Essendant (ESND) 10-Q 21 Jul 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 18, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	ESND
Entity Registrant Name	ESSENDANT INC
Entity Central Index Key	355,999
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,297,438

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,700	$ 29,983
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $16,671 in 2016 and $17,810 in 2015	745,285	716,537
Inventories	968,263	922,162
Other current assets	48,535	27,310
Total current assets	1,787,783	1,695,992
Property, plant and equipment, net	133,437	133,751
Goodwill	298,474	299,355
Intangible assets, net	90,027	96,413
Other long-term assets	52,429	37,348
Total assets	2,362,150	2,262,859
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	575,225	531,949
Accrued liabilities	167,219	177,472
Current maturities of long-term debt	43	51
Total current liabilities	742,487	709,472
Deferred income taxes	10,783	11,901
Long-term debt	760,546	716,264
Other long-term liabilities	94,381	101,488
Total liabilities	1,608,197	1,539,125
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.10 par value; authorized - 100,000,000 shares, issued - 74,435,628 shares in 2016 and 2015	7,444	7,444
Additional paid-in capital	414,865	410,927
Treasury stock, at cost – 37,298,175 shares in 2016 and 37,178,394 shares in 2015	(1,104,806)	(1,100,867)
Retained earnings	1,483,002	1,463,821
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(46,552)	(57,591)
Total stockholders’ equity	753,953	723,734
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,362,150	$ 2,262,859

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 16,671	$ 17,810
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, issued	74,435,628	74,435,628
Treasury stock, shares	37,298,175	37,178,394

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	[1]	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	[1]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,354,523	$ 1,341,799		$ 2,706,819	$ 2,674,174
Cost of goods sold	1,158,700	1,131,680		2,310,914	2,263,660
Gross profit	195,823	210,119		395,905	410,514
Operating expenses:
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	157,625	156,912		325,303	354,493
Defined benefit plan settlement loss (Note 9)	11,744			11,744
Operating income	26,454	53,207		58,858	56,021
Interest expense, net	5,677	4,778		11,574	9,617
Income before income taxes	20,777	48,429		47,284	46,404
Income tax expense	7,844	18,595		17,821	22,577
Net income	$ 12,933	$ 29,834		$ 29,463	$ 23,827
Net income per share - basic:	$ 0.35	$ 0.79		$ 0.81	$ 0.63
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic	36,512	37,765		36,552	37,939
Net income per share - diluted:	$ 0.35	$ 0.78		$ 0.80	$ 0.62
Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	36,910	38,106		36,897	38,317
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.14	$ 0.14		$ 0.28	$ 0.28
[1]	During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for prior periods are titled “Revised”.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,933	$ 29,834	[1]	$ 29,463	$ 23,827	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Translation adjustments	442	209		3,133	(4,421)
Minimum pension liability adjustments	7,418	932		8,333	1,864
Cash flow hedge adjustments	100	48		(427)	(428)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,960	1,189		11,039	(2,985)
Comprehensive income	$ 20,893	$ 31,023		$ 40,502	$ 20,842
[1]	During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for prior periods are titled “Revised”.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 29,463	$ 23,827	[1]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	22,936	24,198
Share-based compensation	5,689	3,268
(Gain) loss on the disposition of property, plant and equipment	(739)	57
Amortization of capitalized financing costs	332	451
Excess tax cost (benefit) related to share-based compensation	193	(433)
Asset impairment charges		24,034
Deferred income taxes	(2,765)	(8,294)
Pension settlement charge	11,744
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net	(28,439)	28,330
(Increase) decrease in inventory	(44,017)	48,944
Increase in other assets	(36,529)	(10,250)
Increase in accounts payable	62,162	3,152
Decrease in checks in-transit	(18,733)	(19,240)
(Decrease) increase in accrued liabilities	(12,219)	3,282
Decrease in other liabilities	(5,062)	(478)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(15,984)	120,848
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(19,327)	(11,931)
Proceeds from the disposition of property, plant and equipment	2,770	18
Acquisition, net of cash acquired		(532)
Net cash used in investing activities	(16,557)	(12,445)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving credit facility	43,876	(52,738)
Net proceeds (disbursements) from share-based compensation arrangements	1,285	(759)
Acquisition of treasury stock, at cost	(6,839)	(31,227)
Payment of cash dividends	(10,237)	(10,699)
Excess tax (cost) benefit related to share-based compensation	(193)	433
Payment of debt issuance costs		(36)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	27,892	(95,026)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	366	(135)
Transfer of cash to held for sale		(4,119)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(4,283)	9,123
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	29,983	20,812
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	25,700	29,935
Other Cash Flow Information:
Income tax payments, net	27,358	31,618
Interest paid	$ 11,750	$ 9,451
[1]	During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for prior periods are titled “Revised”.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements represent Essendant Inc. (“ESND”) with its wholly owned subsidiary Essendant Co. (“ECO”), and ECO’s subsidiaries (collectively, “Essendant” or the “Company”). The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and include the accounts of ESND and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company operates in a single reportable segment as a leading distributor of workplace essentials. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, was derived from the December 31, 2015 audited financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Accordingly, the reader of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for further information. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Essendant at June 30, 2016 and the results of operations and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 should not necessarily be taken as indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire year. New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) that requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases other than those that meet the definition of short-term leases. For short-term leases, lessees may elect an accounting policy by class of underlying asset under which these assets and liabilities are not recognized and lease payments are generally recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting Change in Accounting Principle During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for periods prior to September 30, 2015 are titled “Revised”. Refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for further information. Inventory Approximately 98.6% and 98.4% of total inventory as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, has been valued under the LIFO method. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs, and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. Inventory valued under the LIFO accounting method is recorded at the lower of cost or market. If the Company had valued its entire inventory under the lower of FIFO cost or market, inventory would have been $147.3 million and $147.8 million higher than reported as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	2. Acquisitions Nestor Sales LLC On July 31, 2015, Essendant Co. completed the acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of Nestor Sales LLC (“Nestor”), a leading wholesaler and distributor of tools, equipment and supplies to the transportation industry. This acquisition accelerates the Company’s growth in the automotive aftermarket, complements the Company’s existing industrial offerings while providing access to new customer segments, and advances a key strategic pillar to diversify into channels and categories that leverage our common platform. The purchase price was $41.8 million. This acquisition was funded through a combination of cash on hand and cash available under the Company’s revolving credit facility. Purchase accounting for this transaction was completed as of June 30, 2016. At June 30, 2016, the allocation of the purchase price was as follows (amounts in thousands): Purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 39,983 Accounts receivable 9,230 Inventories 12,067 Other current assets 339 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,251 Other assets 752 Intangible assets 16,930 Total assets acquired 40,569 Accounts payable 4,992 Accrued liabilities 1,943 Deferred income taxes 3,287 Other long-term liabilities 76 Total liabilities assumed 10,298 Goodwill $ 9,712 The purchased identifiable intangible assets were as follows (amounts in thousands): Total Estimated Life Customer relationships $ 15,570 13 years Trademark 1,360 2-15 years Total $ 16,930 Agreement with Staples, Inc. On February 16, 2016, the Company announced an agreement to purchase from Staples, Inc. contracts and related assets representing more than $550 million in annual sales to minority and woman-owned office supply resellers and their large corporate and other enterprise customers. The transaction was subject to the successful completion of the proposed merger of Staples and Office Depot, which was abandoned in May 2016. As a result, the Company cancelled its agreement to complete this purchase.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	3. Share-Based Compensation As of June 30, 2016, the Company has two active equity compensation plans. Under the 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated), award instruments include, but are not limited to, stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and performance-based awards. Associates and non-employee directors of the Company are eligible to become participants in the plan. The Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan allows non-employee directors to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual retainer in deferred stock units. The Company granted 129,059 shares of restricted stock and 247,656 RSUs during the first six months of 2016, compared to 206,479 shares of restricted stock and 145,552 RSUs during the first six months of 2015.

