Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL OF WASHINGTON INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000746515	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Trading Symbol	'EXPD	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	193,030,610

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$990,480	$1,247,652
Short-term investments	40,317	26,337
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,248 at September 30, 2014 and $8,695 at December 31, 2013	1,183,167	1,073,500
Deferred Federal and state income taxes	20,782	18,396
Other	83,226	49,384
Total current assets	2,317,972	2,415,269
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $369,575 at September 30, 2014 and $348,282 at December 31, 2013	545,366	563,064
Goodwill	7,927	7,927
Other assets, net	54,788	28,552
Total assets	2,926,053	3,014,812
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	746,193	648,156
Accrued expenses, primarily salaries and related costs	194,546	200,301
Federal, state and foreign income taxes	22,059	21,743
Total current liabilities	962,798	870,200
Deferred Federal and state income taxes	59,325	58,281
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Issued and outstanding 193,019,604 shares at September 30, 2014 and 202,553,220 shares at December 31, 2013	1,930	2,025
Additional paid-in capital	1,055	1,647
Retained earnings	1,920,166	2,087,376
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-21,778	-6,265
Total shareholders’ equity	1,901,373	2,084,783
Noncontrolling interest	2,557	1,548
Total equity	1,903,930	2,086,331
Total liabilities and equity	$2,926,053	$3,014,812

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$7,248	$8,695
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$369,575	$348,282
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares issued	193,019,604	202,553,220
Common stock, shares outstanding	193,019,604	202,553,220

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Airfreight services	$686,434	$628,116	$2,000,829	$1,891,459
Ocean freight and ocean services	600,483	525,193	1,606,145	1,462,679
Customs brokerage and other services	418,188	384,657	1,188,917	1,100,260
Total revenues	1,705,105	1,537,966	4,795,891	4,454,398
Operating Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Airfreight services	516,969	466,699	1,503,064	1,414,634
Ocean freight and ocean services	475,460	409,649	1,266,551	1,135,299
Customs brokerage and other services	199,420	176,716	563,720	499,684
Salaries and related costs	272,548	261,613	789,257	765,599
Rent and occupancy costs	26,396	24,542	76,959	73,447
Depreciation and amortization	12,741	12,629	37,540	35,581
Selling and promotion	9,240	8,306	26,704	23,891
Other	33,200	31,499	95,319	87,853
Total operating expenses	1,545,974	1,391,653	4,359,114	4,035,988
Operating income	159,131	146,313	436,777	418,410
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income	2,793	2,967	8,254	9,280
Other, net	2,336	1,212	5,245	7,068
Other income, net	5,129	4,179	13,499	16,348
Earnings before income taxes	164,260	150,492	450,276	434,758
Income tax expense	61,463	57,763	171,556	168,756
Net earnings	102,797	92,729	278,720	266,002
Less net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	416	329	1,213	972
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$102,381	$92,400	$277,507	$265,030
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$0.53	$0.45	$1.40	$1.28
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$0.53	$0.45	$1.41	$1.28
Dividends declared and paid per common share	$0	$0	$0.32	$0.30
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	195,001,267	207,368,792	197,953,810	207,351,569
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	194,419,071	206,516,194	197,305,251	206,478,746

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net earnings	$102,797	$92,729	$278,720	$266,002
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $9,954 and $4,859 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and $8,560 and $6,557 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	-18,351	8,751	-15,743	-12,275
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency realized losses, net of tax of $61 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014	0	0	111	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-18,351	8,751	-15,632	-12,275
Comprehensive income	84,446	101,480	263,088	253,727
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	234	211	1,094	667
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$84,212	$101,269	$261,994	$253,060

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	($9,954)	$4,859	($8,560)	($6,557)
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency realized losses, tax	'	'	($61)	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities:	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$102,797	$92,729	$278,720	$266,002
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:	'	'	'	'
Provision for losses (recoveries) on accounts receivable	564	1,496	-55	2,537
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	-2,085	-33,185	8,000	-20,245
Excess tax benefits from stock plans	-47	0	-1,031	-1,683
Stock compensation expense	10,049	11,015	32,220	33,060
Depreciation and amortization	12,741	12,629	37,540	35,581
Other	139	187	345	636
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable	-58,984	-5,115	-131,374	-14,482
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	23,113	-8,875	114,036	34,815
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable, net	2,050	30,114	-27,115	14,640
Increase in other current assets	-3,646	-4,702	-5,852	-5,278
Net cash from operating activities	86,691	96,293	305,434	345,583
Investing Activities:	'	'	'	'
Purchase of short-term investments	-40,275	-9,991	-136,706	-99,890
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	86,107	66	122,726	200
Purchase of property and equipment	-8,255	-15,482	-26,650	-42,691
Escrow deposit for land acquisition	0	0	-27,101	0
Other, net	370	306	504	1,126
Net cash from investing activities	37,947	-25,101	-67,227	-141,255
Financing Activities:	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	28,452	33,615	58,469	52,092
Repurchases of common stock	-117,044	-85,925	-475,160	-125,206
Excess tax benefits from stock plans	47	0	1,031	1,683
Dividends paid	0	0	-62,807	-61,899
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	-7,730
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	0	-1,161	-85	-1,161
Net cash from financing activities	-88,545	-53,471	-478,552	-142,221
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-16,174	6,500	-16,827	-12,619
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	19,919	24,221	-257,172	49,488
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	970,561	1,286,109	1,247,652	1,260,842
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	990,480	1,310,330	990,480	1,310,330
Taxes Paid:	'	'	'	'
Income taxes	$61,899	$62,053	$195,358	$174,199

