Genuine Parts (GPC) 10-K 27 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 13, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	GPC
Entity Registrant Name	GENUINE PARTS CO
Entity Central Index Key	40,987
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		146,734,604
Entity Public Float			$ 12,933,100

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 314,899	$ 242,879
Trade accounts receivable, net	2,421,563	1,938,562
Merchandise inventories, net	3,771,089	3,210,320
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	805,342	556,670
Total current assets	7,312,893	5,948,431
Goodwill	2,153,988	956,153
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	1,400,392	618,510
Deferred tax assets	40,158	132,652
Other assets	568,248	475,530
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	104,049	92,046
Buildings, less accumulated depreciation (2017- $317,777; 2016 - $292,049)	371,612	314,268
Machinery and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2017-$726,576; 2016-$668,950)	461,041	321,810
Net property, plant, and equipment	936,702	728,124
Total assets	12,412,381	8,859,400
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	3,634,859	3,081,111
Current portion of debt	694,989	325,000
Accrued compensation	198,048	142,942
Other current liabilities	847,129	597,513
Dividends payable	99,000	97,584
Total current liabilities	5,474,025	4,244,150
Long-term debt	2,550,020	550,000
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities	229,868	341,510
Deferred tax liabilities	193,308	48,326
Other long-term liabilities	501,004	468,058
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share — authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $1 per share - authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 2017 - 146,652,615 shares and 2016 - 148,410,422 shares	146,653	148,410
Additional paid-in capital	68,126	56,605
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(852,592)	(1,013,021)
Retained earnings	4,049,965	4,001,734
Total parent equity	3,412,152	3,193,728
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	52,004	13,628
Total equity	3,464,156	3,207,356
Total liabilities and equity	$ 12,412,381	$ 8,859,400

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation, buildings	$ 317,777	$ 292,049
Accumulated depreciation, machinery and equipment	$ 726,576	$ 668,950
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	146,652,615	148,410,422
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	146,652,615	148,410,422

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 16,308,801	$ 15,339,713	$ 15,280,044
Cost of goods sold	11,402,403	10,740,106	10,724,192
Gross margin	4,906,398	4,599,607	4,555,852
Operating expenses:
Selling, administrative, and other expenses	3,705,136	3,370,833	3,277,390
Depreciation and amortization	167,691	147,487	141,675
Provision for doubtful accounts	13,932	11,515	12,373
Total operating expenses	3,886,759	3,529,835	3,431,438
Non-operating expenses (income) :
Interest expense	41,486	21,084	21,662
Other	(31,115)	(25,652)	(20,929)
Total non-operating expenses (income)	10,371	(4,568)	733
Income before income taxes	1,009,268	1,074,340	1,123,681
Income taxes	$ 392,511	$ 387,100	$ 418,009
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.19	$ 4.61	$ 4.65
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.18	$ 4.59	$ 4.63
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	147,140	149,051	151,667
Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested restricted stock awards (in shares)	561	753	829
Weighted average common shares outstanding — assuming dilution (in shares)	147,701	149,804	152,496
Net income	$ 616,757	$ 687,240	$ 705,672
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	137,694	(8,957)	(207,986)
Net investment hedge, net of income taxes of 2017 — $9,711	(17,388)	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes of 2017 — ($20,539); 2016 — $50,144; 2015 — $5,335	40,123	(73,446)	(2,421)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	160,429	(82,403)	(210,407)
Comprehensive income	$ 777,186	$ 604,837	$ 495,265

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net investment hedge, tax	$ 9,711
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, tax	$ (20,539)	$ 50,144	$ 5,335

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total Parent Equity [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 3,312,364	$ 153,113	$ 26,414	$ (720,211)	$ 3,841,932	$ 3,301,248	$ 11,116
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		153,113,042
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	705,672				705,672	705,672
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(210,407)			(210,407)		(210,407)
Cash dividends declared	(372,840)				(372,840)	(372,840)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit	(2,548)	$ 230	(2,778)			(2,548)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit (in shares)		229,958
Share-based compensation	17,717		17,717			17,717
Purchase of stock	(292,275)	$ (3,262)			(289,013)	(292,275)
Purchase of stock (in shares)		(3,261,526)
Noncontrolling interest activities	1,559						1,559
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	3,159,242	$ 150,081	41,353	(930,618)	3,885,751	3,146,567	12,675
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		150,081,474
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	687,240				687,240	687,240
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(82,403)			(82,403)		(82,403)
Cash dividends declared	(391,852)				(391,852)	(391,852)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit	(4,126)	$ 341	(4,467)			(4,126)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit (in shares)		340,703
Share-based compensation	19,719		19,719			19,719
Purchase of stock	(181,417)	$ (2,012)			(179,405)	(181,417)
Purchase of stock (in shares)		(2,011,755)
Noncontrolling interest activities	953						953
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	3,207,356	$ 148,410	56,605	(1,013,021)	4,001,734	3,193,728	13,628
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		148,410,422
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	616,757				616,757	616,757
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	160,429			160,429		160,429
Cash dividends declared	(396,891)				(396,891)	(396,891)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit	$ (5,239)	$ 132	(5,371)			(5,239)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit (in shares)	348,000	131,232
Share-based compensation	$ 16,892		16,892			16,892
Purchase of stock	(173,524)	$ (1,889)			(171,635)	(173,524)
Purchase of stock (in shares)		(1,889,039)
Noncontrolling interest activities	38,376						38,376
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 3,464,156	$ 146,653	$ 68,126	$ (852,592)	$ 4,049,965	$ 3,412,152	$ 52,004
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		146,652,615

Consolidated Statements of Equ7

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 2.70	$ 2.63	$ 2.46
Tax benefit from share-based awards exercised	$ 3,134	$ 12,021	$ 7,024

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating activities
Net income	$ 616,757	$ 687,240	$ 705,672
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	167,691	147,487	141,675
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(3,134)	(12,021)	(7,024)
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(3,989)	(15,237)	(3,189)
Deferred income taxes	65,990	33,226	35,544
Share-based compensation	16,892	19,719	17,717
Foreign exchange gain	(14,051)	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	(19,273)	(53,544)	1,974
Merchandise inventories, net	(9,923)	(64,214)	(21,821)
Trade accounts payable	61,474	240,717	331,419
Other short-term assets and liabilities	(1,544)	37,271	967
Other long-term assets and liabilities	(61,847)	(74,566)	(43,561)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	198,286	258,838	453,701
Net cash provided by operating activities	815,043	946,078	1,159,373
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(156,760)	(160,643)	(109,544)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	21,275	28,811	8,618
Acquisition of businesses and other investing activities	(1,494,795)	(462,167)	(162,701)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,630,280)	(593,999)	(263,627)
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt	6,630,294	4,350,000	3,862,224
Payments on debt	(4,350,222)	(4,100,000)	(4,005,191)
Payments on acquired debt	(833,775)	0	0
Share-based awards exercised, net of taxes paid	(5,239)	(16,147)	(9,572)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	0	12,021	7,024
Dividends paid	(395,475)	(386,863)	(368,284)
Purchase of stock	(173,524)	(181,417)	(292,275)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	872,059	(322,406)	(806,074)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	15,198	1,575	(15,771)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	72,020	31,248	73,901
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	242,879	211,631	137,730
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	314,899	242,879	211,631
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Income taxes	298,827	374,865	352,153
Interest	$ 38,401	$ 19,043	$ 23,687

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Genuine Parts Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company) is a distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and materials and business products. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 3,100 locations in North America, Australasia and Europe and, therefore, has limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is not material to the Company’s consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material. Revenue Recognition The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Foreign Currency Translation The consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience and periodically adjusts this estimate when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $13,932,000 , $11,515,000 , and $12,373,000 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $17,612,000 and $15,557,000 , respectively. Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for a majority of U.S. automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for business products and certain non-U.S. and other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $440,550,000 and $426,760,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. During 2017 and 2016, reductions in industrial parts inventories resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effects of the LIFO liquidations in 2017 and 2016 reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $2,000,000 and $6,000,000 , respectively. There were no LIFO liquidations in 2015. The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur. The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2018 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses, amounts due from vendors, and income taxes receivable. Goodwill The Company reviews its goodwill annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or a level below an operating segment, which is referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. However, two or more components of an operating segment are aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. A combination of qualitative assessments and present value of future cash flows approaches was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that there were no indicators that goodwill was impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 . Other Assets Other assets are comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Retirement benefit assets $ 8,573 $ 6,721 Deferred compensation benefits 30,084 29,222 Inenco equity investment 75,660 — Investments 42,313 28,793 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 117,952 106,251 Customer sales returns inventories 56,442 68,160 Guarantees related to borrowings 65,000 42,000 Other long-term prepayments and receivables 172,224 194,383 Total other assets $ 568,248 $ 475,530 The guarantees related to borrowings and the Inenco equity investment are discussed further in the guarantees footnote and the acquisitions and equity investments footnote, respectively. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of each asset: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years. Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets. Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities $ 60,458 $ 56,723 Insurance liabilities 44,181 37,608 Other lease obligations 55,693 39,221 Other taxes payable 47,724 16,997 Customer deposits 65,758 79,528 Guarantees related to borrowings 65,000 42,000 Other 162,190 195,981 Total other long-term liabilities $ 501,004 $ 468,058 The guarantees related to borrowings are discussed further in the guarantees footnote. Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for the majority of group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by the Company’s claims administrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year. Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for the workers’ compensation program. In addition, the Company carries various large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of workers’ compensation liabilities. The Company records the workers’ compensation reserves based on an analysis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis calculates development factors, which are applied to total reserves as provided by the various insurance companies who underwrite the program. While the Company believes that the assumptions used to calculate these liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect workers’ compensation costs. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Foreign currency translation $ (266,247 ) $ (403,941 ) Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax (17,388 ) — Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax (566,876 ) (611,333 ) Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit, net of tax (2,081 ) 2,253 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (852,592 ) $ (1,013,021 ) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended on December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Pension Benefits Other Post-Retirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Foreign Currency Translation Total (In Thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 $ (534,215 ) $ (1,419 ) $ — $ (394,984 ) $ (930,618 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (92,758 ) 15 — (8,957 ) (101,700 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 19,505 (208 ) — — 19,297 Net current period other comprehensive loss (73,253 ) (193 ) — (8,957 ) (82,403 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2016 (607,468 ) (1,612 ) — (403,941 ) (1,013,021 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 16,640 307 (17,388 ) 137,694 137,253 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 23,385 (209 ) — — 23,176 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 40,025 98 (17,388 ) 137,694 160,429 Ending balance, December 31, 2017 $ (567,443 ) $ (1,514 ) $ (17,388 ) $ (266,247 ) $ (852,592 ) The accumulated other comprehensive loss components related to the pension benefits are included in the computation of net periodic benefit income in the employee benefit plans footnote. Business Combinations From time to time, the Company enters into business combinations. The Company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. The Company measures goodwill as the excess of consideration transferred, which the Company also measures at fair value, over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding the fair values of the elements of a business combination as of the date of acquisition, including the fair values of identifiable intangible assets, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, liabilities including those related to debt, pensions and other postretirement plans, uncertain tax positions, contingent consideration and contingencies. This method also requires the Company to refine these estimates over a measurement period not to exceed one year to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. If the Company is required to adjust provisional amounts that were recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, these adjustments could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions in estimating the fair value of acquired customer relationships and other identifiable intangible assets include future cash flows that the Company expects to generate from the acquired assets. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, the Company could record impairment charges. In addition, the Company has estimated the economic lives of certain acquired assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If the Company estimates the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be increased or decreased, or the acquired asset could be impaired. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings under the line of credit and term loan approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $1,497,179,000 and $549,000,000 , respectively. The fair value of fixed rate debt is designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., significant observable inputs) and is based primarily on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk and maturity. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of fixed rate debt, net of debt issuance costs, was $1,506,400,000 and $550,000,000 , respectively, and is included in long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. Non-derivative Financial Instrument Designated as a Net Investment Hedge The Company designated euro-denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, as a hedge against a portion of the Company's euro-denominated net investment in its European subsidiaries. Changes in the value of the euro-denominated debt attributable to the change in exchange rates at the end of each reporting period are expected to offset the foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the euro-denominated net investment, and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The net investment hedge is discussed further in the non-derivative financial instrument footnote. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled approximately $290,000,000 , $230,000,000 , and $240,000,000 , for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $64,700,000 , $66,900,000 , and $75,000,000 in the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Accounting for Legal Costs The Company’s legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as such costs are incurred. Share-Based Compensation The Company maintains various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to five years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. The Company issues new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans. Net Income per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 1,920,000 , 1,290,000 , and 1,280,000 shares of common stock ranging from $85 — $100 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of common stock in each respective year. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ( Topic 606 ) ("ASU 2014-09"), which will create a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2018. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and more judgment and estimates are required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing guidance, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, among others. The Company has established a cross-functional implementation team to evaluate and implement the new standard related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The Company plans to use the modified retrospective adoption method. As a result, a cumulative effect adjustment is required at January 1, 2018 and the Company will account for revenue under the new standard prospectively from such date. The Company primarily sells goods and recognizes revenue at point of sale or delivery and this will not change under the new standard. However, certain customer relationships have terms that include items considered variable consideration, primarily related to customer discounts which will require a change in recognition under the new standard. Upon adoption of Topic 606, the cumulative impact to the Company’s retained earnings at January 1, 2018 is estimated to be approximately $8,000,000 . Once finalized, this amount will be recorded as a reduction in retained earnings as a cumulative effect of adoption of a new accounting standard and a deferred revenue liability will be established and classified with accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Leases (Topic 842) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ( Topic 842 ) ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than twelve months. Expanded disclosures with additional qualitative and quantitative information will also be required. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition. The Company has established a cross-functional team to evaluate and implement the new standard. As disclosed in the leased properties footnote, the future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases are approximately $1,140,000,000 and the Company believes the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on the consolidated balance sheet. Income Tax Reform The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable years starting after December 31, 2017, and requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously subject to U.S. Federal income tax and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Act on the existing deferred tax balances and of the one-time transition tax. As disclosed in the income taxes footnote, the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate were recognized as a provisional tax expense of $ 50,986,000 for the period ended December 31, 2017, which is included as a component of income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine the calculations as additional analysis is completed. Further, the Company's estimates may also be affected as regulations and additional guidance are made available. In addition, the Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company is still evaluating the effects and has not yet determined the new accounting policy. The provision is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Inventory (Topic 330) In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11"), which modifies existing requirements regarding measuring first-in, first-out and average cost inventory at the lower of cost or market. Under existing standards, the market amount requires consideration of replacement cost, net realizable value (“NRV”), and NRV less an approximately normal profit margin. ASU 2015-11 replaces market with NRV, defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This eliminates the need to determine and consider replacement cost or NRV less an approximately normal profit margin when measuring inventory. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation ( Topic 718 ): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") that changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based compensation to employees including forfeitures, employer tax withholding, and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or expense. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based compensation, which prospectively reclassifies cash flows from excess tax benefits of share-based compensation currently disclosed in financing activities to operating activities in the period of adoption. The guidance will increase income tax expense volatility, as well as the Company's cash flows from operations. In addition, the Company did not elect to change shares withheld for employment income tax purposes. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) ("ASU 2017-07"), which requires an entity to report the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same line item as other compensation costs (selling, administrative and other expenses), and the remaining components in non-operating expense in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018 and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net Automotive Industrial Business Products Electrical/ Electronic Materials Total Balance as of January 1, 2016 $ 555,003 $ 136,079 $ 56,499 $ 93,001 $ 840,582 $ 521,213 Additions 56,518 36,267 25,609 901 119,295 139,982 Amortization — — — — — (40,870 ) Foreign currency translation (3,963 ) 247 (8 ) — (3,724 ) (1,815 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 607,558 172,593 82,100 93,902 956,153 618,510 Additions 1,089,767 17,921 — 21,498 1,129,186 796,544 Amortization — — — — — (51,993 ) Foreign currency translation 68,183 577 (111 ) — 68,649 37,331 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 1,765,508 $ 191,091 $ 81,989 $ 115,400 $ 2,153,988 $ 1,400,392 The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Customer relationships $ 1,251,783 $ (199,741 ) $ 1,052,042 $ 603,966 $ (150,350 ) $ 453,616 Trademarks 369,512 (23,056 ) 346,456 180,416 (16,154 ) 164,262 Non-competition agreements 6,946 (5,052 ) 1,894 5,098 (4,466 ) 632 $ 1,628,241 $ (227,849 ) $ 1,400,392 $ 789,480 $ (170,970 ) $ 618,510 Amortization expense for other intangible assets totaled $51,993,000 , $40,870,000 , and $34,878,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 83,564 2019 83,137 2020 82,199 2021 82,044 2022 82,137 $ 413,081 Additions related to the AAG acquisition are discussed further in the acquisitions and equity investments footnote.

