| Cover | Sep. 17, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 17, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-4482 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ARROW ELECTRONICS INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000007536 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 11-1806155 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9201 East Dry Creek Road, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Centennial, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80112 |
| City Area Code | (303) |
| Local Phone Number | 824-4000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $1 par value |
| Trading Symbol | ARW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
