Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) 10-K 25 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 22, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL OF WASHINGTON INC
Entity Central Index Key	746,515
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	EXPD
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		182,101,972
Entity Public Float			$ 8,643,828,563

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 807,796	$ 927,107
Short-term investments	40	40,336
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,820 in 2015 and $7,119 in 2014	1,112,260	1,236,042
Deferred Federal and state income taxes	16,861	20,279
Other	56,413	65,486
Total current assets	1,993,370	2,289,250
Property and equipment, net	524,724	538,415
Goodwill	7,927	7,927
Other assets, net	56,417	55,313
Total assets	2,582,438	2,890,905
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	645,304	770,238
Accrued expenses, primarily salaries and related costs	186,571	192,468
Federal, state and foreign income taxes	29,498	21,077
Total current liabilities	861,373	983,783
Deferred Federal and state income taxes	$ 26,389	$ 35,514
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 2,000 shares; none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 640,000 shares; issued and outstanding 182,067 shares at December 31, 2015 and 191,656 shares at December 31, 2014	1,821	1,916
Additional paid-in capital	31	1,113
Retained earnings	1,771,379	1,903,196
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(81,238)	(37,817)
Total shareholders’ equity	1,691,993	1,868,408
Noncontrolling interest	2,683	3,200
Total equity	1,694,676	1,871,608
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,582,438	$ 2,890,905

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,820	$ 7,119
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized	640,000	640,000
Common stock, issued	182,067	191,656
Common stock, outstanding	182,067	191,656

Consolidated Statements of Earn

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Airfreight services	$ 2,740,583	$ 2,780,840	$ 2,633,830
Ocean freight and ocean services	2,194,004	2,174,394	1,958,231
Customs brokerage and other services	1,682,045	1,609,487	1,488,196
Total revenues	6,616,632	6,564,721	6,080,257
Operating Expenses:
Airfreight services	1,987,690	2,103,777	1,994,374
Ocean freight and ocean services	1,648,993	1,712,795	1,521,340
Customs brokerage and other services	792,172	766,722	681,690
Salaries and related costs	1,143,511	1,065,329	1,032,601
Rent and occupancy costs	102,470	102,810	98,437
Depreciation and amortization	46,012	49,292	48,071
Selling and promotion	41,990	38,125	33,243
Other	132,310	131,223	118,428
Total operating expenses	5,895,148	5,970,073	5,528,184
Operating income	721,484	594,648	552,073
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	10,421	10,773	11,810
Other, net	4,784	5,468	8,713
Other income, net	15,205	16,241	20,523
Earnings before income taxes	736,689	610,889	572,596
Income tax expense	277,192	231,429	222,585
Net earnings	459,497	379,460	350,011
Less net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest	2,274	2,572	1,485
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$ 457,223	$ 376,888	$ 348,526
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 2.40	$ 1.92	$ 1.68
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 2.42	$ 1.92	$ 1.69
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	190,223	196,768	206,895
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	188,941	196,147	205,995

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 459,497	$ 379,460	$ 350,011
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $23,801 in 2015, $17,348 in 2014 and $6,574 in 2013	(44,090)	(32,080)	(12,420)
Reclassification adjustments for foreign currency realized losses, net of tax of $61 in 2014	0	111	0
Other comprehensive loss	(44,090)	(31,969)	(12,420)
Comprehensive income	415,407	347,491	337,591
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,605	2,155	1,064
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$ 413,802	$ 345,336	$ 336,527

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ (23,801)	$ (17,348)	$ (6,574)
Reclassification adjustments for foreign currency realized losses, tax	$ 0	$ (61)	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Total shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling interest
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		206,392
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 2,032,570	$ 2,064	$ 1,283	$ 2,018,618	$ 5,734	$ 2,027,699	$ 4,871
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options and release of restricted shares (in shares)		1,510
Exercise of stock options and release of restricted shares	35,775	$ 15	35,760			35,775
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan (in shares)		800
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	23,977	$ 8	23,969			23,977
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans (in shares)		(6,149)
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(261,936)	$ (62)	(105,398)	(156,476)		(261,936)
Stock compensation expense	43,813		43,813			43,813
Tax benefits from stock plans, net	2,174		2,174			2,174
Net earnings	350,011			348,526		348,526	1,485
Other comprehensive loss	(12,420)				(11,999)	(11,999)	(421)
Dividends paid	(123,292)			(123,292)		(123,292)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(3,180)		46			46	(3,226)
Distributions of dividends to noncontrolling interest	(1,161)						(1,161)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		202,553
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	2,086,331	$ 2,025	1,647	2,087,376	(6,265)	2,084,783	1,548
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options and release of restricted shares (in shares)		1,529
Exercise of stock options and release of restricted shares	45,469	$ 15	45,454			45,469
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan (in shares)		672
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	23,800	$ 7	23,793			23,800
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans (in shares)		(13,098)
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(550,781)	$ (131)	(114,216)	(436,434)		(550,781)
Stock compensation expense	42,533		42,533			42,533
Tax benefits from stock plans, net	1,061		1,061			1,061
Net earnings	379,460			376,888		376,888	2,572
Other comprehensive loss	(31,969)				(31,552)	(31,552)	(417)
Dividends paid	(124,634)			(124,634)		(124,634)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	841		841			841	0
Distributions of dividends to noncontrolling interest	$ (503)						(503)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	191,656	191,656
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,871,608	$ 1,916	1,113	1,903,196	(37,817)	1,868,408	3,200
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options and release of restricted shares (in shares)		2,851
Exercise of stock options and release of restricted shares	105,114	$ 29	105,085			105,114
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan (in shares)		699
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan	25,850	$ 7	25,843			25,850
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans (in shares)		(13,139)
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans	(629,991)	$ (131)	(176,493)	(453,367)		(629,991)
Stock compensation expense	43,415		43,415			43,415
Tax benefits from stock plans, net	1,068		1,068			1,068
Net earnings	459,497			457,223		457,223	2,274
Other comprehensive loss	(44,090)				(43,421)	(43,421)	(669)
Dividends paid	(135,673)			(135,673)		(135,673)
Distributions of dividends to noncontrolling interest	$ (2,122)						(2,122)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	182,067	182,067
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,694,676	$ 1,821	$ 31	$ 1,771,379	$ (81,238)	$ 1,691,993	$ 2,683

Consolidated Statements of Equ8

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid, per share	$ 0.72	$ 0.64	$ 0.60

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 earnings	$ 459,497	$ 379,460	$ 350,011
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	2,173	763	2,116
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	17,999	(6,576)	(20,975)
Excess tax benefits from stock plans	(1,850)	(1,115)	(2,339)
Stock compensation expense	43,415	42,533	43,813
Depreciation and amortization	46,012	49,292	48,071
Other	(24)	340	844
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	62,619	(206,887)	(64,575)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(84,164)	153,424	44,150
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable, net	18,382	(12,998)	8,435
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	653	(3,270)	(2,015)
Net cash from operating activities	564,712	394,966	407,536
Investing Activities:
Purchase of short-term investments	(47,026)	(136,726)	(116,116)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	87,320	122,726	89,915
Purchase of property and equipment	(44,383)	(37,472)	(53,411)
Escrow deposit for land acquisition	0	(27,101)	0
Other, net	(3,337)	(338)	2,806
Net cash from investing activities	(7,426)	(78,911)	(76,806)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	130,964	69,269	59,752
Repurchases of common stock	(629,991)	(550,781)	(261,936)
Excess tax benefits from stock plans	1,850	1,115	2,339
Dividends paid	(135,673)	(124,634)	(123,292)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0	(7,730)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(2,122)	(503)	(1,161)
Net cash from financing activities	(634,972)	(605,534)	(332,028)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(41,625)	(31,066)	(11,892)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(119,311)	(320,545)	(13,190)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	927,107	1,247,652	1,260,842
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	807,796	927,107	1,247,652
Taxes Paid:
Income taxes	$ 239,367	$ 254,439	$ 235,368