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	Credit Facilities The principal amounts of the Company’s borrowings subject to variable rates totaled approximately $1,690,000,000 and $325,000,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings was approximately 2.70% and 2.39% at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. On October 30, 2017, the Company entered into a multi-currency Syndicated Facility Agreement (the "Syndicated Facility") with a consortium of financial institutions. The Syndicated Facility amended the $1,200,000,000 unsecured Revolving Credit Facility dated September 11, 2012 that was scheduled to mature in September 2022. The Syndicated Facility is for $2,600,000,000 and expires October 30, 2022. The Syndicated Facility includes a $1,500,000,000 multi-currency revolving credit facility and a $1,100,000,000 Term Loan A, which requires quarterly principal payments. The Syndicated Facility interest rate is based on LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company's debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio ( 2.69% at December 31, 2017 ). The Syndicated Facility contains an uncommitted option to increase the borrowing capacity up to an additional $1,000,000,000 , as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the Syndicated Facility with appropriate notice. At December 31, 2017 , the amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A were $590,000,000 and $1,100,000,000 , respectively. In addition to the Syndicated Facility, the Company entered into five Senior Fixed Rate Notes with a number of investors. The Notes vary in maturity with € 225,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2024, € 250,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2027, $ 120,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2027, € 125,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2029 and € 100,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2032. Effective December 31, 2017, the Company amended the existing private placement debt of $550,000,000 to align with the debt covenant arrangements held in all newly issued debt that was funded in October 2017. As a result of updating all debt to the same covenant (debt to EBITDA), the Company increased the fixed rate interest by .25% with the three debt holders. Certain borrowings require the Company to comply with a financial covenant with respect to a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio. At December 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. Due to the workers’ compensation and insurance reserve requirements in certain states, the Company also had unused letters of credit of approximately $62,019,000 and $64,930,000 outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities, net of debt issuance cost, consist of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, $1,500,000,000, LIBOR plus 1.375% variable $ 590,000 $ 325,000 Unsecured Term Loan A, $1,100,000,000, LIBOR plus 1.375% variable 1,100,000 — Unsecured term notes: July 29, 2016, Series G Senior Unsecured Notes, $50,000,000, 2.64% fixed, due July 29, 2021 50,000 50,000 December 2, 2013, Series F Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.24% fixed, due December 2, 2023 250,000 250,000 October 30, 2017, Series J Senior Unsecured Notes, €225,000,000, 1.40% fixed, due October 30, 2024 269,955 — November 30, 2016, Series H Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.24% fixed, due November 30, 2026 250,000 250,000 October 30, 2017, Series K Senior Unsecured Notes, €250,000,000, 1.81% fixed, due October 30, 2027 299,950 — October 30, 2017, Series I Senior Unsecured Notes, $120,000,000, 3.70% fixed, due October 30, 2027 120,000 — October 30, 2017, Series L Senior Unsecured Notes, €125,000,000, 2.02% fixed, due October 30, 2029 149,975 — October 30, 2017, Series M Senior Unsecured Notes, €100,000,000, 2.32% fixed, due October 30, 2032 119,980 — Acquired debt includes German Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, 2.85%, due June 30, 2019 49,990 — Total unsecured debt 3,249,850 875,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,841 ) — Total debt 3,245,009 875,000 Less debt due within one year 694,989 325,000 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 2,550,020 $ 550,000 Approximate maturities under the Company’s credit facilities, net of debt issuance costs, are as follows (in thousands): 2018, net of debt issuance costs of $633 $ 694,356 2019 81,867 2020 109,366 2021 186,866 2022 714,366 Thereafter 1,458,188 $ 3,245,009

Non-derivative Financial Instru

Non-derivative Financial Instrument	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-derivative Financial Instrument	Non-derivative Financial Instrument On November 2, 2017, in connection with the acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group, the Company designated euro-denominated debt as hedging instruments in a hedge of the net investment in certain European subsidiaries. The Company’s risk management objective and strategy for this hedge is to mitigate a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in Euro functional currency subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had designated €700,000,000 of the face value of Euro-denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, as a hedge of the foreign currency exchange rate exposure of an equal amount to the Company's euro-denominated net investment in certain European subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017, the euro-denominated debt has a total carrying value of $839,860,000 , which is included in long-term debt in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a loss, net of tax, of approximately $17,388,000 in the net investment hedge section of the accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. No hedge ineffectiveness was recognized in income.

