Genuine Parts (GPC) 10-Q 22 Jul 21 2021 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jul. 19, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-5690
Entity Registrant Name	GENUINE PARTS CO
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	GA
Entity Tax Identification Number	58-0254510
Entity Address, Address Line One	2999 WILDWOOD PARKWAY,
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30339
Entity Address, City or Town	ATLANTA,
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
City Area Code	678
Local Phone Number	934-5000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share
Trading Symbol	GPC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		143,212,499
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000040987
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 987,389	$ 990,166
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2021 – $43,751; 2020 – $36,622)	1,899,978	1,556,966
Merchandise inventories, net	3,679,113	3,506,271
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,155,114	1,060,360
Total current assets	7,721,594	7,113,763
Goodwill	1,922,544	1,917,477
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	1,461,886	1,498,257
Deferred tax assets	52,380	65,658
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2021 – $1,336,175; 2020 – $1,268,170)	1,175,953	1,162,043
Operating lease assets	1,059,068	1,038,877
Other assets	692,557	644,140
Total assets	14,085,982	13,440,215
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	4,729,240	4,128,084
Current portion of debt	48,094	160,531
Dividends payable	117,536	114,043
Other current liabilities	1,626,325	1,491,426
Total current liabilities	6,521,195	5,894,084
Long-term debt	2,472,980	2,516,614
Operating lease liabilities	798,079	789,294
Pension and other post–retirement benefit liabilities	255,175	265,687
Deferred tax liabilities	230,463	212,910
Other long-term liabilities	562,945	543,623
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 – 2021 – 143,301,673 shares; 2020 – 144,354,335 shares	143,302	144,354
Additional paid-in capital	111,972	117,165
Retained earnings	3,982,159	3,979,779
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,003,554)	(1,036,502)
Total parent equity	3,233,879	3,204,796
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	11,266	13,207
Total equity	3,245,145	3,218,003
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,085,982	$ 13,440,215

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 43,751	$ 36,622
Accumulated depreciation	$ 1,336,175	$ 1,268,170
Preferred stock, par value (usd 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 (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	143,301,673	144,354,335
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	143,301,673	144,354,335

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 4,783,738	$ 3,823,227	$ 9,248,452	$ 7,915,753
Cost of goods sold	3,094,633	2,532,740	6,018,532	5,237,088
Gross profit	1,689,105	1,290,487	3,229,920	2,678,665
Operating expenses:
Selling, administrative and other expenses	1,349,309	971,589	2,544,473	2,114,286
Depreciation and amortization	73,960	66,733	146,256	133,987
Provision for doubtful accounts	5,037	11,300	9,946	17,819
Restructuring costs	0	25,059	0	28,041
Goodwill impairment charge	0	506,721	0	506,721
Total operating expenses	1,428,306	1,581,402	2,700,675	2,800,854
Non-operating (income) expenses:
Interest expense	16,107	25,465	35,169	46,430
Other	(24,915)	(11,944)	(61,390)	(24,776)
Total non-operating (income) expenses	(8,808)	13,521	(26,221)	21,654
Income (loss) before income taxes	269,607	(304,436)	555,466	(143,843)
Income taxes	73,111	59,065	141,260	97,312
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	196,496	(363,501)	414,206	(241,155)
Net loss from discontinued operations	0	(200,871)	0	(186,682)
Net income (loss)	$ 196,496	$ (564,372)	$ 414,206	$ (427,837)
Dividends declared per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.8150	$ 0.7900	$ 1.6300	$ 1.5800
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	1.36	(2.52)	2.87	(1.67)
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	(1.39)	0	(1.29)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	1.36	(3.91)	2.87	(2.96)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (usd per share)	1.36	(2.52)	2.85	(1.67)
Discontinued operations (usd per share)	0	(1.39)	0	(1.29)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 1.36	$ (3.91)	$ 2.85	$ (2.96)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	144,211	144,262	144,312	144,657
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested restricted stock awards (in shares)	772	0	846	0
Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution (in shares)	144,983	144,262	145,158	144,657

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 196,496	$ (564,372)	$ 414,206	$ (427,837)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income taxes in 2021 — $7,019 and $14,166; 2020 — $12,114 and $3,445, respectively	7,131	111,599	6,836	(71,014)
Cash flow hedge adjustments, net of income taxes in 2021 — $1,383 and $2,767; 2020 — $560 and $6,044, respectively	3,741	1,514	7,482	(16,342)
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes in 2021 — $3,434 and $6,855; 2020 — $3,008 and $6,025, respectively	9,334	7,844	18,630	16,292
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	20,206	120,957	32,948	(71,064)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 216,702	$ (443,415)	$ 447,154	$ (498,901)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 7,019	$ 12,114	$ 14,166	$ 3,445
Net investment hedge, tax	1,383	560	2,767	6,044
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, tax	$ 3,434	$ 3,008	$ 6,855	$ 6,025

