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
	Inventory reserves, beginning of period	$	37,523		$	31,418		$	30,786
	Additions to inventory reserves	92,773			65,466			72,852
	Reserves utilized	(80,857		)	(59,361		)	(72,220		)
	Inventory reserves, end of period	$	49,439		$	37,523		$	31,418

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the consideration paid for GPI and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date:
	Total Consideration	$	2,080,804
	Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,176
	Receivables	255,997
	Inventory	1,159,886
	Other current assets	118,871
	Property, plant and equipment	162,545
	Intangible assets	756,571
	Other assets	1,741
	Accounts payable	(704,006		)
	Accrued and other current liabilities	(136,784		)
	Long-term liabilities	(356,584		)
	Total identifiable net assets	1,283,413
	Goodwill	797,391
	Total acquired net assets	$	2,080,804
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information combines the respective measure of the Company for Fiscal 2013 and GPI for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. The pro forma financial information has been prepared by adjusting the historical data to give effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on December 30, 2012 (the first day of the Company's fiscal 2013).
		December 28,
		2013
		(52 weeks)
	Pro forma:
	Net sales	$	9,456,405
	Net income	$	428,562
	Basic earnings per share	$	5.88
	Diluted earnings per share	$	5.84

Exit_Activities_and_Impairment1

Exit Activities and Impairment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]	A summary of the Company’s restructuring liabilities, which are recorded in accrued expenses (current portion) and long-term liabilities (long-term portion) in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet, are presented in the following table:
		Closed Store Lease Obligations			Severance			Relocation and Other Exit Costs			Total
	For the year ended January 3, 2015:
	Balance, December 28, 2013	$	11,212		$	—		$	—		$	11,212
	Reserves acquired with GPI	3,455			—			—			3,455
	Reserves established	11,138			8,038			7,053			26,229
	Change in estimates	1,053			(1,307		)	—			(254		)
	Cash payments	(7,588		)	(927		)	(5,237		)	(13,752		)
	Balance, January 3, 2015	$	19,270		$	5,804		$	1,816		$	26,890

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Goodwill
	The following table reflects the carrying amount of goodwill and the changes in goodwill carrying amounts.
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
		(53 weeks ended)			(52 weeks ended)
	Goodwill, beginning of period	$	199,835		$	76,389
	Acquisitions	798,043			123,446
	Changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(2,452		)	—
	Goodwill, end of period	$	995,426		$	199,835
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired intangible assets as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013 are comprised of the following:
			January 3, 2015								December 28, 2013
			Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated			Net
						Amortization							Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets:
	Customer relationships		$	362,483		$	(40,609	)	$	321,874	$	33,601	$	(10,309	)	$	23,292
	Acquired technology		8,850			(8,569		)	281		8,850		(6,381		)	2,469
	Favorable leases		56,342			(11,939		)	44,403		—		—			—
	Non-compete and other		56,780			(14,596		)	42,184		6,085		(2,524		)	3,561
			484,455			(75,713		)	408,742		48,536		(19,214		)	29,322
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Brands, trademark and tradenames		339,383			—			339,383		20,550		—			20,550
	Total intangible assets		$	823,838		$	(75,713	)	$	748,125	$	69,086	$	(19,214	)	$	49,872
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The table below shows expected amortization expense for the next five years for acquired intangible assets recorded as of January 3, 2015:
	Fiscal Year		Amount
	2015		$	52,115
	2016		48,312
	2017		45,959
	2018		42,948
	2019		32,187
	Thereafter		187,221

Receivables_net_Tables

Receivables, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block]	Receivables consist of the following:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Trade	$	360,922		$	145,670
	Vendor	222,476			138,336
	Other	12,579			6,884
	Total receivables	595,977			290,890
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(16,152		)	(13,295		)
	Receivables, net	$	579,825		$	277,595

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Long-term debt consists of the following:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013
	Revolving facility at variable interest rates (2.45% and 1.47% at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due December 5, 2018	$	93,400		$	—
	Term loan at variable interest rates (1.72% and 1.67% at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due January 2, 2019	490,000			—
	5.75% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $746 and $865 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due May 1, 2020	299,254			299,135
	4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $72 and $80 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively) due January 15, 2022	299,928			299,920
	4.50% Senior Unsecured Notes (net of unamortized discount of $1,271 and $1,387 at January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013) due December 1, 2023	448,729			448,613
	Other	5,582			5,916
		1,636,893			1,053,584
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt	(582		)	(916		)
	Long-term debt, excluding current portion	$	1,636,311		$	1,052,668
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	The Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time or from time to time, at the redemption price described in the Indenture. In addition, in the event of a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the Indenture for the Notes), the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date. The Notes are currently fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsubordinated and unsecured basis by each of the subsidiary guarantors. The Company will be permitted to release guarantees without the consent of holders of the Notes under the circumstances described in the Indenture: (i) upon the release of the guarantee of the Company’s other debt that resulted in the affected subsidiary becoming a guarantor of this debt; (ii) upon the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the stock or assets of the subsidiary guarantor; or (iii) upon the Company’s exercise of its legal or covenant defeasance option.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	As of January 3, 2015, the aggregate future annual maturities of long-term debt instruments are as follows:
	Fiscal		Amount
	Year
	2015		$	582
	2016		—
	2017		35,000
	2018		163,400
	2019		385,000
	Thereafter		1,052,911
			$	1,636,893

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the Company’s financial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013:
				Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
				Active Markets for		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
				Identical Assets				Inputs
	As of December 28, 2013:
	Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	$	9,475	$	—	$	—	$	9,475
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, excluding the current portion, as of January 3, 2015 and December 28, 2013, respectively, are as follows:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Carrying Value	$	1,636,311	$	1,052,668
	Fair Value	$	1,728,000	$	1,086,000

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		Original	January 3,			December 28,
		Useful Lives	2015			2013
	Land and land improvements	0 - 10 years	$	438,638		$	418,207
	Buildings	30 - 40 years	460,187			445,820
	Building and leasehold improvements	3 - 30 years	394,259			336,685
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3 - 20 years	1,402,563			1,244,456
	Vehicles	2 - 13 years	37,051			18,291
	Construction in progress		71,691			75,985
			2,804,389			2,539,444
	Less - Accumulated depreciation		(1,372,359		)	(1,255,474		)
	Property and equipment, net		$	1,432,030		$	1,283,970

