Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) 10-Q 7 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	May 04, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	EXPD
Entity Registrant Name	EXPEDITORS INTERNATIONAL OF WASHINGTON, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000746515
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		166,426,186
Entity File Number	0-13468
Entity Tax Identification Number	91-1069248
Entity Address, Address Line One	1015 Third Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	Seattle
Entity Address, State or Province	WA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	98104
City Area Code	206
Local Phone Number	674-3400
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	WA
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,111,973	$ 1,230,491
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit loss of $3,578 at March 31, 2020 and $11,143 at December 31, 2019	1,268,798	1,315,091
Deferred contract costs	143,986	131,783
Other	94,060	92,558
Total current assets	2,618,817	2,769,923
Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $481,490 at March 31, 2020 and $478,906 at December 31, 2019	484,588	499,344
Operating lease right-of-use assets	372,748	390,035
Goodwill	7,927	7,927
Deferred federal and state income taxes, net	9,680	8,034
Other assets, net	16,207	16,621
Total assets	3,509,967	3,691,884
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	700,944	735,695
Accrued expenses, primarily salaries and related costs	201,756	189,446
Contract liabilities	170,866	154,183
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	63,748	65,367
Federal, state and foreign income taxes	21,864	23,627
Total current liabilities	1,159,178	1,168,318
Noncurrent portion of operating lease liabilities	313,644	326,347
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, none issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Issued and outstanding: 166,193 shares at March 31, 2020 and 169,622 shares at December 31, 2019	1,662	1,696
Additional paid-in capital	682	3,203
Retained earnings	2,202,208	2,321,316
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(169,746)	(131,187)
Total shareholders’ equity	2,034,806	2,195,028
Noncontrolling interest	2,339	2,191
Total equity	2,037,145	2,197,219
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,509,967	$ 3,691,884

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for credit loss	$ 3,578	$ 11,143
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 481,490	$ 478,906
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	166,193	169,622
Common stock, shares outstanding	166,193	169,622

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	$ 1,901,864	$ 2,020,051
Operating Expenses:
Direct Operating Costs	[2]	1,286,728	1,365,937
Salaries and related		342,040	356,910
Rent and occupancy		42,524	41,523
Depreciation and amortization		12,660	13,393
Selling and promotion		8,243	11,076
Other		50,614	43,611
Total operating expenses		1,742,809	1,832,450
Operating income		159,055	187,601
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income		4,807	6,106
Other, net		3,384	1,665
Other income, net		8,191	7,771
Earnings before income taxes		167,246	195,372
Income tax expense		44,464	55,261
Net earnings		122,782	140,111
Less net earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest		438	412
Net earnings attributable to shareholders		$ 122,344	$ 139,699
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share		$ 0.71	$ 0.80
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share		$ 0.73	$ 0.81
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding		171,450	175,388
Weighted average basic shares outstanding		168,735	171,818
Airfreight services
Revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		$ 709,039	$ 714,901
Operating Expenses:
Direct Operating Costs		520,169	509,210
Ocean freight and ocean services
Revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		493,427	568,641
Operating Expenses:
Direct Operating Costs		366,483	420,331
Customs brokerage and other services
Revenues:
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax		699,398	736,509
Operating Expenses:
Direct Operating Costs		$ 400,076	$ 436,396
[1]	Beginning in the second quarter of 2019, the Company revised its process to record the transfer, between its geographic operating segments, of revenues and the directly related cost of transportation and other expenses for freight service transactions between Company origin and destination locations. This change better aligns revenue reporting with the location where the services are performed, as well as the transactional reporting being developed as part of the Company’s new accounting systems and processes. The change in presentation had no impact on consolidated or segment operating income. The impact of these changes on reported segment revenues was immaterial and first quarter 2019 segment revenues have not been revised.
[2]	Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses totals operating expenses from airfreight services, ocean freight and ocean services and customs brokerage and other services as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 122,782	$ 140,111
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense of $1,174 and $521 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019	(38,849)	1,365
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(38,849)	1,365
Comprehensive income	83,933	141,476
Less comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	148	282
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	$ 83,785	$ 141,194

