Genuine Parts (GPC) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 16, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
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		149,515,598
Entity Public Float			$ 13,180,127,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 211,631	$ 137,730
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,822,419	1,872,365
Merchandise inventories, net	2,999,966	3,043,848
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	521,300	538,582
Total current assets	5,555,316	5,592,525
Goodwill	840,582	839,075
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	521,213	547,515
Deferred tax assets	118,525	145,331
Other assets	460,918	451,690
Property, plant, and equipment:
Land	85,450	87,651
Buildings, less accumulated depreciation (2015 - $282,804; 2014 - $270,946)	267,446	281,824
Machinery and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2015 - $620,113; 2014 - $598,137)	295,321	300,627
Net property, plant, and equipment	648,217	670,102
TOTAL ASSETS	8,144,771	8,246,238
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	2,821,526	2,554,759
Current portion of debt	375,000	265,466
Accrued compensation	148,265	165,291
Other current liabilities	503,268	510,560
Dividends payable	92,595	88,039
Total current liabilities	3,940,654	3,584,115
Long-term debt	250,000	500,000
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities	284,235	329,531
Deferred tax liabilities	50,684	72,479
Other long-term liabilities	$ 459,956	$ 447,749
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $1 per share - authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued
Common stock, par value $1 per share - authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 150,081,474 shares in 2015 and 153,113,042 shares in 2014	$ 150,081	$ 153,113
Additional paid-in capital	41,353	26,414
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(930,618)	(720,211)
Retained earnings	3,885,751	3,841,932
Total parent equity	3,146,567	3,301,248
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	12,675	11,116
Total equity	3,159,242	3,312,364
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 8,144,771	$ 8,246,238

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Buildings, allowance for depreciation	$ 282,804	$ 270,946
Machinery and equipment, allowance for depreciation	$ 620,113	$ 598,137
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	450,000,000	450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	150,081,474	153,113,042
Common stock, shares outstanding	150,081,474	153,113,042

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 15,280,044	$ 15,341,647	$ 14,077,843
Cost of goods sold	10,724,192	10,747,886	9,857,923
Gross margin	4,555,852	4,593,761	4,219,920
Operating expenses:
Selling, administrative, and other expenses	3,277,390	3,314,030	3,028,028
Depreciation and amortization	141,675	148,313	133,957
Provision for doubtful accounts	12,373	7,192	8,691
Total operating expenses	3,431,438	3,469,535	3,170,676
Non-operating expenses (income):
Interest expense	21,662	25,088	26,971
Other	(20,929)	(18,601)	(22,031)
Total non-operating expenses	733	6,487	4,940
Income before income taxes	1,123,681	1,117,739	1,044,304
Income taxes	418,009	406,453	359,345
Net income	$ 705,672	$ 711,286	$ 684,959
Basic net income per common share	$ 4.65	$ 4.64	$ 4.43
Diluted net income per common share	$ 4.63	$ 4.61	$ 4.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding	151,667	153,299	154,636
Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested restricted stock awards	829	1,076	1,078
Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution	152,496	154,375	155,714
Net income	$ 705,672	$ 711,286	$ 684,959
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(207,986)	(149,379)	(168,703)
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes of 2015 - $5,335, 2014 - $112,993, and 2013 - ($175,297)	(2,421)	(173,177)	272,540
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(210,407)	(322,556)	103,837
Comprehensive income	$ 495,265	$ 388,730	$ 788,796

Consolidated Statements of Inc5

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, tax	$ 5,335	$ 112,993	$ (175,297)

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total Parent Equity [Member]	Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 3,008,179	$ 154,841		$ (501,492)	$ 3,344,538	$ 2,997,887	$ 10,292
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012		154,841,438
Net income	684,959				684,959	684,959
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	103,837			103,837		103,837
Cash dividends declared	(332,322)				(332,322)	(332,322)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit	2,737	$ 450	$ 2,287			2,737
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit, Shares		449,986
Share-based compensation	12,648		12,648			12,648
Purchase of stock	(120,672)	$ (1,518)			(119,154)	(120,672)
Purchase of stock, Shares		(1,518,326)
Noncontrolling interest activities	(598)						(598)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,358,768	$ 153,773	14,935	(397,655)	3,578,021	3,349,074	9,694
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		153,773,098
Net income	711,286				711,286	711,286
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(322,556)			(322,556)		(322,556)
Cash dividends declared	(352,564)				(352,564)	(352,564)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit	(4,285)	$ 475	(4,760)			(4,285)
Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit, Shares		474,800
Share-based compensation	16,239		16,239			16,239
Purchase of stock	(95,946)	$ (1,135)			(94,811)	(95,946)
Purchase of stock, Shares		(1,134,856)
Noncontrolling interest activities	1,422						1,422
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	3,312,364	$ 153,113	26,414	(720,211)	3,841,932	3,301,248	11,116
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		153,113,042
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, 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, 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, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015		150,081,474

Consolidated Statements of Equ7

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 2.46	$ 2.30	$ 2.15
Tax effect on share-based awards exercised	$ 7,024	$ 17,766	$ 12,905
Common Stock [Member]
Tax effect on share-based awards exercised	7,024	17,766	12,905
Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]
Tax effect on share-based awards exercised	$ 7,024	$ 17,766	$ 12,905
Retained Earnings [Member]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 2.46	$ 2.30	$ 2.15
Total Parent Equity [Member]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 2.46	$ 2.30	$ 2.15
Tax effect on share-based awards exercised	$ 7,024	$ 17,766	$ 12,905

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating activities
Net income	$ 705,672	$ 711,286	$ 684,959
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	141,675	148,313	133,957
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(7,024)	(17,766)	(12,905)
Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment	(3,189)	(3,719)	(4,729)
Deferred income taxes	35,544	54,319	(21,622)
Share-based compensation	17,717	16,239	12,648
Gain on GPC Asia Pacific equity investment			(59,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,974	(225,178)	(116,080)
Merchandise inventories, net	(21,821)	(100,820)	(79,253)
Trade accounts payable	331,419	292,257	473,424
Other short-term assets and liabilities	967	15,616	(14,418)
Other long-term assets and liabilities	(43,561)	(100,402)	59,750
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	453,701	78,859	371,772
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,159,373	790,145	1,056,731
Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(109,544)	(107,681)	(124,063)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	8,618	8,866	10,657
Acquisition of businesses and other investing activities	(162,701)	(287,900)	(712,173)
Net cash used in investing activities	(263,627)	(386,715)	(825,579)
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt	3,862,224	2,727,924	3,019,931
Payments on debt	(4,005,191)	(2,735,862)	(2,995,335)
Share-based awards exercised, net of taxes paid	(9,572)	(22,051)	(15,728)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	7,024	17,766	12,905
Dividends paid	(368,284)	(347,271)	(326,217)
Purchase of stock	(292,275)	(95,946)	(120,673)
Net cash used in financing activities	(806,074)	(455,440)	(425,117)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(15,771)	(7,153)	(12,237)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	73,901	(59,163)	(206,202)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	137,730	196,893	403,095
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	211,631	137,730	196,893
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	352,153	408,604	342,372
Interest	$ 23,687	$ 25,155	$ 27,221

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. 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 replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 2,650 locations in North America and Australasia 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, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $12,373,000, $7,192,000, and $8,691,000, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $10,693,000 and $11,836,000, 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 automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for office products and certain other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $438,510,000 and $434,790,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2014 and 2013, reductions in inventory levels in automotive parts inventories (2013) and industrial parts inventories (2014 and 2013) resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effect of the LIFO liquidations in 2014 and 2013 was to reduce cost of goods sold by approximately $8,000,000 and $5,000,000, respectively. 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 2016 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. The present value of future cash flows approach was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that goodwill was not impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Other Assets Other assets are comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Retirement benefit assets $ 3,336 $ 4,247 Deferred compensation benefits 28,488 27,828 Investments 28,351 29,139 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 105,213 105,227 Customer sales returns inventories 72,814 67,400 Guarantees related to borrowings 35,000 29,000 Other long-term prepayments and receivables 187,716 188,849 Total other assets $ 460,918 $ 451,690 The guarantees related to borrowings are discussed further in the guarantees footnote. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful life 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 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities $ 54,034 $ 57,754 Insurance liabilities 33,979 48,569 Other lease obligations 37,642 40,040 Other taxes payable 15,495 18,947 Customer deposits 85,552 81,496 Guarantees related to borrowings 35,000 29,000 Other 198,254 171,943 Total other long-term liabilities $ 459,956 $ 447,749 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 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Foreign currency translation $ (394,984 ) $ (186,998 ) Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax (540,018 ) (538,614 ) Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax 4,384 5,401 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (930,618 ) $ (720,211 ) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended on December 31, 2015 and 2014: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Pension Benefits Other Post- Retirement Benefits Foreign Currency Translation Total (In Thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2014 $ (359,079 ) $ (957 ) $ (37,619 ) $ (397,655 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax (193,182 ) (39 ) (149,379 ) (342,600 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 20,192 (148 ) — 20,044 Net current period other comprehensive loss (172,990 ) (187 ) (149,379 ) (322,556 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2014 (532,069 ) (1,144 ) (186,998 ) (720,211 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax (25,558 ) (111 ) (207,986 ) (233,655 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 23,412 (164 ) — 23,248 Net current period other comprehensive loss (2,146 ) (275 ) (207,986 ) (210,407 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2015 $ (534,215 ) $ (1,419 ) $ (394,984 ) $ (930,618 ) The accumulated other comprehensive loss components related to the pension benefits are included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost in the employee benefit plans footnote. 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 approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $501,000,000 and $505,000,000, 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, 2015 and 2014, the carrying value of fixed rate debt was $500,000,000 and is included in current portion of debt and long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. 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 $270,000,000, $270,000,000, and $250,000,000, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $75,000,000, $71,300,000, and $57,900,000 in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 1,280,000, 610,000, and 630,000 shares of common stock ranging from $77 — $92 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 , Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net Automotive Industrial Office Products Electrical/ Electronic Materials Total Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 622,180 $ 116,136 $ 10,554 $ 41,101 $ 789,971 $ 499,385 Additions 20,404 3,577 37,054 31,565 92,600 110,129 Amortization — — — — — (36,867 ) Foreign currency translation (42,745 ) (751 ) — — (43,496 ) (25,132 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 599,839 118,962 47,608 72,666 839,075 547,515 Additions 5,030 18,696 8,891 20,335 52,952 38,596 Amortization — — — — — (34,878 ) Foreign currency translation (49,866 ) (1,579 ) — — (51,445 ) (30,020 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 555,003 $ 136,079 $ 56,499 $ 93,001 $ 840,582 $ 521,213 The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Customer relationships $ 494,516 $ (115,636 ) $ 378,880 $ 477,484 $ (88,923 ) $ 388,561 Trademarks 153,346 (11,922 ) 141,424 166,507 (8,654 ) 157,853 Non-competition agreements 5,765 (4,856 ) 909 6,062 (4,961 ) 1,101 $ 653,627 $ (132,414 ) $ 521,213 $ 650,053 $ (102,538 ) $ 547,515 Amortization expense for other intangible assets totaled $34,878,000, $36,867,000, and $28,987,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 35,000 2017 35,000 2018 35,000 2019 34,000 2020 34,000 $ 173,000