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued expenses consist of the following:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Payroll and related benefits	$	116,198		$	101,576
	Warranty reserves	47,972			39,512
	Capital expenditures	29,780			20,714
	Self-insurance reserves	58,899			45,504
	Taxes payable	87,473			82,179
	Other	180,351			139,140
	Total accrued expenses	$	520,673		$	428,625
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	The following table presents changes in the Company’s warranty reserves:
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
	Warranty reserves, beginning of period	$	39,512		$	38,425		$	38,847
	Reserves acquired with GPI	4,490			—			—
	Additions to warranty reserves	52,306			42,380			40,766
	Reserves utilized	(48,336		)	(41,293		)	(41,188		)
	Warranty reserves, end of period	$	47,972		$	39,512		$	38,425

Other_Current_and_Longterm_Lia1

Other Current and Long-term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Other current liabilities consist of the following:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Deferred income taxes	$	89,173	$	135,754
	Other	37,273		18,876
	Total other current liabilities	$	126,446	$	154,630
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
		January 3,		December 28,
		2015		2013
	Deferred income taxes	$	360,903	$	91,957
	Self-insurance reserves	78,134		52,971
	Deferred rent	55,153		47,851
	Unfavorable leases	45,259		—
	Other	40,620		38,337
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	580,069	$	231,116

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
		2014			2013			2012
	Numerator
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	493,825		$	391,758		$	387,670
	Participating securities’ share in earnings	(1,555		)	(895		)	(870		)
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	492,270		$	390,863		$	386,800
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares	72,932			72,930			73,091
	Dilutive impact of share-based awards	482			484			971
	Diluted weighted average common shares	73,414			73,414			74,062
	Basic earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common stockholders	$	6.75		$	5.36		$	5.29
	Diluted earnings per common share
	Net income applicable to common stockholders	$	6.71		$	5.32		$	5.22

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes current and deferred [Table Text Block]	Provision for income taxes for 2014, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
		Current			Deferred			Total
	2014
	Federal	$	204,743		$	45,389		$	250,132
	State	19,359			4,830			24,189
	Foreign	14,999			(1,751		)	13,248
		$	239,101		$	48,468		$	287,569
	2013
	Federal	$	202,784		$	(1,898	)	$	200,886
	State	25,287			(339		)	24,948
	Foreign	8,806			—			8,806
		$	236,877		$	(2,237	)	$	234,640
	2012
	Federal	$	185,564		$	21,940		$	207,504
	State	20,116			4,953			25,069
	Foreign	3,831			—			3,831
		$	209,511		$	26,893		$	236,404
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax
	rate due to:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Income before provision for income taxes at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate (35%)	$	273,488		$	219,239		$	218,426
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	15,723			16,216			16,295
	Other, net	(1,642		)	(815		)	1,683
		$	287,569		$	234,640		$	236,404
Net deferred income tax liabilities [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income taxes reflect the net income tax effect of temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes. Net deferred income tax balances are comprised of the following:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Deferred income tax assets	$	151,997		$	101,979
	Valuation allowance	(5,084		)	(1,557		)
	Deferred income tax liabilities	(593,264		)	(321,778		)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	$	(446,351	)	$	(221,356	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Temporary differences which give rise to significant deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
		January 3,			December 28,
		2015			2013
	Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Inventory valuation differences	$	(156,703	)	$	(178,201	)
	Accrued medical and workers compensation	14,250			9,370
	Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax	48,684			28,501
	Other, net	5,119			5,612
	Total current deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$	(88,650	)	$	(134,718	)
	Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
	Property and equipment	$	(181,511	)	$	(143,577	)
	Share-based compensation	13,721			10,733
	Accrued medical and workers compensation	30,424			20,532
	Net operating loss carryforwards	7,233			3,426
	Straight-line rent	21,431			20,784
	Intangible assets	(255,050		)	(10,961		)
	Other, net	6,051			12,425
	Total long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$	(357,701	)	$	(86,638	)
Unrecognized tax benefits [Table Text Block]	The following table lists each category and summarizes the activity of the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012:
		January 3,			December 28,			December 29,
		2015			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	$	18,458		$	16,708		$	24,711
	Increases related to prior period tax positions	—			—			702
	Decreases related to prior period tax positions	(4,841		)	(1,313		)	(9,629		)
	Increases related to current period tax positions	4,329			3,678			3,985
	Settlements	(2,345		)	—			(1,111		)
	Expiration of statute of limitations	(1,568		)	(615		)	(1,950		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	$	14,033		$	18,458		$	16,708

Lease_Commitments_Tables

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	As of January 3, 2015, future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms extending through the year 2059 are as follows:
	Fiscal Year	Amount
	2015	$	460,655
	2016	439,530
	2017	402,581
	2018	363,154
	2019	317,982
	Thereafter	1,262,623
		$	3,246,525
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]	Net rent expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		January 3, 2015			December 28, 2013			December 29, 2012
	Minimum facility rentals	$	463,345		$	328,581		$	300,552
	Contingency facility rentals	488			578			907
	Equipment rentals	8,230			5,333			5,027
	Vehicle rentals	53,300			29,100			18,401
		525,363			363,592			324,887
	Less: Sub-lease income	(9,966		)	(5,983		)	(4,600		)
		$	515,397		$	357,609		$	320,287

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share based compensation expense related to cash flow [Table Text Block]	Total share-based compensation expense and cash received included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows, including the related income tax benefits, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
			2014				2013				2012
	Share-based compensation expense		$	21,705			$	13,191			$	15,236
	Deferred income tax benefit		8,013				4,991				5,774
	Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options		6,578				3,611				8,495
	Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights		(7,102		)		(21,856		)		(26,677		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation		10,487				16,320				23,099
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair value of each SAR was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
	Black-Scholes Option Valuation Assumptions		2014			2013			2012
	Risk-free interest rate (1)		1.2	%		1.1	%		0.5	%
	Expected dividend yield		0.2	%		0.3	%		0.3	%
	Expected stock price volatility (2)		27	%		26.9	%		33.2	%
	Expected life of awards (in months) (3)		49			49			49
	(1)	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate having term consistent with the expected life of the award.
	(2)	Expected volatility is determined using a blend of historical and implied volatility.
	(3)	The expected life of the Company's awards represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of previously granted awards.
Time-Based Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the time-vested SARs activity for 2014:
			Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013		1,090			$	61.79
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		(243	)		54.88
	Forfeited		(21	)		67.71
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015		826			$	63.68			3.54		$	78,332
	Vested and expected to vest		823			$	63.64			3.54		$	78,107
	Outstanding and exercisable		714			$	61.92			3.32		$	69,033
Time-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the RSU and restricted stock activity for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015:
			Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 28, 2013		210			$	91.44
	Granted		190			139.43
	Vested		(94	)		87.93
	Forfeited		(23	)		103.75
	Nonvested at January 3, 2015		283			$	123.89
Performance-Based Stock Appreciation Rights, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the performance-based SARs activity for 2014:
		Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 28, 2013	520			$	78.21
	Granted	303			141.57
	Change in units based on performance	(48	)		90.57
	Exercised	(39	)		35.18
	Forfeited	(107	)		68.97
	Outstanding at January 3, 2015	629			$	112.01			5.47		$	29,285
	Vested and expected to vest	533			$	108.17			4.97		$	26,864
	Outstanding and exercisable	92			$	36.91			1.84		$	11,152
Performance-Based Restricted Stock, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the performance-based RSUs activity for 2014:
			Number of Awards			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 28, 2013		182			$	75.36
	Granted		19			123.32
	Change in units based on performance		6			104.87
	Vested		(2	)		74.43
	Forfeited		(10	)		76.09
	Nonvested at January 3, 2015		195			$	81.98