Leased Properties

Leased Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leased Properties	Leased Properties Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more was approximately the following at December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 $ 299,200 2019 234,500 2020 172,400 2021 114,700 2022 81,600 Thereafter 237,600 Total minimum lease payments $ 1,140,000 Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $306,000,000 , $278,000,000 , and $254,000,000 for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation At December 31, 2017 , total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was approximately $32,800,000 . The weighted-average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is approximately three years. The aggregate intrinsic value for SARs and RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $95,400,000 and $104,200,000 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for SARs and RSUs vested totaled approximately $52,900,000 and $62,000,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 , the weighted-average contractual life for outstanding and exercisable SARs and RSUs was six and five years, respectively. Share-based compensation costs of $16,892,000 , $19,719,000 , and $17,717,000 , were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The total income tax benefits recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for share-based compensation arrangements were approximately $4,600,000 , $7,900,000 , and $7,100,000 for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. There have been no modifications to valuation methodologies or methods during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , or 2015 . For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the fair values for SARs granted were estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 2.3% , 1.6% , and 2.0% ; dividend yield of 2.8% , 2.7% , and 2.6% ; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years and an average expected life of approximately six years. The fair value of RSUs is based on the price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 were $15,500,000 , $18,200,000 , and $15,200,000 , respectively. A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows: 2017 Shares (1) Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2) (In Thousands) Outstanding at beginning of year 3,878 $ 79 Granted 917 90 Exercised (348 ) 61 Forfeited (247 ) 92 Outstanding at end of year (3) 4,200 $ 82 Exercisable at end of year 2,514 $ 77 Shares available for future grants 8,368 (1) Shares include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). (2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes RSUs. (3) The exercise prices for SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2017 ranged from approximately $42 to $100 . The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all SARs outstanding is approximately six years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of SARs granted during the years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $13.89 , $13.52 , and $13.53 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of SARs and RSUs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $16,800,000 , $48,200,000 , and $30,100,000 , respectively. In 2017 , the Company granted approximately 746,000 SARs and 171,000 RSUs. In 2016 , the Company granted approximately 724,000 SARs and 170,000 RSUs. In 2015 , the Company granted approximately 711,000 SARs and 176,000 RSUs. A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards activity is as follows: Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (In Thousands) Nonvested at January 1, 2017 408 $ 92 Granted 171 90 Vested (80 ) 84 Forfeited (93 ) 88 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 406 $ 91 Following the adoption of ASU 2016-09, for the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately $3,134,000 of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation were presented as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015 approximately $12,021,000 , and $7,024,000 , respectively, of excess tax benefits were classified as operating cash outflows and financing cash inflows.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously subject to U.S. Federal income tax and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described below, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Act regarding existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. For the items which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional tax expense of $50,986,000 was recognized for the period ended December 31, 2017, which is included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine its calculations as additional analysis is completed. In addition, the Company's estimates may also be affected as regulations and additional guidance are made available. Provisional Amounts Deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Company remeasured U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% for federal income tax purposes. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act and refining the calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the remeasurement of the deferred tax balance was $13,854,000 at December 31, 2017. International tax effects: The one-time transition tax is based on the Company's total post-1986 earnings and profits (E&P) which the Company has previously deferred from U.S. income taxes pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code prior to the Act, as well as its assertions with respect to the E&P of foreign subsidiaries. The Company recorded a provisional U.S. tax liability for the transition tax in the amount of $37,132,000 , resulting in an increase in current income tax expense of $37,132,000 . The Company has not yet completed the calculation of the total post -1986 E&P of foreign subsidiaries. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change when the Company finalizes its calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held in cash or other specified assets. No additional income taxes, where applicable (i.e., U.S. Federal, U.S. State, foreign withholding, or similar taxes under foreign law), have been provided on any remaining outside basis difference inherent in these entities. These amounts continue to be provisionally indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. The Company's provisional calculation of its remaining outside basis difference is not considered material. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any additional outside basis difference in these entities (i.e., basis difference other than those subject to the one-time transition tax) is not practicable. This is due to the complexities associated with the hypothetical calculation to determine residual taxes on the undistributed earnings, including the availability of foreign tax credits, applicability of any additional local withholding tax and other indirect tax consequence that may arise due to the distribution of these earnings. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) The Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on GILTI earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, Accounting for GILTI , states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred. At December 31, 2017, the Company is still evaluating the GILTI provisions and the analysis of future taxable income that is subject to GILTI. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company has not yet determined its accounting policy and therefore has not reflected any adjustments related to GILTI in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets related to: Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 256,728 $ 344,927 Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes 257,766 397,391 Net operating loss 31,046 4,673 545,540 746,991 Deferred tax liabilities related to: Employee and retiree benefits 210,429 276,256 Inventory 93,067 141,181 Other intangible assets 287,018 120,689 Property, plant, and equipment 66,727 61,666 Other 35,859 58,468 693,100 658,260 Net deferred tax (liability) asset before valuation allowance (147,560 ) 88,731 Valuation allowance (5,590 ) (4,405 ) Total net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (153,150 ) $ 84,326 The Company currently holds approximately $111,006,000 in net operating losses, of which approximately $94,579,000 will carry forward indefinitely. The remaining net operating losses of approximately $16,427,000 will begin to expire in 2024. The components of income before income taxes are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) United States $ 813,078 $ 934,476 $ 1,004,919 Foreign 196,190 139,864 118,762 Income before income taxes $ 1,009,268 $ 1,074,340 $ 1,123,681 The components of income tax expense are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Current: Federal $ 252,337 $ 284,199 $ 309,403 State 29,288 41,083 45,460 Foreign 44,896 28,593 27,602 Deferred: Federal 71,238 26,684 28,754 State 13,663 3,857 4,225 Foreign (18,911 ) 2,684 2,565 $ 392,511 $ 387,100 $ 418,009 The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Statutory rate applied to income $ 353,259 $ 376,019 $ 393,288 Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 27,918 29,211 32,295 Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the U.S. statutory rate (33,984 ) (18,057 ) (13,684 ) U.S. tax reform - transition tax 37,132 — — U.S. tax reform - deferred tax remeasurement 13,854 — — Foreign rate change - deferred tax remeasurement (9,338 ) — — Other 3,670 (73 ) 6,110 $ 392,511 $ 387,100 $ 418,009 The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S., various states, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013 or subject to non-United States income tax examinations for years ended prior to 2011. The Company is currently under audit in various states in the U.S. and some of its foreign jurisdictions. Some audits may conclude in the next twelve months and the unrecognized tax benefits recorded in relation to the audits may differ from actual settlement amounts. It is not possible to estimate the effect, if any, of the amount of such change during the next twelve months to previously recorded uncertain tax positions in connection with the audits. The Company does not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change during the year. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 15,190 $ 15,815 $ 17,581 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,644 2,184 1,969 Additions for tax positions of prior years 1,511 1,317 61 Reductions for tax positions for prior years (430 ) (1,369 ) (3,152 ) Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations (3,917 ) (2,516 ) (425 ) Settlements (301 ) (241 ) (219 ) Balance at end of year $ 14,697 $ 15,190 $ 15,815 The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $16,919,000 and $17,176,000 , respectively, of which approximately $10,847,000 and $9,615,000 , respectively, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the Company paid or received refunds of interest and penalties of approximately $(3,384,000) , $5,000 , and $1,051,000 , respectively. The Company had approximately $2,150,800 and $1,848,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees in the U.S., Canada, and Europe who meet eligibility requirements. The plan covering U.S. employees is noncontributory and the Company implemented a hard freeze for the U.S. qualified defined benefit plan as of December 31, 2013. The Canadian plan is contributory and benefits are based on career average compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. For the plans in the U.S. and Canada, the Company may increase its contribution above the minimum, if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position. For the plans in Europe, these plans will be funded in accordance with local regulations. The Company also sponsors supplemental retirement plans covering employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and supplemental retirement plans. Several assumptions are used to determine the benefit obligations, plan assets, and net periodic income. The discount rate for the pension plans is calculated using a bond matching approach to select specific bonds that would satisfy the projected benefit payments. The bond matching approach reflects the process that would be used to settle the pension obligations. The expected return on plan assets is based on a calculated market-related value of plan assets, where gains and losses on plan assets are amortized over a five year period and accumulate in other comprehensive income. Other non-investment unrecognized gains and losses are amortized in future net income based on a “corridor” approach, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The unrecognized gains and losses in excess of the corridor criteria are amortized over the average future lifetime or service of plan participants, depending on the plan. These assumptions are updated at each annual measurement date. Changes in benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Changes in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,306,859 $ 2,199,356 Service cost 8,459 7,746 Interest cost 96,651 104,485 Plan participants’ contributions 2,454 2,585 Actuarial loss 94,546 139,851 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 15,073 5,449 Gross benefits paid (106,885 ) (154,676 ) Plan amendments 4,768 2,063 Acquired plans 13,840 — Benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,435,765 $ 2,306,859 The benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $2,187,700,000 and $2,105,665,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Canada, and Europe was approximately $2,409,091,000 and $2,281,648,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The assumptions used to measure the pension benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , were: 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate 3.70 % 4.26 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.11 % 3.14 % Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Changes in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 1,965,502 $ 1,912,736 Actual return on plan assets 277,650 146,022 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 14,449 5,172 Employer contributions 53,309 53,663 Plan participants’ contributions 2,454 2,585 Benefits paid (106,885 ) (154,676 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 2,206,479 $ 1,965,502 The fair values of plan assets for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,969,196,000 and $1,760,713,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the aggregate benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Aggregate benefit obligation $ 2,241,690 $ 2,131,550 Aggregate fair value of plan assets 2,003,831 1,783,472 For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation $ 2,210,590 $ 2,086,711 Aggregate fair value of plan assets 1,996,017 1,760,713 The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and the target allocation for 2018 , by asset category were: Target Allocation 2018 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 2017 2016 Asset Category Equity securities 72 % 71 % 70 % Debt securities 28 % 29 % 30 % 100 % 100 % 100 % The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the funds. The plans in Europe are unfunded and, therefore, there are no plan assets. The pension plan strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary investment objectives for the pension plans are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actuarially assumed long-term rates of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark ( 47% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 7% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, 3% MSCI Emerging Market Net, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit). The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , by asset category, are shown in the tables below. Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company’s pension plan assets. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. Level 1 represents observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 represents other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 represents significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). Certain investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") per share as a practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year. Debt securities including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities are valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year. 2017 Total Assets Measured at NAV Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In Thousands) Equity Securities Common stocks — mutual funds — equity $ 536,609 $ 193,628 $ 342,981 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 191,771 — 191,771 — — Other stocks 838,694 — 838,659 — 35 Debt Securities Short-term investments 47,745 — 47,745 — — Cash and equivalents 13,530 — 13,530 — — Government bonds 180,838 — 121,834 59,004 — Corporate bonds 207,978 — — 207,978 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 9,725 — — 9,725 — Convertible securities 211 — — 211 — Other-international 29,431 — 29,221 210 — Municipal bonds 7,346 — — 7,346 — Mutual funds—fixed income 139,801 92,248 — 47,553 — Other Options and futures 38 — 38 — — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,762 — — — 2,762 Total $ 2,206,479 $ 285,876 $ 1,585,779 $ 332,027 $ 2,797 2016 Total Assets Measured at NAV Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In Thousands) Equity Securities Common stocks — mutual funds — equity $ 384,103 $ 114,182 $ 269,921 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 192,841 — 192,841 — — Other stocks 793,101 — 793,007 — 94 Debt Securities Short-term investments 55,607 — 55,607 — — Cash and equivalents 15,995 — 15,995 — — Government bonds 157,303 — 102,468 54,835 — Corporate bonds 192,457 — — 192,457 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 8,872 — — 8,872 — Convertible securities 216 — — 216 — Other-international 24,613 — 20,868 3,745 — Municipal bonds 9,272 — — 9,272 — Mutual funds—fixed income 128,367 82,394 — 45,973 — Other Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,755 — — — 2,755 Total $ 1,965,502 $ 196,576 $ 1,450,707 $ 315,370 $ 2,849 Equity securities include Genuine Parts Company common stock in the amounts of $191,771,000 ( 9% of total plan assets) and $192,841,000 ( 10% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Dividend payments received by the plan on Company stock totaled approximately $5,450,000 and $5,308,000 in 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Fees paid during the year for services rendered by parties in interest were based on customary and reasonable rates for such services. The changes in the fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2017 and 2016 were not material. Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2018 pension income is 7.20% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relationships. The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Other long-term asset $ 8,573 $ 6,721 Other current liability (9,280 ) (8,206 ) Pension and other post-retirement liabilities (228,579 ) (339,872 ) $ (229,286 ) $ (341,357 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 941,063 $ 1,003,247 Prior service cost 5,773 672 $ 946,836 $ 1,003,919 The following table reflects the total benefits expected to be paid from the pension plans’ or the Company’s assets. Of the pension benefits expected to be paid in 2018 , approximately $9,283,000 is expected to be paid from employer assets. Expected employer contributions below reflect amounts expected to be contributed to funded plans. Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans follows (in thousands): Employer contribution 2018 (expected) $ 47,038 Expected benefit payments: 2018 $ 116,326 2019 121,779 2020 127,219 2021 133,143 2022 138,211 2023 through 2027 739,406 Net periodic benefit income included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Service cost $ 8,459 $ 7,746 $ 8,562 Interest cost 96,651 104,485 98,088 Expected return on plan assets (155,432 ) (156,832 ) (150,130 ) Amortization of prior service credit (350 ) (432 ) (565 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 38,034 31,641 38,197 Net periodic benefit income $ (12,638 ) $ (13,392 ) $ (5,848 ) Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Current year actuarial loss $ (27,672 ) $ 152,415 $ 44,930 Recognition of actuarial loss (38,034 ) (31,641 ) (38,197 ) Current year prior service cost 4,768 2,063 — Recognition of prior service credit 350 432 565 Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income $ (60,588 ) $ 123,269 $ 7,298 Total recognized in net periodic benefit income and other comprehensive (loss) income $ (73,226 ) $ 109,877 $ 1,450 The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit income in 2018 are as follows in thousands: Actuarial loss $ 39,856 Prior service credit (148 ) Total $ 39,708 The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit income for the plans follow: 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average discount rate 4.26 % 4.82 % 4.26 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.15 % 3.12 % 3.07 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.80 % 7.83 % 7.85 % The Company has one defined contribution plan in the U.S. that covers substantially all of its domestic employees. Employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense was approximately $58,186,000 in 2017 , $56,975,000 in 2016 , and $55,066,000 in 2015 . The Company launched a new defined contribution plan on April 1, 2017 that covers full-time Canadian employees after six months of employment and part-time employees upon meeting provincial minimum standards. Employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense was approximately $2,600,000 in 2017.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). Presently, the independents are generally consolidated by unaffiliated enterprises that have a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the independent. The Company has no voting interest or other equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates, but receives a fee for the guarantee. The Company has concluded that the independents are variable interest entities, but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Specifically, the equity holders of the independents have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance including, but not limited to, decisions about hiring and terminating personnel, local marketing and promotional initiatives, pricing and selling activities, credit decisions, monitoring and maintaining appropriate inventories, and store hours. Separately, the Company concluded the affiliates are not variable interest entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. At December 31, 2017 , the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $616,710,000 . These loans generally mature over periods from one to six years. In the event that the Company is required to make payments in connection with guaranteed obligations of the independents or the affiliates, the Company would obtain and liquidate certain collateral (e.g., accounts receivable and inventory) to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid under the guarantee. When it is deemed probable that the Company will incur a loss in connection with a guarantee, a liability is recorded equal to this estimated loss. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings. The Company has recognized certain assets and liabilities amounting to $65,000,000 and $42,000,000 for the guarantees related to the independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Legal Matter

Legal Matter	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Matter	Legal Matter On April 17, 2017, a jury awarded damages against the Company of $81,500,000 in a litigated automotive product liability dispute. Through post-trial motions and offsets from previous settlements, the initial verdict has been reduced to $77,100,000 . The Company believes the verdict is not supported by the facts or the law and is contrary to the Company’s role in the automotive parts industry. The Company is challenging the verdict through an appeal to a higher court. At the time of the filing of these financial statements, based upon the Company’s legal defenses, insurance coverage, and reserves, the Company does not believe this matter will have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions and Equity Investm