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	3. Credit Facilities The principal amounts of the Company’s borrowings subject to variable rates totaled approximately $125,000,000 and $265,466,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings was approximately 2.76% and 2.46% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company maintains a $1,200,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit with a consortium of financial institutions, which matures in June 2020 with two optional one year extensions and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which is based on the Company’s leverage ratio (1.17% at December 31, 2015). The Company also has the option under this agreement to increase its borrowing an additional $350,000,000, as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the facility with appropriate notice. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $125,000,000 and $265,466,000 were outstanding under this line of credit, respectively. Certain borrowings require the Company to comply with a financial covenant with respect to a maximum debt-to-capitalization ratio. At December 31, 2015, 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 $62,874,000 and $62,515,000 outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities consist of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Unsecured revolving line of credit, $1,200,000,000, LIBOR plus 0.75% variable $ 125,000 $ 265,466 Unsecured term notes: November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016 250,000 250,000 December 2, 2013, Series F Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 2.99% fixed, due December 2, 2023 250,000 250,000 Total debt 625,000 765,466 Less debt due within one year 375,000 265,466 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 250,000 $ 500,000 Approximate maturities under the Company’s credit facilities are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 375,000 2017 — 2018 — 2019 — 2020 — Thereafter 250,000 $ 625,000

Leased Properties

Leased Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leased Properties	4. 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, 2015 (in thousands): 2016 $ 207,800 2017 163,100 2018 118,300 2019 78,000 2020 48,400 Thereafter 152,300 Total minimum lease payments $ 767,900 Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $254,000,000, $233,000,000, and $208,000,000 for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	5. Share-Based Compensation At December 31, 2015, total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was approximately $33,000,000. 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, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $104,000,000 and $198,100,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for SARs and RSUs vested totaled approximately $65,000,000 and $116,200,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the weighted-average contractual life for outstanding and exercisable SARs and RSUs was six and five years, respectively. Share-based compensation costs of $17,717,000, $16,239,000, and $12,648,000, were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The total income tax benefits recognized in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for share-based compensation arrangements were approximately $7,100,000, $6,500,000, and $5,100,000 for 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. There have been no modifications to valuation methodologies or methods during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, or 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 2.0%, 2.8%, and 2.0%; dividend yield of 2.6%, 2.8%, and 3.2%; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years; an average expected life and estimated turnover based on the historical pattern of existing grants of approximately seven years and 5.4%, respectively. 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, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $15,200,000, $13,800,000, and $8,100,000, respectively. A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows: 2015 Shares (1) Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2) (In Thousands) Outstanding at beginning of year 3,923 $ 64 Granted 887 92 Exercised (540 ) 54 Forfeited (89 ) 81 Outstanding at end of year (3) 4,181 $ 71 Exercisable at end of year 2,437 $ 61 Shares available for future grants 10,000 (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, 2015 ranged from approximately $42 to $92. 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 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $13.53, $13.77, and $10.14, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of SARs and RSUs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $30,100,000, $65,200,000, and $43,900,000, respectively. In 2015, the Company granted approximately 711,000 SARs and 176,000 RSUs. In 2014, the Company granted approximately 680,000 SARs and 165,000 RSUs. In 2013, the Company granted approximately 727,000 SARs and 172,000 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, 2015 420 $ 72 Granted 176 92 Vested (123 ) 62 Forfeited (40 ) 76 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 433 $ 82 For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 approximately $7,000,000, $17,800,000, and $12,900,000, respectively, of excess tax benefits were classified as financing cash inflows.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	6. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has not provided Federal income taxes on approximately $623,000,000 of undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries. The Company intends to reinvest these earnings to fund expansion in these and other markets outside the U.S. Accordingly, the Company has not provided any provision for income tax expense in excess of foreign jurisdiction income tax requirements relative to such undistributed earnings in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 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, the Company has concluded it is not practicable to determine the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets related to: Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 318,368 $ 337,792 Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes 347,263 341,904 665,631 679,696 Deferred tax liabilities related to: Employee and retiree benefits 249,126 227,926 Inventory 147,199 152,913 Other intangible assets 111,305 105,482 Property, plant, and equipment 58,496 59,600 Other 31,664 30,641 597,790 576,562 Net deferred tax assets 67,841 103,134 Current portion of deferred tax assets — (30,282 ) Noncurrent net deferred tax assets $ 67,841 $ 72,852 The current portion of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014. The components of income before income taxes are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) United States $ 1,004,919 $ 978,824 $ 850,866 Foreign 118,762 138,915 193,438 Income before income taxes $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304 The components of income tax expense are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Current: Federal $ 309,403 $ 224,591 $ 303,016 State 45,460 43,513 47,010 Foreign 27,602 84,030 30,941 Deferred 35,544 54,319 (21,622 ) $ 418,009 $ 406,453 $ 359,345 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: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Statutory rate applied to income $ 393,288 $ 391,209 $ 365,506 Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 32,295 32,646 28,823 Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory US tax rate (13,684 ) (3,453 ) (37,873 ) Foreign tax credit (264 ) (20,170 ) — Capital loss expiration — — 16,803 Reversal of capital loss valuation allowance — — (16,803 ) Other 6,374 6,221 2,889 $ 418,009 $ 406,453 $ 359,345 The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, 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 2009 or subject to non-United States income tax examinations for years ended prior to 2008. The Company is currently under audit in the United States and Canada. 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. However, the Company does not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change during the year due to the settlement of audits and the expiration of statutes of limitations. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 17,581 $ 47,190 $ 45,455 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1,969 3,303 3,238 Additions for tax positions of prior years 61 6,415 3,759 Reductions for tax positions for prior years (3,152 ) (851 ) (1,472 ) Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations (425 ) (481 ) (1,714 ) Settlements (219 ) (37,995 ) (2,076 ) Balance at end of year $ 15,815 $ 17,581 $ 47,190 The amount of gross tax effected unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $17,684,000 and $19,497,000, respectively, of which approximately $9,317,000 and $11,106,000, respectively, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. During 2014, the Company settled certain transfer pricing methodologies with tax authorities, and on a consolidated basis, the difference, in related payments and refunds and the amount reflected in the tax reserves, was not material. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company paid interest and penalties of approximately $1,051,000, $14,000,000, and $405,000, respectively. The Company had approximately $1,746,000 and $1,916,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	7. Employee Benefit Plans The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees in the U.S. and Canada who meet eligibility requirements. The plan covering U.S. employees is noncontributory. As of December 31, 2013, the Company implemented a hard freeze for the U.S. qualified defined benefit plan. Therefore, no further benefit accruals were provided after that date for additional credited service or earnings. In addition, all participants who are employed after December 31, 2013 became fully vested 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. The Company may increase its contribution above the minimum, if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position. 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 plans. Several assumptions are used to determine the benefit obligations, plan assets, and net periodic (income) cost. 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, 2015 and 2014 were: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Changes in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,352,094 $ 2,035,185 Service cost 8,562 7,824 Interest cost 98,088 102,465 Plan participants’ contributions 2,838 3,526 Actuarial (gain) loss (139,573 ) 346,875 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (35,082 ) (18,697 ) Gross benefits paid (87,571 ) (125,084 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,199,356 $ 2,352,094 The actuarial loss incurred in the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily attributable to a lower discount rate, as well as changes in the mortality assumptions. The benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $2,012,935,000 and $2,135,827,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and Canada was approximately $2,179,626,000 and $2,328,489,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The assumptions used to measure the pension benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were: 2015 2014 Weighted-average discount rate 4.82 % 4.26 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.12 % 3.07 % Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Changes in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 2,021,837 $ 1,933,063 Actual return on plan assets (45,529 ) 174,652 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (33,382 ) (17,616 ) Employer contributions 54,543 53,296 Plan participants’ contributions 2,838 3,526 Benefits paid (87,571 ) (125,084 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 1,912,736 $ 2,021,837 The fair values of plan assets for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,731,368,000 and $1,819,747,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the target allocation for 2016, by asset category were: Target Allocation 2016 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 2015 2014 Asset Category Equity securities 71 % 69 % 70 % Debt securities 29 % 31 % 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 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 (49% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 8% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit). The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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). 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. 2015 Total Quoted 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 $ 349,852 $ 349,852 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 173,363 173,363 — — Other stocks 793,229 792,624 — 605 Debt Securities Short-term investments 46,195 46,195 — — Cash and equivalents 2,978 2,978 — — Government bonds 193,436 109,559 83,877 — Corporate bonds 172,119 — 172,119 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 27,510 — 27,510 — Convertible securities 434 — 434 — Other-international 21,137 20,785 352 — Municipal bonds 5,857 — 5,857 — Mutual funds — fixed income 123,895 — 123,895 — Other Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,731 — — 2,731 Total $ 1,912,736 $ 1,495,356 $ 414,044 $ 3,336 2014 Total Quoted 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 $ 366,716 $ 366,716 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 215,477 215,477 — — Other stocks 822,782 822,782 — — Debt Securities Short-term investments 41,882 41,882 — — Cash and equivalents 8,921 8,921 — — Government bonds 192,413 96,480 95,933 — Corporate bonds 178,214 — 178,214 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 27,756 — 27,756 — Convertible securities 633 — 633 — Other-international 25,137 21,815 3,322 — Municipal bonds 6,435 — 6,435 — Mutual funds — fixed income 132,752 — 132,752 — Other Options and futures 7 7 — — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,712 — — 2,712 Total $ 2,021,837 $ 1,574,080 $ 445,045 $ 2,712 Equity securities include Genuine Parts Company common stock in the amounts of $173,363,000 (9% of total plan assets) and $215,477,000 (11% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Dividend payments received by the plan on Company stock totaled approximately $4,965,000 and $4,650,000 in 2015 and 2014, 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 2015 and 2014 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 2016 pension cost or income is 7.83% 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: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Other long-term asset $ 3,336 $ 4,247 Other current liability (7,432 ) (6,740 ) Pension and other post-retirement liabilities (282,524 ) (327,764 ) $ (286,620 ) $ (330,257 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 882,464 $ 875,788 Prior service credit (1,814 ) (2,436 ) $ 880,650 $ 873,352 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 2016, approximately $7,382,000 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 2016 (expected) $ 49,000 Expected benefit payments: 2016 $ 93,000 2017 102,000 2018 109,000 2019 116,000 2020 124,000 2021 through 2025 703,000 Net periodic benefit (income) cost included the following components: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Service cost $ 8,562 $ 7,824 $ 19,083 Interest cost 98,088 102,465 89,408 Expected return on plan assets (150,130 ) (144,746 ) (133,816 ) Amortization of prior service credit (565 ) (1,890 ) (7,538 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 38,197 26,791 83,934 Net periodic benefit (income) cost $ (5,848 ) $ (9,556 ) $ 51,071 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Current year actuarial loss (gain) $ 44,930 $ 312,011 $ (368,587 ) Recognition of actuarial loss (38,197 ) (26,791 ) (83,934 ) Recognition of prior service credit 565 638 7,538 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 7,298 $ 285,858 $ (444,983 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit (income) cost and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,450 $ 276,303 $ (393,912 ) The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are as follows in thousands: Actuarial loss $ 31,146 Prior service credit (430 ) Total $ 30,716 The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit (income) cost for the plans follow: 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average discount rate 4.26 % 5.10 % 4.17 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.07 % 3.04 % 3.30 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.85 % 7.85 % 7.83 % Prior to 2014, the Company had two defined contribution plans that covered substantially all of its domestic employees. The Company’s matching contributions were determined based on the employee’s participation in the U.S. pension plan. Prior to 2014, U.S. pension plan participants who continued earning credited service after 2008 received a matching contribution of 20% of the first 6% of the employee’s salary. Other employees received a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employee’s salary. The two plans were merged effective January 1, 2014. Beginning in 2014, all employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense was approximately $55,066,000 in 2015, $53,351,000 in 2014, and $43,236,000 in 2013.