Severance and Restructuring Cha

Severance and Restructuring Charges	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance and Restructuring Charges	4. Severance and Restructuring Charges Commencing in the first quarter of 2015, the Company began certain restructuring actions which included workforce reductions and facility closures. During the three-month periods ended June 30, 2016, and 2015, the Company did not record any expenses for those actions. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded $0.3 million of pre-tax expense related to facility consolidations. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded $6.0 million of pre-tax expense relating to workforce reductions and $0.3 million Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company executed actions to reduce costs through management delayering in order to achieve broader functional alignment of the organization. Cash outlays associated with these charges were approximately $6.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2016. As of June 30, 2016, the Company has accrued liabilities for these actions of $3.8 million.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are noted in the following table (in thousands): Goodwill, balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 299,355 Purchase accounting adjustments (1,858 ) Currency translation adjustments 977 Goodwill, balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 298,474 The following table summarizes the intangible assets of the Company by major class of intangible assets and the cost, accumulated amortization, net carrying amount, and weighted average life, if applicable (in thousands): June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Weighted Weighted Average Average Gross Net Useful Gross Net Useful Carrying Accumulated Carrying Life Carrying Accumulated Carrying Life Amount Amortization Amount (years) Amount Amortization Amount (years) Intangible assets subject to amortization Customer relationships and other intangibles $ 137,832 $ (56,839 ) $ 80,993 16 $ 137,938 $ (51,357 ) $ 86,581 16 Non-compete agreements 4,655 (4,260 ) 395 4 4,644 (4,260 ) 384 4 Trademarks 13,740 (5,101 ) 8,639 14 13,688 (4,240 ) 9,448 14 Total $ 156,227 $ (66,200 ) $ 90,027 $ 156,270 $ (59,857 ) $ 96,413 The following table summarizes the amortization expense to be incurred in 2016 through 2020 on intangible assets (in thousands): Year Amount 2016 $ 12,247 2017 10,810 2018 8,065 2019 6,947 2020 6,944