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment		Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment		Total Parent Equity	Total Parent EquityCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment		Non-controlling Interests in Subsidiaries
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				145,378,158
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 3,695,500	$ (11,432)	[1]	$ 145,378	$ 98,777	$ (1,141,308)	$ 4,571,860	$ (11,432)	[1]	$ 3,674,707	$ (11,432)	[1]	$ 20,793
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(427,837)						(427,837)			(427,837)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(71,064)					(71,064)				(71,064)
Cash dividends declared	(228,444)						(228,444)			(228,444)
Share-based awards exercised in shares)				22,475
Share-based awards exercised	(790)			$ 22	(812)					(790)
Share-based compensation	9,854				9,854					9,854
Purchase of stock (in shares)				(1,136,444)
Purchase of stock	(95,719)			$ (1,136)			(94,583)			(95,719)
Noncontrolling interest activities	820												820
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020				144,264,189
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020	2,870,888			$ 144,264	107,819	(1,212,372)	3,809,564			2,849,275			21,613
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019				145,378,158
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2019	3,695,500	(11,432)	[1]	$ 145,378	98,777	(1,141,308)	4,571,860	(11,432)	[1]	3,674,707	(11,432)	[1]	20,793
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020				144,354,335
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 3,218,003	6,223	[2]	$ 144,354	117,165	(1,036,502)	3,979,779	6,223	[2]	3,204,796	6,223	[2]	13,207
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201902Member
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020				144,249,343
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 3,423,031			$ 144,249	103,878	(1,333,329)	4,487,904			3,402,702			20,329
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(564,372)						(564,372)			(564,372)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	120,957					120,957				120,957
Cash dividends declared	(113,968)						(113,968)			(113,968)
Share-based awards exercised in shares)				14,846
Share-based awards exercised	(449)			$ 15	(464)					(449)
Share-based compensation	4,405				4,405					4,405
Noncontrolling interest activities	1,284												1,284
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020				144,264,189
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2020	2,870,888			$ 144,264	107,819	(1,212,372)	3,809,564			2,849,275			21,613
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020				144,354,335
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2020	3,218,003	$ 6,223	[2]	$ 144,354	117,165	(1,036,502)	3,979,779	$ 6,223	[2]	3,204,796	$ 6,223	[2]	13,207
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	414,206						414,206			414,206
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	32,948					32,948				32,948
Cash dividends declared	(235,120)						(235,120)			(235,120)
Share-based awards exercised in shares)				383,163
Share-based awards exercised	(19,330)			$ 384	(19,714)					(19,330)
Share-based compensation	14,521				14,521					14,521
Purchase of stock (in shares)				(1,435,825)
Purchase of stock	(184,365)			$ (1,436)			(182,929)			(184,365)
Noncontrolling interest activities	(1,941)												(1,941)
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021				143,301,673
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2021	3,245,145			$ 143,302	111,972	(1,003,554)	3,982,159			3,233,879			11,266
Beginning balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021				144,458,057
Beginning balance at Mar. 31, 2021	3,336,109			$ 144,458	117,867	(1,023,760)	4,085,998			3,324,563			11,546
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	196,496						196,496			196,496
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	20,206					20,206				20,206
Cash dividends declared	(117,406)						(117,406)			(117,406)
Share-based awards exercised in shares)				279,441
Share-based awards exercised	(13,901)			$ 280	(14,181)					(13,901)
Share-based compensation	8,286				8,286					8,286
Purchase of stock (in shares)				(1,435,825)
Purchase of stock	(184,365)			$ (1,436)			(182,929)			(184,365)
Noncontrolling interest activities	(280)												(280)
Ending balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021				143,301,673
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 3,245,145			$ 143,302	$ 111,972	$ (1,003,554)	$ 3,982,159			$ 3,233,879			$ 11,266
[1]	The Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,
[2]	The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes , during the first quarter of 2021.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share (usd per share)	$ 0.8150	$ 0.7900	$ 1.6300	$ 1.5800

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 414,206	$ (427,837)
Net loss from discontinued operations	0	(186,682)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	414,206	(241,155)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	146,256	133,987
Share-based compensation	14,521	9,854
Excess tax (benefits) deficiencies from share-based compensation	(6,627)	162
Realized currency losses	0	11,356
Goodwill impairment charge	0	506,721
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	136,074	499,795
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations	704,430	920,720
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(89,993)	(74,358)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	22,065	6,838
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses	13,705	382,737
Acquisitions of businesses and other investing activities	(97,168)	(15,393)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations	(151,391)	299,824
Financing activities:
Proceeds from debt	31,599	1,885,109
Payments on debt	(142,295)	(2,082,271)
Share-based awards exercised	(19,330)	(790)
Dividends paid	(231,627)	(225,327)
Purchases of stock	(184,365)	(95,719)
Other financing activities	(2,159)	(8,357)
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations	(548,177)	(527,355)
Cash flows from discontinued operations:
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	0	31,668
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	0	(11,131)
Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	0	20,537
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(7,639)	(6,959)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,777)	706,767
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	990,166	276,992
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 987,389	$ 983,759