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
		Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Gain (Loss)			Currency			Accumulated
		(Loss) on Hedging			on Postretirement			Translation			Other
		Arrangements			Plan						Comprehensive
											Income (Loss)
	Balance, December 31, 2011	$	(254	)	$	3,058		$	—		$	2,804
	Fiscal 2012 activity	254			(391		)	—			(137		)
	Balance, December 29, 2012	$	—		$	2,667		$	—		$	2,667
	Fiscal 2013 activity	—			1,016			—			1,016
	Balance, December 28, 2013	$	—		$	3,683		$	—		$	3,683
	Fiscal 2014 activity	—			(752		)	(15,268		)	(16,020		)
	Balance, January 3, 2015	$	—		$	2,931		$	(15,268	)	$	(12,337	)

Segment_and_Related_Informatio1

Segment and Related Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes financial information for each of the Company’s product groups for the years ended January 3, 2015, December 28, 2013 and December 29, 2012, respectively.
		2014		2013		2012
	Percentage of Sales, by Product Group
	Parts and Batteries	69	%	67	%	65	%
	Accessories	13	%	14	%	14	%
	Chemicals	8	%	10	%	10	%
	Oil	8	%	9	%	10	%
	Other	2	%	—	%	1	%
	Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
	As of January 3, 2015
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Assets
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	9		$	65,345		$	39,326		$	(9	)	$	104,671
	Receivables, net	—			549,151			30,674			—			579,825
	Inventories, net	—			3,771,816			165,139			—			3,936,955
	Other current assets	4,102			113,003			3,383			(899		)	119,589
	Total current assets	4,111			4,499,315			238,522			(908		)	4,741,040
	Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	2			1,421,325			10,703			—			1,432,030
	Assets held for sale	—			615			—			—			615
	Goodwill	—			940,817			54,609			—			995,426
	Intangible assets, net	—			689,745			58,380			—			748,125
	Other assets, net	12,963			36,762			683			(5,286		)	45,122
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,057,761			280,014			—			(2,337,775		)	—
	Intercompany note receivable	1,047,911			—			—			(1,047,911		)	—
	Due from intercompany, net	—			—			211,908			(211,908		)	—
		$	3,122,748		$	7,868,593		$	574,805		$	(3,603,788	)	$	7,962,358
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of long-term debt	$	—		$	582		$	—		$	—		$	582
	Accounts payable	—			2,845,043			250,322			—			3,095,365
	Accrued expenses	4,884			498,505			17,284			—			520,673
	Other current liabilities	—			115,497			11,857			(908		)	126,446
	Total current liabilities	4,884			3,459,627			279,463			(908		)	3,743,066
	Long-term debt	1,047,911			588,400			—			—			1,636,311
	Other long-term liabilities	—			570,027			15,328			(5,286		)	580,069
	Intercompany note payable	—			1,047,911			—			(1,047,911		)	—
	Due to intercompany, net	67,041			144,867			—			(211,908		)	—
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders' equity	2,002,912			2,057,761			280,014			(2,337,775		)	2,002,912
		$	3,122,748		$	7,868,593		$	574,805		$	(3,603,788	)	$	7,962,358
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	For Fiscal 2014
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	—		$	9,530,953		$	527,595		$	(214,687	)	$	9,843,861
	Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs	—			5,231,421			373,514			(214,687		)	5,390,248
	Gross profit	—			4,299,532			154,081			—			4,453,613
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	14,504			3,541,370			102,370			(56,341		)	3,601,903
	Operating (loss) income	(14,504		)	758,162			51,711			56,341			851,710
	Other, net:
	Interest expense	(52,946		)	(20,334		)	(128		)	—			(73,408		)
	Other income (expense), net	67,470			(9,140		)	1,103			(56,341		)	3,092
	Total other, net	14,524			(29,474		)	975			(56,341		)	(70,316		)
	Income before provision for income taxes	20			728,688			52,686			—			781,394
	Provision for income taxes	296			277,769			9,504			—			287,569
	(Loss) income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	(276		)	450,919			43,182			—			493,825
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	494,101			43,182			—			(537,283		)	—
	Net income	$	493,825		$	494,101		$	43,182		$	(537,283	)	$	493,825
Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income
	For Fiscal 2014
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net income	$	493,825		$	494,101		$	43,182		$	(537,283	)	$	493,825
	Other comprehensive loss:
	Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs	—			(752		)	—			—			(752		)
	Currency translation	—			—			(15,268		)	—			(15,268		)
	Equity in other comprehensive loss of subsidiaries	(16,020		)	(15,268		)	—			31,288			—
	Other comprehensive loss	(16,020		)	(16,020		)	(15,268		)	31,288			(16,020		)
	Comprehensive income	$	477,805		$	478,081		$	27,914		$	(505,995	)	$	477,805
Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	For Fiscal 2014
		Advance Auto Parts, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	—		$	666,566		$	42,425		$	—		$	708,991
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment	—			(224,894		)	(3,552		)	—			(228,446		)
	Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(2,059,987		)	(796		)	—			(2,060,783		)
	Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	—			974			18			—			992
	Net cash used in investing activities	—			(2,283,907		)	(4,330		)	—			(2,288,237		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Increase in bank overdrafts	—			16,228			—			(9		)	16,219
	Borrowings under credit facilities	—			2,238,200			—			—			2,238,200
	Payments on credit facilities	—			(1,654,800		)	—			—			(1,654,800		)
	Dividends paid	—			(17,580		)	—			—			(17,580		)
	Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	—			6,578			—			—			6,578
	Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	—			(7,102		)	—			—			(7,102		)
	Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	—			10,487			—			—			10,487
	Repurchase of common stock	—			(5,154		)	—			—			(5,154		)
	Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	—			(10,047		)	—			—			(10,047		)
	Other	—			(890		)	—			—			(890		)
	Net cash provided by financing activities	—			575,920			—			(9		)	575,911
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(4,465		)	—			(4,465		)
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(1,041,421		)	33,630			(9		)	(1,007,800		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	9			1,106,766			5,696			—			1,112,471
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	9		$	65,345		$	39,326		$	(9	)	$	104,671