Acquisitions and Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Equity Investments	Acquisitions and Equity Investments The Company acquired several companies and equity investments for approximately $1,457,000,000 , $420,000,000 , and $140,000,000 , net of cash acquired, during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Aside from the AAG acquisition and the Inenco investment in 2017, the remaining acquisitions are considered individually immaterial, as well as immaterial in the aggregate. 2017 A significant portion of the acquisitions made in 2017 included twelve companies in the Automotive Parts Group, two companies in the Industrial Group, and one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The purchase price for these fifteen acquisitions was approximately $1,334,000,000 , net of cash acquired. Automotive Parts Group The twelve Automotive Parts Group acquisitions generate annual revenues of approximately $1,900,000,000 . In the U.S., the Company acquired Standard Motor Parts, which operates five locations, as well as Olympic Brake Supply, which operates six locations, in January and February 2017, respectively. Additionally, the Company added 14 new locations with the acquisition of Merle's Automotive Supply in May 2017 and 17 new locations with the addition of Monroe Motor Products in November 2017. In June 2017, the Company also added four new locations to its heavy vehicle parts operations with the acquisition of Stone Truck Parts. The Company expanded its distribution network in Australia with the addition of three single-location businesses, including Welch Auto Parts in July 2017, Logan City autoBarn in August 2017, subsequently re-branded as a NAPA Auto Super Store, and Sulco Tools and Equipment in September 2017. In Canada, the Company acquired Service de Freins Montreal Ltee, with 4 locations and Belcher Parts and Attachments with one location in April 2017. In December 2017, the Company acquired Universal Supply Group, which has 21 locations in Canada serving the automotive, paint and body and heavy vehicle sectors. In November 2017, the Company acquired AAG, which is discussed further below. Industrial Group The two Industrial Group acquisitions generate annual revenues of approximately $118,000,000 . In August 2017, the Company acquired Numatic Engineering, a distributor of automation products. In November 2017, the Company acquired Apache Hose & Belting Company, Inc. ("Apache") and operates in seven locations in the U.S. Apache specializes in value-added fabrication of belts, hoses and other industrial products. Electrical/Electronic Materials Group The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group acquisition generates annual revenues of approximately $65,000,000 . In April 2017, the Company acquired Empire Wire and Supply ("Empire"), an innovative provider of custom cable assemblies and distributor of network, electrical, automation and safety products. Empire operates from three locations in the U.S., as well as one location in Canada. Net sales from these fifteen acquisitions included in the Company's consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income at December 31, 2017 were approximately $429,000,000 . For each acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded approximately $1,926,000,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2017 acquisitions. Other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $ 619,000,000 , trademarks of $ 176,000,000 , and other intangibles of $1,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 19 , 27 , and 2 years, respectively. Additional disclosures for the 2017 automotive acquisition of AAG and the Inenco investment are provided below. Alliance Automotive Group The Company acquired all of the equity interests in AAG for approximately $1,080,000,000 in cash on November 2, 2017. The net cash consideration transferred of approximately $1,080,000,000 is net of the cash acquired of approximately $109,000,000 . AAG, which is headquartered in London, is the second largest parts distribution platform in Europe, based on revenues, with a focus on light and commercial vehicle replacement parts distributed to the independent aftermarket in France, Germany, the U.K., and a recently acquired subsidiary in Poland. AAG has approximately 8,000 employees and over 2,000 company-owned stores and affiliated outlets across France, the U.K., Germany, and Poland, with annual revenues of approximately $1,700,000,000 . Coincident with the transaction, GPC repaid a majority of AAG’s debt including publicly held notes and a revolving credit facility with a banking group, including accrued interest, for approximately $825,000,000 . The acquisition and subsequent redemption of substantially all acquired debt, was financed using a combination of new borrowings under a term loan, five private placement notes, and borrowings under increased credit facilities. The following table summarizes the preliminary, estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets is provisional pending completion of the final valuations for these assets. The Company is in the process of analyzing the estimated values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date, including, among other things, obtaining final valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets, as well as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances. The allocation of the purchase price is therefore preliminary and subject to revision. November 2, 2017 (In Thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 380,000 Merchandise inventories 374,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 213,000 Intangible assets 727,000 Deferred tax assets 4,000 Other assets 25,000 Property and equipment 93,000 Total identifiable assets acquired 1,816,000 Current liabilities (768,000 ) Long-term debt (769,000 ) Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities (14,000 ) Deferred tax liabilities (151,000 ) Other long-term liabilities (32,000 ) Total liabilities assumed (1,734,000 ) Net identifiable assets acquired 82,000 Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (38,000 ) Goodwill 1,036,000 Net assets acquired $ 1,080,000 The acquired intangible assets of approximately $727,000,000 were provisionally assigned to customer relationships of $550,000,000 , trademarks of $176,000,000 , and other intangibles of $1,000,000 , with weighted average amortization lives of 19 , 27 and 2 years, respectively, for a total weighted average amortizable life of 21 years. The estimated goodwill recognized as part of the acquisition is not tax deductible and has been assigned to the Automotive segment. The goodwill is attributable primarily to expected synergies and the assembled work- force. The fair values of the non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are at estimated fair values using income approaches. The amounts of net sales and earnings of AAG included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income from November 2, 2017 to December 31, 2017 were approximately $256,400,000 in net sales and net income of $0.07 on a per share diluted basis, respectively. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company as if AAG had been included in the consolidated results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 would be estimated at $17,627,000,000 and $16,575,000,000 in net sales, respectively, and net income of $4.56 and $4.55 on a per share diluted basis, respectively. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that the Company would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning of these periods, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results. The adjustments to the pro forma amounts include, but are not limited to, applying the Company’s accounting policies, amortization related to fair value adjustments to intangible assets, one-time purchase accounting adjustments, interest expense on acquisition related debt, and any associated tax effects. Inenco Effective April 3, 2017, the Company acquired a 35% investment in the Inenco Group for approximately $72,100,000 from Conbear Holdings Pty Limited ("Conbear"). The equity investment was funded with the Company’s cash on hand. The Inenco Group, which is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is an industrial distributor of bearings, power transmissions, and seals in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $325,000,000 and 161 locations across Australia and New Zealand, as well as an emerging presence in Asia. The Company and Conbear both have an option to acquire or sell, respectively, the remaining 65% of Inenco at a later date contingent upon certain conditions being satisfied. However, there can be no guarantee that such conditions will be met or, if they are met, whether either company would exercise its option. 2016 and 2015 A significant portion of the 2016 companies acquired included eleven companies in the Automotive Parts Group, five companies in the Industrial Group, two companies in the Business Products Group, and one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The purchase price for these nineteen acquisitions was approximately $370,000,000 , net of cash acquired. A significant portion of the 2015 companies acquired included one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group, three companies in the Business Products Group, four companies in the Industrial Group, and five store groups in the Automotive Parts Group for approximately $ 120,000,000 , net of cash acquired. For each acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded approximately $ 260,000,000 and $ 90,000,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2016 , and 2015 acquisitions, respectively. For the 2016 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $ 112,000,000 and trademarks of $ 28,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 17 and 35 years, respectively. For the 2015 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $39,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 15 years.

Segment Data

Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Data	Segment Data The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, business products, and electrical/electronic materials. Within the reportable segments, certain of the Company’s operating segments are aggregated since they have similar economic characteristics, products and services, type and class of customers, and distribution methods. The Company’s automotive segment distributes replacement parts (other than body parts) for substantially all makes and models of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. The Company’s industrial segment distributes a wide variety of industrial bearings, mechanical and fluid power transmission equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic products, material handling components, and related parts and supplies. The Company’s business products segment distributes a wide variety of office products, computer supplies, office furniture, and business electronics. The Company’s electrical/electronic materials segment distributes a wide variety of electrical/electronic materials, including insulating and conductive materials for use in electronic and electrical apparatus. Inter-segment sales are not significant. Operating profit for each industry segment is calculated as net sales less operating expenses excluding general corporate expenses, interest expense, and equity in income from investees, amortization, and noncontrolling interests. Approximately $196,200,000 , $139,900,000 and $118,800,000 of income before income taxes was generated in jurisdictions outside the United States for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Net sales and net property, plant and equipment by country relate directly to the Company’s operations in the respective country. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents and headquarters’ facilities and equipment. For management purposes, net sales by segment exclude the effect of certain discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers. The line item “other” represents the net effect of the discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers that are reported as a component of net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Net sales: Automotive $ 8,662,696 $ 8,111,511 $ 8,015,098 $ 8,096,877 $ 7,489,186 Industrial 4,966,518 4,634,212 4,646,689 4,771,080 4,429,976 Business products 1,998,946 1,969,405 1,937,629 1,802,754 1,638,618 Electrical/electronic materials 780,928 715,650 750,770 739,119 568,872 Other (100,287 ) (91,065 ) (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) Total net sales $ 16,308,801 $ 15,339,713 $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 Operating profit: Automotive $ 720,465 $ 715,154 $ 729,152 $ 700,386 $ 641,492 Industrial 384,247 336,608 339,180 370,043 320,720 Business products 98,882 117,035 140,866 133,727 122,492 Electrical/electronic materials 56,207 60,539 70,151 64,884 47,584 Total operating profit 1,259,801 1,229,336 1,279,349 1,269,040 1,132,288 Interest expense, net (38,677 ) (19,525 ) (20,354 ) (24,192 ) (24,330 ) Corporate expense (159,863 ) (94,601 ) (100,436 ) (90,242 ) (34,667 ) Intangible asset amortization (51,993 ) (40,870 ) (34,878 ) (36,867 ) (28,987 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,009,268 $ 1,074,340 $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304 Assets: Automotive $ 6,140,829 $ 4,601,150 $ 4,293,290 $ 4,275,298 $ 4,009,244 Industrial 1,437,125 1,292,063 1,143,952 1,224,735 1,162,697 Business products 859,335 907,119 831,546 835,592 708,944 Electrical/electronic materials 208,146 203,334 191,866 196,400 156,780 Corporate 212,566 281,071 322,323 327,623 353,276 Goodwill and other intangible assets 3,554,380 1,574,663 1,361,794 1,386,590 1,289,356 Total assets $ 12,412,381 $ 8,859,400 $ 8,144,771 $ 8,246,238 $ 7,680,297 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Depreciation and amortization: Automotive $ 71,405 $ 65,372 $ 70,112 $ 77,645 $ 76,238 Industrial 10,353 10,371 9,960 9,906 8,751 Business products 11,262 11,398 10,922 10,728 10,166 Electrical/electronic materials 3,093 2,967 2,933 2,658 1,904 Corporate 19,585 16,509 12,870 10,509 7,911 Intangible asset amortization 51,993 40,870 34,878 36,867 28,987 Total depreciation and amortization $ 167,691 $ 147,487 $ 141,675 $ 148,313 $ 133,957 Capital expenditures: Automotive $ 118,181 $ 73,339 $ 77,504 $ 78,537 $ 97,735 Industrial 23,267 27,383 13,998 12,442 8,808 Business products 6,726 12,072 12,323 11,135 9,297 Electrical/electronic materials 5,299 5,710 2,824 3,003 1,730 Corporate 3,287 42,139 2,895 2,564 6,493 Total capital expenditures $ 156,760 $ 160,643 $ 109,544 $ 107,681 $ 124,063 Net sales: United States $ 13,293,325 $ 12,822,320 $ 12,843,078 $ 12,565,329 $ 11,594,713 Europe 256,364 — — — — Canada 1,549,915 1,390,979 1,395,695 1,583,075 1,560,799 Australasia 1,185,487 1,104,511 992,064 1,133,620 839,353 Mexico 123,997 112,968 119,349 127,806 131,787 Other (100,287 ) (91,065 ) (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) Total net sales $ 16,308,801 $ 15,339,713 $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 Net property, plant, and equipment: United States $ 647,386 $ 561,164 $ 495,073 $ 495,452 $ 503,882 Europe 96,857 — — — — Canada 90,857 81,260 79,023 98,939 99,135 Australasia 95,299 79,413 65,289 65,707 60,614 Mexico 6,303 6,287 8,832 10,004 6,430 Total net property, plant, and equipment $ 936,702 $ 728,124 $ 648,217 $ 670,102 $ 670,061

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event Effective January 1, 2018, the electrical/electronic materials segment became a division of the industrial segment. These two reportable segments will become a single reporting segment in 2018 and prospectively. The Company's reportable segments will consist of the automotive, industrial, and business products segments and segment data will be presented under this new basis for all interim and annual periods beginning in 2018.

Financial Statement Schedule II

Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions(1) Balance at End of Period Year ended December 31, 2015: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 11,836,000 $ 12,373,000 $ (13,516,000 ) $ 10,693,000 Year ended December 31, 2016: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 10,693,000 $ 11,515,000 $ (6,651,000 ) $ 15,557,000 Year ended December 31, 2017: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 15,557,000 $ 13,932,000 $ (11,877,000 ) $ 17,612,000 (1) Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Summary of Significant Accoun23