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Parenthetical Disclosures [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 1,174	$ 521

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$ 122,782	$ 140,111
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:
Provisions for losses (recoveries) on accounts receivable	1,820	(1,888)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(5,139)	2,108
Stock compensation expense	11,156	13,382
Depreciation and amortization	12,660	13,393
Other, net	433	189
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in accounts receivable	16,680	230,477
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	917	(122,283)
(Increase) decrease in deferred contract costs	(16,068)	31,259
Increase (decrease) in contract liabilities	21,201	(36,725)
Increase in income taxes payable, net	10,488	16,993
(Increase) decrease in other, net	(11,930)	2,467
Net cash from operating activities	165,000	289,483
Investing Activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(6,127)	(9,435)
Other, net	(143)	255
Net cash from investing activities	(6,270)	(9,180)
Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	23,399	27,190
Repurchases of common stock	(283,240)	(44,334)
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement of equity awards	(1,396)
Net cash from financing activities	(261,237)	(17,144)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(16,011)	2,535
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(118,518)	265,694
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,230,491	923,735
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,111,973	1,189,429
Taxes Paid:
Income taxes	$ 35,304	$ 37,253

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	Total shareholders' equity	Noncontrolling interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 1,987,720	$ 1,716	$ 1,896	$ 2,088,707	$ (105,481)	$ 1,986,838	$ 882
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		171,582
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares issued under employee stock plans	27,190	$ 6	27,184			27,190
Shares issued under employee stock plans (in shares)		654
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plan	(44,334)	$ (6)	(38,484)	(5,844)		(44,334)
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans (in shares)		(588)
Stock compensation expense	13,382		13,382			13,382
Net earnings	140,111			139,699		139,699	412
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,365				1,495	1,495	(130)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	2,125,434	$ 1,716	3,978	2,222,562	(103,986)	2,124,270	1,164
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		171,648
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,197,219	$ 1,696	3,203	2,321,316	(131,187)	2,195,028	2,191
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	169,622	169,622
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares issued under employee stock plans	$ 22,003	$ 6	21,997			22,003
Shares issued under employee stock plans (in shares)		571
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plan	(283,240)	$ (40)	(35,799)	(247,401)		(283,240)
Shares repurchased under provisions of stock repurchase plans (in shares)		(4,000)
Stock compensation expense	11,156		11,156			11,156
Net earnings	122,782			122,344		122,344	438
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(38,849)				(38,559)	(38,559)	(290)
Dividends paid			125	(125)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 2,037,145	$ 1,662	$ 682	2,202,208	$ (169,746)	2,034,806	$ 2,339
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	166,193	166,193
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	$ 6,074			$ 6,074		$ 6,074