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes quarterly financial data for Fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	2014	First		Second		Third		Fourth
		(16 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(13 weeks)
	Net sales	$	2,969,499	$	2,347,697	$	2,289,456	$	2,237,209
	Gross profit	1,353,122		1,062,108		1,034,442		1,003,941
	Net income	147,726		139,488		122,177		84,434
	Basic earnings per share	2.02		1.91		1.67		1.15
	Diluted earnings per share	2.01		1.89		1.66		1.15
	2013	First		Second		Third		Fourth
		(16 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(12 weeks)		(12 weeks)
	Net sales	$	2,015,304	$	1,549,553	$	1,520,144	$	1,408,813
	Gross profit	1,008,206		779,223		762,940		701,777
	Net income	121,790		116,871		103,830		49,267
	Basic earnings per share	1.66		1.6		1.42		0.68
	Diluted earnings per share	1.65		1.59		1.42		0.67
	Note: Quarterly and year-to-date computations of per share amounts are made independently. Therefore, the sum of per share amounts for the quarters may not be equal to the per share amount for the year.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable [Table Text Block]
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:		Balance at		Charges to		Deductions				Other			Balance at
			Beginning		Expenses									End of
			of Period											Period
	December 29, 2012		$	4,056	$	4,127	$	(2,264	)	(1)	$	—		$	5,919
	December 28, 2013		5,919		11,955		(4,995		)	(1)	416		(2)	13,295
	January 3, 2015		13,295		17,182		(14,325		)	(1)	—			16,152
	(1)	Accounts written off during the period. These amounts did not impact the Company’s statement of operations for any year presented.

Organization_and_Description_o1

Organization and Description of Business (Details)	Jan. 03, 2015
Stores [Member]
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of Stores	5,261
Branches [Member]
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of Stores	111
Store locations with delivery service [Member]
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of Stores	4,981
Independently-owned Carquest store locations [Member]
Organization and Description of Business [Line Items]
Number of Stores	1,325

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Credit and Debit Card Receivables, at Carrying Value	$28,843	$28,828
Bank overdrafts	22,015	5,796
Deferred vendor incentives included in inventory	179,785	111,304
Advertising Expense	96,463	69,116	83,871
Cooperative Advertising Amount	21,814	18,622	11,445
Self-insurance reserves [Line Items]
Self-insurance reserves, beginning of period	98,475	94,548	98,944
Self-insurance reserves, end of period	137,033	98,475	94,548
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	11,819
Deferred Rent Credit	60,275	50,638
Additions to self-insurance reserves [Member]
Self-insurance reserves [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in self-insurance reserves	159,752	120,782	105,670
Acquired reserves [Member]
Self-insurance reserves [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in self-insurance reserves	41,673	4,195	0
Reserves utilized [Member]
Self-insurance reserves [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in self-insurance reserves	($162,867)	($121,050)	($110,066)

Inventories_net_Details

Inventories, net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Inventory [Line Items]
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	88.00%	95.00%
Inventory, LIFO Reserve, Effect on Income, Net	($8,930)	$5,572	$24,087
Purchasing and Warehousing costs included in inventory	321,856	161,519
Inventories at FIFO, net	3,814,123	2,424,795
Adjustments to state inventories at LIFO	122,832	131,762
Inventories at LIFO, net	3,936,955	2,556,557
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Inventory reserves, beginning of period	37,523	31,418	30,786
Additions to inventory reserves	92,773	65,466	72,852
Reserves utilized	-80,857	-59,361	-72,220
Inventory reserves, end of period	$49,439	$37,523	$31,418

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 05, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 20, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Jan. 02, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$2,237,209	$2,289,456	$2,347,697	$1,408,813	$1,520,144	$1,549,553	$2,969,499	$2,015,304	$9,843,861	$6,493,814	$6,205,003
Net income	84,434	122,177	139,488	49,267	103,830	116,871	147,726	121,790	493,825	391,758	387,670
Goodwill	995,426			199,835					995,426	199,835	76,389
Off-market Lease, Unfavorable	45,259			0					45,259	0
Pro forma net sales										9,456,405
Pro forma net income										428,562
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic										$5.88
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted										$5.84
Business Combination, Elimination of deferred gain from sale leaseback transaction										6,385
Business Combination, elimination of transaction fees										26,970
Goodwill, Acquired During Period									798,043	123,446
Carquest stores acquired by AAP in acquisition [Member] [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores												1,233
GPI Worldpac [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores												103
GPI [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of States in which Entity Operates												45
Total consideration												2,080,804
Cash paid to shareholders in acquisition												1,307,991
Repayment of GPI debt												694,301
Amount paid for make-whole fees and transaction related fees												78,512
Term Loan Payable												700,000
Revolving Credit Facility, amount outstanding												306,046
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs									0	26,970
Net sales									3,040,493
Net income									58,535
Escrow Deposit												200,881
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date												4,283
Cash and cash equivalents												25,176
Receivables												255,997
Inventory												1,159,886
Other current assets												118,871
Property, plant and equipment												162,545
Intangible assets												756,571
Other assets												1,741
Accounts payable												-704,006
Accrued and other current liabilities												-136,784
Long-term liabilities												-356,584
Total identifiable net assets												1,283,413
Goodwill												797,391
Total acquired net assets												2,080,804
Off-market Lease, Favorable												56,465
Off-market Lease, Unfavorable												48,604
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value												255,997
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount												269,006
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Estimated Uncollectible												13,009
Goodwill, Acquired During Period									797,391
Carquest indepently owned locations [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores												1,400
B.W.P. Distributors, Inc. stores operated prior to acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores				216						216
BWP Distribution Centers AAP will transfer the rights to distribute [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores													1
BWP stores AAP will transfer the rights to distribute [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores													92
BWP stores acquired by AAP in acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores													124
BWP Distribution Centers acquired by AAP in acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores													2
BWP [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration										187,109
Business acquisition, expected proceeds from sale of certain assets				16,798						16,798
Goodwill, Acquired During Period										123,446
Following GPI acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Stores	9								9
Total consideration									5,155
Goodwill, Acquired During Period									$652