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the period ended June 30, 2016 was as follows (amounts in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Pension Plans Total AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (9,866 ) $ 146 $ (47,871 ) $ (57,591 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 3,133 (719 ) (633 ) 1,781 Settlement loss reclassified from AOCI - - 7,196 7,196 Amounts reclassified from AOCI - 292 1,770 2,062 Net other comprehensive (loss) income 3,133 (427 ) 8,333 11,039 AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (6,733 ) $ (281 ) $ (39,538 ) $ (46,552 ) The following table details the amounts reclassified out of AOCI into the income statement during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 Amount Reclassified From AOCI For the Three For the Six Months Ended Months Ended June 30, June 30, Affected Line Item In The Statement Details About AOCI Components 2016 2016 Where Net Income is Presented Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Gain on interest rate swap, before tax $ 266 $ 541 Interest expense, net Gain on foreign exchange hedges, before tax (159 ) (70 ) Cost of goods sold (41 ) (179 ) Tax provision $ 66 $ 292 Net of tax Defined benefit pension plan items Amortization of prior service cost and unrecognized loss $ 1,395 $ 2,888 Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses Settlement loss 11,744 11,744 Defined benefit plan settlement loss (5,093 ) (5,666 ) Tax provision 8,046 8,966 Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 8,112 $ 9,258

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	7. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities were exercised into common stock. Stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock units are considered dilutive securities. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, 0.2 million shares of such securities, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be antidilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data): For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income $ 12,933 $ 29,834 $ 29,463 $ 23,827 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares 36,512 37,765 36,552 37,939 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options and restricted stock 398 341 345 378 Denominator for diluted earnings per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and the effect of dilutive securities 36,910 38,106 36,897 38,317 Net income per share: Net income per share - basic $ 0.35 $ 0.79 $ 0.81 $ 0.63 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.35 $ 0.78 $ 0.80 $ 0.62 Common Stock Repurchases As of June 30, 2016 , the Company had Board authorization to repurchase $68.2 million of common stock. During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. For the same period in the prior year, the Company repurchased 378,462 shares at an aggregate cost of $15.2 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company repurchased 241,270 and 781,141 shares of the Company’s common stock at an aggregate cost of $6.8 million and $31.5 million, respectively. Depending on market and business conditions and other factors, the Company may continue or suspend purchasing its common stock at any time without notice. Acquired shares are included in the issued shares of the Company and treasury stock, but are not included in average shares outstanding when calculating earnings per share data. During the first six months of 2016 and 2015, the Company reissued 121,489 and 150,807 shares, respectively, of treasury stock to fulfill its obligations under its equity incentive plans.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	8. Debt ESND is a holding company and, as a result, its primary sources of funds are cash generated from operating activities of its direct operating subsidiary, ECO, and from borrowings by ECO. The 2013 Credit Agreement, the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement, and the Receivables Securitization Program (each as defined in Note 11 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015) contain restrictions on the use of cash transferred from ECO to ESND. Debt consisted of the following amounts (in millions): As of As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 2013 Credit Agreement $ 412.3 $ 368.4 2013 Note Purchase Agreement 150.0 150.0 Receivables Securitization Program 200.0 200.0 Mortgage & Capital Lease 0.1 0.1 Transaction Costs (1.8 ) (2.2 ) Total $ 760.6 $ 716.3 As of June 30, 2016, 80.3% of the Company’s outstanding debt, excluding capital leases and transaction costs, was priced at variable interest rates based primarily on the applicable bank prime rate or London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $11.4 million and $11.6 million under the 2013 Credit Agreement as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Borrowings under the 2013 Credit Agreement bear interest at LIBOR for specified interest periods or at the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the 2013 Credit Agreement), plus, in each case, a margin determined based on the Company’s permitted debt to EBITDA ratio calculated as provided in Section 6.20 of the 2013 Credit Agreement (the “Leverage Ratio”). Depending on the Company’s Leverage Ratio, the margin on LIBOR-based loans ranges from 1.00% to 2.00% and on Alternate Base Rate loans ranges from 0.00% to 1.00%. As of June 30, 2016, the applicable margin for LIBOR-based loans was As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $532.5 million and $448.6 million, respectively, of receivables had been sold to the Investors (as defined in Note 11 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015). Essendant Receivables LLC had $200.0 million outstanding under the Receivables Securitization Program as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. For additional information about the 2013 Credit Agreement, the 2013 Note Purchase Agreement, and the Receivables Securitization Program, see Note 11 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Pension and Post-Retirement Ben