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business	Business Genuine Parts Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company) is a distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and materials and business products. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 3,100 locations in North America, Australasia and Europe and, therefore, has limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company. The net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is not material to the Company’s consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience and periodically adjusts this estimate when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts.
Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors	Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for a majority of U.S. automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for business products and certain non-U.S. and other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $440,550,000 and $426,760,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. During 2017 and 2016, reductions in industrial parts inventories resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effects of the LIFO liquidations in 2017 and 2016 reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $2,000,000 and $6,000,000 , respectively. There were no LIFO liquidations in 2015. The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur. The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2018 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses, amounts due from vendors, and income taxes receivable.
Goodwill	Goodwill The Company reviews its goodwill annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or a level below an operating segment, which is referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of that component. However, two or more components of an operating segment are aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. A combination of qualitative assessments and present value of future cash flows approaches was used to determine any potential impairment.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of each asset: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years.
Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill	Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets.
Self-Insurance	Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for the majority of group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by the Company’s claims administrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year. Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for the workers’ compensation program. In addition, the Company carries various large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of workers’ compensation liabilities. The Company records the workers’ compensation reserves based on an analysis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis calculates development factors, which are applied to total reserves as provided by the various insurance companies who underwrite the program. While the Company believes that the assumptions used to calculate these liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect workers’ compensation costs.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations From time to time, the Company enters into business combinations. The Company recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. The Company measures goodwill as the excess of consideration transferred, which the Company also measures at fair value, over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding the fair values of the elements of a business combination as of the date of acquisition, including the fair values of identifiable intangible assets, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, liabilities including those related to debt, pensions and other postretirement plans, uncertain tax positions, contingent consideration and contingencies. This method also requires the Company to refine these estimates over a measurement period not to exceed one year to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. If the Company is required to adjust provisional amounts that were recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, these adjustments could have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions in estimating the fair value of acquired customer relationships and other identifiable intangible assets include future cash flows that the Company expects to generate from the acquired assets. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, the Company could record impairment charges. In addition, the Company has estimated the economic lives of certain acquired assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If the Company estimates the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be increased or decreased, or the acquired asset could be impaired. For each acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings under the line of credit and term loan approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $1,497,179,000 and $549,000,000 , respectively. The fair value of fixed rate debt is designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., significant observable inputs) and is based primarily on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk and maturity.
Non-derivative Financial Instrument Designated as a Net Investment Hedge	Non-derivative Financial Instrument Designated as a Net Investment Hedge The Company designated euro-denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, as a hedge against a portion of the Company's euro-denominated net investment in its European subsidiaries. Changes in the value of the euro-denominated debt attributable to the change in exchange rates at the end of each reporting period are expected to offset the foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the euro-denominated net investment, and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The net investment hedge is discussed further in the non-derivative financial instrument footnote.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled approximately $290,000,000 , $230,000,000 , and $240,000,000 , for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $64,700,000 , $66,900,000 , and $75,000,000 in the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively.
Accounting for Legal Costs	Accounting for Legal Costs The Company’s legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as such costs are incurred.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company maintains various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to five years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. The Company issues new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans.
Net Income per Common Share	Net Income per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 1,920,000 , 1,290,000 , and 1,280,000 shares of common stock ranging from $85 — $100 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of common stock in each respective year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ( Topic 606 ) ("ASU 2014-09"), which will create a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2018. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and more judgment and estimates are required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing guidance, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, among others. The Company has established a cross-functional implementation team to evaluate and implement the new standard related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The Company plans to use the modified retrospective adoption method. As a result, a cumulative effect adjustment is required at January 1, 2018 and the Company will account for revenue under the new standard prospectively from such date. The Company primarily sells goods and recognizes revenue at point of sale or delivery and this will not change under the new standard. However, certain customer relationships have terms that include items considered variable consideration, primarily related to customer discounts which will require a change in recognition under the new standard. Upon adoption of Topic 606, the cumulative impact to the Company’s retained earnings at January 1, 2018 is estimated to be approximately $8,000,000 . Once finalized, this amount will be recorded as a reduction in retained earnings as a cumulative effect of adoption of a new accounting standard and a deferred revenue liability will be established and classified with accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Leases (Topic 842) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ( Topic 842 ) ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than twelve months. Expanded disclosures with additional qualitative and quantitative information will also be required. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition. The Company has established a cross-functional team to evaluate and implement the new standard. As disclosed in the leased properties footnote, the future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases are approximately $1,140,000,000 and the Company believes the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on the consolidated balance sheet. Income Tax Reform The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable years starting after December 31, 2017, and requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously subject to U.S. Federal income tax and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Act on the existing deferred tax balances and of the one-time transition tax. As disclosed in the income taxes footnote, the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate were recognized as a provisional tax expense of $ 50,986,000 for the period ended December 31, 2017, which is included as a component of income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine the calculations as additional analysis is completed. Further, the Company's estimates may also be affected as regulations and additional guidance are made available. In addition, the Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company is still evaluating the effects and has not yet determined the new accounting policy. The provision is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Inventory (Topic 330) In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11"), which modifies existing requirements regarding measuring first-in, first-out and average cost inventory at the lower of cost or market. Under existing standards, the market amount requires consideration of replacement cost, net realizable value (“NRV”), and NRV less an approximately normal profit margin. ASU 2015-11 replaces market with NRV, defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This eliminates the need to determine and consider replacement cost or NRV less an approximately normal profit margin when measuring inventory. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements. Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation ( Topic 718 ): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") that changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based compensation to employees including forfeitures, employer tax withholding, and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or expense. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based compensation, which prospectively reclassifies cash flows from excess tax benefits of share-based compensation currently disclosed in financing activities to operating activities in the period of adoption. The guidance will increase income tax expense volatility, as well as the Company's cash flows from operations. In addition, the Company did not elect to change shares withheld for employment income tax purposes. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) ("ASU 2017-07"), which requires an entity to report the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same line item as other compensation costs (selling, administrative and other expenses), and the remaining components in non-operating expense in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018 and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans	For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , the fair values for SARs granted were estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 2.3% , 1.6% , and 2.0% ; dividend yield of 2.8% , 2.7% , and 2.6% ; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years and an average expected life of approximately six years. The fair value of RSUs is based on the price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the funds. The plans in Europe are unfunded and, therefore, there are no plan assets. The pension plan strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary investment objectives for the pension plans are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actuarially assumed long-term rates of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark ( 47% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 7% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, 3% MSCI Emerging Market Net, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit). The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , by asset category, are shown in the tables below. Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company’s pension plan assets. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. Level 1 represents observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 represents other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 represents significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). Certain investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") per share as a practical expedient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year. Debt securities including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities are valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year. Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2018 pension income is 7.20% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relationships. The Company has one defined contribution plan in the U.S. that covers substantially all of its domestic employees. Employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. For the plans in the U.S. and Canada, the Company may increase its contribution above the minimum, if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position. For the plans in Europe, these plans will be funded in accordance with local regulations. The Company also sponsors supplemental retirement plans covering employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and supplemental retirement plans. Several assumptions are used to determine the benefit obligations, plan assets, and net periodic income. The discount rate for the pension plans is calculated using a bond matching approach to select specific bonds that would satisfy the projected benefit payments. The bond matching approach reflects the process that would be used to settle the pension obligations. The expected return on plan assets is based on a calculated market-related value of plan assets, where gains and losses on plan assets are amortized over a five year period and accumulate in other comprehensive income. Other non-investment unrecognized gains and losses are amortized in future net income based on a “corridor” approach, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The unrecognized gains and losses in excess of the corridor criteria are amortized over the average future lifetime or service of plan participants, depending on the plan. These assumptions are updated at each annual measurement date.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity	The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). Presently, the independents are generally consolidated by unaffiliated enterprises that have a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the independent. The Company has no voting interest or other equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates, but receives a fee for the guarantee. The Company has concluded that the independents are variable interest entities, but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Specifically, the equity holders of the independents have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance including, but not limited to, decisions about hiring and terminating personnel, local marketing and promotional initiatives, pricing and selling activities, credit decisions, monitoring and maintaining appropriate inventories, and store hours. Separately, the Company concluded the affiliates are not variable interest entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2017 , the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. At December 31, 2017 , the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $616,710,000 . These loans generally mature over periods from one to six years. In the event that the Company is required to make payments in connection with guaranteed obligations of the independents or the affiliates, the Company would obtain and liquidate certain collateral (e.g., accounts receivable and inventory) to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid under the guarantee. When it is deemed probable that the Company will incur a loss in connection with a guarantee, a liability is recorded equal to this estimated loss. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings.
Segment Reporting	The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, business products, and electrical/electronic materials. Within the reportable segments, certain of the Company’s operating segments are aggregated since they have similar economic characteristics, products and services, type and class of customers, and distribution methods.

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of Other Assets	Other assets are comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Retirement benefit assets $ 8,573 $ 6,721 Deferred compensation benefits 30,084 29,222 Inenco equity investment 75,660 — Investments 42,313 28,793 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 117,952 106,251 Customer sales returns inventories 56,442 68,160 Guarantees related to borrowings 65,000 42,000 Other long-term prepayments and receivables 172,224 194,383 Total other assets $ 568,248 $ 475,530
Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities $ 60,458 $ 56,723 Insurance liabilities 44,181 37,608 Other lease obligations 55,693 39,221 Other taxes payable 47,724 16,997 Customer deposits 65,758 79,528 Guarantees related to borrowings 65,000 42,000 Other 162,190 195,981 Total other long-term liabilities $ 501,004 $ 468,058
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Foreign currency translation $ (266,247 ) $ (403,941 ) Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax (17,388 ) — Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax (566,876 ) (611,333 ) Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit, net of tax (2,081 ) 2,253 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (852,592 ) $ (1,013,021 )
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended on December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Pension Benefits Other Post-Retirement Benefits Net Investment Hedge Foreign Currency Translation Total (In Thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 $ (534,215 ) $ (1,419 ) $ — $ (394,984 ) $ (930,618 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax (92,758 ) 15 — (8,957 ) (101,700 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 19,505 (208 ) — — 19,297 Net current period other comprehensive loss (73,253 ) (193 ) — (8,957 ) (82,403 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2016 (607,468 ) (1,612 ) — (403,941 ) (1,013,021 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax 16,640 307 (17,388 ) 137,694 137,253 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 23,385 (209 ) — — 23,176 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 40,025 98 (17,388 ) 137,694 160,429 Ending balance, December 31, 2017 $ (567,443 ) $ (1,514 ) $ (17,388 ) $ (266,247 ) $ (852,592 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible25

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net Automotive Industrial Business Products Electrical/ Electronic Materials Total Balance as of January 1, 2016 $ 555,003 $ 136,079 $ 56,499 $ 93,001 $ 840,582 $ 521,213 Additions 56,518 36,267 25,609 901 119,295 139,982 Amortization — — — — — (40,870 ) Foreign currency translation (3,963 ) 247 (8 ) — (3,724 ) (1,815 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 607,558 172,593 82,100 93,902 956,153 618,510 Additions 1,089,767 17,921 — 21,498 1,129,186 796,544 Amortization — — — — — (51,993 ) Foreign currency translation 68,183 577 (111 ) — 68,649 37,331 Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 1,765,508 $ 191,091 $ 81,989 $ 115,400 $ 2,153,988 $ 1,400,392
Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization Relating to Other Intangible Assets	The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows (in thousands): 2017 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Customer relationships $ 1,251,783 $ (199,741 ) $ 1,052,042 $ 603,966 $ (150,350 ) $ 453,616 Trademarks 369,512 (23,056 ) 346,456 180,416 (16,154 ) 164,262 Non-competition agreements 6,946 (5,052 ) 1,894 5,098 (4,466 ) 632 $ 1,628,241 $ (227,849 ) $ 1,400,392 $ 789,480 $ (170,970 ) $ 618,510
Estimated Other Intangible Assets Amortization Expense	Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands): 2018 $ 83,564 2019 83,137 2020 82,199 2021 82,044 2022 82,137 $ 413,081

Credit Facilities (Tables)

Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities	Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities, net of debt issuance cost, consist of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, $1,500,000,000, LIBOR plus 1.375% variable $ 590,000 $ 325,000 Unsecured Term Loan A, $1,100,000,000, LIBOR plus 1.375% variable 1,100,000 — Unsecured term notes: July 29, 2016, Series G Senior Unsecured Notes, $50,000,000, 2.64% fixed, due July 29, 2021 50,000 50,000 December 2, 2013, Series F Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.24% fixed, due December 2, 2023 250,000 250,000 October 30, 2017, Series J Senior Unsecured Notes, €225,000,000, 1.40% fixed, due October 30, 2024 269,955 — November 30, 2016, Series H Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.24% fixed, due November 30, 2026 250,000 250,000 October 30, 2017, Series K Senior Unsecured Notes, €250,000,000, 1.81% fixed, due October 30, 2027 299,950 — October 30, 2017, Series I Senior Unsecured Notes, $120,000,000, 3.70% fixed, due October 30, 2027 120,000 — October 30, 2017, Series L Senior Unsecured Notes, €125,000,000, 2.02% fixed, due October 30, 2029 149,975 — October 30, 2017, Series M Senior Unsecured Notes, €100,000,000, 2.32% fixed, due October 30, 2032 119,980 — Acquired debt includes German Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, 2.85%, due June 30, 2019 49,990 — Total unsecured debt 3,249,850 875,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,841 ) — Total debt 3,245,009 875,000 Less debt due within one year 694,989 325,000 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 2,550,020 $ 550,000
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Approximate maturities under the Company’s credit facilities, net of debt issuance costs, are as follows (in thousands): 2018, net of debt issuance costs of $633 $ 694,356 2019 81,867 2020 109,366 2021 186,866 2022 714,366 Thereafter 1,458,188 $ 3,245,009

Leased Properties (Tables)

Leased Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments of Leases	Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more was approximately the following at December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 $ 299,200 2019 234,500 2020 172,400 2021 114,700 2022 81,600 Thereafter 237,600 Total minimum lease payments $ 1,140,000

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Share-Based Compensation Activity and Related Information	A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows: 2017 Shares (1) Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2) (In Thousands) Outstanding at beginning of year 3,878 $ 79 Granted 917 90 Exercised (348 ) 61 Forfeited (247 ) 92 Outstanding at end of year (3) 4,200 $ 82 Exercisable at end of year 2,514 $ 77 Shares available for future grants 8,368 (1) Shares include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). (2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes RSUs. (3) The exercise prices for SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2017 ranged from approximately $42 to $100 . The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all SARs outstanding is approximately six years.
Summary of Company's Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Activity	A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards activity is as follows: Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (In Thousands) Nonvested at January 1, 2017 408 $ 92 Granted 171 90 Vested (80 ) 84 Forfeited (93 ) 88 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 406 $ 91

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets related to: Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 256,728 $ 344,927 Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes 257,766 397,391 Net operating loss 31,046 4,673 545,540 746,991 Deferred tax liabilities related to: Employee and retiree benefits 210,429 276,256 Inventory 93,067 141,181 Other intangible assets 287,018 120,689 Property, plant, and equipment 66,727 61,666 Other 35,859 58,468 693,100 658,260 Net deferred tax (liability) asset before valuation allowance (147,560 ) 88,731 Valuation allowance (5,590 ) (4,405 ) Total net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (153,150 ) $ 84,326
Components of Income before Income Taxes	The components of income before income taxes are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) United States $ 813,078 $ 934,476 $ 1,004,919 Foreign 196,190 139,864 118,762 Income before income taxes $ 1,009,268 $ 1,074,340 $ 1,123,681
Components of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax expense are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Current: Federal $ 252,337 $ 284,199 $ 309,403 State 29,288 41,083 45,460 Foreign 44,896 28,593 27,602 Deferred: Federal 71,238 26,684 28,754 State 13,663 3,857 4,225 Foreign (18,911 ) 2,684 2,565 $ 392,511 $ 387,100 $ 418,009
Difference Between Total Tax Expense and Amount Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate	The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Statutory rate applied to income $ 353,259 $ 376,019 $ 393,288 Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 27,918 29,211 32,295 Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the U.S. statutory rate (33,984 ) (18,057 ) (13,684 ) U.S. tax reform - transition tax 37,132 — — U.S. tax reform - deferred tax remeasurement 13,854 — — Foreign rate change - deferred tax remeasurement (9,338 ) — — Other 3,670 (73 ) 6,110 $ 392,511 $ 387,100 $ 418,009
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 15,190 $ 15,815 $ 17,581 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,644 2,184 1,969 Additions for tax positions of prior years 1,511 1,317 61 Reductions for tax positions for prior years (430 ) (1,369 ) (3,152 ) Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations (3,917 ) (2,516 ) (425 ) Settlements (301 ) (241 ) (219 ) Balance at end of year $ 14,697 $ 15,190 $ 15,815