Exit_Activities_and_Impairment2

Exit Activities and Impairment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning of period	$11,212
Reserves acquired with GPI	3,455
Reserves established	26,229
Change in estimates	-254
Cash payments	-13,752
Restructuring Reserve, end of period	26,890
Office Consolidation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	28,800
BWP stores consolidated [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	34
BWP stores converted [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	19
Number of Florida AI stores prior to consolidation plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	40
AI stores remaining to convert to AAP stores in Florida [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	7
Carquest consolidations completed [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	98
Carquest conversions completed [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	10
AI stores approved to consolidate [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stores	33
Closed Store Lease Obligations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	5,500
Restructuring Reserve, beginning of period	11,212
Reserves acquired with GPI	3,455
Reserves established	11,138
Change in estimates	1,053
Cash payments	-7,588
Restructuring Reserve, end of period	19,270
Closed Store Lease Obligations [Member] | Carquest consolidations completed [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	5,812
Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning of period	0
Reserves acquired with GPI	0
Reserves established	8,038
Change in estimates	-1,307
Cash payments	-927
Restructuring Reserve, end of period	5,804
Severance [Member] | Office Consolidation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	11,200
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	6,731
Relocation and Other Exit Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, beginning of period	0
Reserves acquired with GPI	0
Reserves established	7,053
Change in estimates	0
Cash payments	-5,237
Restructuring Reserve, end of period	1,816
Relocation and Other Exit Costs [Member] | Office Consolidation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	17,600
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$7,053

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Jan. 02, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquisitions	$798,043	$123,446
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	199,835	76,389
Goodwill, Acquisitions	798,043	123,446
Goodwill, changes in foreign currency exchange rates	-2,452	0
Goodwill, end of period	995,426	199,835
2015	52,115
2016	48,312
2017	45,959
2018	42,948
2019	32,187
Thereafter	187,221
GPI [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquisitions	797,391
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period			797,391
Goodwill, Acquisitions	797,391
Goodwill, end of period			797,391
Following GPI acquisition [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of Stores	9
Goodwill, Acquisitions	652
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquisitions	652
BWP [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquisitions		123,446
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquisitions		$123,446

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Asset_

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$484,455	$48,536
Accumulated Amortization	-75,713	-19,214
Net	408,742	29,322
Indefinite-Lived Trademarks	339,383	20,550
Intangible Assets, gross (excluding goodwill)	823,838	69,086
Additions	757,453	29,001
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		2,244
Amortization Expense	56,499	7,974	3,635
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	748,125	49,872
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	362,483	33,601
Accumulated Amortization	-40,609	-10,309
Net	321,874	23,292
Additions	330,293	23,801
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years	12 years
Acquired Technology
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	8,850	8,850
Accumulated Amortization	-8,569	-6,381
Net	281	2,469
Favorable Leases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	56,342	0
Accumulated Amortization	-11,939	0
Net	44,403	0
Additions	56,465
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	4 years 6 months
Non-Compete and Other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	56,780	6,085
Accumulated Amortization	-14,596	-2,524
Net	42,184	3,561
Additions	50,695	5,200
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years	3 years 4 months 24 days
Brands, Trademark and Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Additions	$320,000

Receivables_net_Details

Receivables, net (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total receivables	$595,977	$290,890
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-16,152	-13,295
Receivables, net	579,825	277,595
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total receivables	360,922	145,670
Accounts Receivable, Vendor [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total receivables	222,476	138,336
Accounts Receivable, Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total receivables	$12,579	$6,884

Longterm_Debt_Details

Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Apr. 26, 2010	Jan. 11, 2012	Dec. 03, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$1,636,893	$1,053,584
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-582	-916
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	1,636,311	1,052,668
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	124,334
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	782,266
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.20%
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	33,606
Guarantor Obligations, Collateral Held	71,997
Indenture provisions for events of default	The Indenture contains customary provisions for events of default including for: (i) failure to pay principal or interest when due and payable; (ii) failure to comply with covenants or agreements in the Indenture or the Notes and failure to cure or obtain a waiver of such default upon notice; (iii) a default under any debt for money borrowed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that results in acceleration of the maturity of such debt, or failure to pay any such debt within any applicable grace period after final stated maturity, in an aggregate amount greater than $25,000 without such debt having been discharged or acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within 10 days after receipt by the Company of notice of the default by the Trustee or holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding; and (iv) events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization affecting the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. In the case of an event of default, the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest may be accelerated. The Indenture also contains covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur debt secured by liens and to enter into sale and lease-back transactions.
2015	582
2016	0
2017	35,000
2018	163,400
2019	385,000
Thereafter	1,052,911
5.75% senior unsecured notes (2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			300,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	746	865
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.75%
Debt issuance, percentage of principal			99.59%
4.50% senior unsecured notes (2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				300,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	72	80
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				4.50%
Debt issuance, percentage of principal				99.97%
4.50% senior unsecured notes (2023 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					450,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	1,271	1,387
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					4.50%
Debt issuance, percentage of principal					99.69%
Net proceeds from note offering after deducting fees		445,200
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	93,400	0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	2.45%	1.47%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,000,000
line of credit facility increase increment limit	250,000
Total line of credit commitment allowed	1,250,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.30%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.30%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | letters of credit sublimit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | swingline sublimit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	490,000	0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.72%	1.67%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	700,000
Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Term Loan [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.75% senior unsecured notes (2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	299,254	299,135
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.50% senior unsecured notes (2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	299,928	299,920
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.50% senior unsecured notes (2023 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	448,729	448,613
Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$5,582	$5,916

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Table (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	$9,475
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions	$9,475

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$1,636,311	$1,052,668
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value	$1,728,000	$1,086,000

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Gross	$2,804,389	$2,539,444
Accumulated Depreciation	-1,372,359	-1,255,474
Property and Equipment, Net	1,432,030	1,283,970
Depreciation	235,040	199,821	185,909
Capitalized software development costs	11,436	11,534	10,026
Software Development [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	three to five years
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	0 - 10 years
Property and Equipment, Gross	438,638	418,207
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	30 - 40 years
Property and Equipment, Gross	460,187	445,820
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3 - 30 years
Property and Equipment, Gross	394,259	336,685
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3 - 20 years
Property and Equipment, Gross	1,402,563	1,244,456
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2 - 13 years
Property and Equipment, Gross	37,051	18,291
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, Gross	$71,691	$75,985