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. On June 30, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of its Business Products Group. Refer to the acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued operations footnote for more information. The Company's results of operations for the Business Products Group are reported as discontinued operations and all information related to the discontinued operations has been excluded from the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Net income from discontinued operations for each period includes all costs that are directly attributable to these businesses and excludes certain corporate overhead costs that were previously allocated. Additionally, revenue from freight services provided by the Automotive Parts Group are grossed up and recast in continuing operations in each period because those sales are continuing with the discontinued operations after the divestiture. Except as disclosed herein, there have been no material changes in the information disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genuine Parts Company (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or “its”) for the year ended December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The preparation of interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Specifically, the Company makes estimates and assumptions in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for inventory adjustments, the accrual of bad debts, credit losses on guaranteed loans, customer sales returns, and volume incentives earned, among others. Inventory adjustments (including adjustments for a majority of inventories that are valued under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method) are accrued on an interim basis and adjusted in the fourth quarter based on the annual book to physical inventory adjustment and LIFO valuation. Reserves for bad debts, credit losses on guaranteed loans and customer sales returns are estimated and accrued on an interim basis based on a consideration of historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Volume incentives are estimated based upon cumulative and projected purchasing levels. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial results for the interim periods have been made. These adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The following table presents a summary of the Company's reportable segment financial information from continuing operations: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net sales: Automotive $ 3,196,299 $ 2,495,799 $ 6,149,464 $ 5,078,484 Industrial 1,587,439 1,327,428 3,098,988 2,837,269 Total net sales $ 4,783,738 $ 3,823,227 $ 9,248,452 $ 7,915,753 Segment profit: Automotive $ 290,758 $ 218,906 $ 526,436 $ 361,484 Industrial 150,413 108,928 275,705 222,861 Total segment profit 441,171 327,834 802,141 584,345 Interest expense, net (15,362) (24,876) (33,686) (44,744) Intangible asset amortization (27,384) (23,256) (52,928) (45,996) Corporate expense (51,397) (28,613) (82,640) (83,674) Other unallocated costs (1) (77,421) (555,525) (77,421) (553,774) Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations $ 269,607 $ (304,436) $ 555,466 $ (143,843) (1) The following table presents a summary of the other unallocated costs: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Other unallocated costs: Product liability damages award (2) $ (77,421) $ — $ (77,421) $ — Goodwill impairment charge (3) — (506,721) — (506,721) Restructuring costs (4) — (25,059) — (28,041) Realized currency loss (5) — (11,356) — (11,356) Gain on insurance proceeds related to SPR Fire (6) — 1,166 — 13,448 Transaction and other costs (7) — (13,555) — (21,104) Total other unallocated costs $ (77,421) $ (555,525) $ (77,421) $ (553,774) (2) Adjustment reflects damages reinstated by the Washington Supreme Court order on July 8, 2021 in connection with a 2017 automotive product liability claim. Refer to the commitments and contingencies footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information. (3) Adjustment reflects the 2020 goodwill impairment charge related to the Company's European reporting unit. (4) Adjustment reflects restructuring costs related to the execution of certain restructuring actions across the Company's subsidiaries primarily targeted at simplifying the organizational structures and distribution networks implemented by the Company in October 2019 (the “2019 Cost Savings Plan”). The costs are primarily associated with severance and other employee costs, including a voluntary retirement program, and facility and closure costs related to the consolidation of operations. (5) Adjustment reflects realized currency losses related to divestitures. (6) Adjustment reflects insurance recoveries in excess of losses incurred on inventory, property, plant and equipment and other fire-related costs related to the S.P. Richards Headquarters and Distribution Center. (7) Adjustment reflects (i) $2,481 and $8,490 of incremental costs associated with COVID-19 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and (ii) costs associated with certain divestitures. COVID-19 related costs include incremental costs incurred relating to fees to cancel marketing events and increased cleaning and sanitization materials, among other things. Net sales are disaggregated by geographical region for each of the Company’s reportable segments, as the Company deems this presentation best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of net sales and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The following table presents disaggregated geographical net sales from contracts with customers by reportable segment: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 North America: Automotive $ 2,076,562 $ 1,715,567 $ 3,939,367 $ 3,447,063 Industrial 1,469,775 1,231,208 2,869,174 2,641,923 Total North America $ 3,546,337 $ 2,946,775 $ 6,808,541 $ 6,088,986 Australasia: Automotive $ 388,708 $ 282,797 $ 756,577 $ 555,721 Industrial 117,664 96,220 229,814 195,346 Total Australasia $ 506,372 $ 379,017 $ 986,391 $ 751,067 Europe – Automotive $ 731,029 $ 497,435 $ 1,453,520 $ 1,075,700 Total net sales $ 4,783,738 $ 3,823,227 $ 9,248,452 $ 7,915,753

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) by component for the six months ended June 30: Changes in Accumulated Other Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Total Beginning balance, January 1, 2021 $ (692,868) $ (30,007) $ (313,627) $ (1,036,502) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — 6,836 6,836 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 18,630 7,482 — 26,112 Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes 18,630 7,482 6,836 32,948 Ending balance, June 30, 2021 $ (674,238) $ (22,525) $ (306,791) $ (1,003,554) Changes in Accumulated Other Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Total Beginning balance, January 1, 2020 $ (704,415) $ (20,671) $ (416,222) $ (1,141,308) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (21,046) (82,370) (103,416) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 16,292 4,704 11,356 32,352 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes 16,292 (16,342) (71,014) (71,064) Ending balance, June 30, 2020 $ (688,123) $ (37,013) $ (487,236) $ (1,212,372) The AOCL components related to the pension benefits are included in the computation of net periodic benefit income in the employee benefit plans footnote. The nature of the cash flow hedges are discussed in the derivatives and hedging footnote.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting PronouncementsChanges to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs and has determined that any recently adopted accounting pronouncements did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and all recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted are not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Net periodic benefit income from the Company's pension plans included the following components: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost $ 3,101 $ 2,925 $ 6,142 $ 5,907 Interest cost 17,962 20,865 35,868 41,790 Expected return on plan assets (38,858) (38,410) (77,590) (76,933) Amortization of prior service credit 172 173 344 346 Amortization of actuarial loss 12,509 11,088 24,965 22,210 Net periodic benefit income $ (5,114) $ (3,359) $ (10,271) $ (6,680)