Guarantees

Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantees	8. 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 capitalization ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. At December 31, 2015, the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $332,632,000. 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 $35,000,000 and $29,000,000 for the guarantees related to the independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	9. Acquisitions During 2015, the Company acquired one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group, three companies in the Office 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. During 2014, the Company acquired two companies each in the Automotive Group, Office Products Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group and one company in the Industrial Group for approximately $260,000,000, net of cash acquired. During 2013, the Company acquired one company each in the Automotive Group (including GPC Asia Pacific), Industrial Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group for approximately $650,000,000, 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 $90,000,000, $200,000,000 and $950,000,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2015, 2014, and 2013 acquisitions, 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. For the 2014 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $82,000,000 and trademarks of $28,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 18 and 40 years, respectively. For the 2013 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $235,000,000, trademarks of $141,000,000, and non-competition agreements of $4,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 15, 40, and 1 years, respectively. Additional disclosure on the 2013 automotive acquisition of GPC Asia Pacific is provided below. GPC Asia Pacific The Company acquired a 30% investment in GPC Asia Pacific, formerly known as the Exego Group, for approximately $166,000,000 effective January 1, 2012. On April 1, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 70% interest in GPC Asia Pacific for approximately $590,000,000, net of cash acquired of $70,000,000, and the assumption of approximately $230,000,000 in debt. The acquisition was financed using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under existing credit facilities. GPC Asia Pacific, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, is a leading aftermarket distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $1,000,000,000 and a company-owned store footprint of approximately 500 locations across Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition provides an opportunity for the Company to participate in the ongoing and significant growth opportunities in the Australasian aftermarket. The Company recognized certain one-time positive purchase accounting pre-tax adjustments of approximately $33,000,000, or $0.21 net of taxes on a per share diluted basis, as a result of the acquisition. The net one-time purchase accounting adjustments consisted of a gain of approximately $59,000,000 related to remeasuring the 30% investment in GPC Asia Pacific held before the business combination to fair value, the post-closing sale of acquired inventory written up to fair value of $21,000,000 as part of the purchase price allocation, and certain negative adjustments of approximately $5,000,000. Prior to the 70% acquisition, the Company accounted for the 30% investment under the equity method of accounting. The acquisition-date fair value of the 30% investment was approximately $234,000,000 and is included in the measurement of the consideration transferred. The difference between the acquisition-date fair value and the carrying amount of the equity method investment resulted in the recognition of a gain of approximately $59,000,000 on the acquisition date. The acquisition-date fair value was determined using a market and income approach with the assistance of a third party valuation firm. Both approaches were given equal weight in the conclusion of fair value, which the Company believes is a reasonable approach. For the market approach, the Company utilized companies that are comparable in line of business, size, operating performance, and financial condition to GPC Asia Pacific to develop a market multiple. For the income approach, the Company utilized GPC Asia Pacific’s projected cash flows, an appropriate discount rate, and an expected long-term growth rate. For both approaches, the Company applied discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability. As part of the allocation of purchase price described below, acquired inventory was written up to fair value, which was approximately $21,000,000 above the cost of the acquired inventory. Based on the inventory turn of the acquired inventories, the entire write-up was recognized in cost of goods sold during 2013. The net $54,000,000 of one-time gain and other adjustments are included in the line item selling, administrative and other expenses and the acquired inventory adjustment of $21,000,000 is included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled approximately $824,000,000, net of cash acquired of $70,000,000, which consisted of the following: April 1, 2013 (In Thousands) Cash $ 590,000 Fair value of 30% investment held prior to business combination 234,000 Total $ 824,000 The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. April 1, 2013 (In Thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 94,000 Merchandise inventory 306,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 31,000 Property and equipment 59,000 Intangible assets 347,000 Other assets 24,000 Total identifiable assets acquired 861,000 Current liabilities (224,000 ) Long-term debt (230,000 ) Deferred tax liabilities and other (125,000 ) Total liabilities assumed (579,000 ) Net identifiable assets acquired 282,000 Goodwill 542,000 Net assets acquired $ 824,000 The acquired intangible assets of approximately $347,000,000 were assigned to customer relationships of $202,000,000, trademarks of $141,000,000, and non-compete agreements of $4,000,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 16, 40, and 1 year, respectively, for a total weighted average amortization life of 26 years. The 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 workforce of GPC Asia Pacific. The amounts of net sales and earnings of GPC Asia Pacific included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income from April 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 were approximately $839,000,000 in net sales and net income of $0.43 on a per share diluted basis, respectively. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company as if GPC Asia Pacific had been included in the consolidated results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013 would be estimated at $14,400,000,000 in net sales and net income of $4.42 on a per share diluted basis. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning of this period, 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.