Accrued_Expenses_Details

Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Payroll and related benefits	$116,198	$101,576
Warranty reserves	47,972	39,512	38,425
Capital expenditures	29,780	20,714
Self-insurance reserves	58,899	45,504
Taxes payable	87,473	82,179
Other	180,351	139,140
Total accrued expenses	520,673	428,625
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Warranty reserves, beginning of period	39,512	38,425	38,847
Reserves acquired with GPI	4,490	0	0
Additions to warranty reserves	52,306	42,380	40,766
Reserves utilized	-48,336	-41,293	-41,188
Warranty reserves, end of period	$47,972	$39,512	$38,425

Other_Current_and_Longterm_Lia2

Other Current and Long-term Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes, current	$89,173	$135,754
Other	37,273	18,876
Total other current liabilities	126,446	154,630
Deferred income taxes, long-term	360,903	91,957
Self-insurance reserves	78,134	52,971
Deferred rent	55,153	47,851
Unfavorable leases	45,259	0
Other	40,620	38,337
Total other long-term liabilities	$580,069	$231,116

Stock_Repurchases_Details

Stock Repurchases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$5,154	$80,795	$27,095
Net Settlement of Shares Issued as a Result of the Vesting of Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	35	38
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	5,154	3,502
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$148.85	$91.78
Stock Repurchase Plan (current year shares) [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	500,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		998
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		77,293
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share		$77.47
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$415,092

Earnings_per_Share_Details

Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 05, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 20, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$84,434	$122,177	$139,488	$49,267	$103,830	$116,871	$147,726	$121,790	$493,825	$391,758	$387,670
Participating securities' share in earnings									-1,555	-895	-870
Net income applicable to common shares									$492,270	$390,863	$386,800
Basic weighted average common shares									72,932	72,930	73,091
Dilutive impact of share-based awards									482	484	971
Diluted weighted average common shares									73,414	73,414	74,062
Basic earnings per common share, Net income applicable to common stockholders	$1.15	$1.67	$1.91	$0.68	$1.42	$1.60	$2.02	$1.66	$6.75	$5.36	$5.29
Diluted earnings per common share, Net income applicable to common stockholders	$1.15	$1.66	$1.89	$0.67	$1.42	$1.59	$2.01	$1.65	$6.71	$5.32	$5.22
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									13	75	221

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	$204,743	$202,784	$185,564
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	45,389	-1,898	21,940
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	250,132	200,886	207,504
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	19,359	25,287	20,116
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	4,830	-339	4,953
State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	24,189	24,948	25,069
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	14,999	8,806	3,831
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-1,751	0	0
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	13,248	8,806	3,831
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	239,101	236,877	209,511
Deferred income tax benefit	48,468	-2,237	26,893
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	287,569	234,640	236,404
Income before provision for income taxes at statutory US federal income tax rate (35%)	273,488	219,239	218,426
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	15,723	16,216	16,295
Other, net	-1,642	-815	1,683
Deferred income tax assets	151,997	101,979
Valuation allowance	-5,084	-1,557
Deferred income tax liabilities	-593,264	-321,778
Net deferred income tax liabilities	-446,351	-221,356
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic	1,297	2,207
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	6,847	2,130
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	108,000
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Current	-89,173	-135,754
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent	-360,903	-91,957
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period	18,458	16,708	24,711
Increases related to prior period tax positions	0	0	702
Decreases related to prior period tax positions	-4,841	-1,313	-9,629
Increases related to current period tax positions	4,329	3,678	3,985
Settlements	-2,345	0	-1,111
Expiration of statute of limitations	-1,568	-615	-1,950
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period	14,033	18,458	16,708
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	14,033	18,458	16,708
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	-3,684	818	-754
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	1,759	5,767
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	138	316
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound	1,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound	2,000
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Inventory valuation differences	-156,703	-178,201
Accrued medical and workers compensation	14,250	9,370
Accrued expenses not currently deductible for tax	48,684	28,501
Other, net	5,119	5,612
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net, Current	-88,650	-134,718
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Accrued medical and workers compensation	30,424	20,532
Other, net	6,051	12,425
Property and equipment	-181,511	-143,577
Share-based compensation	13,721	10,733
Net operating loss carryforwards	7,233	3,426
Straight-line rent	21,431	20,784
Intangible assets	-255,050	-10,961
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent	-357,701	-86,638
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,705	6,307
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$165,849	$40,440

Lease_Commitments_Details

Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years
2015	$460,655
2016	439,530
2017	402,581
2018	363,154
2019	317,982
Thereafter	1,262,623
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	3,246,525
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals	20,289	29,950
Operating leases, Rent expense, gross	525,363	363,592	324,887
Less: Sub-lease income	-9,966	-5,983	-4,600
Operating leases, Rent expense, net	515,397	357,609	320,287
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rentals	463,345	328,581	300,552
Contingency rentals	488	578	907
Equipment [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rentals	8,230	5,333	5,027
Vehicles [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Minimum rentals	$53,300	$29,100	$18,401
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	10 years
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years

Benefit_Plans_Details

Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$15,208	$10,850	$10,255
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent	$16,487	$14,835