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	9. Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans The Company maintains pension plans covering union and certain non-union employees. For more information on the Company’s retirement plans, see Note 13 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. A summary of net periodic pension cost related to the Company’s pension plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost - benefit earned during the period $ 317 $ 400 $ 634 $ 800 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 2,173 2,270 $ 4,516 4,540 Expected return on plan assets (2,547 ) (2,805 ) $ (5,265 ) (5,610 ) Amortization of prior service cost 74 75 $ 148 150 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,321 1,450 $ 2,740 2,900 Settlement loss 11,744 - 11,744 - Net periodic pension cost $ 13,082 $ 1,390 $ 14,517 $ 2,780 The Company made cash contributions of $10.0 million and $2.0 million to its pension plans during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additional contributions, if any, for 2016 have not yet been determined. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, the Company had accrued $39.4 million and $48.4 million of pension liability within “Other long-term liabilities” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In order to reduce interest rate, mortality and investment risks, the Company commenced a limited-time voluntary lump-sum pension offering to eligible, terminated, vested plan participants. Due to this offering, a settlement and remeasurement of the Essendant Pension Plan was required as of May 31, 2016. The impact of the remeasurement and activity in the first five months of 2016 resulted in a $6.5 million improvement to the net funded status of the plan, therefore reducing other long-term liabilities. As of June 30, 2016, shareholders’ equity improved $0.9 million related to the unrecognized actuarial loss, included as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, being reduced by $12.6 million as compared to December 31, 2015, partly offset by the settlement causing a loss of $11.7 million. As a result, the pension plan trust paid $37.6 million in lump sum payments during the first five months of 2016 and as part of this offer. This offer also reduces future pension expense recognized by the Company and volatility related to future obligations of the plan. Defined Contribution Plan The Company has defined contribution plans covering certain salaried associates and non-union hourly paid associates (the “Plan”). The Plan permits associates to defer a portion of their pre-tax and after-tax salary as contributions to the Plan. The Plan also provides for Company-funded discretionary contributions as well as matching associates’ salary deferral contributions, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company recorded expense of $1.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively, for the Company match of employee contributions to the Plan for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. During the same periods last year, the Company recorded expense of $1.5 million and $2.9 million to match employee contributions.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	10. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Under Company policy, the Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. A description of each type of derivative utilized by the Company to manage risk is included in the following paragraphs. The Company selectively uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risk associated with changes in interest rates for its debt arrangements. In July 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate swap to convert a portion of the Company’s floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. The fair value is determined by using quoted market forward rates (level 2 inputs) and reflects the present value of the amount that the Company would pay for contracts involving the same notional amount and maturity date. The changes in fair value of this instrument are reported in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in interest expense in the same periods during which the related interest payments on the hedged debt affect earnings. This swap matures in July 2017. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company's interest rate swap included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of “Other long-term liabilities” was $0.9 million and $0.5 million respectively. The Company maintains a foreign currency cash flow hedge program in order to manage the volatility in exchange rates and the related impacts on the operations of its Canadian functional currency subsidiaries. The Company uses foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge certain of its foreign exchange rate exposures related to inventory purchases. The Company has currently hedged approximately 25%, or $2.4 million, of its Canadian subsidiaries’ US dollar denominated inventory purchases for the next quarter. The fair value of the foreign currency cash flow hedge is determined by using quoted market spot rates (level 2 inputs). The changes in fair value of ASC 815 designated hedges are reported in AOCI and reclassified into earnings in cost of goods sold in the same periods during which the related inventory is sold and affects earnings. The following table depicts the effect of these derivative instruments on the statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Interest Rate Swap $ 161 $ 40 Interest expense, net $ 233 $ 475 Foreign Exchange Hedges (154 ) (184 ) Cost of goods sold (159 ) (70 ) Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Interest Rate Swap $ 441 $ 43 Interest expense, net $ 331 $ 662

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	11. Fair Value Measurements The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities, including interest rate swap and foreign currency derivatives, at fair value on a recurring basis, based on market rates of the Company’s positions and other observable interest rates (see Note 10 “Derivative Financial Instruments”, for more information on these interest rate swaps and foreign currency derivatives). Accounting guidance on fair value establishes a hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value which distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels: · Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; · Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and · Level 3—Unobservable inputs developed using estimates and assumptions developed by the Company which reflect those that a market participant would use. Determining which level to apply to an asset or liability requires significant judgment. The Company evaluates its hierarchy disclosures each quarter. The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2016 Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Foreign exchange hedges $ 73 $ - $ 73 $ - Liabilities Interest rate swap $ 904 $ - $ 904 $ - Foreign exchange hedges 40 - 40 - $ 944 $ - $ 944 $ - Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015 Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Foreign exchange hedges $ 91 $ - $ 91 $ - Liabilities Interest rate swap $ 469 $ - $ 469 $ - The carrying amount of accounts receivable at June 30, 2016, including $532.5 million of receivables sold under the Receivables Securitization Program, approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of this item. No assets or liabilities were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

Other Assets and Liabilities

Other Assets and Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Assets and Liabilities	12. Other Assets and Liabilities Receivables related to supplier allowances totaling $106.6 million and $111.0 million were included in “Accounts receivable” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Accrued customer rebates of $59.2 million and $63.6 million as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, were included in “Accrued liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	13. Income Taxes The Company's tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $7.8 million and $17.8 million on pre-tax income of $20.8 million and $47.3 million, for an effective tax rate of 37.8% and 37.7%, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $18.6 million and $22.6 million on pre-tax income of $48.4 million and $46.4 million, for an effective tax rate of 38.4% and 48.7%, respectively. The Company’s U.S. statutory rate is 35.0%.There were no significant discrete items impacting the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The most significant factor impacting the effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was the discrete impact of the impairment charges for financial reporting purposes related to placing a non-strategic business for sale in the first quarter of 2015.