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Changes in Benefit Obligation	Changes in benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Changes in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,306,859 $ 2,199,356 Service cost 8,459 7,746 Interest cost 96,651 104,485 Plan participants’ contributions 2,454 2,585 Actuarial loss 94,546 139,851 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 15,073 5,449 Gross benefits paid (106,885 ) (154,676 ) Plan amendments 4,768 2,063 Acquired plans 13,840 — Benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,435,765 $ 2,306,859
Assumptions Used to Measure Pension Benefit Obligations	The assumptions used to measure the pension benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , were: 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate 3.70 % 4.26 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.11 % 3.14 %
Changes in Plan Assets	Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Changes in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 1,965,502 $ 1,912,736 Actual return on plan assets 277,650 146,022 Foreign currency exchange rate changes 14,449 5,172 Employer contributions 53,309 53,663 Plan participants’ contributions 2,454 2,585 Benefits paid (106,885 ) (154,676 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 2,206,479 $ 1,965,502
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the aggregate benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Aggregate benefit obligation $ 2,241,690 $ 2,131,550 Aggregate fair value of plan assets 2,003,831 1,783,472
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation $ 2,210,590 $ 2,086,711 Aggregate fair value of plan assets 1,996,017 1,760,713
Asset Allocations for Funded Pension Plans	The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , and the target allocation for 2018 , by asset category were: Target Allocation 2018 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 2017 2016 Asset Category Equity securities 72 % 71 % 70 % Debt securities 28 % 29 % 30 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Fair Value of Plan Assets by Asset Category	2017 Total Assets Measured at NAV Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In Thousands) Equity Securities Common stocks — mutual funds — equity $ 536,609 $ 193,628 $ 342,981 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 191,771 — 191,771 — — Other stocks 838,694 — 838,659 — 35 Debt Securities Short-term investments 47,745 — 47,745 — — Cash and equivalents 13,530 — 13,530 — — Government bonds 180,838 — 121,834 59,004 — Corporate bonds 207,978 — — 207,978 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 9,725 — — 9,725 — Convertible securities 211 — — 211 — Other-international 29,431 — 29,221 210 — Municipal bonds 7,346 — — 7,346 — Mutual funds—fixed income 139,801 92,248 — 47,553 — Other Options and futures 38 — 38 — — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,762 — — — 2,762 Total $ 2,206,479 $ 285,876 $ 1,585,779 $ 332,027 $ 2,797 2016 Total Assets Measured at NAV Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) (In Thousands) Equity Securities Common stocks — mutual funds — equity $ 384,103 $ 114,182 $ 269,921 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 192,841 — 192,841 — — Other stocks 793,101 — 793,007 — 94 Debt Securities Short-term investments 55,607 — 55,607 — — Cash and equivalents 15,995 — 15,995 — — Government bonds 157,303 — 102,468 54,835 — Corporate bonds 192,457 — — 192,457 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 8,872 — — 8,872 — Convertible securities 216 — — 216 — Other-international 24,613 — 20,868 3,745 — Municipal bonds 9,272 — — 9,272 — Mutual funds—fixed income 128,367 82,394 — 45,973 — Other Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,755 — — — 2,755 Total $ 1,965,502 $ 196,576 $ 1,450,707 $ 315,370 $ 2,849
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Other long-term asset $ 8,573 $ 6,721 Other current liability (9,280 ) (8,206 ) Pension and other post-retirement liabilities (228,579 ) (339,872 ) $ (229,286 ) $ (341,357 )
Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Table	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 941,063 $ 1,003,247 Prior service cost 5,773 672 $ 946,836 $ 1,003,919
Expected Cash Flows for Pension Plans	Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans follows (in thousands): Employer contribution 2018 (expected) $ 47,038 Expected benefit payments: 2018 $ 116,326 2019 121,779 2020 127,219 2021 133,143 2022 138,211 2023 through 2027 739,406
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost	Net periodic benefit income included the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Service cost $ 8,459 $ 7,746 $ 8,562 Interest cost 96,651 104,485 98,088 Expected return on plan assets (155,432 ) (156,832 ) (150,130 ) Amortization of prior service credit (350 ) (432 ) (565 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 38,034 31,641 38,197 Net periodic benefit income $ (12,638 ) $ (13,392 ) $ (5,848 )
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Current year actuarial loss $ (27,672 ) $ 152,415 $ 44,930 Recognition of actuarial loss (38,034 ) (31,641 ) (38,197 ) Current year prior service cost 4,768 2,063 — Recognition of prior service credit 350 432 565 Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income $ (60,588 ) $ 123,269 $ 7,298 Total recognized in net periodic benefit income and other comprehensive (loss) income $ (73,226 ) $ 109,877 $ 1,450
Estimated Amounts Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit income in 2018 are as follows in thousands: Actuarial loss $ 39,856 Prior service credit (148 ) Total $ 39,708
Assumptions Used To Measure Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost	The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit income for the plans follow: 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average discount rate 4.26 % 4.82 % 4.26 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.15 % 3.12 % 3.07 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.80 % 7.83 % 7.85 %

Acquisitions and Equity Inves31

Acquisitions and Equity Investments Acquisitions and Equity Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the preliminary, estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets is provisional pending completion of the final valuations for these assets. The Company is in the process of analyzing the estimated values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date, including, among other things, obtaining final valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets, as well as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances. The allocation of the purchase price is therefore preliminary and subject to revision. November 2, 2017 (In Thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 380,000 Merchandise inventories 374,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 213,000 Intangible assets 727,000 Deferred tax assets 4,000 Other assets 25,000 Property and equipment 93,000 Total identifiable assets acquired 1,816,000 Current liabilities (768,000 ) Long-term debt (769,000 ) Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities (14,000 ) Deferred tax liabilities (151,000 ) Other long-term liabilities (32,000 ) Total liabilities assumed (1,734,000 ) Net identifiable assets acquired 82,000 Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries (38,000 ) Goodwill 1,036,000 Net assets acquired $ 1,080,000

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Data	2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Net sales: Automotive $ 8,662,696 $ 8,111,511 $ 8,015,098 $ 8,096,877 $ 7,489,186 Industrial 4,966,518 4,634,212 4,646,689 4,771,080 4,429,976 Business products 1,998,946 1,969,405 1,937,629 1,802,754 1,638,618 Electrical/electronic materials 780,928 715,650 750,770 739,119 568,872 Other (100,287 ) (91,065 ) (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) Total net sales $ 16,308,801 $ 15,339,713 $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 Operating profit: Automotive $ 720,465 $ 715,154 $ 729,152 $ 700,386 $ 641,492 Industrial 384,247 336,608 339,180 370,043 320,720 Business products 98,882 117,035 140,866 133,727 122,492 Electrical/electronic materials 56,207 60,539 70,151 64,884 47,584 Total operating profit 1,259,801 1,229,336 1,279,349 1,269,040 1,132,288 Interest expense, net (38,677 ) (19,525 ) (20,354 ) (24,192 ) (24,330 ) Corporate expense (159,863 ) (94,601 ) (100,436 ) (90,242 ) (34,667 ) Intangible asset amortization (51,993 ) (40,870 ) (34,878 ) (36,867 ) (28,987 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,009,268 $ 1,074,340 $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304 Assets: Automotive $ 6,140,829 $ 4,601,150 $ 4,293,290 $ 4,275,298 $ 4,009,244 Industrial 1,437,125 1,292,063 1,143,952 1,224,735 1,162,697 Business products 859,335 907,119 831,546 835,592 708,944 Electrical/electronic materials 208,146 203,334 191,866 196,400 156,780 Corporate 212,566 281,071 322,323 327,623 353,276 Goodwill and other intangible assets 3,554,380 1,574,663 1,361,794 1,386,590 1,289,356 Total assets $ 12,412,381 $ 8,859,400 $ 8,144,771 $ 8,246,238 $ 7,680,297 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Depreciation and amortization: Automotive $ 71,405 $ 65,372 $ 70,112 $ 77,645 $ 76,238 Industrial 10,353 10,371 9,960 9,906 8,751 Business products 11,262 11,398 10,922 10,728 10,166 Electrical/electronic materials 3,093 2,967 2,933 2,658 1,904 Corporate 19,585 16,509 12,870 10,509 7,911 Intangible asset amortization 51,993 40,870 34,878 36,867 28,987 Total depreciation and amortization $ 167,691 $ 147,487 $ 141,675 $ 148,313 $ 133,957 Capital expenditures: Automotive $ 118,181 $ 73,339 $ 77,504 $ 78,537 $ 97,735 Industrial 23,267 27,383 13,998 12,442 8,808 Business products 6,726 12,072 12,323 11,135 9,297 Electrical/electronic materials 5,299 5,710 2,824 3,003 1,730 Corporate 3,287 42,139 2,895 2,564 6,493 Total capital expenditures $ 156,760 $ 160,643 $ 109,544 $ 107,681 $ 124,063 Net sales: United States $ 13,293,325 $ 12,822,320 $ 12,843,078 $ 12,565,329 $ 11,594,713 Europe 256,364 — — — — Canada 1,549,915 1,390,979 1,395,695 1,583,075 1,560,799 Australasia 1,185,487 1,104,511 992,064 1,133,620 839,353 Mexico 123,997 112,968 119,349 127,806 131,787 Other (100,287 ) (91,065 ) (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) Total net sales $ 16,308,801 $ 15,339,713 $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 Net property, plant, and equipment: United States $ 647,386 $ 561,164 $ 495,073 $ 495,452 $ 503,882 Europe 96,857 — — — — Canada 90,857 81,260 79,023 98,939 99,135 Australasia 95,299 79,413 65,289 65,707 60,614 Mexico 6,303 6,287 8,832 10,004 6,430 Total net property, plant, and equipment $ 936,702 $ 728,124 $ 648,217 $ 670,102 $ 670,061

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Location$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of locations in North America, Australasia, and Europe | Location	3,100
Provisions for doubtful accounts	$ 13,932,000	$ 11,515,000	$ 12,373,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	17,612,000	15,557,000
Excess of FIFO costs over stated LIFO value	440,550,000	426,760,000
Reduction in cost of goods sold by the effect of LIFO liquidations	2,000,000	6,000,000
Impairment of goodwill	0	0	0
Fair value of fixed rate debt	1,497,179,000	549,000,000
Long-term debt	1,506,400,000	550,000,000
Shipping and handling costs classified as selling, administrative and other expenses	290,000,000	230,000,000	240,000,000
Advertising costs	$ 64,700,000	$ 66,900,000	$ 75,000,000
Outstanding options to purchase common shares not included in dilutive share (in shares) | shares	1,920	1,290	1,280
Minimum exercise price of options (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 85	$ 85	$ 85
Maximum exercise price of options (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 100	$ 100	$ 100
Total minimum lease payments	$ 1,140,000,000
Provisional income tax expense (benefit)	$ 50,986,000
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment awards granted vesting period range (in years)	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment awards granted vesting period range (in years)	5 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life (in years)	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life (in years)	40 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life (in years)	5 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life (in years)	15 years
Retained Earnings [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Pro Forma [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative impact of new accounting principle	$ 8,000,000

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Other Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Retirement benefit assets	$ 8,573	$ 6,721
Deferred compensation benefits	30,084	29,222
Inenco equity investment	75,660	0
Investments	42,313	28,793
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	117,952	106,251
Customer sales returns inventories	56,442	68,160
Guarantees related to borrowings	65,000	42,000
Other long-term prepayments and receivables	172,224	194,383
Total other assets	$ 568,248	$ 475,530

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$ 60,458	$ 56,723
Insurance liabilities	44,181	37,608
Other lease obligations	55,693	39,221
Other taxes payable	47,724	16,997
Customer deposits	65,758	79,528
Guarantees related to borrowings	65,000	42,000
Other	162,190	195,981
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 501,004	$ 468,058

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation	$ (266,247)	$ (403,941)
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax	(17,388)	0
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax	(566,876)	(611,333)
Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit, net of tax	(2,081)	2,253
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (852,592)	$ (1,013,021)

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Beginning balance	$ 3,193,728
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	137,253	$ (101,700)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	23,176	19,297
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	160,429	(82,403)
Ending balance	3,412,152	3,193,728
Pension Benefits [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Beginning balance	(607,468)	(534,215)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	16,640	(92,758)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	23,385	19,505
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	40,025	(73,253)
Ending balance	(567,443)	(607,468)
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Beginning balance	(1,612)	(1,419)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	307	15
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(209)	(208)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	98	(193)
Ending balance	(1,514)	(1,612)
Net Investment Hedge [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Beginning balance	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(17,388)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(17,388)	0
Ending balance	(17,388)	0
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Beginning balance	(403,941)	(394,984)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	137,694	(8,957)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	0	0
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	137,694	(8,957)
Ending balance	(266,247)	(403,941)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
Beginning balance	(1,013,021)	(930,618)
Ending balance	$ (852,592)	$ (1,013,021)