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. International trade is influenced by many factors, including economic and political conditions in the United States and abroad, currency exchange rates and currency control regulations, regulatory environments, cargo and other security concerns, laws and policies relating to tariffs, trade and quota restrictions, foreign investments and taxation. Periodically, governments consider a variety of changes to current tariffs and trade and quota restrictions. The Company cannot predict which, if any, of these proposals may be adopted, nor can the Company predict the effects adoption of any such proposal will have on the Company’s business. Doing business in foreign locations also subjects the Company to a variety of risks and considerations not normally encountered by domestic enterprises. In addition to being influenced by governmental policies concerning international trade, the Company’s business may also be affected by political developments and changes in government personnel or policies as well as economic turbulence or security concerns in the nations in which it does business. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries stated in U.S. dollars, the Company’s reporting currency. In addition, the consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of operating entities where the Company maintains a parent-subsidiary relationship through unilateral control over assets and operations together with responsibility for payment of all liabilities, notwithstanding a lack of technical majority ownership of the subsidiary's common stock. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts in the notes are presented in thousands except for per share data or unless otherwise specified. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. See Note 1.K below for further information. B. | Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Short-term investments have a maturity of greater than three months at the date of purchase. C. | 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 $7,820 , $7,119 and $8,695 as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Additions and write-offs have not been significant in any of these years. D. | Long-Lived Assets, Depreciation and Amortization Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated or amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the assets’ estimated useful lives or lease terms. Useful lives for major categories of property and equipment are as follows: Land Improvements 50 years Buildings 28 to 40 years Furniture, fixtures, equipment and purchased software 3 to 5 years Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and replacements of minor items are charged to earnings as incurred. Major upgrades and improvements that extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Upon disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in income for the period. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company performed the required goodwill annual impairment test during the fourth quarter and determined that no impairment had occurred. E. | Revenues and Revenue Recognition The Company derives its revenues from three principal sources: 1) airfreight services, 2) ocean freight and ocean services, and 3) customs brokerage and other services. These are the revenue categories presented in the financial statements. As a non-asset based carrier, the Company does not own transportation assets. Rather, the Company generates the major portion of its air and ocean freight revenues by purchasing transportation services from direct (asset-based) carriers and reselling those services to its customers. The difference between the rate billed to customers (the sell rate), and the rate paid to the carrier (the buy rate) is termed “net revenue” (a non-GAAP measure), “yield” or "margin." By consolidating shipments from multiple customers and concentrating its buying power, the Company is able to negotiate favorable buy rates from the direct carriers, while at the same time offering lower sell rates than customers would otherwise be able to negotiate themselves. Airfreight services revenues include the charges to the Company for carrying the shipments when the Company acts as a freight consolidator. Ocean freight services revenues include the charges to the Company for carrying the shipments when the Company acts as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). In each case the Company is acting as an indirect carrier. When acting as an indirect carrier, the Company will issue a House Airway Bill (HAWB), a House Ocean Bill of Lading (HOBL) or a House Seaway Bill to customers as the contract of carriage. In turn, when the freight is physically tendered to a direct carrier, the Company receives a contract of carriage known as a Master Airway Bill for airfreight shipments and a Master Ocean Bill of Lading for ocean shipments. At this point, the risk of loss passes to the carrier, however, in order to claim for any such loss, the customer is first obligated to pay the freight charges. In these transactions, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to record the gross or net amount as revenue. Generally, when the Company is the primary obligor, it is obligated to compensate direct carriers for services performed regardless of whether customers accept the service, has latitude in establishing price, has discretion in selecting the direct carrier, has credit risk or has several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded on a gross basis. Revenue is generally recorded on a net basis where the Company is not primarily obligated and does not have latitude in establishing prices. Such amounts earned are determined using a fixed fee, a per unit of activity fee or a combination thereof. Based upon the terms in the contract of carriage, revenues related to shipments where the Company issues a HAWB, a HOBL or a House Seaway Bill are recognized at the time the freight is tendered to the direct carrier at origin. Costs related to the shipments are also recognized at this same time. Revenues earned in other capacities, for instance, when the Company acts as an agent for the shipper, and does not issue a HAWB, a HOBL or a House Seaway Bill, include only the commissions and fees earned for the services performed. In these transactions, the Company is not a principal and reports only commissions and fees earned in revenue. These revenues are recognized upon completion of the services. Customs brokerage and other services involves providing services at destination, such as helping customers clear shipments through customs by preparing required documentation, calculating and providing for payment of duties and other taxes on behalf of the customers as well as arranging for any required inspections by governmental agencies, and arranging for delivery. This is a complicated function requiring technical knowledge of customs rules and regulations in the multitude of countries in which the Company has offices. Revenues related to customs brokerage and other services are recognized upon completion of the services. Arranging international shipments is a complex task. Each actual movement can require multiple services. In some instances, the Company is asked to perform only one of these services. However, in most instances, the Company performs multiple services. These services include ancillary services such as local transportation, export customs formalities, distribution services and logistics management. Each of these services has an associated fee which is recognized as revenue upon completion of the service. Typically, the fees for each of these services are quoted as separate components, however, customers on occasion will request an all-inclusive rate for a set of services known in the industry as “door-to-door service.” This means that the customer is billed a single rate for all services from pickup at origin to delivery at destination. In these instances, the revenue for origin and destination services, as well as revenue that will be characterized as freight charges, is allocated to branches as set by preexisting Company policy modified as agreed upon by customer specific negotiations between the offices involved. Each of the Company’s branches are separate profit centers and the primary compensation for the branch management group comes in the form of incentive-based compensation calculated directly from the operating income of that branch. This compensation structure ensures that the allocation of revenue and expense among components of services, when provided under an all-inclusive rate, is done in an objective manner on a relative selling price basis. The Company presents revenues net of sales and value-added taxes. F. | Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributed to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, the tax effect of loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are not considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and, accordingly, U.S. Federal and State income taxes have been provided for all undistributed earnings net of related foreign tax credits. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. The Company recognizes interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits or underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and recognizes penalties in operating expenses. G | Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares represent outstanding stock options, stock purchase rights and unvested restricted shares. Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding without taking into consideration dilutive potential common shares outstanding. H. | Stock Plans 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. This expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, is recognized in net earnings on a straight-line basis over the stock awards' vesting periods as salaries and related costs. I. | Foreign Currency Foreign currency amounts attributable to foreign operations have been translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical rates for equity, and weighted average rates for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded as components of other comprehensive income until complete or substantially complete liquidation by the Company of its investment in a foreign entity. Currency fluctuations are a normal operating factor in the conduct of the Company’s business and foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are included in revenues and operating expenses. Also, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange fluctuations on monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies that are not the local functional currency. Foreign exchange gains and losses on such balances are recognized in net earnings within airfreight services costs and other income, net. Net foreign currency gains in 2015 and 2014 were $7,820 and $1,517 , respectively. Net foreign currency losses in 2013 were $1,687 . The Company follows a policy of accelerating international currency settlements to manage its foreign exchange exposure. Accordingly, the Company enters into foreign currency hedging transactions only in limited locations where there are regulatory or commercial limitations on the Company’s ability to move money freely. Such hedging activity during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was insignificant. The Company had no foreign currency derivatives outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . J. | Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net earnings and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net earnings. For the Company, these consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses, net of related income tax effects and comprehensive income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests. Upon the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the Company's investment in a foreign entity, cumulative translation adjustments are recorded as reclassification adjustments in other comprehensive income and recognized in net earnings as other income, net. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted entirely of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of related income tax effects, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . K. | Segment Reporting The Company is organized functionally in geographic operating segments. Accordingly, management focuses its attention on revenues, net revenues, 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. 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. Certain costs are allocated among the segments based on the relative value of the underlying services, which can include allocation based on actual costs incurred or estimated cost plus a profit margin. Effective in the first quarter of 2015, management made changes to the Asia Pacific operating segment, which is now reported as North Asia and South Asia. Amounts for 2014 and 2013 have been recast to conform to the 2015 presentation. L. | 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 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.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT The components of property and equipment are as follows: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Land $ 162,923 166,252 Buildings and leasehold improvements 468,607 467,115 Furniture, fixtures, equipment and purchased software 274,723 271,897 Construction in progress 3,494 4,907 Property and equipment, at cost 909,747 910,171 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 385,023 371,756 Property and equipment, net $ 524,724 538,415