Guarantees

Guarantees	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	Guarantees The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores and businesses (“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 controlling financial interests through ownership of a majority voting interest in the independents. The Company has no voting interest or equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates but receives a fee for the guarantees. 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 entities’ 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 that 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 guarantees. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants. At June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. As of June 30, 2021, the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $896,080. These loans generally mature over periods from one

Accounts Receivable Sales Agree

Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement	Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement The Company has an accounts receivable sales agreement (the “A/R Sales Agreement”) to sell short-term receivables from certain customer trade accounts to an unaffiliated financial institution on a revolving basis. The A/R Sales Agreement has a 3 year term, which the Company intends to renew. As part of the A/R Sales Agreement, the Company continuously sells designated pools of receivables as they are originated by it and certain U.S. subsidiaries to a separate bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity (“SPE”). The assets of the SPE would be first available to satisfy the creditor claims of the unaffiliated financial institution. The Company controls and therefore consolidates the SPE in its condensed consolidated financial statements. The SPE transferred ownership and control of certain receivables that met certain qualifying conditions to the unaffiliated financial institution in exchange for cash. The Company accounts for transactions with the unaffiliated financial institution as sales of financial assets, with the associated receivables derecognized from the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet. The remaining receivables held by the SPE were pledged to secure the collectability of the sold receivables. The amount of receivables pledged as collateral as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is approximately $959,000 and $771,000, respectively. The Company continues to be involved with the receivables transferred by the SPE to the unaffiliated financial institution by providing collection services. As cash is collected on sold receivables, the SPE continuously transfers ownership and control of new qualifying receivables to the unaffiliated financial institution so that the total principal amount outstanding of receivables sold is approximately $800,000 at any point in time (which is the maximum amount allowed under the agreement). The future amount of receivables outstanding as sold could decrease, based on the level of activity and other factors. Total principal amount outstanding of receivables sold is approximately $800,000 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The following table summarizes the activity under the A/R Sales Agreement for the following periods: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Receivables sold to the financial institution and derecognized $ 1,888,942 $ 902,326 $ 3,816,873 $ 902,326 Cash collected on sold receivables $ 1,888,940 $ 402,302 $ 3,816,868 $ 402,302

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Additionally, ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements , defines levels within a hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs. • Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; • Level 2. Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions As of June 30, 2021 the fair value of the Company's senior unsecured notes was approximately $2,617,081, which are designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Our valuation technique is based primarily on prices and other relevant information generated by observable transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Derivative instruments are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. They are valued using inputs other than quoted prices, such as foreign exchange rates and yield curves. Refer to the derivatives and hedging footnote for further information.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging	Derivatives and Hedging The Company is exposed to various risks arising from business operations and market conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates and certain foreign currencies. When deemed appropriate, the Company uses derivative and non-derivative instruments as risk management tools to mitigate the potential impact of interest rate and foreign exchange rate risks. The objective of using these tools is to reduce fluctuations in the Company’s earnings and cash flows associated with changes in these rates. Derivative financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. The Company has not historically incurred, and does not expect to incur in the future, any losses as a result of counterparty default related to derivative instruments. The Company formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow to be paid. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivative and non-derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items. When a designated instrument is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. Cash Flow Hedges In 2020, the Company terminated its interest rate swaps and settled the outstanding balances through cash payments totaling $41,000. The remaining amount in AOCL is being amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the previously hedged instrument. Net Investment Hedges The Company has designated certain derivative instruments and a portion of its foreign currency denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, as hedges of the foreign currency exchange rate exposure of the Company's Euro-denominated net investment in a European subsidiary. The Company applies the spot method to assess the hedge effectiveness of the derivative instruments and this assessment for each instrument excludes the initial value related to the difference at contract inception between the foreign exchange spot rate and the forward rate (i.e., the forward points). The initial value of this excluded component is recognized as a reduction to interest expense in a systematic and rational manner over the term of the derivative instrument. All other changes in value for the net investment hedges are included in AOCL within foreign currency translation and would only be reclassified to earnings if the European subsidiary were liquidated, or otherwise disposed. The following table summarizes the location and carrying amounts of the derivative instruments and the foreign currency denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, that are designated and qualify as part of hedging relationships: June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Instrument Balance Sheet Location Notional Balance Notional Balance Net investment hedges: Forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 925,810 $ 37,783 $ 800,000 $ 7,668 Forward contracts Other current liabilities $ 235,180 $ 12,223 $ 360,990 $ 19,442 Foreign currency debt Long-term debt € 700,000 $ 832,790 € 700,000 $ 861,070 The tables below presents gains and losses related to designated cash flow hedges and net investment hedges: Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components 2021 2020 2021 2020 Three Months Ended June 30, Cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (4,370) $ — $ — Net investment hedges: Forward contracts (13,329) (31,147) 6,574 7,476 Foreign currency debt (12,670) (13,720) — — Total $ (25,999) $ (49,237) $ 6,574 $ 7,476 Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components 2021 2020 2021 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, Cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (28,830) $ — $ — Net investment hedges: Forward contracts 24,186 15,701 13,148 13,998 Foreign currency debt 28,280 (2,940) — — Total $ 52,466 $ (16,069) $ 13,148 $ 13,998