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies A. Basis of Presentation Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (the Company) is a non-asset based provider of global logistics services operating through a worldwide network of offices and exclusive or non-exclusive agents. The Company’s customers include retailing and wholesaling, electronics, industrial and manufacturing companies around the world. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2020. 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. B. Revenue Recognition The Company derives its revenues by entering into agreements that are generally comprised of a single performance obligation, which is that freight is shipped for and received by the customer. The Company's three principal services are the revenue categories presented in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings: 1) airfreight services, 2) ocean freight and ocean services, and 3) customs brokerage and other services. The Company typically satisfies its performance obligations as services are rendered over time. A typical shipment would include services rendered at origin, such as pick-up and delivery to port, freight services from origin to destination port and destination services, such as customs clearance and final delivery. The Company measures the performance of its obligations as services are completed over the life of a shipment, including services at origin, freight and destination. The Company fulfills nearly all of its performance obligations within a one to two month-period and contracts with customers have an original expected duration of less than one year. The Company satisfied nearly all performance obligations for the contract liabilities recorded as of December 31, 2019. Beginning in the second quarter 2019, the Company revised its presentation for revenue transfers between its geographic operating segments and services rendered at the destination, which moved certain revenues and directly related operating expenses for air and ocean transactions to destination services within customs brokerage and other services. These changes better align revenue reporting with the location where the services are performed, as well as the transactional reporting being developed as part of the Company’s new accounting systems and processes. The change in presentation had no impact on consolidated or segment operating income. The impact on reported consolidated and segment total revenues and expenses for these changes was immaterial and first quarter 2019 presentation has not been revised. C. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets are adjusted for lease incentives and initial direct costs. The lease term includes renewal options exercisable at the Company's sole discretion when the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option. As the Company's leases generally do not have an implicit rate, the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on market information available at the commencement date to determine the present value. Certain of our leases include variable payments, which may vary based upon changes in facts or circumstances after the start of the lease. The Company excludes variable payments from ROU assets and lease liabilities, to the extent not considered fixed, and instead expense variable payments as incurred. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in rent and occupancy expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. D. Accounts Receivable Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted a new accounting standard update related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The adoption had an immaterial effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Under this new standard, the valuation allowance reduces a financial asset’s balance for credit losses expected to be incurred over the assets contractual term. The Company determined that this new guidance is applicable to its accounts receivable, which are short term and for which the Company has not historically experienced significant credit losses. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective transition method resulting in a $6 million $3,578 Additions and write-offs have not been significant in the periods presented. E. 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 disclosures 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 that the Company has self-insured, accrual of various tax liabilities including estimates associated with the U.S. enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act), accrual of loss contingencies, calculation of share-based compensation expense and estimates related to determining the lease term and discount rate when measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities. Actual results could be materially different from the estimated provisions and accruals recorded. F. Recent Accounting Pronouncement In December 2019, the FASB issued an ASU, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The ASU also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application among reporting entities. This standard will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Share Based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Note 2. Share-Based Compensation The Company has historically granted the majority of its share-based awards during the second quarter of each fiscal year. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not grant any share-based awards. The grant of employee stock purchase rights and the issuance of shares under the employee stock purchase plan are made in the third quarter of each fiscal year. No shares were issued under the employee stock purchase plan in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company recognizes stock compensation expense based on the fair value of awards granted to employees and directors under the Company’s omnibus incentive, stock option and employee stock purchase rights plans. This expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, is recognized in net earnings on a straight-line basis over the service periods as salaries and related costs on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Restricted stock units and performance share units awarded to certain employees meeting specific retirement eligibility criteria at the time of grant are expensed immediately as there is no substantive service period associated with those awards.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 3. Income Taxes During 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) issued additional guidelines and clarifying regulations related to the implementation of the 2017 Tax Act. The Company expects that additional guidance will continue to be issued in future periods. As this guidance is issued, the Company will continue to evaluate the information to determine whether any additional adjustments to its tax provisions are required. The 2017 Tax Act included provisions for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) under which taxes on foreign income are imposed on the excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of certain foreign subsidiaries and for Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) under which taxes are imposed on certain base eroding payments to affiliated foreign companies. The Company treats BEAT and GILTI as components of current income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no BEAT expense and GILTI expense was insignificant. The Company’s consolidated effective income tax rate was 26.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as compared to 28.3% The Company is subject to taxation in various states and many foreign jurisdictions including the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Mexico, Canada, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The Company believes that its tax positions, including intercompany transfer pricing policies, are reasonable and consistently applied. The Company is under, or may be subject to, audit or examination and assessments by the relevant authorities in respect to these and any other jurisdictions primarily for years 2009 and thereafter. Sometimes audits result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution could result in significant additional tax, penalties and interest payments being required. The Company establishes liabilities when, despite its belief that the tax return positions are appropriate and consistent with tax law, it concludes that it may not be successful in realizing the tax position. In evaluating a tax position, the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position and in consultation with qualified tax advisors. The total amount of the Company’s tax contingencies may increase in 2020. In addition, changes in state, federal, and foreign tax laws and changes in interpretations of these laws may increase the Company’s existing tax contingencies. The timing of the resolution of income tax examinations can be highly uncertain, and the amounts ultimately paid including interest and penalties, if any, upon resolution of the issues raised by the taxing authorities may differ from the amounts recorded. It is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the Company may undergo further audits and examinations by various tax authorities and possibly may reach resolution related to income tax examinations in one or more jurisdictions. These assessments or settlements could result in changes to the Company’s contingencies related to positions on tax filings in future years. The estimate of any ultimate tax liability contains assumptions based on experiences, judgments about potential actions by taxing jurisdictions as well as judgments about the likely outcome of issues that have been raised by the taxing jurisdiction. Any interest and penalties expensed in relation to the underpayment of income taxes were insignificant for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. As discussed above, some elements of the recorded impacts of the 2017 Tax Act could be impacted by further legislative action as well as additional interpretations and guidance issued by the IRS or Treasury. As a result, the amount of income tax recorded in the future may differ, possibly materially. For further information and discussion of the potential impact of the 2017 Tax Act, refer to Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Basic and Diluted Earnings per