Legal Matters

Legal Matters	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Matters	14. Legal Matters The Company has been named as a defendant in two lawsuits alleging that the Company sent unsolicited fax advertisements to the named plaintiffs, as well as other persons and entities, in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991, as amended by the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005 ("TCPA"). One lawsuit was initially filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on May 1, 2015 and has been dismissed without prejudice and refiled in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The other lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 14, 2016. In both lawsuits the plaintiffs filed a motion asking the Court to certify a class of plaintiffs comprised of persons and entities who allegedly received fax advertisements from the Company. Under the TCPA, recipients of unsolicited fax advertisements can seek damages of $500 per fax for inadvertent violations and up to $1,500 per fax for knowing and willful violations. Other reported TCPA lawsuits have resulted in a broad range of outcomes, with each case being dependent on its own unique set of facts and circumstances. In each lawsuit, the Company is vigorously contesting class certification and denies that any violations occurred. Litigation of this kind, however, is likely to lead to settlement negotiations, including negotiations prompted by pre-trial civil court procedures. Regardless of whether the lawsuits are resolved at trial or through settlement, the Company believes that a loss associated with resolution of pending claims is probable. However, the amount of any such loss, which could be material, cannot be reasonably estimated because the Company is continuing to evaluate its defenses based on its internal review and investigation of prior events, new information and future circumstances. The Company is also involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of or incidental to its business. The Company has established reserves, which are not material, for potential losses that are probable and reasonably estimable that may result from those proceedings. In many cases, however, it is difficult to determine whether a loss is probable or even possible or to estimate the amount or range of potential loss, particularly where proceedings may be in relatively early stages or where plaintiffs are seeking substantial or indeterminate damages. Matters frequently need to be more developed before a loss or range of loss can reasonably be estimated. The Company believes that such ordinary course legal proceedings will be resolved with no material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of operations. 1

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy	The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements represent Essendant Inc. (“ESND”) with its wholly owned subsidiary Essendant Co. (“ECO”), and ECO’s subsidiaries (collectively, “Essendant” or the “Company”). The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and include the accounts of ESND and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company operates in a single reportable segment as a leading distributor of workplace essentials. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, was derived from the December 31, 2015 audited financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Accordingly, the reader of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for further information. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Essendant at June 30, 2016 and the results of operations and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 should not necessarily be taken as indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire year.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) that requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases other than those that meet the definition of short-term leases. For short-term leases, lessees may elect an accounting policy by class of underlying asset under which these assets and liabilities are not recognized and lease payments are generally recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. This standard will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting
Change in Accounting Principle	Change in Accounting Principle During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for periods prior to September 30, 2015 are titled “Revised”. Refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 for further information.
Inventory	Inventory Approximately 98.6% and 98.4% of total inventory as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, has been valued under the LIFO method. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each fiscal year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs, and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation. Inventory valued under the LIFO accounting method is recorded at the lower of cost or market. If the Company had valued its entire inventory under the lower of FIFO cost or market, inventory would have been $147.3 million and $147.8 million higher than reported as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation	At June 30, 2016, the allocation of the purchase price was as follows (amounts in thousands): Purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 39,983 Accounts receivable 9,230 Inventories 12,067 Other current assets 339 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,251 Other assets 752 Intangible assets 16,930 Total assets acquired 40,569 Accounts payable 4,992 Accrued liabilities 1,943 Deferred income taxes 3,287 Other long-term liabilities 76 Total liabilities assumed 10,298 Goodwill $ 9,712
Summary of Purchased Identifiable Intangible Assets	The purchased identifiable intangible assets were as follows (amounts in thousands): Total Estimated Life Customer relationships $ 15,570 13 years Trademark 1,360 2-15 years Total $ 16,930