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 956,153	$ 840,582
Additions	1,129,186	119,295
Foreign currency translation	68,649	(3,724)
Goodwill, ending balance	2,153,988	956,153	$ 840,582
Other Intangible Assets, Net
Other intangible assets, net, beginning balance	618,510	521,213
Additions	796,544	139,982
Amortization	(51,993)	(40,870)	(34,878)
Foreign currency translation	37,331	(1,815)
Other intangible assets, net, ending balance	1,400,392	618,510	521,213
Automotive
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	607,558	555,003
Additions	1,089,767	56,518
Foreign currency translation	68,183	(3,963)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,765,508	607,558	555,003
Industrial
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	172,593	136,079
Additions	17,921	36,267
Foreign currency translation	577	247
Goodwill, ending balance	191,091	172,593	136,079
Business Products
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	82,100	56,499
Additions	0	25,609
Foreign currency translation	(111)	(8)
Goodwill, ending balance	81,989	82,100	56,499
Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Goodwill
Goodwill, beginning balance	93,902	93,001
Additions	21,498	901
Foreign currency translation	0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 115,400	$ 93,902	$ 93,001

Goodwill and Other Intangible39

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization Relating to Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 1,628,241	$ 789,480
Accumulated Amortization	(227,849)	(170,970)
Net	1,400,392	618,510	$ 521,213
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,251,783	603,966
Accumulated Amortization	(199,741)	(150,350)
Net	1,052,042	453,616
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	369,512	180,416
Accumulated Amortization	(23,056)	(16,154)
Net	346,456	164,262
Non-competition agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,946	5,098
Accumulated Amortization	(5,052)	(4,466)
Net	$ 1,894	$ 632

Goodwill and Other Intangible40

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Other Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense for other intangible assets total	$ 51,993	$ 40,870	$ 34,878
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
2,018	83,564
2,019	83,137
2,020	82,199
2,021	82,044
2,022	82,137
Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense	$ 413,081

Credit Facilities - Additional

Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Oct. 30, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 30, 2017EUR (€)	Oct. 29, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, bearing variable interest, amount	$ 1,690,000,000					$ 325,000,000
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings	2.70%	2.70%				2.39%
Unused letter of credit outstanding due to workers' compensation and insurance reserve	$ 62,019,000					$ 64,930,000
Syndicated Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 2,600,000,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end	2.69%	2.69%
Line of credit facility amount of option to increase additional borrowing	$ 1,000,000,000
Existing Placement Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 550,000,000
Interest rate, increase (decrease)	0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2012 Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 1,200,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicated Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			1,500,000,000
Line of credit, current	590,000,000					325,000,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	1,100,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Syndicated Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			1,100,000,000
Unsecured debt	1,100,000,000					$ 0
Series J Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €		€ 225,000,000
Series K Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €		250,000,000
Series I Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 120,000,000
Series L Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €		125,000,000
Series M Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €		€ 100,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Series J Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior Fixed Rate Notes [Member] | October 30, 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €				€ 225,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Series K Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior Fixed Rate Notes [Member] | October 30, 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €				250,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Series I Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior Fixed Rate Notes [Member] | October 30, 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 120,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Series L Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior Fixed Rate Notes [Member] | October 30, 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €				125,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Series M Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Senior Fixed Rate Notes [Member] | October 30, 2032 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount | €				€ 100,000,000

Credit Facilities - Outstanding

Credit Facilities - Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Oct. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,506,400,000			$ 550,000,000
Total unsecured debt	3,249,850,000			875,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(4,841,000)			0
Total debt	3,245,009,000			875,000,000
Less debt due within one year	694,989,000			325,000,000
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	2,550,020,000			550,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	1.375%
Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,100,000,000
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	1.375%
Series G Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 50,000,000			50,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 50,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	2.64%	2.64%
Series F Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 250,000,000			250,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 250,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	3.24%	3.24%
Series J Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 269,955,000			0
Debt instrument, face amount | €		€ 225,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	1.40%	1.40%
Series H Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 250,000,000			250,000,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 250,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	3.24%	3.24%
Series K Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 299,950,000			0
Debt instrument, face amount | €		€ 250,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	1.81%	1.81%
Series I Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 120,000,000			0
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 120,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	3.70%	3.70%
Series L Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 149,975,000			0
Debt instrument, face amount | €		€ 125,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	2.02%	2.02%
Series M Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 119,980,000			0
Debt instrument, face amount | €		€ 100,000,000
Debt instrument, stated percentage	2.32%	2.32%
Acquired Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured debt	$ 49,990,000			0
Acquired Debt, German Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated percentage	2.85%	2.85%
Syndicated Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 2,600,000,000
Syndicated Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, current	$ 590,000,000			325,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			1,500,000,000
Syndicated Facility [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured debt	$ 1,100,000,000			$ 0
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,100,000,000

Credit Facilities Credit Facili

Credit Facilities Credit Facilities - Maturity of Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 694,356
Debt issuance costs	633
2,019	81,867
2,020	109,366
2,021	186,866
2,022	714,366
Thereafter	1,458,188
Total debt	$ 3,245,009	$ 875,000

Non-derivative Financial Inst44

Non-derivative Financial Instrument (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Carrying amount of nonderivative instruments	$ 1,506,400	$ 1,506,400		$ 550,000
Unrealized loss on net investment hedge	17,388	17,388		$ 0	$ 0
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional amount of nonderivative instruments | €			€ 700,000,000
Carrying amount of nonderivative instruments	$ 839,860	$ 839,860

Leased Properties (Detail)

Leased Properties (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
2,018	$ 299.2
2,019	234.5
2,020	172.4
2,021	114.7
2,022	81.6
Thereafter	237.6
Total minimum lease payments	1,140
Rental expense under operating leases	$ 306	$ 278	$ 254

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost related to nonvested awards, unrecognized	$ 32,800
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost (in years)	3 years
Aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding options and RSUs	$ 95,400	$ 104,200
Aggregate intrinsic value for vested options and RSUs	$ 52,900	62,000
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for outstanding options and RSUs (in years)	6 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for exercisable options and RSUs (in years)	5 years
Share-based compensation	$ 16,892	19,719	$ 17,717
Income tax benefit	$ 4,600	$ 7,900	$ 7,100
Weighted-average, risk-free interest	2.30%	1.60%	2.00%
Weighted-average, dividend yield	2.80%	2.70%	2.60%
Weighted-average, annual historical volatility factor	19.00%	19.00%	19.00%
Weighted-average, expected life (in years)	6 years	6 years	6 years
Fair value of shares vested	$ 15,500	$ 18,200	$ 15,200
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options and SARs granted (in dollars per share)	$ 13.89	$ 13.52	$ 13.53
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 16,800	$ 48,200	$ 30,100
Granted (in shares)	171
Excess tax benefit, share-based compensation	$ 3,134
Excess tax benefit, operating activities	3,134	12,021	7,024
Excess tax benefits, financing activities	$ 0	12,021	7,024
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit, operating activities		$ 12,021
Excess tax benefits, financing activities			$ 7,024
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	746	724	711
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	171	170	176

Share-Based Compensation - Summ

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Share-Based Compensation Activity and Related Information (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares	3,878
Granted (in shares) | shares	917
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(348)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(247)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares	4,200
Exercisable at end of year (in shares) | shares	2,514
Shares available for future grants (in shares) | shares	8,368
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Beginning balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 79
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	90
Exercised, weighed average exercise price (in dollars per share)	61
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	92
Ending balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	82
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	77
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per share)	42
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$ 100
Outstanding options, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	6 years

Share-Based Compensation - Su48

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Activity (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares	408
Granted (in shares) | shares	171
Vested (in shares) | shares	(80)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(93)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares	406
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 92
Granted, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	90
Vested, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	84
Forfeited, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	88
Ending balance, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 91

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisional income tax expense (benefit)	$ 50,986
Deferred tax asset, provisional income tax expense	13,854
Accumulated foreign earnings, provisional liability	37,132
Transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, provisional income tax expense	37,132
Operating loss carryforwards	111,006
Operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration	94,579
Operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration	16,427
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties	16,919	$ 17,176
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	10,847	9,615
Interest and penalties paid by the Company	(3,384)	5	$ 1,051
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 2,151	$ 1,848

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets related to:
Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes	$ 256,728	$ 344,927
Net operating loss	257,766	397,391
Net operating loss	31,046	4,673
Net deferred tax assets, gross	545,540	746,991
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Employee and retiree benefits	210,429	276,256
Inventory	93,067	141,181
Other intangible assets	287,018	120,689
Property, plant, and equipment	66,727	61,666
Other	35,859	58,468
Deferred tax liabilities, total	693,100	658,260
Net deferred tax (liability) asset before valuation allowance	(147,560)	88,731
Valuation allowance	(5,590)	(4,405)
Total net deferred tax liability	$ (153,150)
Total net deferred tax asset		$ 84,326

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 813,078	$ 934,476	$ 1,004,919
Foreign	196,190	139,864	118,762
Income before income taxes	$ 1,009,268	$ 1,074,340	$ 1,123,681	$ 1,117,739	$ 1,044,304

Income Taxes - Components of 52

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
Federal	$ 252,337	$ 284,199	$ 309,403
State	29,288	41,083	45,460
Foreign	44,896	28,593	27,602
Deferred:
Federal	71,238	26,684	28,754
State	13,663	3,857	4,225
Foreign	(18,911)	2,684	2,565
Income tax expense, total	$ 392,511	$ 387,100	$ 418,009

Income Taxes - Difference Betwe

Income Taxes - Difference Between Total Tax Expense and Amount Computed by Applying Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Statutory rate applied to income	$ 353,259	$ 376,019	$ 393,288
Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	27,918	29,211	32,295
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the U.S. statutory rate	(33,984)	(18,057)	(13,684)
U.S. tax reform - transition tax	37,132	0	0
Other	3,670	(73)	6,110
Income tax expense, total	392,511	387,100	418,009
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred tax remeasurement	13,854	0	0
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred tax remeasurement	$ (9,338)	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 15,190	$ 15,815	$ 17,581
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,644	2,184	1,969
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,511	1,317	61
Reductions for tax positions for prior years	(430)	(1,369)	(3,152)
Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations	(3,917)	(2,516)	(425)
Settlements	(301)	(241)	(219)
Balance at end of year	$ 14,697	$ 15,190	$ 15,815

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of plan assets gains and losses (in years)	5 years
Corridor percentage	10.00%
Benefit obligations	$ 2,435,765	$ 2,306,859	$ 2,199,356
Fair value of plan assets	2,206,479	1,965,502	1,912,736
Genuine Parts Company common stock included in equity securities	$ 191,771	$ 192,841
Genuine Parts Company common stock as a percentage of total plan assets	9.00%	10.00%
Dividend payments on Genuine Parts Company common stock received by plan	$ 5,450	$ 5,308
Expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring next fiscal year pension cost or income	7.20%
Pension benefits expected to be paid from employer assets in next fiscal year	$ 9,283
United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of plans | plan	1
Matching contribution to be received by pension plan participants of a specified percentage of employee's salary	100.00%
First percentage of employee's salary out of which matching contribution will be made	5.00%
Total defined contribution plans expense	$ 58,186	56,975	$ 55,066
Canada [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching contribution to be received by pension plan participants of a specified percentage of employee's salary	100.00%
First percentage of employee's salary out of which matching contribution will be made	5.00%
Total defined contribution plans expense	$ 2,600
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total accumulated benefit obligations	$ 2,409,091	2,281,648
Pension Plan [Member] | S&P 500 Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	47.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | Russell Mid Cap Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | Russell 2000 Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	7.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | MSCI EAFE Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | DJ Global Moderate Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | MSCI Emerging Market Net [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	3.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	28.00%
Pension Plan [Member] | United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	$ 2,187,700	2,105,665
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,969,196	$ 1,760,713

Employee Benefit Plans - Change

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Benefit Obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 2,306,859	$ 2,199,356
Service cost	8,459	7,746	$ 8,562
Interest cost	96,651	104,485	98,088
Plan participants’ contributions	2,454	2,585
Actuarial loss	94,546	139,851
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	15,073	5,449
Gross benefits paid	(106,885)	(154,676)
Plan amendments	4,768	2,063
Acquired plans	13,840	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 2,435,765	$ 2,306,859	$ 2,199,356

Employee Benefit Plans - Assump

Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Measure Pension Benefit Obligations for Plans (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Weighted-average discount rate	3.70%	4.26%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.11%	3.14%

Employee Benefit Plans - Chan58

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 1,965,502	$ 1,912,736
Actual return on plan assets	277,650	146,022
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	14,449	5,172
Employer contributions	53,309	53,663
Plan participants’ contributions	2,454	2,585
Benefits paid	(106,885)	(154,676)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 2,206,479	$ 1,965,502

Employee Benefit Plans - Aggreg

Employee Benefit Plans - Aggregate Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Aggregate benefit obligation	$ 2,241,690	$ 2,131,550
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$ 2,003,831	$ 1,783,472