Segment Data

Segment Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Data	10. Segment Data The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, office 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 office 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 $118,800,000, $138,900,000 and $193,400,000 of income before income taxes was generated in jurisdictions outside the United States for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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. 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (In Thousands) Net sales: Automotive $ 8,015,098 $ 8,096,877 $ 7,489,186 $ 6,320,882 $ 6,061,424 Industrial 4,646,689 4,771,080 4,429,976 4,453,574 4,173,574 Office products 1,937,629 1,802,754 1,638,618 1,686,690 1,689,368 Electrical/electronic materials 750,770 739,119 568,872 582,820 557,537 Other (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) (30,098 ) (23,026 ) Total net sales $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 $ 13,013,868 $ 12,458,877 Operating profit: Automotive $ 729,152 $ 700,386 $ 641,492 $ 540,678 $ 467,806 Industrial 339,180 370,043 320,720 352,119 337,628 Office products 140,866 133,727 122,492 134,441 134,124 Electrical/electronic materials 70,151 64,884 47,584 50,910 40,663 Total operating profit 1,279,349 1,269,040 1,132,288 1,078,148 980,221 Interest expense, net (20,354 ) (24,192 ) (24,330 ) (19,619 ) (24,608 ) Corporate expense (100,436 ) (90,242 ) (34,667 ) (26,606 ) (58,033 ) Intangible asset amortization (34,878 ) (36,867 ) (28,987 ) (12,991 ) (6,774 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304 $ 1,018,932 $ 890,806 Assets: Automotive $ 4,293,290 $ 4,275,298 $ 4,009,244 $ 3,411,252 $ 3,218,931 Industrial 1,143,952 1,224,735 1,162,697 1,130,877 1,100,024 Office products 831,546 835,592 708,944 731,564 700,720 Electrical/electronic materials 191,866 196,400 156,780 137,237 129,933 Corporate 322,323 327,623 353,276 898,292 773,391 Goodwill and other intangible assets 1,361,794 1,386,590 1,289,356 497,839 279,775 Total assets $ 8,144,771 $ 8,246,238 $ 7,680,297 $ 6,807,061 $ 6,202,774 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (In Thousands) Depreciation and amortization: Automotive $ 70,112 $ 77,645 $ 76,238 $ 60,630 $ 60,252 Industrial 9,960 9,906 8,751 8,307 7,495 Office products 10,922 10,728 10,166 10,837 9,999 Electrical/electronic materials 2,933 2,658 1,904 1,733 1,554 Corporate 12,870 10,509 7,911 3,885 2,862 Intangible asset amortization 34,878 36,867 28,987 12,991 6,774 Total depreciation and amortization $ 141,675 $ 148,313 $ 133,957 $ 98,383 $ 88,936 Capital expenditures: Automotive $ 77,504 $ 78,537 $ 97,735 $ 67,482 $ 61,795 Industrial 13,998 12,442 8,808 13,015 9,851 Office products 12,323 11,135 9,297 16,013 22,036 Electrical/electronic materials 2,824 3,003 1,730 1,029 1,762 Corporate 2,895 2,564 6,493 4,448 8,025 Total capital expenditures $ 109,544 $ 107,681 $ 124,063 $ 101,987 $ 103,469 Net sales: United States $ 12,843,078 $ 12,565,329 $ 11,594,713 $ 11,299,291 $ 10,791,303 Canada 1,395,695 1,583,075 1,560,799 1,616,921 1,571,733 Australasia 992,064 1,133,620 839,353 — — Mexico 119,349 127,806 131,787 127,754 118,867 Other (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) (30,098 ) (23,026 ) Total net sales $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 $ 13,013,868 $ 12,458,877 Net property, plant, and equipment: United States $ 495,073 $ 495,452 $ 503,882 $ 466,473 $ 411,193 Canada 79,023 98,939 99,135 93,496 84,210 Australasia 65,289 65,707 60,614 — — Mexico 8,832 10,004 6,430 6,396 4,801 Total net property, plant, and equipment $ 648,217 $ 670,102 $ 670,061 $ 566,365 $ 500,204

Financial Statement Schedule II

Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2013: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 19,180,190 $ 8,691,000 $ (13,448,190 ) $ 14,423,000 Year ended December 31, 2014: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 14,423,000 $ 7,192,000 $ (9,779,000 ) $ 11,836,000 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 (1) Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Summary of Significant Accoun20

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials. The Company serves a diverse customer base through approximately 2,650 locations in North America and Australasia 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. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $12,373,000, $7,192,000, and $8,691,000, respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $10,693,000 and $11,836,000, respectively.
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 automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for office products and certain other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $438,510,000 and $434,790,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2014 and 2013, reductions in inventory levels in automotive parts inventories (2013) and industrial parts inventories (2014 and 2013) resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effect of the LIFO liquidations in 2014 and 2013 was to reduce cost of goods sold by approximately $8,000,000 and $5,000,000, respectively. 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 2016 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. The present value of future cash flows approach was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that goodwill was not impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.
Other Assets	Other Assets Other assets are comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Retirement benefit assets $ 3,336 $ 4,247 Deferred compensation benefits 28,488 27,828 Investments 28,351 29,139 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 105,213 105,227 Customer sales returns inventories 72,814 67,400 Guarantees related to borrowings 35,000 29,000 Other long-term prepayments and receivables 187,716 188,849 Total other assets $ 460,918 $ 451,690 The guarantees related to borrowings are discussed further in the guarantees footnote.
Property, Plant, and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful life 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.
Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities $ 54,034 $ 57,754 Insurance liabilities 33,979 48,569 Other lease obligations 37,642 40,040 Other taxes payable 15,495 18,947 Customer deposits 85,552 81,496 Guarantees related to borrowings 35,000 29,000 Other 198,254 171,943 Total other long-term liabilities $ 459,956 $ 447,749 The guarantees related to borrowings are discussed further in the guarantees footnote.
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.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Foreign currency translation $ (394,984 ) $ (186,998 ) Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax (540,018 ) (538,614 ) Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax 4,384 5,401 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (930,618 ) $ (720,211 ) The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended on December 31, 2015 and 2014: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Pension Benefits Other Post- Retirement Benefits Foreign Currency Translation Total (In Thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2014 $ (359,079 ) $ (957 ) $ (37,619 ) $ (397,655 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax (193,182 ) (39 ) (149,379 ) (342,600 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 20,192 (148 ) — 20,044 Net current period other comprehensive loss (172,990 ) (187 ) (149,379 ) (322,556 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2014 (532,069 ) (1,144 ) (186,998 ) (720,211 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax (25,558 ) (111 ) (207,986 ) (233,655 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 23,412 (164 ) — 23,248 Net current period other comprehensive loss (2,146 ) (275 ) (207,986 ) (210,407 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2015 $ (534,215 ) $ (1,419 ) $ (394,984 ) $ (930,618 ) The accumulated other comprehensive loss components related to the pension benefits are included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost in the employee benefit plans footnote.
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 approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $501,000,000 and $505,000,000, 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, 2015 and 2014, the carrying value of fixed rate debt was $500,000,000 and is included in current portion of debt and long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets.
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 $270,000,000, $270,000,000, and $250,000,000, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $75,000,000, $71,300,000, and $57,900,000 in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 1,280,000, 610,000, and 630,000 shares of common stock ranging from $77 — $92 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 , Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans	For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 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 2.0%, 2.8%, and 2.0%; dividend yield of 2.6%, 2.8%, and 3.2%; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years; an average expected life and estimated turnover based on the historical pattern of existing grants of approximately seven years and 5.4%, respectively. 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, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $15,200,000, $13,800,000, and $8,100,000, respectively.
Unremitted Earnings in Foreign Investment	The Company intends to reinvest these earnings to fund expansion in these and other markets outside the U.S. Accordingly, the Company has not provided any provision for income tax expense in excess of foreign jurisdiction income tax requirements relative to such undistributed earnings in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. 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, the Company has concluded it is not practicable to determine the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	The Company’s funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. The Company may increase its contribution above the minimum, if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position. 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 plans. Several assumptions are used to determine the benefit obligations, plan assets, and net periodic (income) cost. 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. 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 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 (49% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 8% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit). The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 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). 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 2016 pension cost or income is 7.83% 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. Prior to 2014, the Company had two defined contribution plans that covered substantially all of its domestic employees. The Company’s matching contributions were determined based on the employee’s participation in the U.S. pension plan. Prior to 2014, U.S. pension plan participants who continued earning credited service after 2008 received a matching contribution of 20% of the first 6% of the employee’s salary. Other employees received a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employee’s salary. The two plans were merged effective January 1, 2014. Beginning in 2014, all employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense was approximately $55,066,000 in 2015, $53,351,000 in 2014, and $43,236,000 in 2013.
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 capitalization ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. At December 31, 2015, the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $332,632,000. 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.
Business Combinations	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.
Segment Reporting	The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, office 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 Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of Other Assets	Other assets are comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Retirement benefit assets $ 3,336 $ 4,247 Deferred compensation benefits 28,488 27,828 Investments 28,351 29,139 Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 105,213 105,227 Customer sales returns inventories 72,814 67,400 Guarantees related to borrowings 35,000 29,000 Other long-term prepayments and receivables 187,716 188,849 Total other assets $ 460,918 $ 451,690
Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities $ 54,034 $ 57,754 Insurance liabilities 33,979 48,569 Other lease obligations 37,642 40,040 Other taxes payable 15,495 18,947 Customer deposits 85,552 81,496 Guarantees related to borrowings 35,000 29,000 Other 198,254 171,943 Total other long-term liabilities $ 459,956 $ 447,749
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Foreign currency translation $ (394,984 ) $ (186,998 ) Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax (540,018 ) (538,614 ) Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax 4,384 5,401 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (930,618 ) $ (720,211 )
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, 2015 and 2014: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Pension Benefits Other Post- Retirement Benefits Foreign Currency Translation Total (In Thousands) Beginning balance, January 1, 2014 $ (359,079 ) $ (957 ) $ (37,619 ) $ (397,655 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax (193,182 ) (39 ) (149,379 ) (342,600 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 20,192 (148 ) — 20,044 Net current period other comprehensive loss (172,990 ) (187 ) (149,379 ) (322,556 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2014 (532,069 ) (1,144 ) (186,998 ) (720,211 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax (25,558 ) (111 ) (207,986 ) (233,655 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 23,412 (164 ) — 23,248 Net current period other comprehensive loss (2,146 ) (275 ) (207,986 ) (210,407 ) Ending balance, December 31, 2015 $ (534,215 ) $ (1,419 ) $ (394,984 ) $ (930,618 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible22