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	Note 4. Basic and Diluted Earnings per 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 shares represent outstanding stock options, including purchase options under the Company's employee stock purchase plan, and unvested restricted stock units. 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. The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for earnings attributable to shareholders: Three months ended March 31, Net earnings attributable to shareholders Weighted average shares Earnings per share 2020 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 122,344 168,735 $ 0.73 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 2,715 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 122,344 171,450 $ 0.71 2019 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 139,699 171,818 $ 0.81 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 3,570 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 139,699 175,388 $ 0.80 Substantially all outstanding potential common shares as of March 31, 2020 and 2019 were dilutive.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Note 5. Shareholders' Equity The Company has a Discretionary Stock Repurchase Plan approved by the Board of Directors that authorizes management to reduce issued and outstanding common stock down to 160,000 shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, 4,000 shares were repurchased at an average price of $70.81 Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted entirely of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of related income tax effects, for all the periods presented. Subsequent to the end of first quarter 2020, on May 5, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual dividend of $0.52 per share payable on June 15, 2020 to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2020.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Note 6. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company’s financial instruments, other than cash, consist primarily of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair value. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and overnight deposits $ 440,121 $ 440,121 $ 417,456 $ 417,456 Corporate commercial paper 635,697 636,169 775,504 776,356 Time deposits 36,155 36,155 37,531 37,531 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 1,111,973 $ 1,112,445 $ 1,230,491 $ 1,231,343 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).