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY A. | Stock Repurchase Plans The Company has a Non-Discretionary Stock Repurchase Plan, originally approved by the Board of Directors in November 1993, under which management is authorized to repurchase up to 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market with the proceeds received from the exercise of employee and director stock options. The Company has a Discretionary Stock Repurchase Plan originally approved by the Board of Directors in November 2001, and amended from time to time under which management as of December 31, 2015 is authorized to repurchase shares down to 180,000 shares of common stock outstanding. The following table summarizes by repurchase plan the Company’s repurchasing activity: Cumulative shares repurchased Average price per share Non-Discretionary Plan (1994 through 2015) 30,231 $ 27.58 Discretionary Plan (2001 through 2015) 54,471 $ 39.98 B. | Stock Option Plans At December 31, 2015 , the Company had one stock option plan (the 2015 Plan) under which the Board of Directors may grant officers and employees options to purchase common stock at prices equal to or greater than market value on the date of grant. On May 21, 2015 , the shareholders approved the Company’s 2015 Plan, which made available a total of 3 million shares of the Company’s common stock for purchase upon exercise of options granted. The 2015 Plan provides for qualified and non-qualified grants, which are limited to 100 shares per person. As of December 31, 2015 , there are 81 shares available for grant under the 2015 Plan. No additional shares can be granted under the 2015 Plan after April 30, 2016 . Outstanding options generally vest and become exercisable over periods up to five years from the date of grant and expire no more than ten years from the date of grant. Upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options and disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options, the Company derives a tax deduction measured by the excess of the market value over the option price at the date of exercise or disqualifying disposition. The portion of the benefit from the deduction which equals the estimated fair value of the options (previously recognized as compensation expense) is recorded as a credit to the deferred tax asset for non-qualified stock options and is recorded as a credit to current tax expense for any disqualified dispositions of incentive stock options. For disqualifying dispositions, when the amount of the tax deduction is less than the cumulative amount of compensation expense recognized for the award, the amount credited to current tax expense is limited to the tax benefit associated with the tax deduction. All of the tax benefit received upon option exercise for the tax deduction in excess of the estimated fair value of the options is credited to additional paid-in capital. C. | Stock Purchase Plan In May 2002, the shareholders approved the Company’s 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the 2002 Plan), which became effective August 1, 2002. On May 7, 2014 , the shareholders approved an amendment to the 2002 Plan to increase the Company's common stock available for purchase under that plan by 3 million shares. The Company’s amended 2002 Plan provides for 12,305 shares of the Company’s common stock to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of purchase rights granted to employees who elect to participate through regular payroll deductions beginning August 1 of each year. The purchase rights are exercisable on July 31 of the following year at a price equal to the lesser of (1) 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the last trading day in July or (2) 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the first trading day in August of the preceding year. A total of 9,511 shares have been issued under the 2002 Plan and $13,783 have been withheld from employees at December 31, 2015 in connection with the plan year ending July 31, 2016. D. | Director Restricted Stock Plan On May 7, 2014 , the shareholders approved the Company’s 2014 Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan (the 2014 Directors’ Plan), which provides for annual awards of restricted stock to non-employee directors and makes 250 shares of the Company’s common stock available for grant. The plan provides for an annual grant of restricted stock awards with a fair market value equal to $200 to each participant on June 1 of each year. There are 185 shares available for grant under this plan as of December 31, 2015 . Each restricted stock award under the 2014 Directors’ Plan vests either at the time of grant or with a vesting schedule, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Restricted shares granted in 2014 and 2015 vested at the time of grant and there were no unvested restricted shares as of December 31, 2015 . Restricted shares entitle the grantees to all shareholder rights, including cash dividends and transfer rights once vested. If a non-employee director’s service is terminated, any unvested portion of an award would be forfeited. E. | Stock Option Activity The following table summarizes information about stock options: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price per share Weighted average remaining contractual life Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 19,372 $ 41.92 Options granted 2,956 $ 47.27 Options exercised (2,819 ) $ 37.33 Options forfeited (593 ) $ 42.21 Options canceled (184 ) $ 47.88 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 18,732 $ 43.39 5.84 $ 60,057 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 8,918 $ 44.36 3.44 $ 23,546 F. | Share-Based Compensation Expense 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: For the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 1.60 1.50 - 1.51% 1.50 - 1.53% Volatility – stock option plans 29 - 34% 35 - 36% 38% Volatility – stock purchase rights plans 20 % 20 % 21 % Risk-free interest rates 0.30 - 2.04% 0.11 - 2.27% 0.12 - 1.40% Expected life (years) – stock option plans 6.41 - 7.47 6.52 - 7.43 5.91 - 7.43 Expected life (years) – stock purchase rights plans 1 1 1 Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period $ 13.44 $ 14.44 $ 11.17 Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights granted during the period $ 10.45 $ 9.60 $ 9.43 The Company’s expected volatility assumptions are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock over a period of time commensurate to the expected life. The expected life assumption is primarily based on historical employee exercise patterns and employee post-vesting termination behavior. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the corresponding yield curve in effect at the time of grant for U.S. Treasury bonds having the same term as the expected life of the option. The expected dividend yield is based on the Company’s historical experience. The forfeiture assumption used to calculate compensation expense is primarily based on historical pre-vesting employee forfeiture patterns. The compensation for restricted stock awards is based on the fair market value of the Company’s share of common stock on the date of grant. In 2015 , restricted shares totaling 34 were granted with a fair value per share of $47.27 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was approximately $31 million , $18 million and $24 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and stock purchase rights is $93 million and the weighted average period over which that cost is expected to be recognized is 3.2 years. Total stock compensation expense and the total related tax benefit recognized are as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock compensation expense $ 43,415 42,533 43,813 Recognized tax benefit $ 6,010 4,356 3,473 Shares issued as a result of stock option exercises, restricted stock awards and employee stock plan purchases are issued as new shares outstanding by the Company.

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. Net earnings attributable to shareholders Weighted average shares Earnings per share 2015 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 457,223 188,941 $ 2.42 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 1,282 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 457,223 190,223 $ 2.40 2014 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 376,888 196,147 $ 1.92 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 621 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 376,888 196,768 $ 1.92 2013 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 348,526 205,995 $ 1.69 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 900 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 348,526 206,895 $ 1.68 The following potential common shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares 8,330 16,952 15,074

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Income tax expense (benefit) includes the following components: Federal State Foreign Total 2015 Current $ 95,046 16,973 147,174 259,193 Deferred 17,631 368 — 17,999 $ 112,677 17,341 147,174 277,192 2014 Current $ 93,345 17,093 127,567 238,005 Deferred (6,023 ) (553 ) — (6,576 ) $ 87,322 16,540 127,567 231,429 2013 Current $ 104,224 17,715 121,621 243,560 Deferred (19,811 ) (1,164 ) — (20,975 ) $ 84,413 16,551 121,621 222,585 Income tax expense differs from amounts computed by applying the United States Federal income tax rate of 35% to earnings before income taxes as a result of the following: 2015 2014 2013 Computed “expected” tax expense $ 257,841 213,811 200,408 Increase in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit 11,272 10,751 10,758 Nondeductible stock compensation expense, net 5,241 8,069 9,927 Other, net 2,838 (1,202 ) 1,492 $ 277,192 231,429 222,585 The components of earnings before income taxes are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 236,932 211,588 192,850 Foreign 499,757 399,301 379,746 $ 736,689 610,889 572,596 The tax effects of temporary differences and tax credits that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred Tax Assets: Accrued third party obligations, deductible for taxes upon economic performance $ 14,473 17,769 Provision for doubtful accounts receivable 1,041 957 Excess of financial statement over tax depreciation 10,349 10,905 Deductible stock compensation expense, net 18,910 15,122 Foreign currency translation adjustment 44,519 20,719 Retained liability for cargo claims 1,350 1,555 Total gross deferred tax assets 90,642 67,027 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Unremitted foreign earnings, net of related foreign tax credits (100,170 ) (82,262 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities $ (100,170 ) (82,262 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (9,528 ) (15,235 ) Current deferred tax assets $ (16,861 ) (20,279 ) Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ (26,389 ) (35,514 ) Based on management’s review of the Company’s tax positions, the Company had no significant unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2012. With respect to state and local jurisdictions and countries outside of the United States, with limited exceptions, the Company and its subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for years prior to 2001. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world. Although the outcome of tax audits is always uncertain, the Company believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that may result from these open tax years. Any interest and penalties expensed in relation to the underpayment of income taxes were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, cash equivalents and short-term investments consist of the following: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and overnight deposits $ 445,582 445,582 531,312 531,312 Corporate commercial paper 302,433 302,480 356,468 356,536 Time deposits 59,781 59,781 39,327 39,327 Total cash and cash equivalents 807,796 807,843 927,107 927,175 Short-term investments: Corporate commercial paper — — 40,295 40,350 Time deposits 40 40 41 41 Total short-term investments 40 40 40,336 40,391 Total $ 807,836 807,883 967,443 967,566 The fair value of corporate commercial paper and time deposits is based on the use of market interest rates for identical or similar assets (Level 2 fair value measurement).