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are noted in the following table (in thousands): Goodwill, balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 299,355 Purchase accounting adjustments (1,858 ) Currency translation adjustments 977 Goodwill, balance as of June 30, 2016 $ 298,474
Summary of Intangible Assets of Company by Major Class	The following table summarizes the intangible assets of the Company by major class of intangible assets and the cost, accumulated amortization, net carrying amount, and weighted average life, if applicable (in thousands): June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Weighted Weighted Average Average Gross Net Useful Gross Net Useful Carrying Accumulated Carrying Life Carrying Accumulated Carrying Life Amount Amortization Amount (years) Amount Amortization Amount (years) Intangible assets subject to amortization Customer relationships and other intangibles $ 137,832 $ (56,839 ) $ 80,993 16 $ 137,938 $ (51,357 ) $ 86,581 16 Non-compete agreements 4,655 (4,260 ) 395 4 4,644 (4,260 ) 384 4 Trademarks 13,740 (5,101 ) 8,639 14 13,688 (4,240 ) 9,448 14 Total $ 156,227 $ (66,200 ) $ 90,027 $ 156,270 $ (59,857 ) $ 96,413
Summary of Amortization Expense to be Incurred in 2016 Through 2020 on Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes the amortization expense to be incurred in 2016 through 2020 on intangible assets (in thousands): Year Amount 2016 $ 12,247 2017 10,810 2018 8,065 2019 6,947 2020 6,944

Accumulated Other Comprehensi24

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) by Component, Net of Tax	The change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) by component, net of tax, for the period ended June 30, 2016 was as follows (amounts in thousands): Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges Defined Benefit Pension Plans Total AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (9,866 ) $ 146 $ (47,871 ) $ (57,591 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications 3,133 (719 ) (633 ) 1,781 Settlement loss reclassified from AOCI - - 7,196 7,196 Amounts reclassified from AOCI - 292 1,770 2,062 Net other comprehensive (loss) income 3,133 (427 ) 8,333 11,039 AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (6,733 ) $ (281 ) $ (39,538 ) $ (46,552 )
Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCI into Income Statement	The following table details the amounts reclassified out of AOCI into the income statement during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 Amount Reclassified From AOCI For the Three For the Six Months Ended Months Ended June 30, June 30, Affected Line Item In The Statement Details About AOCI Components 2016 2016 Where Net Income is Presented Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges Gain on interest rate swap, before tax $ 266 $ 541 Interest expense, net Gain on foreign exchange hedges, before tax (159 ) (70 ) Cost of goods sold (41 ) (179 ) Tax provision $ 66 $ 292 Net of tax Defined benefit pension plan items Amortization of prior service cost and unrecognized loss $ 1,395 $ 2,888 Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses Settlement loss 11,744 11,744 Defined benefit plan settlement loss (5,093 ) (5,666 ) Tax provision 8,046 8,966 Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ 8,112 $ 9,258

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data): For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Numerator: Net income $ 12,933 $ 29,834 $ 29,463 $ 23,827 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares 36,512 37,765 36,552 37,939 Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options and restricted stock 398 341 345 378 Denominator for diluted earnings per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and the effect of dilutive securities 36,910 38,106 36,897 38,317 Net income per share: Net income per share - basic $ 0.35 $ 0.79 $ 0.81 $ 0.63 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.35 $ 0.78 $ 0.80 $ 0.62

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Components	Debt consisted of the following amounts (in millions): As of As of June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 2013 Credit Agreement $ 412.3 $ 368.4 2013 Note Purchase Agreement 150.0 150.0 Receivables Securitization Program 200.0 200.0 Mortgage & Capital Lease 0.1 0.1 Transaction Costs (1.8 ) (2.2 ) Total $ 760.6 $ 716.3

Pension and Post-Retirement B27

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost	A summary of net periodic pension cost related to the Company’s pension plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Service cost - benefit earned during the period $ 317 $ 400 $ 634 $ 800 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 2,173 2,270 $ 4,516 4,540 Expected return on plan assets (2,547 ) (2,805 ) $ (5,265 ) (5,610 ) Amortization of prior service cost 74 75 $ 148 150 Amortization of actuarial loss 1,321 1,450 $ 2,740 2,900 Settlement loss 11,744 - 11,744 - Net periodic pension cost $ 13,082 $ 1,390 $ 14,517 $ 2,780

Derivative Financial Instrume28

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income	The following table depicts the effect of these derivative instruments on the statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Interest Rate Swap $ 161 $ 40 Interest expense, net $ 233 $ 475 Foreign Exchange Hedges (154 ) (184 ) Cost of goods sold (159 ) (70 ) Derivatives in ASC 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Interest Rate Swap $ 441 $ 43 Interest expense, net $ 331 $ 662

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements as of June 30, 2016 Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Foreign exchange hedges $ 73 $ - $ 73 $ - Liabilities Interest rate swap $ 904 $ - $ 904 $ - Foreign exchange hedges 40 - 40 - $ 944 $ - $ 944 $ - Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015 Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Foreign exchange hedges $ 91 $ - $ 91 $ - Liabilities Interest rate swap $ 469 $ - $ 469 $ -

Basis of Presentation - Additio

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Percentage inventory valued under LIFO	98.60%	98.40%
Higher inventory if FIFO applied entirely	$ 147.3	$ 147.8

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2015	Feb. 16, 2016
Staples Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Agreement to purchase from Staples		$ 550
Nestor Sales LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stock acquisition, percentage acquired	100.00%
Business acquisition cash paid	$ 41.8