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net Automotive Industrial Office Products Electrical/ Electronic Materials Total Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 622,180 $ 116,136 $ 10,554 $ 41,101 $ 789,971 $ 499,385 Additions 20,404 3,577 37,054 31,565 92,600 110,129 Amortization — — — — — (36,867 ) Foreign currency translation (42,745 ) (751 ) — — (43,496 ) (25,132 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014 599,839 118,962 47,608 72,666 839,075 547,515 Additions 5,030 18,696 8,891 20,335 52,952 38,596 Amortization — — — — — (34,878 ) Foreign currency translation (49,866 ) (1,579 ) — — (51,445 ) (30,020 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 555,003 $ 136,079 $ 56,499 $ 93,001 $ 840,582 $ 521,213
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, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Customer relationships $ 494,516 $ (115,636 ) $ 378,880 $ 477,484 $ (88,923 ) $ 388,561 Trademarks 153,346 (11,922 ) 141,424 166,507 (8,654 ) 157,853 Non-competition agreements 5,765 (4,856 ) 909 6,062 (4,961 ) 1,101 $ 653,627 $ (132,414 ) $ 521,213 $ 650,053 $ (102,538 ) $ 547,515
Estimated Other Intangible Assets Amortization Expense	Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 35,000 2017 35,000 2018 35,000 2019 34,000 2020 34,000 $ 173,000

Credit Facilities (Tables)

Credit Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities	Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities consist of the following: December 31 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Unsecured revolving line of credit, $1,200,000,000, LIBOR plus 0.75% variable $ 125,000 $ 265,466 Unsecured term notes: November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016 250,000 250,000 December 2, 2013, Series F Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 2.99% fixed, due December 2, 2023 250,000 250,000 Total debt 625,000 765,466 Less debt due within one year 375,000 265,466 Long-term debt, excluding current portion $ 250,000 $ 500,000
Schedule of Approximate Maturities of Credit Facilities	Approximate maturities under the Company’s credit facilities are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 375,000 2017 — 2018 — 2019 — 2020 — Thereafter 250,000 $ 625,000

Leased Properties (Tables)

Leased Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 (in thousands): 2016 $ 207,800 2017 163,100 2018 118,300 2019 78,000 2020 48,400 Thereafter 152,300 Total minimum lease payments $ 767,900

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: 2015 Shares (1) Weighted- Average Exercise Price (2) (In Thousands) Outstanding at beginning of year 3,923 $ 64 Granted 887 92 Exercised (540 ) 54 Forfeited (89 ) 81 Outstanding at end of year (3) 4,181 $ 71 Exercisable at end of year 2,437 $ 61 Shares available for future grants 10,000 (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, 2015 ranged from approximately $42 to $92. 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, 2015 420 $ 72 Granted 176 92 Vested (123 ) 62 Forfeited (40 ) 76 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 433 $ 82

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Deferred tax assets related to: Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes $ 318,368 $ 337,792 Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes 347,263 341,904 665,631 679,696 Deferred tax liabilities related to: Employee and retiree benefits 249,126 227,926 Inventory 147,199 152,913 Other intangible assets 111,305 105,482 Property, plant, and equipment 58,496 59,600 Other 31,664 30,641 597,790 576,562 Net deferred tax assets 67,841 103,134 Current portion of deferred tax assets — (30,282 ) Noncurrent net deferred tax assets $ 67,841 $ 72,852
Components of Income before Income Taxes	The components of income before income taxes are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) United States $ 1,004,919 $ 978,824 $ 850,866 Foreign 118,762 138,915 193,438 Income before income taxes $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304
Components of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax expense are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Current: Federal $ 309,403 $ 224,591 $ 303,016 State 45,460 43,513 47,010 Foreign 27,602 84,030 30,941 Deferred 35,544 54,319 (21,622 ) $ 418,009 $ 406,453 $ 359,345
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: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Statutory rate applied to income $ 393,288 $ 391,209 $ 365,506 Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit 32,295 32,646 28,823 Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory US tax rate (13,684 ) (3,453 ) (37,873 ) Foreign tax credit (264 ) (20,170 ) — Capital loss expiration — — 16,803 Reversal of capital loss valuation allowance — — (16,803 ) Other 6,374 6,221 2,889 $ 418,009 $ 406,453 $ 359,345
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 17,581 $ 47,190 $ 45,455 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1,969 3,303 3,238 Additions for tax positions of prior years 61 6,415 3,759 Reductions for tax positions for prior years (3,152 ) (851 ) (1,472 ) Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations (425 ) (481 ) (1,714 ) Settlements (219 ) (37,995 ) (2,076 ) Balance at end of year $ 15,815 $ 17,581 $ 47,190

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Benefit Obligations	Changes in benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Changes in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,352,094 $ 2,035,185 Service cost 8,562 7,824 Interest cost 98,088 102,465 Plan participants’ contributions 2,838 3,526 Actuarial (gain) loss (139,573 ) 346,875 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (35,082 ) (18,697 ) Gross benefits paid (87,571 ) (125,084 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 2,199,356 $ 2,352,094
Assumptions Used to Measure Pension Benefit Obligations	The assumptions used to measure the pension benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were: 2015 2014 Weighted-average discount rate 4.82 % 4.26 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.12 % 3.07 %
Changes in Plan Assets	Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Changes in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 2,021,837 $ 1,933,063 Actual return on plan assets (45,529 ) 174,652 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (33,382 ) (17,616 ) Employer contributions 54,543 53,296 Plan participants’ contributions 2,838 3,526 Benefits paid (87,571 ) (125,084 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 1,912,736 $ 2,021,837
Asset Allocations for Funded Pension Plans	The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the target allocation for 2016, by asset category were: Target Allocation 2016 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 2015 2014 Asset Category Equity securities 71 % 69 % 70 % Debt securities 29 % 31 % 30 % 100 % 100 % 100 %
Fair Value of Plan Assets by Asset Category	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. 2015 Total Quoted 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 $ 349,852 $ 349,852 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 173,363 173,363 — — Other stocks 793,229 792,624 — 605 Debt Securities Short-term investments 46,195 46,195 — — Cash and equivalents 2,978 2,978 — — Government bonds 193,436 109,559 83,877 — Corporate bonds 172,119 — 172,119 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 27,510 — 27,510 — Convertible securities 434 — 434 — Other-international 21,137 20,785 352 — Municipal bonds 5,857 — 5,857 — Mutual funds — fixed income 123,895 — 123,895 — Other Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,731 — — 2,731 Total $ 1,912,736 $ 1,495,356 $ 414,044 $ 3,336 2014 Total Quoted 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 $ 366,716 $ 366,716 $ — $ — Genuine Parts Company common stock 215,477 215,477 — — Other stocks 822,782 822,782 — — Debt Securities Short-term investments 41,882 41,882 — — Cash and equivalents 8,921 8,921 — — Government bonds 192,413 96,480 95,933 — Corporate bonds 178,214 — 178,214 — Asset-backed and mortgage–backed securities 27,756 — 27,756 — Convertible securities 633 — 633 — Other-international 25,137 21,815 3,322 — Municipal bonds 6,435 — 6,435 — Mutual funds — fixed income 132,752 — 132,752 — Other Options and futures 7 7 — — Cash surrender value of life insurance policies 2,712 — — 2,712 Total $ 2,021,837 $ 1,574,080 $ 445,045 $ 2,712
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: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Other long-term asset $ 3,336 $ 4,247 Other current liability (7,432 ) (6,740 ) Pension and other post-retirement liabilities (282,524 ) (327,764 ) $ (286,620 ) $ (330,257 )
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Net actuarial loss $ 882,464 $ 875,788 Prior service credit (1,814 ) (2,436 ) $ 880,650 $ 873,352
Expected Cash Flows for Pension Plans	Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans follows (in thousands): Employer contribution 2016 (expected) $ 49,000 Expected benefit payments: 2016 $ 93,000 2017 102,000 2018 109,000 2019 116,000 2020 124,000 2021 through 2025 703,000
Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost	Net periodic benefit (income) cost included the following components: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Service cost $ 8,562 $ 7,824 $ 19,083 Interest cost 98,088 102,465 89,408 Expected return on plan assets (150,130 ) (144,746 ) (133,816 ) Amortization of prior service credit (565 ) (1,890 ) (7,538 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 38,197 26,791 83,934 Net periodic benefit (income) cost $ (5,848 ) $ (9,556 ) $ 51,071
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: 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Current year actuarial loss (gain) $ 44,930 $ 312,011 $ (368,587 ) Recognition of actuarial loss (38,197 ) (26,791 ) (83,934 ) Recognition of prior service credit 565 638 7,538 Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) $ 7,298 $ 285,858 $ (444,983 ) Total recognized in net periodic benefit (income) cost and other comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,450 $ 276,303 $ (393,912 )
Estimated Amounts Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are as follows in thousands: Actuarial loss $ 31,146 Prior service credit (430 ) Total $ 30,716
Assumptions Used To Measure Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost	The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit (income) cost for the plans follow: 2015 2014 2013 Weighted average discount rate 4.26 % 5.10 % 4.17 % Rate of increase in future compensation levels 3.07 % 3.04 % 3.30 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.85 % 7.85 % 7.83 %

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition Consideration Transferred	The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled approximately $824,000,000, net of cash acquired of $70,000,000, which consisted of the following: April 1, 2013 (In Thousands) Cash $ 590,000 Fair value of 30% investment held prior to business combination 234,000 Total $ 824,000
Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed on Acquisition Date	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. April 1, 2013 (In Thousands) Trade accounts receivable $ 94,000 Merchandise inventory 306,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 31,000 Property and equipment 59,000 Intangible assets 347,000 Other assets 24,000 Total identifiable assets acquired 861,000 Current liabilities (224,000 ) Long-term debt (230,000 ) Deferred tax liabilities and other (125,000 ) Total liabilities assumed (579,000 ) Net identifiable assets acquired 282,000 Goodwill 542,000 Net assets acquired $ 824,000

Segment Data (Tables)