Employee Benefit Plans - Aggr60

Employee Benefit Plans - Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,210,590	$ 2,086,711
Aggregate fair value of plan assets	$ 1,996,017	$ 1,760,713

Employee Benefit Plans - Asset

Employee Benefit Plans - Asset Allocations for Funded Pension Plans (Detail) - Pension Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocation	100.00%
Actual plan asset allocation	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocation	72.00%
Actual plan asset allocation	71.00%	70.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocation	28.00%
Actual plan asset allocation	29.00%	30.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair V

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 2,206,479	$ 1,965,502	$ 1,912,736
Assets Measured at NAV	285,876	196,576
Common Stocks - Mutual Funds - Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	536,609	384,103
Assets Measured at NAV	193,628	114,182
Genuine Parts Company [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	191,771	192,841
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	838,694	793,101
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	47,745	55,607
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	13,530	15,995
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	180,838	157,303
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	207,978	192,457
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Asset Backed and Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	9,725	8,872
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Convertible Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	211	216
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	29,431	24,613
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	7,346	9,272
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Municipal Funds-Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	139,801	128,367
Assets Measured at NAV	92,248	82,394
Derivative [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	38
Assets Measured at NAV	0
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,762	2,755
Assets Measured at NAV	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,585,779	1,450,707
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common Stocks - Mutual Funds - Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	342,981	269,921
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	191,771	192,841
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	838,659	793,007
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Short-Term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	47,745	55,607
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	13,530	15,995
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	121,834	102,468
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Asset Backed and Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Convertible Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	29,221	20,868
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Municipal Funds-Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Derivative [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	38
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	332,027	315,370
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common Stocks - Mutual Funds - Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-Term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	59,004	54,835
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	207,978	192,457
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Asset Backed and Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	9,725	8,872
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Convertible Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	211	216
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	210	3,745
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	7,346	9,272
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Municipal Funds-Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	47,553	45,973
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Derivative [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,797	2,849
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common Stocks - Mutual Funds - Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	35	94
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-Term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Asset Backed and Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Convertible Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Municipal Funds-Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Derivative [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 2,762	$ 2,755

Employee Benefit Plans - Amount

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other long-term asset	$ 8,573	$ 6,721
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(229,868)	(341,510)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other long-term asset	8,573	6,721
Other current liability	(9,280)	(8,206)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(228,579)	(339,872)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	$ (229,286)	$ (341,357)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amou64

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss	$ 941,063	$ 1,003,247
Prior service cost	5,773	672
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 946,836	$ 1,003,919

Employee Benefit Plans - Expect

Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Cash Flows for Pension Plans (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employer contribution 2018 (expected)	$ 47,038
Expected benefit payments:
2,018	116,326
2,019	121,779
2,020	127,219
2,021	133,143
2,022	138,211
2023 through 2027	$ 739,406

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 8,459	$ 7,746	$ 8,562
Interest cost	96,651	104,485	98,088
Expected return on plan assets	(155,432)	(156,832)	(150,130)
Amortization of prior service credit	(350)	(432)	(565)
Amortization of actuarial loss	38,034	31,641	38,197
Net periodic benefit income	$ (12,638)	$ (13,392)	$ (5,848)

Employee Benefit Plans - Other

Employee Benefit Plans - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Current year actuarial loss	$ (27,672)	$ 152,415	$ 44,930
Recognition of actuarial loss	(38,034)	(31,641)	(38,197)
Current year prior service cost	4,768	2,063	0
Recognition of prior service credit	350	432	565
Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income	(60,588)	123,269	7,298
Total recognized in net periodic benefit income and other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (73,226)	$ 109,877	$ 1,450

Employee Benefit Plans - Estima

Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Amounts Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Actuarial loss	$ 39,856
Prior service credit	(148)
Total	$ 39,708

Employee Benefit Plans - Assu69

Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used in Measuring Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Weighted average discount rate	4.26%	4.82%	4.26%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.15%	3.12%	3.07%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.80%	7.83%	7.85%

Guarantees (Detail)

Guarantees (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee	$ 616,710
Guarantees related to borrowings	65,000	$ 42,000
Guarantees related to borrowings, other long-term liabilities	$ 65,000	$ 42,000
Minimum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity (in years)	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity (in years)	6 years

Legal Matter (Details)

Legal Matter (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 17, 2017USD ($)
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to other party	$ 81.5
Judicial Ruling [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to other party	$ 77.1

Acquisitions and Equity Inves72

Acquisitions and Equity Investments - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, employee in Thousands, Store in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 02, 2017USD ($)Storeemployee	Apr. 03, 2017USD ($)Location	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)LocationBusiness$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Business$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Business$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition				$ 1,457,000	$ 420,000	$ 140,000
Company acquired | Business				15
Net sales				$ 16,308,801	15,339,713	15,280,044	$ 15,341,647	$ 14,077,843
Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired				1,926,000
Payment for debt extinguishment or debt prepayment cost				833,775	0	$ 0
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				$ 796,544	$ 139,982
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 4.18	$ 4.59	$ 4.63
United States [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales				$ 13,293,325	$ 12,822,320	$ 12,843,078	12,565,329	11,594,713
Canada [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales				$ 1,549,915	1,390,979	1,395,695	$ 1,583,075	$ 1,560,799
Automotive
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				12
Automotive | Australia [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				3
Industrial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				2
Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				1
2016 Companies Acquired [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition				$ 1,334,000	$ 370,000
Company acquired | Business					19
Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired					$ 260,000
2016 Companies Acquired [Member] | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired					$ 112,000
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)					17 years
2016 Companies Acquired [Member] | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired					$ 28,000
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)					35 years
2016 Companies Acquired [Member] | Automotive
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business					11
2016 Companies Acquired [Member] | Industrial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business					5
2016 Companies Acquired [Member] | Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business					1
2016 Companies Acquired [Member] | Business Products
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business					2
2017 Companies Acquired [Member] | Automotive
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				12
Net sales				$ 1,900,000
Standard Motor Parts [Member] | Automotive | United States [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				5
Olympic Brake Supply [Member] | Automotive | United States [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				6
Merle's Automotive Supply [Member] | Automotive | United States [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				14
Monroe Motor Products [Member] | Automotive | United States [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				17
Stone Truck Parts [Member] | Automotive | United States [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				4
Service de Freins Montreal Ltee [Member] | Automotive | Canada [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				4
Belcher Parts and Attachments [Member] | Automotive | Canada [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				1
Universal Supply Group [Member] | Automotive | Canada [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				21
2017 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				15
Net sales				$ 429,000
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired			$ 619,000	$ 619,000
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)				19 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired			176,000	$ 176,000
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)				27 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired			1,000	$ 1,000
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)				2 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Industrial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				2
Net sales				$ 118,000
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales				$ 65,000
Apache Hose & Belting Company, Inc. [Member] | Industrial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				7
Empire Wire and Supply [Member] | Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of locations | Location				3
Alliance Automotive Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 1,080,000
Net sales			$ 256,400
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)	19 years
Cash acquired from acquisition	$ 109,000
Number of employees in acquired entity | employee	8
Number of stores of acquired entity | Store	2
Revenue reported by acquired entity for last annual period				$ 1,700,000
Payment for debt extinguishment or debt prepayment cost	$ 825,000
Intangible assets	727,000
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.07
Pro forma revenue				$ 17,627,000	$ 16,575,000
Pro forma earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares				$ 4.56	$ 4.55
Alliance Automotive Group [Member] | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	550,000
Alliance Automotive Group [Member] | Trademarks
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 176,000
Alliance Automotive Group [Member] | Trademarks | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)	27 years
Alliance Automotive Group [Member] | Trademarks | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)	2 years
Alliance Automotive Group [Member] | Other Intangible Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)	21 years
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 1,000
Inenco Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue reported by acquired entity for last annual period		$ 325,000
Percentage of voting interests acquired		35.00%
Payments to acquire equity method investments		$ 72,100
Number of locations of acquired entity | Location		161
Percentage of voting interests with option to be acquired		65.00%
2015 Companies Acquired [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition						120,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired						90,000
2015 Companies Acquired [Member] | Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired						$ 39,000
Weighted average amortization lives (in years)						15 years
2015 Companies Acquired [Member] | Automotive
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business						5
2015 Companies Acquired [Member] | Industrial
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business						4
2015 Companies Acquired [Member] | Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business						1
2015 Companies Acquired [Member] | Business Products
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business						3

Acquisitions and Equity Inves73

Acquisitions and Equity Investments - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 02, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,153,988		$ 956,153	$ 840,582
Alliance Automotive Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable		$ 380,000
Merchandise inventories		374,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		213,000
Intangible assets		727,000
Deferred tax assets		4,000
Other assets		25,000
Property and equipment		93,000
Total identifiable assets acquired		1,816,000
Current liabilities		(768,000)
Long-term debt		(769,000)
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities		(14,000)
Deferred tax liabilities		(151,000)
Other long-term liabilities		(32,000)
Total liabilities assumed		(1,734,000)
Net identifiable assets acquired		82,000
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries		(38,000)
Goodwill		1,036,000
Net assets acquired		$ 1,080,000

Segment Data - Additional Infor

Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, foreign	$ 196,190	$ 139,864	$ 118,762

Segment Data - Summary of Segme

Segment Data - Summary of Segment Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 16,308,801	$ 15,339,713	$ 15,280,044	$ 15,341,647	$ 14,077,843
Total operating profit	1,259,801	1,229,336	1,279,349	1,269,040	1,132,288
Intangible asset amortization	(51,993)	(40,870)	(34,878)
Income before income taxes	1,009,268	1,074,340	1,123,681	1,117,739	1,044,304
Total assets	12,412,381	8,859,400	8,144,771	8,246,238	7,680,297
Total depreciation and amortization	167,691	147,487	141,675	148,313	133,957
Total capital expenditures	156,760	160,643	109,544	107,681	124,063
Total net property, plant, and equipment	936,702	728,124	648,217	670,102	670,061
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	13,293,325	12,822,320	12,843,078	12,565,329	11,594,713
Total net property, plant, and equipment	647,386	561,164	495,073	495,452	503,882
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	256,364	0	0	0	0
Total net property, plant, and equipment	96,857	0	0	0	0
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	1,549,915	1,390,979	1,395,695	1,583,075	1,560,799
Total net property, plant, and equipment	90,857	81,260	79,023	98,939	99,135
Australasia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	1,185,487	1,104,511	992,064	1,133,620	839,353
Total net property, plant, and equipment	95,299	79,413	65,289	65,707	60,614
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	123,997	112,968	119,349	127,806	131,787
Total net property, plant, and equipment	6,303	6,287	8,832	10,004	6,430
Operating Segments [Member] | Automotive
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	8,662,696	8,111,511	8,015,098	8,096,877	7,489,186
Total operating profit	720,465	715,154	729,152	700,386	641,492
Total assets	6,140,829	4,601,150	4,293,290	4,275,298	4,009,244
Total depreciation and amortization	71,405	65,372	70,112	77,645	76,238
Total capital expenditures	118,181	73,339	77,504	78,537	97,735
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	4,966,518	4,634,212	4,646,689	4,771,080	4,429,976
Total operating profit	384,247	336,608	339,180	370,043	320,720
Total assets	1,437,125	1,292,063	1,143,952	1,224,735	1,162,697
Total depreciation and amortization	10,353	10,371	9,960	9,906	8,751
Total capital expenditures	23,267	27,383	13,998	12,442	8,808
Operating Segments [Member] | Business Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	1,998,946	1,969,405	1,937,629	1,802,754	1,638,618
Total operating profit	98,882	117,035	140,866	133,727	122,492
Total assets	859,335	907,119	831,546	835,592	708,944
Total depreciation and amortization	11,262	11,398	10,922	10,728	10,166
Total capital expenditures	6,726	12,072	12,323	11,135	9,297
Operating Segments [Member] | Electrical/ Electronic Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	780,928	715,650	750,770	739,119	568,872
Total operating profit	56,207	60,539	70,151	64,884	47,584
Total assets	208,146	203,334	191,866	196,400	156,780
Total depreciation and amortization	3,093	2,967	2,933	2,658	1,904
Total capital expenditures	5,299	5,710	2,824	3,003	1,730
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	(100,287)	(91,065)	(70,142)	(68,183)	(48,809)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	(38,677)	(19,525)	(20,354)	(24,192)	(24,330)
Corporate expense	(159,863)	(94,601)	(100,436)	(90,242)	(34,667)
Intangible asset amortization	(51,993)	(40,870)	(34,878)	(36,867)	(28,987)
Total assets	3,554,380	1,574,663	1,361,794	1,386,590	1,289,356
Total depreciation and amortization	51,993	40,870	34,878	36,867	28,987
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	212,566	281,071	322,323	327,623	353,276
Total depreciation and amortization	19,585	16,509	12,870	10,509	7,911
Total capital expenditures	3,287	42,139	2,895	2,564	6,493
Geography Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ (100,287)	$ (91,065)	$ (70,142)	$ (68,183)	$ (48,809)

Subsequent Event Subsequent Eve

Subsequent Event Subsequent Event (Details)	Jan. 01, 2018segment
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments merged	2

Financial Statement Schedule 77

Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 15,557	$ 10,693	$ 11,836
Charged to Costs and Expenses	13,932	11,515	12,373
Deductions	(11,877)	(6,651)	(13,516)
Balance at End of Period	$ 17,612	$ 15,557	$ 10,693