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	A.	Basis of Presentation
	Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (“the Company”) is a non-asset based provider of global logistics services operating through a worldwide network of offices and exclusive or non-exclusive agents. The Company’s customers include retailing and wholesaling, electronics, industrial and manufacturing companies around the world.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2014.
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts in the notes are presented in thousands except for share data. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. The reclassifications include presenting rental income of $2,877 and $8,371 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, in customs brokerage and other services revenues while it was historically recorded in rent and occupancy costs and other operating expenses.
	B.	Accounts Receivable
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is reviewed at least monthly for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments for services and advances. Additional allowances may be necessary in the future if the ability of its customers to pay deteriorates. The Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $7,248 as of September 30, 2014 and $8,695 as of December 31, 2013. Additions and write-offs have not been significant in the periods presented.
	C.	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. The Company uses estimates primarily in the following areas: accounts receivable valuation, accrual of costs related to ancillary services the Company provides, accrual of insurance liabilities for the portion of the related exposure which the Company has self-insured, accrual of various tax liabilities, accrual of loss contingencies and calculation of share-based compensation expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	D. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 (Topic 606) “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605 - “Revenue Recognition” and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the FASB ASC, substantially converges revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), providing a single, comprehensive framework for recognizing revenue. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company provides compensation benefits by granting stock options and employee stock purchase rights to its employees and restricted shares to its directors. On May 7, 2014, the shareholders approved the 2014 Stock Option Plan, which made available 2,750,000 shares of the Company's common stock for purchase upon exercise of options granted. The Company has historically granted the majority of its options during the second quarter of each fiscal year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 2,289,600 and 2,279,700 options were granted, respectively. On May 7, 2014, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the Company's common stock available for purchase under that plan by 3,000,000 shares. The grant of employee stock purchase rights and the issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan are made in the third quarter of each fiscal year and 671,775 and 800,461 were issued in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. On May 7, 2014, shareholders also approved the 2014 Directors' restricted stock plan, which made available 250,000 shares of common stock for issuance to independent directors. On May 20, 2014, 30,702 fully vested shares were granted to independent directors.
	The Company recognizes stock compensation expense based on an estimate of the fair value of awards granted to employees and directors under the Company’s stock option, director restricted stock and employee stock purchase rights plans. The expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stock awards' vesting period. The forfeiture assumption used to calculate compensation expense is primarily based on historical pre-vesting employee forfeiture patterns.
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013
	Dividend yield	1.50 - 1.51%			1.50 - 1.53%
	Volatility - stock option plans	36		%	38		%
	Volatility - stock purchase rights plans	20		%	21		%
	Risk free interest rates	0.11 - 2.27%			0.12 - 1.40%
	Expected life (years) - stock option plans	6.52 - 7.43			5.91 - 7.43
	Expected life (years) - stock purchase rights plans	1			1
	Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period	$	14.08		$	11.17
	Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights granted during the period	$	9.6		$	9.43
	Total stock compensation expense and the total related tax benefit recognized are as follows:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Stock compensation expense	$	10,049		$	11,015		$	32,220	$	33,060
	Recognized tax benefit	$	988		$	943		$	3,115	$	2,492

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_per

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'
	Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
	The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for earnings attributable to shareholders:
		Three months ended
		September 30,
	(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Net earnings			Weighted average		Earnings per share
		attributable to			shares
		shareholders
	2014
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	102,381		194,419,071		$	0.53
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			582,196		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	102,381		195,001,267		$	0.53
	2013
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	92,400		206,516,194		$	0.45
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			852,598		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	92,400		207,368,792		$	0.45
		Nine months ended
		September 30,
	(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Net earnings			Weighted average		Earnings per share
		attributable to			shares
		shareholders
	2014
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	277,507		197,305,251		$	1.41
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			648,559		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	277,507		197,953,810		$	1.4
	2013
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	265,030		206,478,746		$	1.28
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			872,823		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	265,030		207,351,569		$	1.28
	The following potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Shares	16,576,091		15,314,114		16,601,433			17,165,060