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Contingencies	Note 7. 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, cash flows or financial position. As of March 31, 2020, the amounts accrued for these claims, lawsuits, government investigations and other legal matters are not significant to the Company's operations, cash flows 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Note 8. Business Segment Information The Company is organized functionally in geographic operating segments. Accordingly, management focuses its attention on revenues, directly related cost of transportation and other expenses for each of the Company’s three primary sources of revenue, salaries and other operating expenses, operating income, identifiable assets, capital expenditures 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. Financial information regarding the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows: UNITED STATES OTHER NORTH AMERICA LATIN AMERICA NORTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA EUROPE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND INDIA ELIMI- NATIONS CONSOLI- DATED For the three months ended March 31, 2020: Revenues 1 $ 650,407 81,831 37,890 537,955 169,042 320,640 105,039 (940 ) 1,901,864 Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses 2 $ 373,961 45,890 23,765 425,301 121,282 221,998 74,976 (445 ) 1,286,728 Salaries and other operating expenses 3 $ 225,944 23,712 11,749 57,433 29,908 81,854 25,950 (469 ) 456,081 Operating income $ 50,502 12,229 2,376 55,221 17,852 16,788 4,113 (26 ) 159,055 Identifiable assets at period end $ 1,858,250 135,810 68,402 512,808 179,508 554,831 200,382 (24 ) 3,509,967 Capital expenditures $ 4,497 61 102 325 188 645 309 — 6,127 Equity $ 1,369,580 63,378 28,020 237,255 102,001 159,222 113,349 (35,660 ) 2,037,145 For the three months ended March 31, 2019: Revenues 1 $ 659,784 91,410 34,179 632,853 177,179 312,690 112,675 (719 ) 2,020,051 Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses 2 $ 367,355 56,241 19,116 498,646 129,810 215,895 79,503 (629 ) 1,365,937 Salaries and other operating expenses 3 $ 218,416 24,209 12,427 68,427 31,462 82,843 28,811 (82 ) 466,513 Operating income $ 74,013 10,960 2,636 65,780 15,907 13,952 4,361 (8 ) 187,601 Identifiable assets at period end $ 1,906,278 175,034 71,168 511,589 174,512 579,924 234,195 (9,788 ) 3,642,912 Capital expenditures $ 6,915 228 93 344 176 982 697 — 9,435 Equity $ 1,401,450 82,170 28,581 238,518 114,290 165,718 126,953 (32,246 ) 2,125,434 1 Beginning in the second quarter of 2019, the Company revised its process to record the transfer, between its geographic operating segments, of revenues and the directly related cost of transportation and other expenses for freight service transactions between Company origin and destination locations. This change better aligns revenue reporting with the location where the services are performed, as well as the transactional reporting being developed as part of the Company’s new accounting systems and processes. The change in presentation had no impact on consolidated or segment operating income. The impact of these changes on reported segment revenues was immaterial and first quarter 2019 segment revenues have not been revised. 2 Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses totals operating expenses from airfreight services, ocean freight and ocean services and customs brokerage and other services as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. 3 Salaries and other operating expenses totals salaries and related, rent and occupancy, depreciation and amortization, selling and promotion and other as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. The Company’s consolidated financial results in the first quarter 2020 were significantly impacted by the effects of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are expected to be further impacted in the remainder of 2020. In the first quarter of 2020, North Asia and United States experienced the most significant declines in results due to the disruptions of trade to and from China, which impacted overall freight movement around the globe. Factories in China experienced extended closures and many airlines cancelled flights to and from China. Additionally, ocean carriers have reduced their capacity by anchoring vessels and skipping ports due to the decline in demand. As a result, starting in January certain of the Company’s central China offices experienced temporary closures and limited operations and shipments were rerouted or delayed by customers and service providers taking their own precautionary measures. Also, available airfreight capacity was reduced affecting the ability to efficiently route customers’ freight. In the first quarter 2020 and 2019, the People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong, represented 23% and 27%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenues and 25% and 29%, respectively, of the Company’s total operating income.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	A. Basis of Presentation Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (the Company) is a non-asset based provider of global logistics services operating through a worldwide network of offices and exclusive or non-exclusive agents. The Company’s customers include retailing and wholesaling, electronics, industrial and manufacturing companies around the world. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring items, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2020. 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.