Acquisitions - Purchase Price A

Acquisitions - Purchase Price Allocation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 298,474	$ 299,355
Nestor Sales LLC (Preliminary) [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	39,983
Accounts receivable	9,230
Inventories	12,067
Other current assets	339
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,251
Other assets	752
Intangible assets	16,930
Total assets acquired	40,569
Accounts payable	4,992
Accrued liabilities	1,943
Deferred income taxes	3,287
Other long-term liabilities	76
Total liabilities assumed	10,298
Goodwill	$ 9,712

Acquisitions - Summary of Purch

Acquisitions - Summary of Purchased Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) - Nestor Sales LLC (Preliminary) [Member] $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 16,930
Customer relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 15,570
Finite lived intangible assets estimated life	13 years
Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets	$ 1,360
Trademarks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets estimated life	2 years
Trademarks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets estimated life	15 years

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016Plansshares	Jun. 30, 2015shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans | Plans	2
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted	129,059	206,479
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock and restricted stock units granted	247,656	145,552

Severance and Restructuring C35

Severance and Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Workforce Reduction And Facility Closure Program First Quarter Of 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Cash outlays associated with severance			$ 500,000	$ 2,400,000
Accrued liabilities	$ 1,400,000		1,400,000
Workforce Reduction And Facility Closure Program First Quarter Of 2015 [Member] | Warehousing, Marketing and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax charge	0	$ 0		6,000,000
Facility Consolidations [Member] | Warehousing, Marketing and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax charge			300,000	$ 300,000
Workforce Reduction And Facility Closure Program Fourth Quarter Of 2015 [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Cash outlays associated with severance			6,500,000
Accrued liabilities	$ 3,800,000		$ 3,800,000

Goodwill and Intangible Asset36

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, balance as of December 31, 2015	$ 299,355
Purchase accounting adjustments	(1,858)
Currency translation adjustments	977
Goodwill, balance as of June 30, 2016	$ 298,474

Goodwill and Intangible Asset37

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets of Company by Major Class (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 156,227	$ 156,270
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(66,200)	(59,857)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Amount	90,027	96,413
Customer relationships and other intangibles [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	137,832	137,938
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(56,839)	(51,357)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Amount	$ 80,993	$ 86,581
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Weighted Average Useful Life (years)	16 years	16 years
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 4,655	$ 4,644
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(4,260)	(4,260)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Amount	$ 395	$ 384
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Weighted Average Useful Life (years)	4 years	4 years
Trademarks [Member]
Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 13,740	$ 13,688
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Accumulated Amortization	(5,101)	(4,240)
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Net Carrying Amount	$ 8,639	$ 9,448
Intangible assets subject to amortization, Weighted Average Useful Life (years)	14 years	14 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset38

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortization Expense to be Incurred in 2016 Through 2020 on Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 12,247
2,017	10,810
2,018	8,065
2,019	6,947
2,020	$ 6,944

Accumulated Other Comprehensi39

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) by Component, Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015			$ 723,734
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			1,781
Settlement loss reclassified from AOCI			7,196
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			2,062
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 7,960	$ 1,189	11,039	$ (2,985)
AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016	753,953		753,953
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015			(9,866)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			3,133
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			3,133
AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016	(6,733)		(6,733)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015			146
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(719)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			292
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(427)
AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016	(281)		(281)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015			(47,871)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(633)
Settlement loss reclassified from AOCI			7,196
Amounts reclassified from AOCI			1,770
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			8,333
AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016	(39,538)		(39,538)
AOCI, Total [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
AOCI, balance as of December 31, 2015			(57,591)
AOCI, balance as of June 30, 2016	$ (46,552)		$ (46,552)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi40

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Amounts Reclassified Out of AOCI into Income Statement (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	[1]	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	[1]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ 5,677	$ 4,778		$ 11,574	$ 9,617
Cost of goods sold	1,158,700	1,131,680		2,310,914	2,263,660
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	157,625	156,912		325,303	354,493
Defined benefit plan settlement loss (Note 9)	11,744			11,744
Tax provision	(7,844)	(18,595)		(17,821)	(22,577)
Net income	12,933	$ 29,834		29,463	$ 23,827
Amount Reclassified From AOCI [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income	8,112			9,258
Amount Reclassified From AOCI [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of goods sold	(159)			(70)
Tax provision	(41)			(179)
Net income	66			292
Amount Reclassified From AOCI [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Warehousing, marketing and administrative expenses	1,395			2,888
Defined benefit plan settlement loss (Note 9)	11,744			11,744
Tax provision	(5,093)			(5,666)
Net income	8,046			8,966
Amount Reclassified From AOCI [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ 266			$ 541
[1]	During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for prior periods are titled “Revised”.