Segment Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segment Data	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. 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (In Thousands) Net sales: Automotive $ 8,015,098 $ 8,096,877 $ 7,489,186 $ 6,320,882 $ 6,061,424 Industrial 4,646,689 4,771,080 4,429,976 4,453,574 4,173,574 Office products 1,937,629 1,802,754 1,638,618 1,686,690 1,689,368 Electrical/electronic materials 750,770 739,119 568,872 582,820 557,537 Other (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) (30,098 ) (23,026 ) Total net sales $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 $ 13,013,868 $ 12,458,877 Operating profit: Automotive $ 729,152 $ 700,386 $ 641,492 $ 540,678 $ 467,806 Industrial 339,180 370,043 320,720 352,119 337,628 Office products 140,866 133,727 122,492 134,441 134,124 Electrical/electronic materials 70,151 64,884 47,584 50,910 40,663 Total operating profit 1,279,349 1,269,040 1,132,288 1,078,148 980,221 Interest expense, net (20,354 ) (24,192 ) (24,330 ) (19,619 ) (24,608 ) Corporate expense (100,436 ) (90,242 ) (34,667 ) (26,606 ) (58,033 ) Intangible asset amortization (34,878 ) (36,867 ) (28,987 ) (12,991 ) (6,774 ) Income before income taxes $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304 $ 1,018,932 $ 890,806 Assets: Automotive $ 4,293,290 $ 4,275,298 $ 4,009,244 $ 3,411,252 $ 3,218,931 Industrial 1,143,952 1,224,735 1,162,697 1,130,877 1,100,024 Office products 831,546 835,592 708,944 731,564 700,720 Electrical/electronic materials 191,866 196,400 156,780 137,237 129,933 Corporate 322,323 327,623 353,276 898,292 773,391 Goodwill and other intangible assets 1,361,794 1,386,590 1,289,356 497,839 279,775 Total assets $ 8,144,771 $ 8,246,238 $ 7,680,297 $ 6,807,061 $ 6,202,774 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 (In Thousands) Depreciation and amortization: Automotive $ 70,112 $ 77,645 $ 76,238 $ 60,630 $ 60,252 Industrial 9,960 9,906 8,751 8,307 7,495 Office products 10,922 10,728 10,166 10,837 9,999 Electrical/electronic materials 2,933 2,658 1,904 1,733 1,554 Corporate 12,870 10,509 7,911 3,885 2,862 Intangible asset amortization 34,878 36,867 28,987 12,991 6,774 Total depreciation and amortization $ 141,675 $ 148,313 $ 133,957 $ 98,383 $ 88,936 Capital expenditures: Automotive $ 77,504 $ 78,537 $ 97,735 $ 67,482 $ 61,795 Industrial 13,998 12,442 8,808 13,015 9,851 Office products 12,323 11,135 9,297 16,013 22,036 Electrical/electronic materials 2,824 3,003 1,730 1,029 1,762 Corporate 2,895 2,564 6,493 4,448 8,025 Total capital expenditures $ 109,544 $ 107,681 $ 124,063 $ 101,987 $ 103,469 Net sales: United States $ 12,843,078 $ 12,565,329 $ 11,594,713 $ 11,299,291 $ 10,791,303 Canada 1,395,695 1,583,075 1,560,799 1,616,921 1,571,733 Australasia 992,064 1,133,620 839,353 — — Mexico 119,349 127,806 131,787 127,754 118,867 Other (70,142 ) (68,183 ) (48,809 ) (30,098 ) (23,026 ) Total net sales $ 15,280,044 $ 15,341,647 $ 14,077,843 $ 13,013,868 $ 12,458,877 Net property, plant, and equipment: United States $ 495,073 $ 495,452 $ 503,882 $ 466,473 $ 411,193 Canada 79,023 98,939 99,135 93,496 84,210 Australasia 65,289 65,707 60,614 — — Mexico 8,832 10,004 6,430 6,396 4,801 Total net property, plant, and equipment $ 648,217 $ 670,102 $ 670,061 $ 566,365 $ 500,204

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Location$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of locations in North America and Australasia | Location	2,650
Provisions for doubtful accounts	$ 12,373,000	$ 7,192,000	$ 8,691,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	10,693,000	11,836,000
Excess of FIFO costs over stated LIFO value	438,510,000	434,790,000
Reduction in cost of goods sold by the effect of LIFO liquidations		8,000,000	5,000,000
Impairment of goodwill	0	0	0
Fair value of fixed rate debt	501,000,000	505,000,000
Carrying value of fixed rate debt	500,000,000	500,000,000
Shipping and handling costs classified as selling, administrative and other expenses	270,000,000	270,000,000	250,000,000
Advertising costs	$ 75,000,000	$ 71,300,000	$ 57,900,000
Outstanding options to purchase common shares not included in dilutive share | shares	1,280,000	610,000	630,000
Minimum exercise price of options | $ / shares	$ 77	$ 77	$ 77
Maximum exercise price of options | $ / shares	$ 92	$ 92	$ 92
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share-based payment awards granted vesting period range	1 year
Minimum [Member] | Building and Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Share-based payment awards granted vesting period range	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Improvements [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	15 years

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components Of Other Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Retirement benefit assets	$ 3,336	$ 4,247
Deferred compensation benefits	28,488	27,828
Investments	28,351	29,139
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	105,213	105,227
Customer sales returns inventories	72,814	67,400
Guarantees related to borrowings	35,000	29,000
Other long-term prepayments and receivables	187,716	188,849
Total other assets	$ 460,918	$ 451,690

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities	$ 54,034	$ 57,754
Insurance liabilities	33,979	48,569
Other lease obligations	37,642	40,040
Other taxes payable	15,495	18,947
Customer deposits	85,552	81,496
Guarantees related to borrowings	35,000	29,000
Other	198,254	171,943
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 459,956	$ 447,749

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation	$ (394,984)	$ (186,998)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax	(540,018)	(538,614)
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of tax	4,384	5,401
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (930,618)	$ (720,211)	$ (397,655)

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (720,211)	$ (397,655)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(233,655)	(342,600)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,248	20,044
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(210,407)	(322,556)	$ 103,837
Ending balance	(930,618)	(720,211)	(397,655)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(532,069)	(359,079)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(25,558)	(193,182)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,412	20,192
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(2,146)	(172,990)
Ending balance	(534,215)	(532,069)	(359,079)
Other Post-Retirement Benefits [Member]
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,144)	(957)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(111)	(39)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(164)	(148)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(275)	(187)
Ending balance	(1,419)	(1,144)	(957)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(186,998)	(37,619)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax	(207,986)	(149,379)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(207,986)	(149,379)
Ending balance	$ (394,984)	$ (186,998)	$ (37,619)

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 839,075	$ 789,971
Other Intangible Assets, Net, Beginning Balance	547,515	499,385
Goodwill, Additions	52,952	92,600
Other Intangible Assets, Net, Additions	38,596	110,129
Amortization	(34,878)	(36,867)	$ (28,987)
Goodwill, Foreign currency translation	(51,445)	(43,496)
Other Intangible Assets, Net, Foreign currency translation	(30,020)	(25,132)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	840,582	839,075	789,971
Other Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance	521,213	547,515	499,385
Automotive [Member]
Goodwill And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	599,839	622,180
Goodwill, Additions	5,030	20,404
Goodwill, Foreign currency translation	(49,866)	(42,745)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	555,003	599,839	622,180
Industrial [Member]
Goodwill And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	118,962	116,136
Goodwill, Additions	18,696	3,577
Goodwill, Foreign currency translation	(1,579)	(751)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	136,079	118,962	116,136
Office Products [Member]
Goodwill And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	47,608	10,554
Goodwill, Additions	8,891	37,054
Goodwill, Ending Balance	56,499	47,608	10,554
Electrical/Electronic Materials [Member]
Goodwill And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	72,666	41,101
Goodwill, Additions	20,335	31,565
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 93,001	$ 72,666	$ 41,101

Goodwill and Other Intangible36

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Gross Carrying Amounts and Accumulated Amortization Relating to Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 653,627	$ 650,053
Accumulated Amortization	(132,414)	(102,538)
Net	521,213	547,515	$ 499,385
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	494,516	477,484
Accumulated Amortization	(115,636)	(88,923)
Net	378,880	388,561
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	153,346	166,507
Accumulated Amortization	(11,922)	(8,654)
Net	141,424	157,853
Non-Competition Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5,765	6,062
Accumulated Amortization	(4,856)	(4,961)
Net	$ 909	$ 1,101

Goodwill and Other Intangible37

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense for other intangible assets total	$ 34,878	$ 36,867	$ 28,987

Goodwill and Other Intangible38

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Other Intangible Assets Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 35,000
2,017	35,000
2,018	35,000
2,019	34,000
2,020	34,000
Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense	$ 173,000

Credit Facilities - Additional

Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings subject to variable rates	$ 125,000,000	$ 265,466,000
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings	2.76%	2.46%
Unused letter of credit outstanding due to workers' compensation and insurance reserve	$ 62,874,000	$ 62,515,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility amount option to increase additional borrowings	350,000,000
Outstanding line of credit	$ 125,000,000	$ 265,466,000
Line of credit facility, interest rate at period end	1.17%
Unsecured revolving line of credit facility	$ 1,200,000,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date	2020-06

Credit Facilities - Outstanding

Credit Facilities - Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 625,000	$ 765,466
Less debt due within one year	375,000	265,466
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	250,000	500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving line of credit, $1,200,000,000, LIBOR plus 0.75% variable	125,000	265,466
November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Senior unsecured Notes	250,000	250,000
December 2, 2013, Series F Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 2.99% Fixed, Due December 2, 2023 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Senior unsecured Notes	$ 250,000	$ 250,000