Revenue Recognition	B. Revenue Recognition The Company derives its revenues by entering into agreements that are generally comprised of a single performance obligation, which is that freight is shipped for and received by the customer. The Company's three principal services are the revenue categories presented in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings: 1) airfreight services, 2) ocean freight and ocean services, and 3) customs brokerage and other services. The Company typically satisfies its performance obligations as services are rendered over time. A typical shipment would include services rendered at origin, such as pick-up and delivery to port, freight services from origin to destination port and destination services, such as customs clearance and final delivery. The Company measures the performance of its obligations as services are completed over the life of a shipment, including services at origin, freight and destination. The Company fulfills nearly all of its performance obligations within a one to two month-period and contracts with customers have an original expected duration of less than one year. The Company satisfied nearly all performance obligations for the contract liabilities recorded as of December 31, 2019. Beginning in the second quarter 2019, the Company revised its presentation for revenue transfers between its geographic operating segments and services rendered at the destination, which moved certain revenues and directly related operating expenses for air and ocean transactions to destination services within customs brokerage and other services. These changes better align revenue reporting with the location where the services are performed, as well as the transactional reporting being developed as part of the Company’s new accounting systems and processes. The change in presentation had no impact on consolidated or segment operating income. The impact on reported consolidated and segment total revenues and expenses for these changes was immaterial and first quarter 2019 presentation has not been revised.
Leases	C. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. ROU assets are adjusted for lease incentives and initial direct costs. The lease term includes renewal options exercisable at the Company's sole discretion when the Company is reasonably certain to exercise that option. As the Company's leases generally do not have an implicit rate, the Company uses an estimated incremental borrowing rate based on market information available at the commencement date to determine the present value. Certain of our leases include variable payments, which may vary based upon changes in facts or circumstances after the start of the lease. The Company excludes variable payments from ROU assets and lease liabilities, to the extent not considered fixed, and instead expense variable payments as incurred. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in rent and occupancy expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.
Accounts Receivable	D. Accounts Receivable Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted a new accounting standard update related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The adoption had an immaterial effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Under this new standard, the valuation allowance reduces a financial asset’s balance for credit losses expected to be incurred over the assets contractual term. The Company determined that this new guidance is applicable to its accounts receivable, which are short term and for which the Company has not historically experienced significant credit losses. The Company adopted this standard using the modified retrospective transition method resulting in a $6 million $3,578 Additions and write-offs have not been significant in the periods presented.
Use of Estimates	E. 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 disclosures 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 that the Company has self-insured, accrual of various tax liabilities including estimates associated with the U.S. enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the 2017 Tax Act), accrual of loss contingencies, calculation of share-based compensation expense and estimates related to determining the lease term and discount rate when measuring ROU assets and lease liabilities. Actual results could be materially different from the estimated provisions and accruals recorded.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement	F. Recent Accounting Pronouncement In December 2019, the FASB issued an ASU, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The ASU also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application among reporting entities. This standard will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Stock Plans	The Company recognizes stock compensation expense based on the fair value of awards granted to employees and directors under the Company’s omnibus incentive, stock option and employee stock purchase rights plans. This expense, adjusted for expected forfeitures, is recognized in net earnings on a straight-line basis over the service periods as salaries and related costs on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Restricted stock units and performance share units awarded to certain employees meeting specific retirement eligibility criteria at the time of grant are expensed immediately as there is no substantive service period associated with those awards.
Income Tax	During 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) issued additional guidelines and clarifying regulations related to the implementation of the 2017 Tax Act. The Company expects that additional guidance will continue to be issued in future periods. As this guidance is issued, the Company will continue to evaluate the information to determine whether any additional adjustments to its tax provisions are required. The 2017 Tax Act included provisions for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) under which taxes on foreign income are imposed on the excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of certain foreign subsidiaries and for Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) under which taxes are imposed on certain base eroding payments to affiliated foreign companies. The Company treats BEAT and GILTI as components of current income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there was no BEAT expense and GILTI expense was insignificant.
Earnings Per 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 shares represent outstanding stock options, including purchase options under the Company's employee stock purchase plan, and unvested restricted stock units. 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.
Cash Equivalents	The Company’s financial instruments, other than cash, consist primarily of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The carrying value of these financial instruments approximates their fair value. All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.
Segment Reporting	The Company is organized functionally in geographic operating segments. Accordingly, management focuses its attention on revenues, directly related cost of transportation and other expenses for each of the Company’s three primary sources of revenue, salaries and other operating expenses, operating income, identifiable assets, capital expenditures 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.