Components_of_Equity

Components of Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Components of Equity	'
	Components of Equity
	The components of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Shareholders’			Noncontrolling		Total
		equity			interest		equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,084,783		1,548		2,086,331
	Exercise of stock options	34,669			—		34,669
	Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	23,800			—		23,800
	Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(475,160		)	—		(475,160	)
	Stock compensation expense	32,220			—		32,220
	Tax benefits from stock plans, net	1,031			—		1,031
	Net earnings	277,507			1,213		278,720
	Other comprehensive loss	(15,513		)	(119	)	(15,632	)
	Dividends paid ($0.32 per share)	(62,807		)	—		(62,807	)
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest	843			—		843
	Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			(85	)	(85	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,901,373		2,557		1,903,930
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,027,699		4,871		2,032,570
	Exercise of stock options	28,115			—		28,115
	Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	23,977			—		23,977
	Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(125,206		)	—		(125,206	)
	Stock compensation expense	33,060			—		33,060
	Tax benefits from stock plans, net	1,280			—		1,280
	Net earnings	265,030			972		266,002
	Other comprehensive loss	(11,970		)	(305	)	(12,275	)
	Dividends paid ($0.30 per share)	(61,899		)	—		(61,899	)
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(507		)	(3,226	)	(3,733	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			(1,161	)	(1,161	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	2,179,579		1,151		2,180,730
	The Company has a Non-Discretionary Stock Repurchase Plan to repurchase shares from the proceeds of stock option exercises and employee stock purchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 1,364,974 shares were repurchased at an average price of $42.73 per share. The Company also has a Discretionary Stock Repurchase Plan that was amended by the Board of Directors on February 24, 2014 to authorize management to reduce issued and outstanding stock to 190 million shares of common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 10,057,648 shares were repurchased at an average price of $41.44 per share.
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted entirely of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of related income tax effects, for all the periods presented.
	On May 7, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.32 per share payable on June 16, 2014 to shareholders of record as of June 2, 2014. On May 1, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.30 per share payable on June 17, 2013 to shareholders of record as of June 3, 2013.
	Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on November 4, 2014, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.32 per share payable on December 15, 2014 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2014.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments, other than cash, consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair value. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase. Short-term investments have a maturity of greater than three months at date of purchase. Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist of the following:
		September 30, 2014			31-Dec-13
		Cost		Fair Value	Cost	Fair Value
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	Cash and overnight deposits	$	616,092	616,092	590,317	590,317
	Corporate commercial paper	336,405		336,455	629,923	629,990
	Time deposits	37,983		37,983	27,412	27,412
	Total cash and cash equivalents	990,480		990,530	1,247,652	1,247,719
	Short-Term Investments:
	Corporate commercial paper	40,296		40,317	26,296	26,321
	Time deposits	21		21	41	41
	Total short-term investments	40,317		40,338	26,337	26,362
	Total	$	1,030,797	1,030,868	1,273,989	1,274,081
	The fair value of corporate commercial paper is based on the use of market interest rates for identical or similar assets (Level 2 fair value measurement).

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Loss Contingency [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	The Company is involved in claims, lawsuits, government investigations and other legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of business and are subject to inherent uncertainties. Currently, in management's opinion and based upon advice from legal advisors, none of these matters are expected to have a significant effect on the Company's operations or financial position. As of September 30, 2014, the amounts accrued for these claims, lawsuits, government investigations and other legal matters are not significant to the Company's operations or financial position. At this time the Company is unable to estimate any additional loss or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, beyond the amounts recorded, that might result from the resolution of these matters.