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Matters As more fully discussed in the Company's notes to the consolidated financial statements in its 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, a jury awarded damages in 2017 against the Company in a litigated automotive product liability dispute. On February 19, 2020, the Washington Court of Appeals issued an order entirely reversing the jury’s finding on damages and ordering a new trial on damages. The plaintiffs subsequently appealed this order to the Washington Supreme Court. On July 7, 2020, the Washington Supreme Court indicated that it would consider a further appeal on this matter, and oral arguments occurred on November 10, 2020. On July 8, 2021, the Washington Supreme Court overturned the order of the Washington Court of Appeals and reinstated the trial court's damage award of $77,100 against the Company. The Company recorded an adjustment to increase Selling, general and other expenses by approximately $77,421, inclusive of statutory interest and insurance coverage, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Environmental Liabilities

Acquisitions, Divestitures and

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations	Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations Acquisitions The Company acquired several businesses for approximately $98,018 and $33,047, net of cash acquired, during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively. The measurement period is still open for certain businesses acquired in prior periods, but there have been no significant measurement period adjustments during the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Divestitures The Company received cash proceeds from divestitures of businesses totaling $13,705 and $382,737 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, respectively. Discontinued Operations Business Products Group During 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of its Business Products Group as part of its long-term strategic initiative to streamline its operations and optimize its portfolio so that it can drive shareholder value by focusing on its global Automotive and Industrial Parts Groups. This divestiture represented a single plan to exit the Business Products Group segment and was considered a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. Therefore, the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the Business Products Group are reported as discontinued operations for all prior periods presented. The Company retains an investment in S.P. Richard's (“SPR”), a business that previously belonged to the Business Products Group, with a carrying value of $70,576, which is included within other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, as of June 30, 2021. The Company maintains an allowance equal to the current expected credit loss based on a consideration of historical experience, current market conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts related to this investment and other related assets of $17,000. The Company also remains involved with SPR for a limited period of time through various lease, sublease, freight distribution and transition service agreements. The Company has concluded that SPR is a variable interest entity, but the Company is not the primary beneficiary and therefore the entity is not consolidated. Among other things, the Company does not have any voting rights and does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect SPR's economic performance. For a limited period of time as SPR completes its transition away from the Company’s shared services platform, the Company continues to pay certain payables on SPR’s behalf and at SPR’s direction with full reimbursement from SPR under the terms of a transition services agreement. The Company’s results of operations for discontinued operations were: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Net sales $ 379,938 $ 846,944 Cost of goods sold 277,614 632,007 Gross profit 102,324 214,937 Operating expenses 89,385 179,461 Loss on disposal 216,133 220,318 Loss before income taxes (203,194) (184,842) Income tax (benefit) expense (2,323) 1,840 Net loss from discontinued operations $ (200,871) $ (186,682)