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Available for Grant	4,822
Share-based compensation expense	$21,705	$13,191	$15,236
Deferred income tax benefit	8,013	4,991	5,774
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	6,578	3,611	8,495
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-7,102	-21,856	-26,677
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	10,487	16,320	23,099
Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	43,979
Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 7 months 16 days
Risk-free interest rate (2)	1.20%	1.10%	0.50%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.20%	0.30%	0.30%
Expected stock price volatility (3)	27.00%	26.90%	33.20%
Expected life of awards (in months) (4)	49 months	49 months	49 months
Closing share price for calculation of aggregate intrinsic value	$158.56
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, Outstanding, Number		45
Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$41.64
Options, Exercises in Period	-45
Options, Exercises in period, Intrinsic value	3,747
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period	1,090
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of period	$61.79
Granted	0
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$18.55	$19.25
Exercised	-243
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$54.88
Forfeited	-21
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$67.71
Outstanding, end of period	826	1,090
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of period	$63.68	$61.79
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 6 months 15 days
Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	78,332
Vested and expected to vest, Number	823
Vested and expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price	$63.64
Vested and expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term	3 years 6 months 15 days
Vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	78,107
Outstanding and Exercisable, Number	714
Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$61.92
Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 3 months 24 days
Outstanding and Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	69,033
Total intrinsic value of exercises during period	18,975	36,998	37,477
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, beginning of period	210
Nonvested, end of period	283	210
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$91.44
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$123.89	$91.44
Granted	190
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$139.43	$102.19	$75.26
Vested	-94
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$87.93
Forfeited	-23
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$103.75
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	8,293	5,035	4,734
Performance-based Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period	520
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning of period	$78.21
Granted	303
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$141.57
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$32.41	$23.72	$19.23
Change in Units Based on Performance	-48
Change in Units Based on Performance, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$90.57
Exercised	-39
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$35.18
Forfeited	-107
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$68.97
Outstanding, end of period	629	520
Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, end of period	$112.01	$78.21
Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 5 months 21 days
Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	29,285
Vested and expected to vest, Number	533
Vested and expected to vest, Weighted average exercise price	$108.17
Vested and expected to vest, Weighted average remaining contractual term	4 years 11 months 20 days
Vested and expected to vest, Aggregate intrinsic value	26,864
Outstanding and Exercisable, Number	92
Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$36.91
Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 10 months 3 days
Outstanding and Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	11,152
Total intrinsic value of exercises during period	3,814	14,257	34,020
Maximum potential payout of outstanding awards for Equity Instruments Other than Options	2,167
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	6,161	1,141	3,267
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested, beginning of period	182
Nonvested, end of period	195	182
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$75.36
Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$81.98	$75.36
Granted	19
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$123.32	$77.47	$75.20
Vested	-2
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$74.43
Change in Units Based on Performance	6
Change in Units Based on Performance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$104.87
Forfeited	-10
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$76.09
Maximum potential payout of outstanding awards for Equity Instruments Other than Options	462
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	142	1,290	4,858
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$862	$840	$960
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted	7
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$122.80	$83.63	$69.82
Employee Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	39	23	34

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($12,337)	$3,683	$2,667	$2,804
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-16,020	1,016	-137
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Hedging Arrangements [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	0	0	0	-254
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	0	0	254
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Postretirement Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,931	3,683	2,667	3,058
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-752	1,016	-391
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-15,268	0	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($15,268)	$0	$0

Segment_and_Related_Informatio2

Segment and Related Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Sales by Product Group	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Parts and Batteries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Sales by Product Group	69.00%	67.00%	65.00%
Accessories [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Sales by Product Group	13.00%	14.00%	14.00%
Chemicals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Sales by Product Group	8.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Oil [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Sales by Product Group	8.00%	9.00%	10.00%
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of Sales by Product Group	2.00%	0.00%	1.00%
Stores [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores	5,261
Branches [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Stores	111