Credit Arrangements

Credit Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS Certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries maintain bank lines of credit for short-term working capital purposes. These credit lines are supported by standby letters of credit issued by a United States bank, or guarantees issued by the Company to the foreign banks issuing the credit line. At December 31, 2015 , the Company was contingently liable for approximately $75,788 under outstanding standby letters of credit and guarantees. At December 31, 2015 , the Company was in compliance with all restrictive covenants of these credit lines and the associated credit facilities. The standby letters of credit and guarantees relate to obligations of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries for credit extended in the ordinary course of business by direct carriers, primarily airlines, and for duty and tax deferrals available from governmental entities responsible for customs and value-added-tax (VAT) taxation. The total underlying amounts due and payable for transportation and governmental excise taxes are properly recorded as obligations in the books of the respective foreign subsidiaries, and there would be no need to record additional expense in the unlikely event the parent company were to be required to perform.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS	COMMITMENTS A. | Leases The Company occupies office and warehouse facilities under terms of operating leases expiring up to 2025 . The Company also has two long term operating lease arrangements to use land, for which the usage rights were entirely prepaid. Usage rights for those arrangements are recognized in rent expense over the lease terms up to 2057 . Total rent expense for all operating leases in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $58,133 , $58,050 and $57,226 , respectively. At December 31, 2015 , future minimum annual lease payments under all noncancelable leases are as follows: 2016 $ 47,113 2017 31,953 2018 23,603 2019 14,330 2020 7,051 Thereafter 6,788 $ 130,838 B. | Unconditional Purchase Obligations The Company enters into short-term unconditional purchase obligations with asset-based providers reserving space on a guaranteed basis. The pricing of these obligations varies to some degree with market conditions. Historically, the Company has met these obligations in the normal course of business within one year. Purchase obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2015 totaled $69,926 . C. | Employee Benefits The Company has employee savings plans under which the Company provides a discretionary matching contribution. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company’s contributions under the plans were $8,658 , $8,262 , and $7,768 , respectively.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 December 31, 2015 , 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION	BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION Financial information regarding 2015 , 2014 and 2013 operations by the Company’s designated geographic areas is as follows: United States Other North America 2015 Revenues from unaffiliated customers $ 1,763,361 226,284 Transfers between geographic areas 118,884 13,383 Total revenues $ 1,882,245 239,667 Net revenues 1 $ 906,780 124,381 Operating income $ 245,257 46,846 Identifiable assets at year end $ 1,202,532 111,549 Capital expenditures $ 26,807 3,915 Depreciation and amortization $ 29,532 1,331 Equity $ 986,330 70,932 2014 Revenues from unaffiliated customers $ 1,694,819 218,735 Transfers between geographic areas 97,028 10,891 Total revenues $ 1,791,847 229,626 Net revenues 1 $ 823,111 108,631 Operating income $ 221,166 36,475 Identifiable assets at year end $ 1,408,598 111,324 Capital expenditures $ 19,610 1,439 Depreciation and amortization $ 31,553 1,170 Equity $ 1,165,488 54,338 2013 Revenues from unaffiliated customers $ 1,561,468 215,968 Transfers between geographic areas 89,570 11,038 Total revenues $ 1,651,038 227,006 Net revenues 1 $ 770,519 102,864 Operating income $ 195,799 35,224 Identifiable assets at year end $ 1,582,557 104,735 Capital expenditures $ 28,699 1,870 Depreciation and amortization $ 29,569 882 Equity $ 1,330,262 72,772 Latin America North Asia South Asia Europe Middle East, Africa and India Elimi-nations Consoli-dated 2015 Revenues from unaffiliated customers 94,229 2,557,398 677,628 958,827 338,905 — 6,616,632 Transfers between geographic areas 19,158 21,722 25,018 42,787 21,322 (262,274 ) — Total revenues 113,387 2,579,120 702,646 1,001,614 360,227 (262,274 ) 6,616,632 Net revenues 1 65,017 493,235 179,110 308,301 110,953 — 2,187,777 Operating income 19,656 245,854 69,643 65,024 29,204 — 721,484 Identifiable assets at year end 48,678 446,914 127,014 421,590 221,835 2,326 2,582,438 Capital expenditures 1,756 2,203 2,383 5,222 2,097 — 44,383 Depreciation and amortization 1,041 5,425 2,110 4,931 1,642 — 46,012 Equity 33,161 253,097 99,220 154,174 130,105 (32,343 ) 1,694,676 2014 Revenues from unaffiliated customers 89,058 2,576,350 657,189 1,012,389 316,181 — 6,564,721 Transfers between geographic areas 20,634 23,020 26,579 39,541 19,654 (237,347 ) — Total revenues 109,692 2,599,370 683,768 1,051,930 335,835 (237,347 ) 6,564,721 Net revenues 1 65,016 407,410 163,383 313,325 100,551 — 1,981,427 Operating income 19,855 177,496 52,596 62,101 24,959 — 594,648 Identifiable assets at year end 53,815 513,649 141,499 447,349 208,684 5,987 2,890,905 Capital expenditures 1,574 5,955 3,118 4,246 1,530 — 37,472 Depreciation and amortization 911 5,938 2,295 5,690 1,735 — 49,292 Equity 34,386 262,295 99,234 169,117 121,520 (34,770 ) 1,871,608 2013 Revenues from unaffiliated customers 86,050 2,444,331 601,708 876,967 293,765 — 6,080,257 Transfers between geographic areas 21,711 22,505 24,073 38,728 16,698 (224,323 ) — Total revenues 107,761 2,466,836 625,781 915,695 310,463 (224,323 ) 6,080,257 Net revenues 1 61,478 396,395 164,505 288,407 98,685 — 1,882,853 Operating income 15,734 169,252 54,728 53,294 28,042 — 552,073 Identifiable assets at year end 58,027 527,859 140,173 414,710 180,646 6,105 3,014,812 Capital expenditures 1,010 15,344 1,887 3,313 1,288 — 53,411 Depreciation and amortization 901 6,078 2,303 6,569 1,769 — 48,071 Equity 29,590 305,883 100,845 178,729 102,628 (34,378 ) 2,086,331 _______________________ 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. The following table presents the calculation of net revenues: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues: Total revenues $ 6,616,632 6,564,721 6,080,257 Expenses: Airfreight services 1,987,690 2,103,777 1,994,374 Ocean freight and ocean services 1,648,993 1,712,795 1,521,340 Customs brokerage and other services 792,172 766,722 681,690 Net revenues $ 2,187,777 1,981,427 1,882,853 Other than the United States, only the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong, represented more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue, net revenue, total identifiable assets or equity in any period presented as noted in the table below. 2015 2014 2013 Total revenues 32 % 33 % 33 % Net revenues 19 % 16 % 16 % Identifiable assets at year end 13 % 14 % 14 % Equity 10 % 9 % 11 %