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income TaxesThe Company's effective income tax rate was 27.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared to negative 19.4% for the same three month period in 2020. The effective income tax rate was 25.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to negative 67.7% for the same period in 2020. The rate increase is primarily due to the non-deductible goodwill impairment charge that occurred in 2020. In addition, during the second quarter of 2021 the United Kingdom enacted legislation raising its corporate tax rate from 19% to 25% effective April 2023. The Company remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021, primarily related to its intangible assets. The rate increase was partially offset by stock compensation excess tax benefits.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per ShareAs more fully discussed in the share-based compensation footnote of the Company’s notes to the consolidated financial statements in its 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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. Certain outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock are not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Options to purchase approximately 186 and 99 shares of common stock were outstanding but excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021, respectively, as compared to approximately 2,537 and 2,418 for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2020, respectively. These options were excluded because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. On June 30, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of its Business Products Group. Refer to the acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued operations footnote for more information. The Company's results of operations for the Business Products Group are reported as discontinued operations and all information related to the discontinued operations has been excluded from the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Net income from discontinued operations for each period includes all costs that are directly attributable to these businesses and excludes certain corporate overhead costs that were previously allocated. Additionally, revenue from freight services provided by the Automotive Parts Group are grossed up and recast in continuing operations in each period because those sales are continuing with the discontinued operations after the divestiture. Except as disclosed herein, there have been no material changes in the information disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Genuine Parts Company (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or “its”) for the year ended December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures herein should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Specifically, the Company makes estimates and assumptions in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for inventory adjustments, the accrual of bad debts, credit losses on guaranteed loans, customer sales returns, and volume incentives earned, among others. Inventory adjustments (including adjustments for a majority of inventories that are valued under the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method) are accrued on an interim basis and adjusted in the fourth quarter based on the annual book to physical inventory adjustment and LIFO valuation. Reserves for bad debts, credit losses on guaranteed loans and customer sales returns are estimated and accrued on an interim basis based on a consideration of historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Volume incentives are estimated based upon cumulative and projected purchasing levels. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial results for the interim periods have been made. These adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs and has determined that any recently adopted accounting pronouncements did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and all recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted are not applicable or are expected to have an immaterial impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Guarantees	The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores and businesses (“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 controlling financial interests through ownership of a majority voting interest in the independents. The Company has no voting interest or equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates but receives a fee for the guarantees. 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 entities’ 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 that 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 guarantees. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants. At June 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.In the event that the Company is required to make payments in connection with these guarantees, the Company would obtain and liquidate certain collateral pledged by the independents or affiliates (e.g., accounts receivable and inventory) to recover all or a substantial portion of the amounts paid under the guarantees. The Company recognizes a liability equal to current expected credit losses over the lives of the loans in the guaranteed loan portfolio, based on a consideration of historical experience, current conditions, the nature and expected value of any collateral, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings and the current expected credit loss reserve is not material. As of June 30, 2021, there are no material guaranteed loans for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and recovery is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Additionally, ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements , defines levels within a hierarchy based upon observable and non-observable inputs. • Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; • Level 2. Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and • Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Information	The following table presents a summary of the Company's reportable segment financial information from continuing operations: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net sales: Automotive $ 3,196,299 $ 2,495,799 $ 6,149,464 $ 5,078,484 Industrial 1,587,439 1,327,428 3,098,988 2,837,269 Total net sales $ 4,783,738 $ 3,823,227 $ 9,248,452 $ 7,915,753 Segment profit: Automotive $ 290,758 $ 218,906 $ 526,436 $ 361,484 Industrial 150,413 108,928 275,705 222,861 Total segment profit 441,171 327,834 802,141 584,345 Interest expense, net (15,362) (24,876) (33,686) (44,744) Intangible asset amortization (27,384) (23,256) (52,928) (45,996) Corporate expense (51,397) (28,613) (82,640) (83,674) Other unallocated costs (1) (77,421) (555,525) (77,421) (553,774) Income (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations $ 269,607 $ (304,436) $ 555,466 $ (143,843) (1) The following table presents a summary of the other unallocated costs: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Other unallocated costs: Product liability damages award (2) $ (77,421) $ — $ (77,421) $ — Goodwill impairment charge (3) — (506,721) — (506,721) Restructuring costs (4) — (25,059) — (28,041) Realized currency loss (5) — (11,356) — (11,356) Gain on insurance proceeds related to SPR Fire (6) — 1,166 — 13,448 Transaction and other costs (7) — (13,555) — (21,104) Total other unallocated costs $ (77,421) $ (555,525) $ (77,421) $ (553,774) (2) Adjustment reflects damages reinstated by the Washington Supreme Court order on July 8, 2021 in connection with a 2017 automotive product liability claim. Refer to the commitments and contingencies footnote to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information. (3) Adjustment reflects the 2020 goodwill impairment charge related to the Company's European reporting unit. (4) Adjustment reflects restructuring costs related to the execution of certain restructuring actions across the Company's subsidiaries primarily targeted at simplifying the organizational structures and distribution networks implemented by the Company in October 2019 (the “2019 Cost Savings Plan”). The costs are primarily associated with severance and other employee costs, including a voluntary retirement program, and facility and closure costs related to the consolidation of operations. (5) Adjustment reflects realized currency losses related to divestitures. (6) Adjustment reflects insurance recoveries in excess of losses incurred on inventory, property, plant and equipment and other fire-related costs related to the S.P. Richards Headquarters and Distribution Center. (7) Adjustment reflects (i) $2,481 and $8,490 of incremental costs associated with COVID-19 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and (ii) costs associated with certain divestitures. COVID-19 related costs include
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	The following table presents disaggregated geographical net sales from contracts with customers by reportable segment: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 North America: Automotive $ 2,076,562 $ 1,715,567 $ 3,939,367 $ 3,447,063 Industrial 1,469,775 1,231,208 2,869,174 2,641,923 Total North America $ 3,546,337 $ 2,946,775 $ 6,808,541 $ 6,088,986 Australasia: Automotive $ 388,708 $ 282,797 $ 756,577 $ 555,721 Industrial 117,664 96,220 229,814 195,346 Total Australasia $ 506,372 $ 379,017 $ 986,391 $ 751,067 Europe – Automotive $ 731,029 $ 497,435 $ 1,453,520 $ 1,075,700 Total net sales $ 4,783,738 $ 3,823,227 $ 9,248,452 $ 7,915,753