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segment Information	'
	Business Segment Information
	The Company is organized functionally in geographic operating segments. Accordingly, management focuses its attention on revenues, net revenues1, operating income, identifiable assets, capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization and equity generated in each of these geographical areas when evaluating the effectiveness of geographic management. The Company charges its subsidiaries and affiliates for services rendered in the United States on a cost recovery basis. Transactions among the Company’s various offices are conducted using the same arms-length pricing methodologies the Company uses when its offices transact business with independent agents.
	Financial information regarding the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:
	(in thousands)	UNITED		OTHER		LATIN			ASIA		EUROPE  and	MIDDLE	ELIMI-		CONSOLI-
		STATES		NORTH		AMERICA			PACIFIC		AFRICA	EAST and	NATIONS		DATED
				AMERICA								INDIA
	Three months ended September 30, 2014:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	438,882	55,209		22,962			850,855		253,683	83,514	—		1,705,105
	Transfers between geographic areas	24,847		2,867		5,194			12,965		9,492	5,427	(60,792	)	—
	Total revenues	$	463,729	58,076		28,156			863,820		263,175	88,941	(60,792	)	1,705,105
	Net revenues1	$	215,320	27,323		16,792			149,069		79,007	25,745	—		513,256
	Operating income	$	68,972	7,779		4,890			57,409		14,413	5,668	—		159,131
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,333,124	113,621		53,939			733,776		506,442	173,455	11,696		2,926,053
	Capital expenditures	$	3,171	361		369			2,942		1,042	370	—		8,255
	Depreciation and amortization	$	8,369	303		226			2,030		1,389	424	—		12,741
	Equity	$	1,074,837	75,848		34,218			454,982		199,751	97,476	(33,182	)	1,903,930
	Three months ended September 30, 2013:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	396,764	52,962		22,136			777,845		212,507	75,752	—		1,537,966
	Transfers between geographic areas	22,065		2,911		5,643			12,081		9,358	4,473	(56,531	)	—
	Total revenues	$	418,829	55,873		27,779			789,926		221,865	80,225	(56,531	)	1,537,966
	Net revenues1	$	199,107	26,255		15,627			147,477		70,949	25,487	—		484,902
	Operating income	$	55,627	8,524		5,317			57,975		11,894	6,976	—		146,313
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,694,366	102,713		52,785			663,584		438,711	142,843	3,561		3,098,563
	Capital expenditures	$	12,463	639		147			1,250		703	280	—		15,482
	Depreciation and amortization	$	7,608	211		210			2,343		1,534	723	—		12,629
	Equity	$	1,423,598	63,351		30,637			439,719		181,134	75,444	(33,153	)	2,180,730
	(in thousands)	UNITED		OTHER		LATIN			ASIA		EUROPE  and	MIDDLE	ELIMI-		CONSOLI-
		STATES		NORTH		AMERICA			PACIFIC		AFRICA	EAST and	NATIONS		DATED
				AMERICA								INDIA
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	1,256,075	162,136		65,594			2,346,073		725,833	240,180	—		4,795,891
	Transfers between geographic areas	67,266		7,829		15,965			37,367		27,917	15,527	(171,871	)	—
	Total revenues	$	1,323,341	169,965		81,559			2,383,440		753,750	255,707	(171,871	)	4,795,891
	Net revenues1	$	607,508	79,017		48,797			420,788		230,702	75,744	—		1,462,556
	Operating income	$	180,650	23,155		14,425			161,686		39,698	17,163	—		436,777
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,333,124	113,621		53,939			733,776		506,442	173,455	11,696		2,926,053
	Capital expenditures	$	12,646	1,047		841			7,975		3,156	985	—		26,650
	Depreciation and amortization	$	24,100	879		665			6,246		4,352	1,298	—		37,540
	Equity	$	1,074,837	75,848		34,218			454,982		199,751	97,476	(33,182	)	1,903,930
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	1,166,633	161,317		63,421			2,221,264		621,040	220,723	—		4,454,398
	Transfers between geographic areas	65,308		7,971		16,133			34,316		27,427	13,359	(164,514	)	—
	Total revenues	$	1,231,941	169,288		79,554			2,255,580		648,467	234,082	(164,514	)	4,454,398
	Net revenues1	$	572,959	75,476		45,560			424,466		212,631	73,689	—		1,404,781
	Operating income	$	161,290	23,023		14,007			165,640		35,433	19,017	—		418,410
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,694,366	102,713		52,785			663,584		438,711	142,843	3,561		3,098,563
	Capital expenditures	$	22,196	1,534		551			14,858		2,464	1,088	—		42,691
	Depreciation and amortization	$	21,641	615		680			6,314		4,713	1,618	—		35,581
	Equity	$	1,423,598	63,351		30,637			439,719		181,134	75,444	(33,153	)	2,180,730
	_______________________
	1Net revenues are a non-GAAP measure calculated as revenues less directly related operations expenses attributable to the Company's principal services. The Company's management believes that net revenues are a better measure than total revenues when evaluating the Company's operating segment performance since total revenues earned as a freight consolidator include the carriers' charges for carrying the shipment, whereas revenues earned in other capacities include primarily the commissions and fees earned by the Company. Net revenue is one of the Company's primary operational and financial measures and demonstrates the Company's ability to concentrate and leverage purchasing power through effective consolidation of shipments from customers utilizing a variety of transportation carriers and optimal routings.
	The following table presents the calculation of consolidated net revenues:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Total revenues	$	1,705,105	$	1,537,966		$	4,795,891		$	4,454,398
	Expenses:
	Airfreight services	516,969		466,699			1,503,064			1,414,634
	Ocean freight and ocean services	475,460		409,649			1,266,551			1,135,299
	Customs brokerage and other services	199,420		176,716			563,720			499,684
	Net revenues	$	513,256	$	484,902		$	1,462,556		$	1,404,781

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation, Policy	'
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2014.
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts in the notes are presented in thousands except for share data. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. The reclassifications include presenting rental income of $2,877 and $8,371 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, in customs brokerage and other services revenues while it was historically recorded in rent and occupancy costs and other operating expenses.
Accounts Receivable, Policy	'
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is reviewed at least monthly for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments for services and advances. Additional allowances may be necessary in the future if the ability of its customers to pay deteriorates. The Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts in the amounts of $7,248 as of September 30, 2014 and $8,695 as of December 31, 2013. Additions and write-offs have not been significant in the periods presented.
Use of Estimates, Policy	'
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. The Company uses estimates primarily in the following areas: accounts receivable valuation, accrual of costs related to ancillary services the Company provides, accrual of insurance liabilities for the portion of the related exposure which the Company has self-insured, accrual of various tax liabilities, accrual of loss contingencies and calculation of share-based compensation expense. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	'
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 (Topic 606) “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 605 - “Revenue Recognition” and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the FASB ASC, substantially converges revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), providing a single, comprehensive framework for recognizing revenue. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Stock Plans, Policy	'
	The Company recognizes stock compensation expense based on an estimate of the fair value of awards granted to employees and directors under the Company’s stock option, director restricted stock and employee stock purchase rights plans. The expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stock awards' vesting period. The forfeiture assumption used to calculate compensation expense is primarily based on historical pre-vesting employee forfeiture patterns.
Cash equivalents, Policy	'
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase.
Short-term Investments, Policy	'
	Short-term investments have a maturity of greater than three months at date of purchase.
Segment Reporting, Policy	'
	The Company is organized functionally in geographic operating segments. Accordingly, management focuses its attention on revenues, net revenues1, operating income, identifiable assets, capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization and equity generated in each of these geographical areas when evaluating the effectiveness of geographic management. The Company charges its subsidiaries and affiliates for services rendered in the United States on a cost recovery basis. Transactions among the Company’s various offices are conducted using the same arms-length pricing methodologies the Company uses when its offices transact business with independent agents.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used	'
	The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:
		Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013
	Dividend yield	1.50 - 1.51%			1.50 - 1.53%
	Volatility - stock option plans	36		%	38		%
	Volatility - stock purchase rights plans	20		%	21		%
	Risk free interest rates	0.11 - 2.27%			0.12 - 1.40%
	Expected life (years) - stock option plans	6.52 - 7.43			5.91 - 7.43
	Expected life (years) - stock purchase rights plans	1			1
	Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period	$	14.08		$	11.17
	Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights granted during the period	$	9.6		$	9.43
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'
	Total stock compensation expense and the total related tax benefit recognized are as follows:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Stock compensation expense	$	10,049		$	11,015		$	32,220	$	33,060
	Recognized tax benefit	$	988		$	943		$	3,115	$	2,492