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 2015 Revenues $ 1,677,526 1,691,553 1,651,332 1,596,221 Net revenues 529,486 552,141 569,981 536,169 Net earnings 107,332 118,329 118,736 115,100 Net earnings attributable to shareholders 106,704 117,760 118,310 114,449 Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.55 0.61 0.62 0.61 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.56 0.62 0.63 0.62 2014 Revenues $ 1,491,645 1,599,141 1,705,105 1,768,830 Net revenues 464,586 484,714 513,256 518,871 Net earnings 84,195 91,728 102,797 100,740 Net earnings attributable to shareholders 83,824 91,302 102,381 99,381 Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.42 0.46 0.53 0.51 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.42 0.46 0.53 0.52 Net earnings in the fourth quarter of 2015 include a $6 million recovery of legal and related fees. The sum of quarterly per share data may not equal the per share total reported for the year.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Policy	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries stated in U.S. dollars, the Company’s reporting currency. In addition, the consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of operating entities where the Company maintains a parent-subsidiary relationship through unilateral control over assets and operations together with responsibility for payment of all liabilities, notwithstanding a lack of technical majority ownership of the subsidiary's common stock. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts in the notes are presented in thousands except for per share data or unless otherwise specified. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. See Note 1.K below for further information.
Cash Equivalents, Policy	All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Short-term Investments, Policy	Short-term investments have a maturity of greater than three months at the date of purchase.
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 $7,820 , $7,119 and $8,695 as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Additions and write-offs have not been significant in any of these years.
Property and Equipment, Policy	Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated or amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the assets’ estimated useful lives or lease terms. Useful lives for major categories of property and equipment are as follows: Land Improvements 50 years Buildings 28 to 40 years Furniture, fixtures, equipment and purchased software 3 to 5 years Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and replacements of minor items are charged to earnings as incurred. Major upgrades and improvements that extend the life of the asset are capitalized. Upon disposition, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in income for the period.
Goodwill, Policy	For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company performed the required goodwill annual impairment test during the fourth quarter and determined that no impairment had occurred.
Revenues and Revenue Recognition, Policy	The Company derives its revenues from three principal sources: 1) airfreight services, 2) ocean freight and ocean services, and 3) customs brokerage and other services. These are the revenue categories presented in the financial statements. As a non-asset based carrier, the Company does not own transportation assets. Rather, the Company generates the major portion of its air and ocean freight revenues by purchasing transportation services from direct (asset-based) carriers and reselling those services to its customers. The difference between the rate billed to customers (the sell rate), and the rate paid to the carrier (the buy rate) is termed “net revenue” (a non-GAAP measure), “yield” or "margin." By consolidating shipments from multiple customers and concentrating its buying power, the Company is able to negotiate favorable buy rates from the direct carriers, while at the same time offering lower sell rates than customers would otherwise be able to negotiate themselves. Airfreight services revenues include the charges to the Company for carrying the shipments when the Company acts as a freight consolidator. Ocean freight services revenues include the charges to the Company for carrying the shipments when the Company acts as a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC). In each case the Company is acting as an indirect carrier. When acting as an indirect carrier, the Company will issue a House Airway Bill (HAWB), a House Ocean Bill of Lading (HOBL) or a House Seaway Bill to customers as the contract of carriage. In turn, when the freight is physically tendered to a direct carrier, the Company receives a contract of carriage known as a Master Airway Bill for airfreight shipments and a Master Ocean Bill of Lading for ocean shipments. At this point, the risk of loss passes to the carrier, however, in order to claim for any such loss, the customer is first obligated to pay the freight charges. In these transactions, the Company evaluates whether it is appropriate to record the gross or net amount as revenue. Generally, when the Company is the primary obligor, it is obligated to compensate direct carriers for services performed regardless of whether customers accept the service, has latitude in establishing price, has discretion in selecting the direct carrier, has credit risk or has several but not all of these indicators, revenue is recorded on a gross basis. Revenue is generally recorded on a net basis where the Company is not primarily obligated and does not have latitude in establishing prices. Such amounts earned are determined using a fixed fee, a per unit of activity fee or a combination thereof. Based upon the terms in the contract of carriage, revenues related to shipments where the Company issues a HAWB, a HOBL or a House Seaway Bill are recognized at the time the freight is tendered to the direct carrier at origin. Costs related to the shipments are also recognized at this same time. Revenues earned in other capacities, for instance, when the Company acts as an agent for the shipper, and does not issue a HAWB, a HOBL or a House Seaway Bill, include only the commissions and fees earned for the services performed. In these transactions, the Company is not a principal and reports only commissions and fees earned in revenue. These revenues are recognized upon completion of the services. Customs brokerage and other services involves providing services at destination, such as helping customers clear shipments through customs by preparing required documentation, calculating and providing for payment of duties and other taxes on behalf of the customers as well as arranging for any required inspections by governmental agencies, and arranging for delivery. This is a complicated function requiring technical knowledge of customs rules and regulations in the multitude of countries in which the Company has offices. Revenues related to customs brokerage and other services are recognized upon completion of the services. Arranging international shipments is a complex task. Each actual movement can require multiple services. In some instances, the Company is asked to perform only one of these services. However, in most instances, the Company performs multiple services. These services include ancillary services such as local transportation, export customs formalities, distribution services and logistics management. Each of these services has an associated fee which is recognized as revenue upon completion of the service. Typically, the fees for each of these services are quoted as separate components, however, customers on occasion will request an all-inclusive rate for a set of services known in the industry as “door-to-door service.” This means that the customer is billed a single rate for all services from pickup at origin to delivery at destination. In these instances, the revenue for origin and destination services, as well as revenue that will be characterized as freight charges, is allocated to branches as set by preexisting Company policy modified as agreed upon by customer specific negotiations between the offices involved. Each of the Company’s branches are separate profit centers and the primary compensation for the branch management group comes in the form of incentive-based compensation calculated directly from the operating income of that branch. This compensation structure ensures that the allocation of revenue and expense among components of services, when provided under an all-inclusive rate, is done in an objective manner on a relative selling price basis. The Company presents revenues net of sales and value-added taxes.
Income Taxes, Policy	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributed to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, the tax effect of loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are not considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States and, accordingly, U.S. Federal and State income taxes have been provided for all undistributed earnings net of related foreign tax credits. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts expected to be realized. The Company recognizes interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits or underpayment of income taxes in interest expense and recognizes penalties in operating expenses.
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders per Common Share, Policy	Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding. Dilutive potential common shares represent outstanding stock options, stock purchase rights and unvested restricted shares. Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding without taking into consideration dilutive potential common shares outstanding.
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. This expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, is recognized in net earnings on a straight-line basis over the stock awards' vesting periods as salaries and related costs.
Foreign Currency, Policy	Foreign currency amounts attributable to foreign operations have been translated into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical rates for equity, and weighted average rates for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded as components of other comprehensive income until complete or substantially complete liquidation by the Company of its investment in a foreign entity. Currency fluctuations are a normal operating factor in the conduct of the Company’s business and foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are included in revenues and operating expenses. Also, the Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange fluctuations on monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies that are not the local functional currency. Foreign exchange gains and losses on such balances are recognized in net earnings within airfreight services costs and other income, net. Net foreign currency gains in 2015 and 2014 were $7,820 and $1,517 , respectively. Net foreign currency losses in 2013 were $1,687 . The Company follows a policy of accelerating international currency settlements to manage its foreign exchange exposure. Accordingly, the Company enters into foreign currency hedging transactions only in limited locations where there are regulatory or commercial limitations on the Company’s ability to move money freely. Such hedging activity during 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 was insignificant. The Company had no foreign currency derivatives outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Comprehensive Income, Policy	Comprehensive income consists of net earnings and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net earnings. For the Company, these consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses, net of related income tax effects and comprehensive income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests. Upon the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the Company's investment in a foreign entity, cumulative translation adjustments are recorded as reclassification adjustments in other comprehensive income and recognized in net earnings as other income, net. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted entirely of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of related income tax effects, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Segment Reporting, Policy	The Company is organized functionally in geographic operating segments. Accordingly, management focuses its attention on revenues, net revenues, 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. 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. Certain costs are allocated among the segments based on the relative value of the underlying services, which can include allocation based on actual costs incurred or estimated cost plus a profit margin. Effective in the first quarter of 2015, management made changes to the Asia Pacific operating segment, which is now reported as North Asia and South Asia. Amounts for 2014 and 2013 have been recast to conform to the 2015 presentation.
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 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.

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Useful Lives for Property and Equipment	Useful lives for major categories of property and equipment are as follows: Land Improvements 50 years Buildings 28 to 40 years Furniture, fixtures, equipment and purchased software 3 to 5 years

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	The components of property and equipment are as follows: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Land $ 162,923 166,252 Buildings and leasehold improvements 468,607 467,115 Furniture, fixtures, equipment and purchased software 274,723 271,897 Construction in progress 3,494 4,907 Property and equipment, at cost 909,747 910,171 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 385,023 371,756 Property and equipment, net $ 524,724 538,415

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Cumulative Repurchasing Activity by Plan	The following table summarizes by repurchase plan the Company’s repurchasing activity: Cumulative shares repurchased Average price per share Non-Discretionary Plan (1994 through 2015) 30,231 $ 27.58 Discretionary Plan (2001 through 2015) 54,471 $ 39.98
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes information about stock options: Number of shares Weighted average exercise price per share Weighted average remaining contractual life Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 19,372 $ 41.92 Options granted 2,956 $ 47.27 Options exercised (2,819 ) $ 37.33 Options forfeited (593 ) $ 42.21 Options canceled (184 ) $ 47.88 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 18,732 $ 43.39 5.84 $ 60,057 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 8,918 $ 44.36 3.44 $ 23,546
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: For the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 1.60 1.50 - 1.51% 1.50 - 1.53% Volatility – stock option plans 29 - 34% 35 - 36% 38% Volatility – stock purchase rights plans 20 % 20 % 21 % Risk-free interest rates 0.30 - 2.04% 0.11 - 2.27% 0.12 - 1.40% Expected life (years) – stock option plans 6.41 - 7.47 6.52 - 7.43 5.91 - 7.43 Expected life (years) – stock purchase rights plans 1 1 1 Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period $ 13.44 $ 14.44 $ 11.17 Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights granted during the period $ 10.45 $ 9.60 $ 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: For the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Stock compensation expense $ 43,415 42,533 43,813 Recognized tax benefit $ 6,010 4,356 3,473