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) by component for the six months ended June 30: Changes in Accumulated Other Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Total Beginning balance, January 1, 2021 $ (692,868) $ (30,007) $ (313,627) $ (1,036,502) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — 6,836 6,836 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 18,630 7,482 — 26,112 Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes 18,630 7,482 6,836 32,948 Ending balance, June 30, 2021 $ (674,238) $ (22,525) $ (306,791) $ (1,003,554) Changes in Accumulated Other Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits Cash Flow Hedges Foreign Currency Translation Total Beginning balance, January 1, 2020 $ (704,415) $ (20,671) $ (416,222) $ (1,141,308) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications — (21,046) (82,370) (103,416) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 16,292 4,704 11,356 32,352 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes 16,292 (16,342) (71,014) (71,064) Ending balance, June 30, 2020 $ (688,123) $ (37,013) $ (487,236) $ (1,212,372)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Income for the Pension Plans	Net periodic benefit income from the Company's pension plans included the following components: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost $ 3,101 $ 2,925 $ 6,142 $ 5,907 Interest cost 17,962 20,865 35,868 41,790 Expected return on plan assets (38,858) (38,410) (77,590) (76,933) Amortization of prior service credit 172 173 344 346 Amortization of actuarial loss 12,509 11,088 24,965 22,210 Net periodic benefit income $ (5,114) $ (3,359) $ (10,271) $ (6,680)

Accounts Receivable Sales Agr_2

Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables, Sales	The following table summarizes the activity under the A/R Sales Agreement for the following periods: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Receivables sold to the financial institution and derecognized $ 1,888,942 $ 902,326 $ 3,816,873 $ 902,326 Cash collected on sold receivables $ 1,888,940 $ 402,302 $ 3,816,868 $ 402,302

Derivatives and Hedging (Tables

Derivatives and Hedging (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table summarizes the location and carrying amounts of the derivative instruments and the foreign currency denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, that are designated and qualify as part of hedging relationships: June 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Instrument Balance Sheet Location Notional Balance Notional Balance Net investment hedges: Forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 925,810 $ 37,783 $ 800,000 $ 7,668 Forward contracts Other current liabilities $ 235,180 $ 12,223 $ 360,990 $ 19,442 Foreign currency debt Long-term debt € 700,000 $ 832,790 € 700,000 $ 861,070
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The tables below presents gains and losses related to designated cash flow hedges and net investment hedges: Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components 2021 2020 2021 2020 Three Months Ended June 30, Cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (4,370) $ — $ — Net investment hedges: Forward contracts (13,329) (31,147) 6,574 7,476 Foreign currency debt (12,670) (13,720) — — Total $ (25,999) $ (49,237) $ 6,574 $ 7,476 Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components 2021 2020 2021 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, Cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (28,830) $ — $ — Net investment hedges: Forward contracts 24,186 15,701 13,148 13,998 Foreign currency debt 28,280 (2,940) — — Total $ 52,466 $ (16,069) $ 13,148 $ 13,998
Schedule of Net Investment Hedges in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The tables below presents gains and losses related to designated cash flow hedges and net investment hedges: Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components 2021 2020 2021 2020 Three Months Ended June 30, Cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (4,370) $ — $ — Net investment hedges: Forward contracts (13,329) (31,147) 6,574 7,476 Foreign currency debt (12,670) (13,720) — — Total $ (25,999) $ (49,237) $ 6,574 $ 7,476 Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components 2021 2020 2021 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, Cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (28,830) $ — $ — Net investment hedges: Forward contracts 24,186 15,701 13,148 13,998 Foreign currency debt 28,280 (2,940) — — Total $ 52,466 $ (16,069) $ 13,148 $ 13,998

Acquisitions, Divestitures an_2

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	The Company’s results of operations for discontinued operations were: Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 Net sales $ 379,938 $ 846,944 Cost of goods sold 277,614 632,007 Gross profit 102,324 214,937 Operating expenses 89,385 179,461 Loss on disposal 216,133 220,318 Loss before income taxes (203,194) (184,842) Income tax (benefit) expense (2,323) 1,840 Net loss from discontinued operations $ (200,871) $ (186,682)

Segment Information - Operating

Segment Information - Operating Results by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,783,738	$ 3,823,227	$ 9,248,452	$ 7,915,753
Income (loss) before income taxes	269,607	(304,436)	555,466	(143,843)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4,783,738	3,823,227	9,248,452	7,915,753
Operating profit	441,171	327,834	802,141	584,345
Operating Segments | Automotive Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,196,299	2,495,799	6,149,464	5,078,484
Operating profit	290,758	218,906	526,436	361,484
Operating Segments | Industrial Parts
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,587,439	1,327,428	3,098,988	2,837,269
Operating profit	150,413	108,928	275,705	222,861
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	(15,362)	(24,876)	(33,686)	(44,744)
Intangible asset amortization	(27,384)	(23,256)	(52,928)	(45,996)
Corporate expense	(51,397)	(28,613)	(82,640)	(83,674)
Other unallocated amounts	$ (77,421)	$ (555,525)	$ (77,421)	$ (553,774)

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Unallocated Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product liability damages award	$ (77,421)		$ (77,421)
Goodwill impairment charge	0	$ (506,721)	0	$ (506,721)
Restructuring costs	0	(25,059)	0	(28,041)
Realized currency losses			0	(11,356)
Incremental expense, COVID-19		2,481		8,490
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Product liability damages award	(77,421)	0	(77,421)	0
Goodwill impairment charge	0	(506,721)	0	(506,721)
Restructuring costs	0	(25,059)	0	(28,041)
Realized currency losses	0	(11,356)	0	(11,356)
Gain on insurance proceeds related to SPR Fire	0	1,166	0	13,448
Transaction and other costs	0	(13,555)	0	(21,104)
Total other unallocated costs	$ (77,421)	$ (555,525)	$ (77,421)	$ (553,774)