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_per1

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for earnings attributable to shareholders:
		Three months ended
		September 30,
	(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Net earnings			Weighted average		Earnings per share
		attributable to			shares
		shareholders
	2014
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	102,381		194,419,071		$	0.53
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			582,196		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	102,381		195,001,267		$	0.53
	2013
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	92,400		206,516,194		$	0.45
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			852,598		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	92,400		207,368,792		$	0.45
		Nine months ended
		September 30,
	(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	Net earnings			Weighted average		Earnings per share
		attributable to			shares
		shareholders
	2014
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	277,507		197,305,251		$	1.41
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			648,559		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	277,507		197,953,810		$	1.4
	2013
	Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$	265,030		206,478,746		$	1.28
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares	—			872,823		—
	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$	265,030		207,351,569		$	1.28
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Shares	16,576,091		15,314,114		16,601,433			17,165,060

Components_of_Equity_Tables

Components of Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Equity Disclosure	'
	The components of equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Shareholders’			Noncontrolling		Total
		equity			interest		equity
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	2,084,783		1,548		2,086,331
	Exercise of stock options	34,669			—		34,669
	Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	23,800			—		23,800
	Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(475,160		)	—		(475,160	)
	Stock compensation expense	32,220			—		32,220
	Tax benefits from stock plans, net	1,031			—		1,031
	Net earnings	277,507			1,213		278,720
	Other comprehensive loss	(15,513		)	(119	)	(15,632	)
	Dividends paid ($0.32 per share)	(62,807		)	—		(62,807	)
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest	843			—		843
	Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			(85	)	(85	)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,901,373		2,557		1,903,930
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,027,699		4,871		2,032,570
	Exercise of stock options	28,115			—		28,115
	Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	23,977			—		23,977
	Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(125,206		)	—		(125,206	)
	Stock compensation expense	33,060			—		33,060
	Tax benefits from stock plans, net	1,280			—		1,280
	Net earnings	265,030			972		266,002
	Other comprehensive loss	(11,970		)	(305	)	(12,275	)
	Dividends paid ($0.30 per share)	(61,899		)	—		(61,899	)
	Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(507		)	(3,226	)	(3,733	)
	Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—			(1,161	)	(1,161	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	2,179,579		1,151		2,180,730

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair value of Cash and Cash Equivalents by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist of the following:
		September 30, 2014			31-Dec-13
		Cost		Fair Value	Cost	Fair Value
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
	Cash and overnight deposits	$	616,092	616,092	590,317	590,317
	Corporate commercial paper	336,405		336,455	629,923	629,990
	Time deposits	37,983		37,983	27,412	27,412
	Total cash and cash equivalents	990,480		990,530	1,247,652	1,247,719
	Short-Term Investments:
	Corporate commercial paper	40,296		40,317	26,296	26,321
	Time deposits	21		21	41	41
	Total short-term investments	40,317		40,338	26,337	26,362
	Total	$	1,030,797	1,030,868	1,273,989	1,274,081