Basic and Diluted Earnings pe_2

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table reconciles the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for earnings attributable to shareholders: Three months ended March 31, Net earnings attributable to shareholders Weighted average shares Earnings per share 2020 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 122,344 168,735 $ 0.73 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 2,715 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 122,344 171,450 $ 0.71 2019 Basic earnings attributable to shareholders $ 139,699 171,818 $ 0.81 Effect of dilutive potential common shares — 3,570 — Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders $ 139,699 175,388 $ 0.80

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value of Cash and Cash Equivalents by Balance Sheet Grouping	Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and overnight deposits $ 440,121 $ 440,121 $ 417,456 $ 417,456 Corporate commercial paper 635,697 636,169 775,504 776,356 Time deposits 36,155 36,155 37,531 37,531 Total cash and cash equivalents $ 1,111,973 $ 1,112,445 $ 1,230,491 $ 1,231,343

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Financial information regarding the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows: UNITED STATES OTHER NORTH AMERICA LATIN AMERICA NORTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA EUROPE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND INDIA ELIMI- NATIONS CONSOLI- DATED For the three months ended March 31, 2020: Revenues 1 $ 650,407 81,831 37,890 537,955 169,042 320,640 105,039 (940 ) 1,901,864 Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses 2 $ 373,961 45,890 23,765 425,301 121,282 221,998 74,976 (445 ) 1,286,728 Salaries and other operating expenses 3 $ 225,944 23,712 11,749 57,433 29,908 81,854 25,950 (469 ) 456,081 Operating income $ 50,502 12,229 2,376 55,221 17,852 16,788 4,113 (26 ) 159,055 Identifiable assets at period end $ 1,858,250 135,810 68,402 512,808 179,508 554,831 200,382 (24 ) 3,509,967 Capital expenditures $ 4,497 61 102 325 188 645 309 — 6,127 Equity $ 1,369,580 63,378 28,020 237,255 102,001 159,222 113,349 (35,660 ) 2,037,145 For the three months ended March 31, 2019: Revenues 1 $ 659,784 91,410 34,179 632,853 177,179 312,690 112,675 (719 ) 2,020,051 Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses 2 $ 367,355 56,241 19,116 498,646 129,810 215,895 79,503 (629 ) 1,365,937 Salaries and other operating expenses 3 $ 218,416 24,209 12,427 68,427 31,462 82,843 28,811 (82 ) 466,513 Operating income $ 74,013 10,960 2,636 65,780 15,907 13,952 4,361 (8 ) 187,601 Identifiable assets at period end $ 1,906,278 175,034 71,168 511,589 174,512 579,924 234,195 (9,788 ) 3,642,912 Capital expenditures $ 6,915 228 93 344 176 982 697 — 9,435 Equity $ 1,401,450 82,170 28,581 238,518 114,290 165,718 126,953 (32,246 ) 2,125,434 1 Beginning in the second quarter of 2019, the Company revised its process to record the transfer, between its geographic operating segments, of revenues and the directly related cost of transportation and other expenses for freight service transactions between Company origin and destination locations. This change better aligns revenue reporting with the location where the services are performed, as well as the transactional reporting being developed as part of the Company’s new accounting systems and processes. The change in presentation had no impact on consolidated or segment operating income. The impact of these changes on reported segment revenues was immaterial and first quarter 2019 segment revenues have not been revised. 2 Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses totals operating expenses from airfreight services, ocean freight and ocean services and customs brokerage and other services as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. 3 Salaries and other operating expenses totals salaries and related, rent and occupancy, depreciation and amortization, selling and promotion and other as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Jan. 01, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change	$ 6,074
Accounts receivable, allowance for credit loss	$ 3,578		$ 11,143
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of accounting change		$ 6,000
Accounts receivable, allowance for credit loss		$ (8,000)

Share-Based Compensation - Addi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, equity Instruments other than options, grants in period	0	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock issued during period, shares, employee stock purchase plans	0	0

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 44,464	$ 55,261
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent	26.60%	28.30%
Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 0	$ 0

Basic and Diluted Earnings pe_3

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
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Net Earnings Attributable to Shareholders
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders	$ 122,344	$ 139,699
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders	$ 122,344	$ 139,699
Weighted Average Shares
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	168,735	171,818
Effect of dilutive potential common shares	2,715	3,570
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	171,450	175,388
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 0.73	$ 0.81
Diluted earnings attributable to shareholders per share	$ 0.71	$ 0.80

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	May 05, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsequent Event
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Date of declaration of dividends	May 5, 2020
Dividend declared per share	$ 0.52
Date of dividend payment	Jun. 15, 2020
Dividends payable to shareholders date of record	Jun. 1, 2020
Discretionary Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Expected common stock shares issued and outstanding		160,000
Shares repurchased		4,000	500
Average price per share		$ 70.81	$ 75.64
Non-Discretionary Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased			88
Average price per share			$ 74.03