Credit Facilities - Outstandi41

Credit Facilities - Outstanding Amount of Credit Facilities (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unsecured revolving line of credit	$ 1,200,000,000
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
November 30, 2011, Series D and E Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.35% fixed, due November 30, 2016 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face value of Senior Unsecured Notes	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate of Senior Unsecured Notes	3.35%
Due date of Senior Unsecured Notes	Nov. 30, 2016
December 2, 2013, Series F Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 2.99% Fixed, Due December 2, 2023 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Face value of Senior Unsecured Notes	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate of Senior Unsecured Notes	2.99%
Due date of Senior Unsecured Notes	Dec. 2, 2023

Credit Facilities - Schedule of

Credit Facilities - Schedule of Approximate Maturities of Credit Facilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 375,000
2,017	0
2,018	0
2,019	0
2,020	0
Thereafter	250,000
Total debt	$ 625,000	$ 765,466

Leased Properties - Future Mini

Leased Properties - Future Minimum Payments of Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,016	$ 207,800
2,017	163,100
2,018	118,300
2,019	78,000
2,020	48,400
Thereafter	152,300
Total minimum lease payments	$ 767,900

Leased Properties - Additional

Leased Properties - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Rental expense under operating leases	$ 254,000	$ 233,000	$ 208,000

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total compensation cost related to nonvested awards, unrecognized	$ 33,000,000
Weighted-average period to recognize compensation cost (in years)	3 years
Aggregate intrinsic value for outstanding SARs and RSUs	$ 104,000,000	$ 198,100,000
Aggregate intrinsic value for vested SARs and RSUs	$ 65,000,000	116,200,000
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for outstanding SARs and RSUs, in years	6 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual life for exercisable SARs and RSUs, in years	5 years
Share-based compensation cost	$ 17,717,000	16,239,000	$ 12,648,000
Income tax benefit	$ 7,100,000	$ 6,500,000	$ 5,100,000
Weighted-average, risk-free interest	2.00%	2.80%	2.00%
Weighted-average, dividend yield	2.60%	2.80%	3.20%
Weighted-average, annual historical volatility factor	19.00%	19.00%	19.00%
Weighted-average, expected life	7 years
Weighted-average, estimated turnover	5.40%
Fair value of shares vested	$ 15,200,000	$ 13,800,000	$ 8,100,000
Weighted-average grant date fair value of SARs granted	$ 13.53	$ 13.77	$ 10.14
Aggregate intrinsic value of SARs and RSUs exercised	$ 30,100,000	$ 65,200,000	$ 43,900,000
Granted, Shares	887,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$ 7,024,000	$ 17,766,000	$ 12,905,000
Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	711,000	680,000	727,000
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Shares	176,000	165,000	172,000

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, 2015$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Shares	3,923
Granted, Shares	887
Exercised, Shares	(540)
Forfeited, Shares	(89)
Ending Balance, Shares	4,181
Exercisable at end of year, Shares	2,437
Shares available for future grants	10,000
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 64
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Granted | $ / shares	92
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Exercised | $ / shares	54
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Forfeited | $ / shares	81
Weighted-Average Exercise price, Ending Balance | $ / shares	71
Exercisable at end of year | $ / shares	$ 61

Share-Based Compensation - Su47

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Share-Based Compensation Activity and Related Information (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Exercise prices for SARs outstanding, minimum	$ 42
Exercise prices for SARs outstanding, maximum	$ 92
Weighted-average remaining contractual life of the SARs outstanding	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, 2015$ / sharesshares
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Shares | shares	420
Granted, Shares | shares	176
Vested, Shares | shares	(123)
Forfeited, Shares | shares	(40)
Ending Balance, Shares | shares	433
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 72
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | $ / shares	92
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | $ / shares	62
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | $ / shares	76
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 82

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$ 623,000,000
Unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties	17,684,000	$ 19,497,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	9,317,000	11,106,000
Interest and penalties paid by the Company	1,051,000	14,000,000	$ 405,000
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 1,746,000	$ 1,916,000

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets related to:
Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes	$ 318,368	$ 337,792
Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes	347,263	341,904
Deferred tax assets, total	665,631	679,696
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Employee and retiree benefits	249,126	227,926
Inventory	147,199	152,913
Other intangible assets	111,305	105,482
Property, plant, and equipment	58,496	59,600
Other	31,664	30,641
Deferred tax liabilities, total	597,790	576,562
Net deferred tax assets	67,841	103,134
Net deferred tax assets	67,841	103,134
Current portion of deferred tax assets		(30,282)
Noncurrent net deferred tax assets	$ 67,841	$ 72,852

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$ 1,004,919	$ 978,824	$ 850,866
Foreign	118,762	138,915	193,438
Income before income taxes	$ 1,123,681	$ 1,117,739	$ 1,044,304	$ 1,018,932	$ 890,806

Income Taxes - Components of 52

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 309,403	$ 224,591	$ 303,016
State	45,460	43,513	47,010
Foreign	27,602	84,030	30,941
Deferred	35,544	54,319	(21,622)
Income tax expense, total	$ 418,009	$ 406,453	$ 359,345

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, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory rate applied to income	$ 393,288	$ 391,209	$ 365,506
Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit	32,295	32,646	28,823
Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the statutory US tax rate	(13,684)	(3,453)	(37,873)
Foreign tax credit	(264)	(20,170)
Capital loss expiration			16,803
Reversal of capital loss valuation allowance			(16,803)
Other	6,374	6,221	2,889
Income tax expense, total	$ 418,009	$ 406,453	$ 359,345

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 17,581	$ 47,190	$ 45,455
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,969	3,303	3,238
Additions for tax positions of prior years	61	6,415	3,759
Reductions for tax positions for prior years	(3,152)	(851)	(1,472)
Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations	(425)	(481)	(1,714)
Settlements	(219)	(37,995)	(2,076)
Balance at end of year	$ 15,815	$ 17,581	$ 47,190

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortization period of plan assets gains and losses	5 years
Corridor percentage	10.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,912,736	$ 2,021,837
Genuine Parts Company common stock included in equity securities	$ 173,363	$ 215,477
Genuine Parts Company common stock as a percentage of total plan assets	9.00%	11.00%
Dividend payments on Genuine Parts Company common stock received by plan	$ 4,965	$ 4,650
Pension benefits expected to be paid from employer assets in 2016	7,382
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	2,012,935	2,135,827
Fair value of plan assets	1,731,368	1,819,747
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligations	2,199,356	2,352,094	$ 2,035,185
Total accumulated benefit obligations	2,179,626	2,328,489
Fair value of plan assets	$ 1,912,736	2,021,837	1,933,063
Expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2016 pension cost or income	7.83%
Defined Contribution Plans [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	$ 55,066	$ 53,351	$ 43,236
Defined Contribution Plans [Member] | Prior to 2014, U.S. Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Matching contribution to be received by pension plan participants of a specified percentage of employee's salary	20.00%
First percentage of employee's salary out of which matching contribution will be made	6.00%
Defined Contribution Plans [Member] | Prior to 2014, Other Employees [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%
S&P 500 Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	49.00%
Russell Mid Cap Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
Russell 2000 Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	8.00%
MSCI EAFE Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
DJ Global Moderate Index [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	5.00%
BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Passive portfolio benchmark	28.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Change

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Benefit Obligations (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 2,352,094	$ 2,035,185
Service cost	8,562	7,824	$ 19,083
Interest cost	98,088	102,465	89,408
Plan participants' contributions	2,838	3,526
Actuarial (gain) loss	(139,573)	346,875
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(35,082)	(18,697)
Gross benefits paid	(87,571)	(125,084)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$ 2,199,356	$ 2,352,094	$ 2,035,185

Employee Benefit Plans - Assump

Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used to Measure Pension Benefit Obligations for Plans (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member]	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted-average discount rate	4.82%	4.26%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.12%	3.07%

Employee Benefit Plans - Chan58

Employee Benefit Plans - Changes in Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 2,021,837
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,912,736	$ 2,021,837
Pension Benefits [Member]
Changes in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,021,837	1,933,063
Actual return on plan assets	(45,529)	174,652
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(33,382)	(17,616)
Employer contributions	54,543	53,296
Plan participants' contributions	2,838	3,526
Benefits paid	(87,571)	(125,084)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 1,912,736	$ 2,021,837

Employee Benefit Plans - Asset

Employee Benefit Plans - Asset Allocations for Funded Pension Plans (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation, Total	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation, Total	69.00%	70.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation, Total	31.00%	30.00%
Target Asset Allocation 2016 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Total	100.00%
Target Asset Allocation 2016 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Total	71.00%
Target Asset Allocation 2016 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Total	29.00%

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair V

Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 1,912,736	$ 2,021,837
Common Stocks - Mutual Funds - Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	349,852	366,716
Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	793,229	822,782
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	46,195	41,882
Cash and Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,978	8,921
Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	193,436	192,413
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	172,119	178,214
Asset Backed and Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	27,510	27,756
Convertible Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	434	633
Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	21,137	25,137
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	5,857	6,435
Mutual Funds - Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	123,895	132,752
Options and Futures [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		7
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	2,731	2,712
Genuine Parts Company Common Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	173,363	215,477
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,495,356	1,574,080
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	349,852	366,716
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	792,624	822,782
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	46,195	41,882
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	2,978	8,921
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	109,559	96,480
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	20,785	21,815
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Options and Futures [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets		7
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Genuine Parts Company Common Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	173,363	215,477
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	414,044	445,045
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Government Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	83,877	95,933
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	172,119	178,214
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Asset Backed and Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	27,510	27,756
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Convertible Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	434	633
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other-International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	352	3,322
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	5,857	6,435
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Funds - Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	123,895	132,752
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	3,336	2,712
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other Stocks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	605
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 2,731	$ 2,712

Employee Benefit Plans - Amount

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other long-term asset	$ 3,336	$ 4,247
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(284,235)	(329,531)
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other long-term asset	3,336	4,247
Other current liability	(7,432)	(6,740)
Pension and other post-retirement liabilities	(282,524)	(327,764)
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets	$ (286,620)	$ (330,257)