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Financial information regarding the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:
	(in thousands)	UNITED		OTHER		LATIN			ASIA		EUROPE  and	MIDDLE	ELIMI-		CONSOLI-
		STATES		NORTH		AMERICA			PACIFIC		AFRICA	EAST and	NATIONS		DATED
				AMERICA								INDIA
	Three months ended September 30, 2014:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	438,882	55,209		22,962			850,855		253,683	83,514	—		1,705,105
	Transfers between geographic areas	24,847		2,867		5,194			12,965		9,492	5,427	(60,792	)	—
	Total revenues	$	463,729	58,076		28,156			863,820		263,175	88,941	(60,792	)	1,705,105
	Net revenues1	$	215,320	27,323		16,792			149,069		79,007	25,745	—		513,256
	Operating income	$	68,972	7,779		4,890			57,409		14,413	5,668	—		159,131
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,333,124	113,621		53,939			733,776		506,442	173,455	11,696		2,926,053
	Capital expenditures	$	3,171	361		369			2,942		1,042	370	—		8,255
	Depreciation and amortization	$	8,369	303		226			2,030		1,389	424	—		12,741
	Equity	$	1,074,837	75,848		34,218			454,982		199,751	97,476	(33,182	)	1,903,930
	Three months ended September 30, 2013:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	396,764	52,962		22,136			777,845		212,507	75,752	—		1,537,966
	Transfers between geographic areas	22,065		2,911		5,643			12,081		9,358	4,473	(56,531	)	—
	Total revenues	$	418,829	55,873		27,779			789,926		221,865	80,225	(56,531	)	1,537,966
	Net revenues1	$	199,107	26,255		15,627			147,477		70,949	25,487	—		484,902
	Operating income	$	55,627	8,524		5,317			57,975		11,894	6,976	—		146,313
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,694,366	102,713		52,785			663,584		438,711	142,843	3,561		3,098,563
	Capital expenditures	$	12,463	639		147			1,250		703	280	—		15,482
	Depreciation and amortization	$	7,608	211		210			2,343		1,534	723	—		12,629
	Equity	$	1,423,598	63,351		30,637			439,719		181,134	75,444	(33,153	)	2,180,730
	(in thousands)	UNITED		OTHER		LATIN			ASIA		EUROPE  and	MIDDLE	ELIMI-		CONSOLI-
		STATES		NORTH		AMERICA			PACIFIC		AFRICA	EAST and	NATIONS		DATED
				AMERICA								INDIA
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	1,256,075	162,136		65,594			2,346,073		725,833	240,180	—		4,795,891
	Transfers between geographic areas	67,266		7,829		15,965			37,367		27,917	15,527	(171,871	)	—
	Total revenues	$	1,323,341	169,965		81,559			2,383,440		753,750	255,707	(171,871	)	4,795,891
	Net revenues1	$	607,508	79,017		48,797			420,788		230,702	75,744	—		1,462,556
	Operating income	$	180,650	23,155		14,425			161,686		39,698	17,163	—		436,777
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,333,124	113,621		53,939			733,776		506,442	173,455	11,696		2,926,053
	Capital expenditures	$	12,646	1,047		841			7,975		3,156	985	—		26,650
	Depreciation and amortization	$	24,100	879		665			6,246		4,352	1,298	—		37,540
	Equity	$	1,074,837	75,848		34,218			454,982		199,751	97,476	(33,182	)	1,903,930
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Revenues from unaffiliated customers	$	1,166,633	161,317		63,421			2,221,264		621,040	220,723	—		4,454,398
	Transfers between geographic areas	65,308		7,971		16,133			34,316		27,427	13,359	(164,514	)	—
	Total revenues	$	1,231,941	169,288		79,554			2,255,580		648,467	234,082	(164,514	)	4,454,398
	Net revenues1	$	572,959	75,476		45,560			424,466		212,631	73,689	—		1,404,781
	Operating income	$	161,290	23,023		14,007			165,640		35,433	19,017	—		418,410
	Identifiable assets at period end	$	1,694,366	102,713		52,785			663,584		438,711	142,843	3,561		3,098,563
	Capital expenditures	$	22,196	1,534		551			14,858		2,464	1,088	—		42,691
	Depreciation and amortization	$	21,641	615		680			6,314		4,713	1,618	—		35,581
	Equity	$	1,423,598	63,351		30,637			439,719		181,134	75,444	(33,153	)	2,180,730
Schedule of Net Revenues Calculation	'
	The following table presents the calculation of consolidated net revenues:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Total revenues	$	1,705,105	$	1,537,966		$	4,795,891		$	4,454,398
	Expenses:
	Airfreight services	516,969		466,699			1,503,064			1,414,634
	Ocean freight and ocean services	475,460		409,649			1,266,551			1,135,299
	Customs brokerage and other services	199,420		176,716			563,720			499,684
	Net revenues	$	513,256	$	484,902		$	1,462,556		$	1,404,781

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Prior period reclassification adjustment	$2,877	$8,371	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	$7,248	$8,695

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	7-May-14	7-May-14	20-May-14	7-May-14
			Stock Option Plan 2014	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Directors' Restricted Stock Plan 2014	Directors' Restricted Stock Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares authorized for grant	'	'	2,750,000	'	'	250,000
Options granted	2,289,600	2,279,700	'	'	'	'
Number of additional shares authorized	'	'	'	3,000,000	'	'
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	671,775	800,461	'	'	'	'
Restricted shares granted	'	'	'	'	30,702	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Assump

Share-Based Compensation - Assumptions to Estimate Fair Value of Option Grant on Date of Grant Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Risk free interest rates lower end	0.11%	0.12%
Risk free interest rates upper end	2.27%	1.40%
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period	$14.08	$11.17
Lower end	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Dividend yield	1.50%	1.50%
Upper end	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Dividend yield	1.51%	1.53%
Employee Stock Option Plan	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Volatility	36.00%	38.00%
Employee Stock Option Plan | Lower end	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected life (years)	'6 years 6 months 8 days	'5 years 10 months 28 days
Employee Stock Option Plan | Upper end	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected life (years)	'7 years 5 months 6 days	'7 years 5 months 6 days
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Volatility	20.00%	21.00%
Expected life (years)	'1 year	'1 year
Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights granted during the period	$9.60	$9.43