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share amount	200,000		200,000
Additional authorized repurchase amount	$ 68.2		$ 68.2
Number of shares repurchased	0	378,462	241,270	781,141
Repurchase of common stock, value		$ 15.2	$ 6.8	$ 31.5
Treasury stock reissued, shares			121,489	150,807

Earnings Per Share - Schedule o

Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 12,933	$ 29,834	[1]	$ 29,463	$ 23,827	[1]
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average shares	36,512	37,765	[1]	36,552	37,939	[1]
Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options and restricted stock	398	341		345	378
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - Adjusted weighted average shares and the effect of dilutive securities	36,910	38,106	[1]	36,897	38,317	[1]
Net income per share - basic	$ 0.35	$ 0.79	[1]	$ 0.81	$ 0.63	[1]
Net income per share - diluted	$ 0.35	$ 0.78	[1]	$ 0.80	$ 0.62	[1]
[1]	During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for prior periods are titled “Revised”.

Debt - Schedule of Long-Term De

Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt Components (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage & Capital Lease	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Transaction Costs	(1.8)	(2.2)
Total	760.6	716.3
2013 Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Agreement	412.3	368.4
2013 Note Purchase Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Note Purchase Agreement	150	150
Receivables Securitization Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit Agreement	$ 200	$ 200

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of outstanding debt priced at variable interest rates	80.30%
Receivables sold to Investors	$ 532.5	$ 448.6
2013 Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 11.4	11.6
LIBOR-based loans rates	2.00%
Alternate base rate loans rates	1.00%
Credit facility	$ 412.3	368.4
2013 Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR-based loans rates	1.00%
Alternate base rate loans rates	0.00%
Percentage of lenders fee on unutilized portion borrowing facility	0.15%
2013 Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR-based loans rates	2.00%
Alternate base rate loans rates	1.00%
Percentage of lenders fee on unutilized portion borrowing facility	0.35%
Receivables Securitization Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	$ 200	200
Receivables Securitization Program [Member] | Essendant Receivables LLC [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility	$ 200	$ 200

Pension and Post-Retirement B45

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans - Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost (Detail) - Pension Plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost - benefit earned during the period	$ 317	$ 400	$ 634	$ 800
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	2,173	2,270	4,516	4,540
Expected return on plan assets	(2,547)	(2,805)	(5,265)	(5,610)
Amortization of prior service cost	74	75	148	150
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,321	1,450	2,740	2,900
Settlement loss	11,744		11,744
Net periodic pension cost	$ 13,082	$ 1,390	$ 14,517	$ 2,780

Pension and Post-Retirement B46

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		5 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	May 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash contribution to pension plan during the period				$ 10,000	$ 2,000
Pension plan liabilities	$ 39,400			39,400		$ 48,400
Improvement to net funded status of plan			$ 6,500
Improvement in shareholders' equity related to unrecognized actuarial loss				900
Reduction of unrecognized actuarial loss included in accumulated and other comprehensive income				12,600
Pension settlement charge	11,744			11,744
Lump sum payments to participants of pension plan			$ 37,600
Company contributions	$ 1,900	$ 1,500		$ 3,700	$ 2,900

Derivative Financial Instrume47

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Percentage of hedged inventory on Canadian purchases	25.00%
Hedge on inventory purchase	$ 2,400
Cash flow hedges liability	10	$ 100
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate swap liability	$ 900	$ 500
Derivative, maturity month year	2017-07

Derivative Financial Instrume48

Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	$ 161	$ 441	$ 40	$ 43
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest expense, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	233	$ 331	475	$ 662
Foreign Exchange Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(154)		(184)
Foreign Exchange Hedges [Member] | Cost of goods sold [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (159)		$ (70)

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	$ 944
Foreign Exchange [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign exchange hedges	73	$ 91
Foreign exchange hedges	40
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	904	469
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total	944
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Exchange [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Foreign exchange hedges	73	91
Foreign exchange hedges	40
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swap	$ 904	$ 469

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Receivables sold to Investors	$ 532,500,000	$ 448,600,000
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0
Liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0

Other Assets and Liabilities -

Other Assets and Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Receivables related to supplier allowances included Accounts receivable	$ 106.6	$ 111
Accrued customer rebates included in Accrued liabilities	$ 59.2	$ 63.6

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$ 7,844	$ 18,595	[1]	$ 17,821	$ 22,577	[1]
Income before income taxes	$ 20,777	$ 48,429	[1]	$ 47,284	$ 46,404	[1]
Effective income tax percent	37.80%	38.40%		37.70%	48.70%
United States statutory income tax rate, percent				35.00%
[1]	During the third quarter of 2015, the Company elected a change in accounting principle for the valuation method of certain inventories to the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method from the first-in, first out method (“FIFO”). This change required retrospective application. As such, the financial statements presented for prior periods are titled “Revised”.

Legal Matters - Additional Info

Legal Matters - Additional Information (Detail)	Jan. 14, 2016Lawsuit	May 01, 2015Lawsuit	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)Lawsuit
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed			2
Inadvertent Violation under TCPA for Unsolicited Fax Advertisement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought by plaintiff per violation | $			$ 500
Willful Violation under TCPA for Unsolicited Fax Advertisement [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought by plaintiff per violation | $			$ 1,500
United States District Court California [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed		1
United States District Court Illinois [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits filed	1