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,111,973	$ 1,230,491
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	1,112,445	1,231,343
Cash and Overnight Deposits | Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	440,121	417,456
Cash and Overnight Deposits | Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	440,121	417,456
Corporate Commercial Paper | Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	635,697	775,504
Corporate Commercial Paper | Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	636,169	776,356
Time Deposits | Cost
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	36,155	37,531
Time Deposits | Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 36,155	$ 37,531

Business Segment Information -

Business Segment Information - Financial Information Regarding Company's Operations by Geographic Area (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	$ 1,901,864	$ 2,020,051
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	1,286,728	1,365,937
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	456,081	466,513
Operating income		159,055	187,601
Identifiable assets at period end		3,509,967	3,642,912	$ 3,691,884
Capital expenditures		6,127	9,435
Equity		2,037,145	2,125,434	$ 2,197,219	$ 1,987,720
Operating Segments | United States Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	650,407	659,784
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	373,961	367,355
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	225,944	218,416
Operating income		50,502	74,013
Identifiable assets at period end		1,858,250	1,906,278
Capital expenditures		4,497	6,915
Equity		1,369,580	1,401,450
Operating Segments | Other North America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	81,831	91,410
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	45,890	56,241
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	23,712	24,209
Operating income		12,229	10,960
Identifiable assets at period end		135,810	175,034
Capital expenditures		61	228
Equity		63,378	82,170
Operating Segments | Latin America Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	37,890	34,179
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	23,765	19,116
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	11,749	12,427
Operating income		2,376	2,636
Identifiable assets at period end		68,402	71,168
Capital expenditures		102	93
Equity		28,020	28,581
Operating Segments | North Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	537,955	632,853
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	425,301	498,646
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	57,433	68,427
Operating income		55,221	65,780
Identifiable assets at period end		512,808	511,589
Capital expenditures		325	344
Equity		237,255	238,518
Operating Segments | South Asia Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	169,042	177,179
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	121,282	129,810
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	29,908	31,462
Operating income		17,852	15,907
Identifiable assets at period end		179,508	174,512
Capital expenditures		188	176
Equity		102,001	114,290
Operating Segments | Europe Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	320,640	312,690
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	221,998	215,895
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	81,854	82,843
Operating income		16,788	13,952
Identifiable assets at period end		554,831	579,924
Capital expenditures		645	982
Equity		159,222	165,718
Operating Segments | Middle East Africa And India Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	105,039	112,675
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	74,976	79,503
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	25,950	28,811
Operating income		4,113	4,361
Identifiable assets at period end		200,382	234,195
Capital expenditures		309	697
Equity		113,349	126,953
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	[1]	(940)	(719)
Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses	[2]	(445)	(629)
Salaries and other operating expenses	[3]	(469)	(82)
Operating income		(26)	(8)
Identifiable assets at period end		(24)	(9,788)
Equity		$ (35,660)	$ (32,246)
[1]	Beginning in the second quarter of 2019, the Company revised its process to record the transfer, between its geographic operating segments, of revenues and the directly related cost of transportation and other expenses for freight service transactions between Company origin and destination locations. This change better aligns revenue reporting with the location where the services are performed, as well as the transactional reporting being developed as part of the Company’s new accounting systems and processes. The change in presentation had no impact on consolidated or segment operating income. The impact of these changes on reported segment revenues was immaterial and first quarter 2019 segment revenues have not been revised.
[2]	Directly related cost of transportation and other expenses totals operating expenses from airfreight services, ocean freight and ocean services and customs brokerage and other services as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings
[3]	Salaries and other operating expenses totals salaries and related, rent and occupancy, depreciation and amortization, selling and promotion and other as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

Business Segment Information _2

Business Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - People's Republic of China, including Hong Kong - Geographic Concentration Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenues
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	23.00%	27.00%
Operating Income
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	25.00%	29.00%