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Compensation Expense and Total Related Tax Benefit Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation expense	$10,049	$11,015	$32,220	$33,060
Recognized tax benefit	$988	$943	$3,115	$2,492

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_per2

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share - Numerator and Denominator of the Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations for Earnings Attributable to Shareholders Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$102,381	$92,400	$277,507	$265,030
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$102,381	$92,400	$277,507	$265,030
Weighted Average Shares	'	'	'	'
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	194,419,071	206,516,194	197,305,251	206,478,746
Effect of dilutive potential common shares	582,196	852,598	648,559	872,823
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	195,001,267	207,368,792	197,953,810	207,351,569
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$0.53	$0.45	$1.41	$1.28
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$0.53	$0.45	$1.40	$1.28

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_per3

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share - Shares Excluded from Computation of Diluted earnings Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares	16,576,091	15,314,114	16,601,433	17,165,060

Components_of_Equity_Detail

Components of Equity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$2,086,331	$2,032,570
Exercise of stock options	'	'	34,669	28,115
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	'	'	23,800	23,977
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	'	'	-475,160	-125,206
Stock compensation expense	'	'	32,220	33,060
Tax benefits from stock plans, net	'	'	1,031	1,280
Net earnings	102,797	92,729	278,720	266,002
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-18,351	8,751	-15,632	-12,275
Dividends paid	'	'	-62,807	-61,899
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	'	'	843	-3,733
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	'	'	-85	-1,161
Ending Balance	1,903,930	2,180,730	1,903,930	2,180,730
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	2,084,783	2,027,699
Exercise of stock options	'	'	34,669	28,115
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	'	'	23,800	23,977
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	'	'	-475,160	-125,206
Stock compensation expense	'	'	32,220	33,060
Tax benefits from stock plans, net	'	'	1,031	1,280
Net earnings	'	'	277,507	265,030
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	-15,513	-11,970
Dividends paid	'	'	-62,807	-61,899
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	'	'	843	-507
Ending Balance	1,901,373	2,179,579	1,901,373	2,179,579
Noncontrolling Interest	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	1,548	4,871
Net earnings	'	'	1,213	972
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	-119	-305
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	'	'	0	-3,226
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	'	'	-85	-1,161
Ending Balance	$2,557	$1,151	$2,557	$1,151

Components_Of_Equity_Additiona

Components Of Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	7-May-14	1-May-13	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 04, 2014
			Non-Discretionary Plan	Discretionary Plan	Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Shares repurchased	'	'	1,364,974	10,057,648	'
Average price per share	'	'	$42.73	$41.44	'
Expected common stock shares issued and outstanding	'	'	'	190,000,000	'
Date of declaration of dividends	7-May-14	1-May-13	'	'	4-Nov-14
Dividend declared per share	$0.32	$0.30	'	'	$0.32
Date of dividend payment	16-Jun-14	17-Jun-13	'	'	15-Dec-14
Dividends payable to shareholders date of record	2-Jun-14	3-Jun-13	'	'	1-Dec-14

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total cash and cash equivalents	$990,480	$970,561	$1,247,652	$1,310,330	$1,286,109	$1,260,842
Total short-term investments	40,317	'	26,337	'	'	'
Cost	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total cash and cash equivalents	990,480	'	1,247,652	'	'	'
Total short-term investments	40,317	'	26,337	'	'	'
Total	1,030,797	'	1,273,989	'	'	'
Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total cash and cash equivalents	990,530	'	1,247,719	'	'	'
Total short-term investments	40,338	'	26,362	'	'	'
Total	1,030,868	'	1,274,081	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cost	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and overnight deposits	616,092	'	590,317	'	'	'
Corporate commercial paper	336,405	'	629,923	'	'	'
Time deposits	37,983	'	27,412	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and overnight deposits	616,092	'	590,317	'	'	'
Corporate commercial paper	336,455	'	629,990	'	'	'
Time deposits	37,983	'	27,412	'	'	'
Short-term Investments | Cost	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Corporate commercial paper	40,296	'	26,296	'	'	'
Time deposits	21	'	41	'	'	'
Short-term Investments | Fair Value	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Corporate commercial paper	40,317	'	26,321	'	'	'
Time deposits	$21	'	$41	'	'	'