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe25

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. Net earnings attributable to shareholders Weighted average shares Earnings per share 2015 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 457,223 188,941 $ 2.42 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 1,282 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 457,223 190,223 $ 2.40 2014 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 376,888 196,147 $ 1.92 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 621 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 376,888 196,768 $ 1.92 2013 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 348,526 205,995 $ 1.69 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 900 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 348,526 206,895 $ 1.68
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: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares 8,330 16,952 15,074

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense (benefit) includes the following components: Federal State Foreign Total 2015 Current $ 95,046 16,973 147,174 259,193 Deferred 17,631 368 — 17,999 $ 112,677 17,341 147,174 277,192 2014 Current $ 93,345 17,093 127,567 238,005 Deferred (6,023 ) (553 ) — (6,576 ) $ 87,322 16,540 127,567 231,429 2013 Current $ 104,224 17,715 121,621 243,560 Deferred (19,811 ) (1,164 ) — (20,975 ) $ 84,413 16,551 121,621 222,585
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Income tax expense differs from amounts computed by applying the United States Federal income tax rate of 35% to earnings before income taxes as a result of the following: 2015 2014 2013 Computed “expected” tax expense $ 257,841 213,811 200,408 Increase in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit 11,272 10,751 10,758 Nondeductible stock compensation expense, net 5,241 8,069 9,927 Other, net 2,838 (1,202 ) 1,492 $ 277,192 231,429 222,585
Schedule of U.S. and Foreign Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)	The components of earnings before income taxes are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 236,932 211,588 192,850 Foreign 499,757 399,301 379,746 $ 736,689 610,889 572,596
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences and tax credits that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred Tax Assets: Accrued third party obligations, deductible for taxes upon economic performance $ 14,473 17,769 Provision for doubtful accounts receivable 1,041 957 Excess of financial statement over tax depreciation 10,349 10,905 Deductible stock compensation expense, net 18,910 15,122 Foreign currency translation adjustment 44,519 20,719 Retained liability for cargo claims 1,350 1,555 Total gross deferred tax assets 90,642 67,027 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Unremitted foreign earnings, net of related foreign tax credits (100,170 ) (82,262 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities $ (100,170 ) (82,262 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (9,528 ) (15,235 ) Current deferred tax assets $ (16,861 ) (20,279 ) Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities $ (26,389 ) (35,514 )

Fair Value of Financial Instr27

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and overnight deposits $ 445,582 445,582 531,312 531,312 Corporate commercial paper 302,433 302,480 356,468 356,536 Time deposits 59,781 59,781 39,327 39,327 Total cash and cash equivalents 807,796 807,843 927,107 927,175 Short-term investments: Corporate commercial paper — — 40,295 40,350 Time deposits 40 40 41 41 Total short-term investments 40 40 40,336 40,391 Total $ 807,836 807,883 967,443 967,566

Commitments (Tables)

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments	At December 31, 2015 , future minimum annual lease payments under all noncancelable leases are as follows: 2016 $ 47,113 2017 31,953 2018 23,603 2019 14,330 2020 7,051 Thereafter 6,788 $ 130,838

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Financial information regarding 2015 , 2014 and 2013 operations by the Company’s designated geographic areas is as follows: United States Other North America 2015 Revenues from unaffiliated customers $ 1,763,361 226,284 Transfers between geographic areas 118,884 13,383 Total revenues $ 1,882,245 239,667 Net revenues 1 $ 906,780 124,381 Operating income $ 245,257 46,846 Identifiable assets at year end $ 1,202,532 111,549 Capital expenditures $ 26,807 3,915 Depreciation and amortization $ 29,532 1,331 Equity $ 986,330 70,932 2014 Revenues from unaffiliated customers $ 1,694,819 218,735 Transfers between geographic areas 97,028 10,891 Total revenues $ 1,791,847 229,626 Net revenues 1 $ 823,111 108,631 Operating income $ 221,166 36,475 Identifiable assets at year end $ 1,408,598 111,324 Capital expenditures $ 19,610 1,439 Depreciation and amortization $ 31,553 1,170 Equity $ 1,165,488 54,338 2013 Revenues from unaffiliated customers $ 1,561,468 215,968 Transfers between geographic areas 89,570 11,038 Total revenues $ 1,651,038 227,006 Net revenues 1 $ 770,519 102,864 Operating income $ 195,799 35,224 Identifiable assets at year end $ 1,582,557 104,735 Capital expenditures $ 28,699 1,870 Depreciation and amortization $ 29,569 882 Equity $ 1,330,262 72,772 Latin America North Asia South Asia Europe Middle East, Africa and India Elimi-nations Consoli-dated 2015 Revenues from unaffiliated customers 94,229 2,557,398 677,628 958,827 338,905 — 6,616,632 Transfers between geographic areas 19,158 21,722 25,018 42,787 21,322 (262,274 ) — Total revenues 113,387 2,579,120 702,646 1,001,614 360,227 (262,274 ) 6,616,632 Net revenues 1 65,017 493,235 179,110 308,301 110,953 — 2,187,777 Operating income 19,656 245,854 69,643 65,024 29,204 — 721,484 Identifiable assets at year end 48,678 446,914 127,014 421,590 221,835 2,326 2,582,438 Capital expenditures 1,756 2,203 2,383 5,222 2,097 — 44,383 Depreciation and amortization 1,041 5,425 2,110 4,931 1,642 — 46,012 Equity 33,161 253,097 99,220 154,174 130,105 (32,343 ) 1,694,676 2014 Revenues from unaffiliated customers 89,058 2,576,350 657,189 1,012,389 316,181 — 6,564,721 Transfers between geographic areas 20,634 23,020 26,579 39,541 19,654 (237,347 ) — Total revenues 109,692 2,599,370 683,768 1,051,930 335,835 (237,347 ) 6,564,721 Net revenues 1 65,016 407,410 163,383 313,325 100,551 — 1,981,427 Operating income 19,855 177,496 52,596 62,101 24,959 — 594,648 Identifiable assets at year end 53,815 513,649 141,499 447,349 208,684 5,987 2,890,905 Capital expenditures 1,574 5,955 3,118 4,246 1,530 — 37,472 Depreciation and amortization 911 5,938 2,295 5,690 1,735 — 49,292 Equity 34,386 262,295 99,234 169,117 121,520 (34,770 ) 1,871,608 2013 Revenues from unaffiliated customers 86,050 2,444,331 601,708 876,967 293,765 — 6,080,257 Transfers between geographic areas 21,711 22,505 24,073 38,728 16,698 (224,323 ) — Total revenues 107,761 2,466,836 625,781 915,695 310,463 (224,323 ) 6,080,257 Net revenues 1 61,478 396,395 164,505 288,407 98,685 — 1,882,853 Operating income 15,734 169,252 54,728 53,294 28,042 — 552,073 Identifiable assets at year end 58,027 527,859 140,173 414,710 180,646 6,105 3,014,812 Capital expenditures 1,010 15,344 1,887 3,313 1,288 — 53,411 Depreciation and amortization 901 6,078 2,303 6,569 1,769 — 48,071 Equity 29,590 305,883 100,845 178,729 102,628 (34,378 ) 2,086,331
Schedule of Net Revenues Calculation	The following table presents the calculation of net revenues: Years ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenues: Total revenues $ 6,616,632 6,564,721 6,080,257 Expenses: Airfreight services 1,987,690 2,103,777 1,994,374 Ocean freight and ocean services 1,648,993 1,712,795 1,521,340 Customs brokerage and other services 792,172 766,722 681,690 Net revenues $ 2,187,777 1,981,427 1,882,853
Schedule of Revenues and Long-lived Assets Attributed to Material Foreign Countries	Other than the United States, only the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong, represented more than 10% of the Company’s total revenue, net revenue, total identifiable assets or equity in any period presented as noted in the table below. 2015 2014 2013 Total revenues 32 % 33 % 33 % Net revenues 19 % 16 % 16 % Identifiable assets at year end 13 % 14 % 14 % Equity 10 % 9 % 11 %