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregated Geographical Revenue by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,783,738	$ 3,823,227	$ 9,248,452	$ 7,915,753
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	3,546,337	2,946,775	6,808,541	6,088,986
Australasia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	506,372	379,017	986,391	751,067
Automotive Parts | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	2,076,562	1,715,567	3,939,367	3,447,063
Automotive Parts | Australasia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	388,708	282,797	756,577	555,721
Automotive Parts | Europe
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	731,029	497,435	1,453,520	1,075,700
Industrial Parts | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,469,775	1,231,208	2,869,174	2,641,923
Industrial Parts | Australasia
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 117,664	$ 96,220	$ 229,814	$ 195,346

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 3,204,796
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,836	$ (103,416)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	26,112	32,352
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	32,948	(71,064)
Ending balance	3,233,879
Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(692,868)	(704,415)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	18,630	16,292
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	18,630	16,292
Ending balance	(674,238)	(688,123)
Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(30,007)	(20,671)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	(21,046)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	7,482	4,704
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	7,482	(16,342)
Ending balance	(22,525)	(37,013)
Foreign Currency Translation
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(313,627)	(416,222)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,836	(82,370)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	11,356
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	6,836	(71,014)
Ending balance	(306,791)	(487,236)
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,036,502)	(1,141,308)
Ending balance	$ (1,003,554)	$ (1,212,372)

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Income for the Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 3,101	$ 2,925	$ 6,142	$ 5,907
Interest cost	17,962	20,865	35,868	41,790
Expected return on plan assets	(38,858)	(38,410)	(77,590)	(76,933)
Amortization of prior service credit	172	173	344	346
Amortization of actuarial loss	12,509	11,088	24,965	22,210
Net periodic benefit income	$ (5,114)	$ (3,359)	$ (10,271)	$ (6,680)

Guarantees (Details)

Guarantees (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee	$ 896,080
Guarantees related to borrowings, other assets	78,000
Guarantor obligation, current carrying value	$ 78,000
Minimum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity (in years)	1 year
Maximum
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity (in years)	6 years

Accounts Receivable Sales Agr_3

Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Sale agreement term	3 years
Amount held as collateral	$ 959,000	$ 771
Sale agreement amount	800
Principal amount outstanding of receivables sold at period end	$ 800	$ 800

Accounts Receivable Sales Agr_4

Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement - Summary of Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement Activity and Outstanding Amount (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables sold to the financial institution and derecognized	$ 1,888,942	$ 902,326	$ 3,816,873	$ 902,326
Cash collected on sold receivables	$ 1,888,940	$ 402,302	$ 3,816,868	$ 402,302

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fair value disclosure	$ 2,617,081

Derivatives and Hedging - Sched

Derivatives and Hedging - Schedule of Location and Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
De-designated derivative instruments, liabilities				$ 41
Net investment hedges | Designated as hedging relationship | Prepaid expenses and other current assets | Forward contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional amount			$ 925,810	800,000
Derivative asset, balance			37,783	7,668
Net investment hedges | Designated as hedging relationship | Other current liabilities | Forward contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Notional amount			235,180	360,990
Derivative liability, balance			12,223	19,442
Net investment hedges | Designated as hedging relationship | Long-term debt | Foreign currency debt
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Nonderivative notional amount | €	€ 700,000	€ 700,000
Nonderivative balance			$ 832,790	$ 861,070

Derivatives and Hedging - Sch_2

Derivatives and Hedging - Schedule of Gains (Losses) Related to Designated Cash Flow Hedges and Net Investment Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications	$ (25,999)	$ (49,237)	$ 52,466	$ (16,069)
Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components	6,574	7,476	13,148	13,998
Cash flow hedges | Interest rate contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications	0	(4,370)	0	(28,830)
Net investment hedges | Forward contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications	(13,329)	(31,147)	24,186	15,701
Gain Recognized in Interest Expense For Excluded Components	6,574	7,476	13,148	13,998
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency debt
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL Before Reclassifications	$ (12,670)	$ (13,720)	$ 28,280	$ (2,940)

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 08, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation costs		$ 77,421	$ 77,421
Judicial Ruling | Subsequent Event
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount awarded to other party	$ 77,100

Acquisitions, Divestitures an_3

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net	$ 98,018	$ 33,047
Proceeds from divestitures of businesses	13,705	$ 382,737
SPR
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest in variable interest entity	70,576
Credit loss expense	$ 17,000

Acquisitions, Divestitures an_4

Acquisitions, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations - Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 379,938		$ 846,944
Cost of goods sold		277,614		632,007
Gross profit		102,324		214,937
Operating expenses		89,385		179,461
Loss on disposal		216,133		220,318
Loss before income taxes		(203,194)		(184,842)
Income tax (benefit) expense		(2,323)		1,840
Net loss from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (200,871)	$ 0	$ (186,682)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	27.10%	(19.40%)	25.40%	(67.70%)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	186	2,537	99	2,418

Uncategorized Items - gpc-20210

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]