Business_Segment_Information_F

Business Segment Information - Financial Information Regarding Company's Operations by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	$1,705,105		$1,537,966		$4,795,891		$4,454,398		'	'
Net revenues	513,256	[1]	484,902	[1]	1,462,556	[1]	1,404,781	[1]	'	'
Operating income	159,131		146,313		436,777		418,410		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	2,926,053		3,098,563		2,926,053		3,098,563		3,014,812	'
Capital expenditures	8,255		15,482		26,650		42,691		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	12,741		12,629		37,540		35,581		'	'
Equity	1,903,930		2,180,730		1,903,930		2,180,730		2,086,331	2,032,570
United States Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	438,882		396,764		1,256,075		1,166,633		'	'
Net revenues	215,320	[1]	199,107	[1]	607,508	[1]	572,959	[1]	'	'
Operating income	68,972		55,627		180,650		161,290		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	1,333,124		1,694,366		1,333,124		1,694,366		'	'
Capital expenditures	3,171		12,463		12,646		22,196		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	8,369		7,608		24,100		21,641		'	'
Equity	1,074,837		1,423,598		1,074,837		1,423,598		'	'
Other North America Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	55,209		52,962		162,136		161,317		'	'
Net revenues	27,323	[1]	26,255	[1]	79,017	[1]	75,476	[1]	'	'
Operating income	7,779		8,524		23,155		23,023		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	113,621		102,713		113,621		102,713		'	'
Capital expenditures	361		639		1,047		1,534		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	303		211		879		615		'	'
Equity	75,848		63,351		75,848		63,351		'	'
Latin America Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	22,962		22,136		65,594		63,421		'	'
Net revenues	16,792	[1]	15,627	[1]	48,797	[1]	45,560	[1]	'	'
Operating income	4,890		5,317		14,425		14,007		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	53,939		52,785		53,939		52,785		'	'
Capital expenditures	369		147		841		551		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	226		210		665		680		'	'
Equity	34,218		30,637		34,218		30,637		'	'
Asia Pacific Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	850,855		777,845		2,346,073		2,221,264		'	'
Net revenues	149,069	[1]	147,477	[1]	420,788	[1]	424,466	[1]	'	'
Operating income	57,409		57,975		161,686		165,640		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	733,776		663,584		733,776		663,584		'	'
Capital expenditures	2,942		1,250		7,975		14,858		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,030		2,343		6,246		6,314		'	'
Equity	454,982		439,719		454,982		439,719		'	'
Europe And Africa Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	253,683		212,507		725,833		621,040		'	'
Net revenues	79,007	[1]	70,949	[1]	230,702	[1]	212,631	[1]	'	'
Operating income	14,413		11,894		39,698		35,433		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	506,442		438,711		506,442		438,711		'	'
Capital expenditures	1,042		703		3,156		2,464		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,389		1,534		4,352		4,713		'	'
Equity	199,751		181,134		199,751		181,134		'	'
Middle East And India Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	83,514		75,752		240,180		220,723		'	'
Net revenues	25,745	[1]	25,487	[1]	75,744	[1]	73,689	[1]	'	'
Operating income	5,668		6,976		17,163		19,017		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	173,455		142,843		173,455		142,843		'	'
Capital expenditures	370		280		985		1,088		'	'
Depreciation and amortization	424		723		1,298		1,618		'	'
Equity	97,476		75,444		97,476		75,444		'	'
Operating Segments | United States Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	463,729		418,829		1,323,341		1,231,941		'	'
Operating Segments | Other North America Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	58,076		55,873		169,965		169,288		'	'
Operating Segments | Latin America Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	28,156		27,779		81,559		79,554		'	'
Operating Segments | Asia Pacific Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	863,820		789,926		2,383,440		2,255,580		'	'
Operating Segments | Europe And Africa Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	263,175		221,865		753,750		648,467		'	'
Operating Segments | Middle East And India Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	88,941		80,225		255,707		234,082		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-60,792		-56,531		-171,871		-164,514		'	'
Identifiable assets at period end	11,696		3,561		11,696		3,561		'	'
Equity	-33,182		-33,153		-33,182		-33,153		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | United States Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-24,847		-22,065		-67,266		-65,308		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Other North America Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-2,867		-2,911		-7,829		-7,971		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Latin America Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-5,194		-5,643		-15,965		-16,133		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Asia Pacific Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-12,965		-12,081		-37,367		-34,316		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Europe And Africa Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	-9,492		-9,358		-27,917		-27,427		'	'
Intersegment Eliminations | Middle East And India Segment	'		'		'		'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'	'
Total revenues	($5,427)		($4,473)		($15,527)		($13,359)		'	'
[1]	Net revenues are a non-GAAP measure calculated as revenues less directly related operations expenses attributable to the Company's principal services. The Company's management believes that net revenues are a better measure than total revenues when evaluating the Company's operating segment performance since total revenues earned as a freight consolidator include the carriers' charges for carrying the shipment, whereas revenues earned in other capacities include primarily the commissions and fees earned by the Company. Net revenue is one of the Company's primary operational and financial measures and demonstrates the Company's ability to concentrate and leverage purchasing power through effective consolidation of shipments from customers utilizing a variety of transportation carriers and optimal routings.

Business_Segment_Information_N

Business Segment Information - Net Revenues Calculation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net Revenues Calculation [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$1,705,105		$1,537,966		$4,795,891		$4,454,398
Airfreight services	516,969		466,699		1,503,064		1,414,634
Ocean freight and ocean services	475,460		409,649		1,266,551		1,135,299
Customs brokerage and other services	199,420		176,716		563,720		499,684
Net revenues	$513,256	[1]	$484,902	[1]	$1,462,556	[1]	$1,404,781	[1]
[1]	Net revenues are a non-GAAP measure calculated as revenues less directly related operations expenses attributable to the Company's principal services. The Company's management believes that net revenues are a better measure than total revenues when evaluating the Company's operating segment performance since total revenues earned as a freight consolidator include the carriers' charges for carrying the shipment, whereas revenues earned in other capacities include primarily the commissions and fees earned by the Company. Net revenue is one of the Company's primary operational and financial measures and demonstrates the Company's ability to concentrate and leverage purchasing power through effective consolidation of shipments from customers utilizing a variety of transportation carriers and optimal routings.