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Table	1st 2nd 3rd 4th 2015 Revenues $ 1,677,526 1,691,553 1,651,332 1,596,221 Net revenues 529,486 552,141 569,981 536,169 Net earnings 107,332 118,329 118,736 115,100 Net earnings attributable to shareholders 106,704 117,760 118,310 114,449 Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.55 0.61 0.62 0.61 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.56 0.62 0.63 0.62 2014 Revenues $ 1,491,645 1,599,141 1,705,105 1,768,830 Net revenues 464,586 484,714 513,256 518,871 Net earnings 84,195 91,728 102,797 100,740 Net earnings attributable to shareholders 83,824 91,302 102,381 99,381 Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.42 0.46 0.53 0.51 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share 0.42 0.46 0.53 0.52

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 7,820	$ 7,119	$ 8,695
Net foreign currency gains (losses)	$ 7,820	$ 1,517	$ (1,687)

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Useful Lives for Major Categories of Property and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Land Improvements | Lower end
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	50 years
Land Improvements | Upper end
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	50 years
Buildings | Lower end
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	28 years
Buildings | Upper end
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	40 years
Furniture Fixtures Equipment and Purchased Software | Lower end
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	3 years
Furniture Fixtures Equipment and Purchased Software | Upper end
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	5 years

Property and Equipment (Detail)

Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$ 162,923	$ 166,252
Buildings and leasehold improvements	468,607	467,115
Furniture, fixtures, equipment and purchased software	274,723	271,897
Construction in progress	3,494	4,907
Property and equipment, at cost	909,747	910,171
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	385,023	371,756
Property and equipment, net	$ 524,724	$ 538,415

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	May. 07, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	May. 21, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issuance of shares under stock purchase plan					9,511
Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 31,000	$ 18,000	$ 24,000
Total unrecognized share-based compensation cost		$ 93,000			$ 93,000
Unrecognized share-based compensation cost, weighted average period		3 years 1 month 8 days
Stock Option Plan 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for grant						3,000
Grants, maximum number of shares per person		100
Shares available for granting of awards		81			81
Employee Stock Option Plan | Upper end
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		5 years
Maximum contractual term		10 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for grant		12,305			12,305
Number of additional shares authorized	3,000
Purchase price percentage of fair market value		85.00%
Amount withheld employee stock purchase plan		$ 13,783			$ 13,783
Weighted average fair value of award granted during the period		$ 10.45	$ 9.60	$ 9.43
Directors' Restricted Stock Plan 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for grant	250
Shares available for granting of awards		185			185
Fair value of annual grant per participant of restricted stock awards		$ 200
Unvested restricted shares		0			0
Restricted shares granted		34
Weighted average fair value of award granted during the period		$ 47.27
Non-Discretionary Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for repurchase		40,000			40,000
Discretionary Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected common stock shares issued and outstanding		180,000			180,000

Shareholders' Equity - Company'

Shareholders' Equity - Company's Repurchasing Activity by Repurchase Plan (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	180 Months Ended	264 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Non-Discretionary Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cumulative shares repurchased		30,231
Average price per share		$ 27.58
Discretionary Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cumulative shares repurchased	54,471
Average price per share	$ 39.98

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Information about Stock Options (Detail) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of shares
Outstanding Beginning Balance | shares	19,372
Options granted | shares	2,956
Options exercised | shares	(2,819)
Options forfeited | shares	(593)
Options canceled | shares	(184)
Outstanding Ending Balance | shares	18,732
Exercisable at December 31, 2015 | shares	8,918
Weighted average exercise price per share
Outstanding Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 41.92
Options granted | $ / shares	47.27
Options exercised | $ / shares	37.33
Options forfeited | $ / shares	42.21
Options cancelled | $ / shares	47.88
Outstanding Ending Balance | $ / shares	43.39
Exercisable at December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 44.36
Weighted average remaining contractual life
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	5 years 9 months 7 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2015	3 years 5 months 17 days
Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 | $	$ 60,057
Exercisable at December 31, 2015 | $	$ 23,546

Shareholders_ Equity - Assumpti

Shareholders’ Equity - Assumptions to Estimate Fair Value of Option Grant on Date of Grant Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk free interest rates lower end	0.30%	0.11%	0.12%
Risk free interest rates upper end	2.04%	2.27%	1.40%
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the period	$ 13.44	$ 14.44	$ 11.17
Lower end
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	1.60%	1.50%	1.50%
Upper end
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	1.60%	1.51%	1.53%
Employee Stock Option Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility lower end - stock option plans	29.00%	35.00%	38.00%
Volatility upper end - stock option plans	34.00%	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 4 months 29 days	6 years 6 months 8 days	6 years 6 months 8 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 21 days	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 - stock purchase rights plans	20.00%	20.00%	21.00%
Expected life (years)	1 year	1 year	1 year
Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights granted during the period	$ 10.45	$ 9.60	$ 9.43

Shareholders_ Equity - Stock Co

Shareholders’ Equity - Stock Compensation Expense and Total Related Tax Benefit Recognized (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock compensation expense	$ 43,415	$ 42,533	$ 43,813
Recognized tax benefit	$ 6,010	$ 4,356	$ 3,473

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe39

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 ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders									$ 457,223	$ 376,888	$ 348,526
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders									$ 457,223	$ 376,888	$ 348,526
Weighted Average Shares
Weighted average basic shares outstanding									188,941	196,147	205,995
Effect of dilutive potential common shares									1,282	621	900
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding									190,223	196,768	206,895
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 0.62	$ 0.63	$ 0.62	$ 0.56	$ 0.52	$ 0.53	$ 0.46	$ 0.42	$ 2.42	$ 1.92	$ 1.69
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 0.61	$ 0.62	$ 0.61	$ 0.55	$ 0.51	$ 0.53	$ 0.46	$ 0.42	$ 2.40	$ 1.92	$ 1.68

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe40

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share - Shares Excluded From Computation of Diluted earnings Per Share (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Shares	8,330	16,952	15,074

Income Taxes - Components of I

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal
Current	$ 95,046	$ 93,345	$ 104,224
Deferred	17,631	(6,023)	(19,811)
Federal income tax expense, total	112,677	87,322	84,413
State
Current	16,973	17,093	17,715
Deferred	368	(553)	(1,164)
State and local income tax expense, total	17,341	16,540	16,551
Foreign
Current	147,174	127,567	121,621
Deferred	0	0	0
Foreign income tax expense, total	147,174	127,567	121,621
Total
Current	259,193	238,005	243,560
Deferred	17,999	(6,576)	(20,975)
Income tax expense	$ 277,192	$ 231,429	$ 222,585

Income Taxes - Reconciliation

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense Computed by Applying the United States Federal Income Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed “expected” tax expense	$ 257,841	$ 213,811	$ 200,408
Increase in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax benefit	11,272	10,751	10,758
Nondeductible stock compensation expense, net	5,241	8,069	9,927
Other, net	2,838	(1,202)	1,492
Income tax expense	$ 277,192	$ 231,429	$ 222,585

Income Taxes - Components of E

Income Taxes - Components of Earnings Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
United States	$ 236,932	$ 211,588	$ 192,850
Foreign	499,757	399,301	379,746
Earnings before income taxes	$ 736,689	$ 610,889	$ 572,596

Income Taxes - Components of D

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Tax Assets:
Accrued third party obligations, deductible for taxes upon economic performance	$ 14,473	$ 17,769
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	1,041	957
Excess of financial statement over tax depreciation	10,349	10,905
Deductible stock compensation expense, net	18,910	15,122
Foreign currency translation adjustment	44,519	20,719
Retained liability for cargo claims	1,350	1,555
Total gross deferred tax assets	90,642	67,027
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Unremitted foreign earnings, net of related foreign tax credits	(100,170)	(82,262)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(100,170)	(82,262)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(9,528)	(15,235)
Current deferred tax assets	(16,861)	(20,279)
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	$ 26,389	$ 35,514

Fair Value of Financial Instr45

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 807,796	$ 927,107	$ 1,247,652	$ 1,260,842
Total short-term investments	40	40,336
Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	807,796	927,107
Total short-term investments	40	40,336
Total	807,836	967,443
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	807,843	927,175
Total short-term investments	40	40,391
Total	807,883	967,566
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and overnight deposits	445,582	531,312
Corporate commercial paper	302,433	356,468
Time deposits	59,781	39,327
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and overnight deposits	445,582	531,312
Corporate commercial paper	302,480	356,536
Time deposits	59,781	39,327
Short-term Investments | Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Corporate commercial paper	0	40,295
Time deposits	40	41
Short-term Investments | Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Corporate commercial paper	0	40,350
Time deposits	$ 40	$ 41