Employee Benefit Plans - Amou62

Employee Benefit Plans - Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 882,464	$ 875,788
Prior service credit	(1,814)	(2,436)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 880,650	$ 873,352

Employee Benefit Plans - Expect

Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Cash Flows for Pension Plans (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution 2016 (expected)	$ 49,000
2,016	93,000
2,017	102,000
2,018	109,000
2,019	116,000
2,020	124,000
2021 through 2025	$ 703,000

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost for the Pension Plans (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 8,562	$ 7,824	$ 19,083
Interest cost	98,088	102,465	89,408
Expected return on plan assets	(150,130)	(144,746)	(133,816)
Amortization of prior service credit	(565)	(1,890)	(7,538)
Amortization of actuarial loss	38,197	26,791	83,934
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$ (5,848)	$ (9,556)	$ 51,071

Employee Benefit Plans - Other

Employee Benefit Plans - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$ 44,930	$ 312,011	$ (368,587)
Recognition of actuarial loss	(38,197)	(26,791)	(83,934)
Recognition of prior service credit	565	638	7,538
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	7,298	285,858	(444,983)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit (income) cost and other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 1,450	$ 276,303	$ (393,912)

Employee Benefit Plans - Estima

Employee Benefit Plans - Estimated Amounts Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Actuarial loss	$ 31,146
Prior service credit	(430)
Total	$ 30,716

Employee Benefit Plans - Assu67

Employee Benefit Plans - Assumptions Used in Measuring Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Cost (Detail) - Pension Benefits [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average discount rate	4.26%	5.10%	4.17%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.07%	3.04%	3.30%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.85%	7.85%	7.83%

Guarantees - Additional Informa

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee	$ 332,632,000
Guarantees related to borrowings, other assets	35,000,000	$ 29,000,000
Guarantees related to borrowings, other long-term liabilities	$ 35,000,000	$ 29,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations maturity	6 years

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)	Apr. 01, 2013USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)StoreBusiness	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Business	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)Business$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition				$ 120,000,000	$ 260,000,000	$ 650,000,000
Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired			$ 950,000,000	$ 90,000,000	$ 200,000,000	950,000,000
Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, remeasurement gain						59,000,000
Pro-forma net sales						$ 14,400,000,000
Proforma earnings per share diluted | $ / shares						$ 4.42
Automotive [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				5	2
Industrial [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				4	1	1
Electrical/Electronic Materials [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				1	2	1
Office Products [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business				3	2
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired			235,000,000	$ 39,000,000	$ 82,000,000	$ 235,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives				15 years	18 years	15 years
Trademarks [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired			141,000,000		$ 28,000,000	$ 141,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives					40 years	40 years
Non-Competition Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired			4,000,000			$ 4,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives						1 year
GPC Asia Pacific [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition	$ 590,000,000	$ 166,000,000
Other intangible assets acquired	$ 347,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives	26 years
Percentage of investment acquired	70.00%	30.00%
Cash acquired	$ 70,000,000
Debt acquired	230,000,000
Annual revenue				$ 1,000,000,000
Number of stores owned | Store				500
One-time positive purchase accounting pre-tax adjustments total						$ 33,000,000
One-time positive purchase accounting pre-tax adjustments total per unit | $ / shares						$ 0.21
Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, remeasurement gain	59,000,000
Business combination one time negative other purchase accounting adjustments						$ 5,000,000
Fair value of 30% investment held prior to business combination	234,000,000
Acquired inventory adjustment to fair value	21,000,000
Total fair value consideration transferred	824,000,000
Sales included in statement of income and comprehensive income			$ 839,000,000
Earnings per share | $ / shares			$ 0.43
GPC Asia Pacific [Member] | Automotive [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Company acquired | Business						1
GPC Asia Pacific [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired	$ 202,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives	16 years
GPC Asia Pacific [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired	$ 141,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives	40 years
GPC Asia Pacific [Member] | Non-Competition Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other intangible assets acquired	$ 4,000,000
Weighted average amortization lives	1 year
GPC Asia Pacific [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business combination one time purchase accounting adjustments, post-closing sale of acquired inventory written up to fair value						$ 21,000,000
GPC Asia Pacific [Member] | Selling, Administrative and Other Expenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
One-time gain and other adjustments						$ 54,000,000

Acquisitions - Business Acquisi

Acquisitions - Business Acquisition Consideration Transferred (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			$ 120,000	$ 260,000	$ 650,000
GPC Asia Pacific [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$ 590,000	$ 166,000
Fair value of 30% investment held prior to business combination	234,000
Total	$ 824,000

Acquisitions - Business Acqui71

Acquisitions - Business Acquisition Consideration Transferred (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Apr. 01, 2013
GPC Asia Pacific [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of previously acquired investment	30.00%

Acquisitions - Fair Values of A

Acquisitions - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed on Acquisition Date (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 840,582	$ 839,075	$ 789,971
GPC Asia Pacific [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Trade accounts receivable				$ 94,000
Merchandise inventory				306,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				31,000
Property and equipment				59,000
Intangible assets				347,000
Other assets				24,000
Total identifiable assets acquired				861,000
Current liabilities				(224,000)
Long-term debt				(230,000)
Deferred tax liabilities and other				(125,000)
Total liabilities assumed				(579,000)
Net identifiable assets acquired				282,000
Goodwill				542,000
Net assets acquired				$ 824,000

Segment Data - Additional Infor

Segment Data - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, foreign	$ 118,762	$ 138,915	$ 193,438

Segment Data - Summary of Segme

Segment Data - Summary of Segment Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	$ 15,280,044	$ 15,341,647	$ 14,077,843	$ 13,013,868	$ 12,458,877
Total operating profit	1,279,349	1,269,040	1,132,288	1,078,148	980,221
Intangible asset amortization	(34,878)	(36,867)	(28,987)
Income before income taxes	1,123,681	1,117,739	1,044,304	1,018,932	890,806
Total assets	8,144,771	8,246,238	7,680,297	6,807,061	6,202,774
Total depreciation and amortization	141,675	148,313	133,957	98,383	88,936
Intangible asset amortization	34,878	36,867	28,987
Net property, plant and equipment	648,217	670,102	670,061	566,365	500,204
Total capital expenditures	109,544	107,681	124,063
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	12,843,078	12,565,329	11,594,713	11,299,291	10,791,303
Net property, plant and equipment	495,073	495,452	503,882	466,473	411,193
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	1,395,695	1,583,075	1,560,799	1,616,921	1,571,733
Net property, plant and equipment	79,023	98,939	99,135	93,496	84,210
Australasia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	992,064	1,133,620	839,353
Net property, plant and equipment	65,289	65,707	60,614
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	119,349	127,806	131,787	127,754	118,867
Net property, plant and equipment	8,832	10,004	6,430	6,396	4,801
Other Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	(70,142)	(68,183)	(48,809)	(30,098)	(23,026)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	109,544	107,681	124,063	101,987	103,469
Operating Segments [Member] | Automotive [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	8,015,098	8,096,877	7,489,186	6,320,882	6,061,424
Total operating profit	729,152	700,386	641,492	540,678	467,806
Total assets	4,293,290	4,275,298	4,009,244	3,411,252	3,218,931
Total depreciation and amortization	70,112	77,645	76,238	60,630	60,252
Total capital expenditures	77,504	78,537	97,735	67,482	61,795
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	4,646,689	4,771,080	4,429,976	4,453,574	4,173,574
Total operating profit	339,180	370,043	320,720	352,119	337,628
Total assets	1,143,952	1,224,735	1,162,697	1,130,877	1,100,024
Total depreciation and amortization	9,960	9,906	8,751	8,307	7,495
Total capital expenditures	13,998	12,442	8,808	13,015	9,851
Operating Segments [Member] | Office Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	1,937,629	1,802,754	1,638,618	1,686,690	1,689,368
Total operating profit	140,866	133,727	122,492	134,441	134,124
Total assets	831,546	835,592	708,944	731,564	700,720
Total depreciation and amortization	10,922	10,728	10,166	10,837	9,999
Total capital expenditures	12,323	11,135	9,297	16,013	22,036
Operating Segments [Member] | Electrical/Electronic Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	750,770	739,119	568,872	582,820	557,537
Total operating profit	70,151	64,884	47,584	50,910	40,663
Total assets	191,866	196,400	156,780	137,237	129,933
Total depreciation and amortization	2,933	2,658	1,904	1,733	1,554
Total capital expenditures	2,824	3,003	1,730	1,029	1,762
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net sales	(70,142)	(68,183)	(48,809)	(30,098)	(23,026)
Interest expense, net	(20,354)	(24,192)	(24,330)	(19,619)	(24,608)
Corporate expense	(100,436)	(90,242)	(34,667)	(26,606)	(58,033)
Intangible asset amortization	(34,878)	(36,867)	(28,987)	(12,991)	(6,774)
Goodwill and other intangible assets	1,361,794	1,386,590	1,289,356	497,839	279,775
Intangible asset amortization	34,878	36,867	28,987	12,991	6,774
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	322,323	327,623	353,276	898,292	773,391
Total depreciation and amortization	12,870	10,509	7,911	3,885	2,862
Total capital expenditures	$ 2,895	$ 2,564	$ 6,493	$ 4,448	$ 8,025

Financial Statement Schedule 75

Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 11,836,000	$ 14,423,000	$ 19,180,190
Charged to costs and expenses	12,373,000	7,192,000	8,691,000
Deductions	(13,516,000)	(9,779,000)	(13,448,190)
Balance at End of Period	$ 10,693,000	$ 11,836,000	$ 14,423,000