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$104,671	$1,112,471	$598,111	$57,901
Receivables, net	579,825	277,595
Inventories, net	3,936,955	2,556,557
Other current assets	119,589	42,761
Total current assets	4,741,040	3,989,384
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	1,432,030	1,283,970
Assets held for sale	615	2,064
Goodwill	995,426	199,835	76,389
Intangible assets, net	748,125	49,872
Other assets, net	45,122	39,649
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Intercompany note receivable	0
Due from intercompany,net	0
Assets, Total	7,962,358	5,564,774
Current portion of long-term debt	582	916
Accounts payable	3,095,365	2,180,614
Accrued expenses	520,673	428,625
Other current liabilities	126,446	154,630
Total current liabilities	3,743,066	2,764,785
Long-term debt	1,636,311	1,052,668
Other long-term liabilities	580,069	231,116
Intercompany note payable	0
Due to intercompany, net	0
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity	2,002,912	1,516,205	1,210,694	847,914
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	7,962,358	5,564,774
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	9	9
Receivables, net	0
Inventories, net	0
Other current assets	4,102
Total current assets	4,111
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	2
Assets held for sale	0
Goodwill	0
Intangible assets, net	0
Other assets, net	12,963
Investment in subsidiaries	2,057,761
Intercompany note receivable	1,047,911
Due from intercompany,net	0
Assets, Total	3,122,748
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable	0
Accrued expenses	4,884
Other current liabilities	0
Total current liabilities	4,884
Long-term debt	1,047,911
Other long-term liabilities	0
Intercompany note payable	0
Due to intercompany, net	67,041
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity	2,002,912
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	3,122,748
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	65,345	1,106,766
Receivables, net	549,151
Inventories, net	3,771,816
Other current assets	113,003
Total current assets	4,499,315
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	1,421,325
Assets held for sale	615
Goodwill	940,817
Intangible assets, net	689,745
Other assets, net	36,762
Investment in subsidiaries	280,014
Intercompany note receivable	0
Due from intercompany,net	0
Assets, Total	7,868,593
Current portion of long-term debt	582
Accounts payable	2,845,043
Accrued expenses	498,505
Other current liabilities	115,497
Total current liabilities	3,459,627
Long-term debt	588,400
Other long-term liabilities	570,027
Intercompany note payable	1,047,911
Due to intercompany, net	144,867
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity	2,057,761
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	7,868,593
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	39,326	5,696
Receivables, net	30,674
Inventories, net	165,139
Other current assets	3,383
Total current assets	238,522
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	10,703
Assets held for sale	0
Goodwill	54,609
Intangible assets, net	58,380
Other assets, net	683
Investment in subsidiaries	0
Intercompany note receivable	0
Due from intercompany,net	211,908
Assets, Total	574,805
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable	250,322
Accrued expenses	17,284
Other current liabilities	11,857
Total current liabilities	279,463
Long-term debt	0
Other long-term liabilities	15,328
Intercompany note payable	0
Due to intercompany, net	0
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity	280,014
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	574,805
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	-9	0
Receivables, net	0
Inventories, net	0
Other current assets	-899
Total current assets	-908
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	0
Assets held for sale	0
Goodwill	0
Intangible assets, net	0
Other assets, net	-5,286
Investment in subsidiaries	-2,337,775
Intercompany note receivable	-1,047,911
Due from intercompany,net	-211,908
Assets, Total	-3,603,788
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Accounts payable	0
Accrued expenses	0
Other current liabilities	-908
Total current liabilities	-908
Long-term debt	0
Other long-term liabilities	-5,286
Intercompany note payable	-1,047,911
Due to intercompany, net	-211,908
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders' equity	-2,337,775
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity, Total	($3,603,788)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Consolidating Income Statements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 05, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 20, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$2,237,209	$2,289,456	$2,347,697	$1,408,813	$1,520,144	$1,549,553	$2,969,499	$2,015,304	$9,843,861	$6,493,814	$6,205,003
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs									5,390,248	3,241,668	3,106,967
Gross Profit	1,003,941	1,034,442	1,062,108	701,777	762,940	779,223	1,353,122	1,008,206	4,453,613	3,252,146	3,098,036
Selling, general and administrative expenses									3,601,903	2,591,828	2,440,721
Operating Income (Loss)									851,710	660,318	657,315
Interest expense									-73,408	-36,618	-33,841
Other income (expense), net									3,092	2,698	600
Total other, net									-70,316	-33,920	-33,241
Income before provision for income taxes									781,394	626,398	624,074
Provision for income taxes									287,569	234,640	236,404
Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									493,825
Equity in earnings of subsidiary									0
Net income	84,434	122,177	139,488	49,267	103,830	116,871	147,726	121,790	493,825	391,758	387,670
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs									0
Gross Profit									0
Selling, general and administrative expenses									14,504
Operating Income (Loss)									-14,504
Interest expense									-52,946
Other income (expense), net									67,470
Total other, net									14,524
Income before provision for income taxes									20
Provision for income taxes									296
Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									-276
Equity in earnings of subsidiary									494,101
Net income									493,825
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									9,530,953
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs									5,231,421
Gross Profit									4,299,532
Selling, general and administrative expenses									3,541,370
Operating Income (Loss)									758,162
Interest expense									-20,334
Other income (expense), net									-9,140
Total other, net									-29,474
Income before provision for income taxes									728,688
Provision for income taxes									277,769
Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									450,919
Equity in earnings of subsidiary									43,182
Net income									494,101
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									527,595
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs									373,514
Gross Profit									154,081
Selling, general and administrative expenses									102,370
Operating Income (Loss)									51,711
Interest expense									-128
Other income (expense), net									1,103
Total other, net									975
Income before provision for income taxes									52,686
Provision for income taxes									9,504
Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									43,182
Equity in earnings of subsidiary									0
Net income									43,182
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									-214,687
Cost of sales, including purchasing and warehousing costs									-214,687
Gross Profit									0
Selling, general and administrative expenses									-56,341
Operating Income (Loss)									56,341
Interest expense									0
Other income (expense), net									-56,341
Total other, net									-56,341
Income before provision for income taxes									0
Provision for income taxes									0
Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									0
Equity in earnings of subsidiary									-537,283
Net income									($537,283)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Consolidating Comprehensive Income Statements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 05, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 20, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Net income	$84,434	$122,177	$139,488	$49,267	$103,830	$116,871	$147,726	$121,790	$493,825	$391,758	$387,670
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax									-752	-438	-391
Currency translation									-15,268	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries									0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									-16,020	1,016	-137
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									477,805	392,774	387,533
Parent Company [Member]
Net income									493,825
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax									0
Currency translation									0
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries									-16,020
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									-16,020
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									477,805
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net income									494,101
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax									-752
Currency translation									0
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries									-15,268
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									-16,020
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									478,081
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Net income									43,182
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax									0
Currency translation									-15,268
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries									0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									-15,268
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									27,914
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Net income									-537,283
Changes in net unrecognized other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax									0
Currency translation									0
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries									31,288
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									31,288
Comprehensive Income (Loss)									($505,995)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$708,991	$545,250	$685,281
Purchases of property and equipment	-228,446	-195,757	-271,182
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2,060,783	-186,137	-8,369
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	992	745	6,573
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities	-2,288,237	-362,107	-272,978
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	16,219	-2,926	-7,459
Borrowings under credit facilities	2,238,200	0	58,500
Payments on credit facilities	-1,654,800	0	-173,500
Dividends paid	-17,580	-17,574	-17,596
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	6,578	3,611	8,495
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-7,102	-21,856	-26,677
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	10,487	16,320	23,099
Repurchase of common stock	-5,154	-80,795	-27,095
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition	-10,047	-4,726	-10,911
Other	-890	-627	4,089
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	575,911	331,217	127,907
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,465	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,007,800	514,360	540,210
Cash and cash equivalents	104,671	1,112,471	598,111
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	0
Purchases of property and equipment	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	0
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities	0
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	0
Borrowings under credit facilities	0
Payments on credit facilities	0
Dividends paid	0
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	0
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0
Repurchase of common stock	0
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition	0
Other	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	0
Cash and cash equivalents	9	9
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	666,566
Purchases of property and equipment	-224,894
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-2,059,987
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	974
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities	-2,283,907
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	16,228
Borrowings under credit facilities	2,238,200
Payments on credit facilities	-1,654,800
Dividends paid	-17,580
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	6,578
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	-7,102
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	10,487
Repurchase of common stock	-5,154
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition	-10,047
Other	-890
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	575,920
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,041,421
Cash and cash equivalents	65,345	1,106,766
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	42,425
Purchases of property and equipment	-3,552
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-796
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	18
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities	-4,330
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	0
Borrowings under credit facilities	0
Payments on credit facilities	0
Dividends paid	0
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	0
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0
Repurchase of common stock	0
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition	0
Other	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,465
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	33,630
Cash and cash equivalents	39,326	5,696
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	0
Purchases of property and equipment	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	0
Net Cash (used in) provided by Investing Activities	0
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts	-9
Borrowings under credit facilities	0
Payments on credit facilities	0
Dividends paid	0
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, primarily exercise of stock options	0
Tax withholdings related to the exercise of stock appreciation rights	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0
Repurchase of common stock	0
Contingent consideration related to previous business acquisition	0
Other	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	-9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-9
Cash and cash equivalents	($9)	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						4 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Oct. 04, 2014	Jul. 12, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Oct. 05, 2013	Jul. 13, 2013	Apr. 19, 2014	Apr. 20, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$2,237,209	$2,289,456	$2,347,697	$1,408,813	$1,520,144	$1,549,553	$2,969,499	$2,015,304	$9,843,861	$6,493,814	$6,205,003
Gross Profit	1,003,941	1,034,442	1,062,108	701,777	762,940	779,223	1,353,122	1,008,206	4,453,613	3,252,146	3,098,036
Net income	$84,434	$122,177	$139,488	$49,267	$103,830	$116,871	$147,726	$121,790	$493,825	$391,758	$387,670
Basic earnings per common share	$1.15	$1.67	$1.91	$0.68	$1.42	$1.60	$2.02	$1.66	$6.75	$5.36	$5.29
Diluted earnings per common share	$1.15	$1.66	$1.89	$0.67	$1.42	$1.59	$2.01	$1.65	$6.71	$5.32	$5.22

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$16,152	$13,295
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	16,152	13,295	5,919	4,056
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	17,182	11,955	4,127
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	-14,325	-4,995	-2,264
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	$0	$416	$0