Credit Arrangements - Additiona

Credit Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Standby letters of credit	$ 75,788

Commitments - Additional Inform

Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Rent expense	$ 58,133	$ 58,050	$ 57,226
Short term committed purchase obligations	69,926
Contribution by employer for employee saving plan	$ 8,658	$ 8,262	$ 7,768
Buildings
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Terms of operating leases expiring year	Dec. 31, 2025
Land
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Terms of operating leases expiring year	Dec. 31, 2057

Commitments - Future Minimum An

Commitments - Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments Under All Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Future minimum annual Lease payments due in 2016	$ 47,113
Future minimum annual Lease payments due in 2017	31,953
Future minimum annual Lease payments due in 2018	23,603
Future minimum annual Lease payments due in 2019	14,330
Future minimum annual Lease payments due in 2020	7,051
Future minimum annual Lease payments due Thereafter	6,788
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	$ 130,838

Business Segment Information -

Business Segment Information - Financial Information Regarding Company's Operations by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ 1,596,221	$ 1,651,332	$ 1,691,553	$ 1,677,526	$ 1,768,830	$ 1,705,105	$ 1,599,141	$ 1,491,645	$ 6,616,632		$ 6,564,721		$ 6,080,257
Net revenues		536,169	$ 569,981	$ 552,141	$ 529,486	518,871	$ 513,256	$ 484,714	$ 464,586	2,187,777	[1]	1,981,427	[1]	1,882,853	[1]
Operating income										721,484		594,648		552,073
Identifiable assets at year end		2,582,438				2,890,905				2,582,438		2,890,905		3,014,812
Capital expenditures										44,383		37,472		53,411
Depreciation and amortization										46,012		49,292		48,071
Equity		1,694,676				1,871,608				1,694,676		1,871,608		2,086,331		$ 2,032,570
United States Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										1,763,361		1,694,819		1,561,468
Other North America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										226,284		218,735		215,968
Latin America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										94,229		89,058		86,050
North Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										2,557,398		2,576,350		2,444,331
South Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										677,628		657,189		601,708
Europe Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										958,827		1,012,389		876,967
Middle East Africa And India Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										338,905		316,181		293,765
Geography Eliminations | United States Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(118,884)		(97,028)		(89,570)
Geography Eliminations | Other North America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(13,383)		(10,891)		(11,038)
Geography Eliminations | Latin America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(19,158)		(20,634)		(21,711)
Geography Eliminations | North Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(21,722)		(23,020)		(22,505)
Geography Eliminations | South Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(25,018)		(26,579)		(24,073)
Geography Eliminations | Europe Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(42,787)		(39,541)		(38,728)
Geography Eliminations | Middle East Africa And India Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(21,322)		(19,654)		(16,698)
Operating Segments | United States Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										1,882,245		1,791,847		1,651,038
Net revenues	[1]									906,780		823,111		770,519
Operating income										245,257		221,166		195,799
Identifiable assets at year end		1,202,532				1,408,598				1,202,532		1,408,598		1,582,557
Capital expenditures										26,807		19,610		28,699
Depreciation and amortization										29,532		31,553		29,569
Equity		986,330				1,165,488				986,330		1,165,488		1,330,262
Operating Segments | Other North America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										239,667		229,626		227,006
Net revenues	[1]									124,381		108,631		102,864
Operating income										46,846		36,475		35,224
Identifiable assets at year end		111,549				111,324				111,549		111,324		104,735
Capital expenditures										3,915		1,439		1,870
Depreciation and amortization										1,331		1,170		882
Equity		70,932				54,338				70,932		54,338		72,772
Operating Segments | Latin America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										113,387		109,692		107,761
Net revenues	[1]									65,017		65,016		61,478
Operating income										19,656		19,855		15,734
Identifiable assets at year end		48,678				53,815				48,678		53,815		58,027
Capital expenditures										1,756		1,574		1,010
Depreciation and amortization										1,041		911		901
Equity		33,161				34,386				33,161		34,386		29,590
Operating Segments | North Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										2,579,120		2,599,370		2,466,836
Net revenues	[1]									493,235		407,410		396,395
Operating income										245,854		177,496		169,252
Identifiable assets at year end		446,914				513,649				446,914		513,649		527,859
Capital expenditures										2,203		5,955		15,344
Depreciation and amortization										5,425		5,938		6,078
Equity		253,097				262,295				253,097		262,295		305,883
Operating Segments | South Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										702,646		683,768		625,781
Net revenues	[1]									179,110		163,383		164,505
Operating income										69,643		52,596		54,728
Identifiable assets at year end		127,014				141,499				127,014		141,499		140,173
Capital expenditures										2,383		3,118		1,887
Depreciation and amortization										2,110		2,295		2,303
Equity		99,220				99,234				99,220		99,234		100,845
Operating Segments | Europe Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										1,001,614		1,051,930		915,695
Net revenues	[1]									308,301		313,325		288,407
Operating income										65,024		62,101		53,294
Identifiable assets at year end		421,590				447,349				421,590		447,349		414,710
Capital expenditures										5,222		4,246		3,313
Depreciation and amortization										4,931		5,690		6,569
Equity		154,174				169,117				154,174		169,117		178,729
Operating Segments | Middle East Africa And India Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										360,227		335,835		310,463
Net revenues	[1]									110,953		100,551		98,685
Operating income										29,204		24,959		28,042
Identifiable assets at year end		221,835				208,684				221,835		208,684		180,646
Capital expenditures										2,097		1,530		1,288
Depreciation and amortization										1,642		1,735		1,769
Equity		130,105				121,520				130,105		121,520		102,628
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues										(262,274)		(237,347)		(224,323)
Identifiable assets at year end		2,326				5,987				2,326		5,987		6,105
Equity		$ (32,343)				$ (34,770)				$ (32,343)		$ (34,770)		$ (34,378)
[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 Bu

Business Segment Information Business Segment Information - Net Revenues Calculation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 1,596,221	$ 1,651,332	$ 1,691,553	$ 1,677,526	$ 1,768,830	$ 1,705,105	$ 1,599,141	$ 1,491,645	$ 6,616,632		$ 6,564,721		$ 6,080,257
Airfreight services									1,987,690		2,103,777		1,994,374
Ocean freight and ocean services									1,648,993		1,712,795		1,521,340
Customs brokerage and other services									792,172		766,722		681,690
Net revenues	$ 536,169	$ 569,981	$ 552,141	$ 529,486	$ 518,871	$ 513,256	$ 484,714	$ 464,586	$ 2,187,777	[1]	$ 1,981,427	[1]	$ 1,882,853	[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.

Business Segment Information 51

Business Segment Information - People's Republic of China Including Hong Kong Percentage Share of the Company's Total Revenue, Net Revenue, Total Identifiable Assets or Equity (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total revenues | People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	32.00%	33.00%	33.00%
Net revenues | People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	19.00%	16.00%	16.00%
Identifiable assets at year end | People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	13.00%	14.00%	14.00%
Equity | People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	10.00%	9.00%	11.00%
Lower end | Geographic Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Quarterly Results (Unaudited)52

Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,596,221	$ 1,651,332	$ 1,691,553	$ 1,677,526	$ 1,768,830	$ 1,705,105	$ 1,599,141	$ 1,491,645	$ 6,616,632		$ 6,564,721		$ 6,080,257
Net revenues	536,169	569,981	552,141	529,486	518,871	513,256	484,714	464,586	2,187,777	[1]	1,981,427	[1]	1,882,853	[1]
Net earnings	115,100	118,736	118,329	107,332	100,740	102,797	91,728	84,195	459,497		379,460		350,011
Net earnings attributable to shareholders	$ 114,449	$ 118,310	$ 117,760	$ 106,704	$ 99,381	$ 102,381	$ 91,302	$ 83,824	$ 457,223		$ 376,888		$ 348,526
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 0.61	$ 0.62	$ 0.61	$ 0.55	$ 0.51	$ 0.53	$ 0.46	$ 0.42	$ 2.40		$ 1.92		$ 1.68
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 0.62	$ 0.63	$ 0.62	$ 0.56	$ 0.52	$ 0.53	$ 0.46	$ 0.42	$ 2.42		$ 1.92		$ 1.69
[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.

Quarterly Results Quarterly Res

Quarterly Results Quarterly Results (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events, Amount	$ 6